It’s likely that the extent of your knowledge about the small Caribbean island of St. Barthelemy (or St. Barths/St. Barts, for short) is that it is frequently visited by celebrities and involves a flight from St. Martin that culminates in a dramatic runway landing. Turns out, you’ll also find families flocking to this island full of secluded beaches, high-end shopping, and some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted. We visited the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in St. Barths and found it to be the perfect Caribbean home-away-from-home for families.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Le Carl Gustaf sits on a hill overlooking the harbor in the town of Gustavia on St. Barths. The high-end service offered by the property begins with your arrival at the tiny St. Barths airport where hotel staff will collect you and your belongings for the short ride up the hill.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
With only 21 suites, lofts, and a villa to choose from, you can be assured that your visit to Le Carl Gustaf will be extraordinary. The villa and lobby/restaurant sit at the top of the property with the remainder of the private rooms down some stairs from there. Each room has its own private plunge pool and you can even have the staff add a water bike to your pool if you wish to use it for workouts. Your deck is an excellent spot for viewing the gorgeous sunsets that this area of the world is known for or enjoying some sunrise yoga.
Families can book a two-bedroom suite or the large villa allows for even more guests to vacation together, perfect for that multi-generational vacation. Rooms near the top of the property have the best views of the marina, while those located at the bottom of the property would be quieter in the evening hours.
The property is home to Spa Diane Barriere where you can book massages, facials, and other body treatments during your stay. There’s also a fitness room located just off the spa that is available to guests.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf/Kate Loweth
Meals are offered at Beefbar, the property’s steakhouse, and you’ll find the breakfast to be something to look forward to. There’s a lovely buffet full of meats, cheeses, fruit, and lots of French pastries like pain au chocolat, madeleines, and canelés. The a la carte menu includes lots of kid-friendly options like Nutella crêpes and waffles.
Come back for the dinner service and you’ll be treated to elevated comfort food with top-notch beef like Black Angus, Kobe, and Wagyu. Favorites from the menu when we visited were the miso caesar salad, KFC (Kobe beef tallow-fried chicken), and the Wagyu bolognese. The menu is full of small shareable plates with something for everyone.
Shell Beach & Shellona Restaurant
Shell Beach/Kate Loweth
Just a 5-minute walk down the hill from the resort is a gorgeous secluded beach and the Shellona Restaurant. Guest of Le Carl Gustaf can have lounge chairs booked here so you’ll have somewhere to relax and enjoy the sand. Pop up to the restaurant for a lunch of fresh seafood and Mediterranean specialties.
Visitors to Shell Beach can rent water toys like kayaks and Seabobs to explore the water offshore. Water shoes are highly recommended at Shell Beach as the shells covering the beach can be quite sharp.
Additional Activities in St. Barths
Families looking to see more of St. Barths while staying at Le Carl Gustaf can book activities with the on-site concierge like fishing, watersports, a catamaran day, and swimming in the island’s natural pools.
Just a 10-minute walk down the hill from Le Carl Gustaf is the town of Gustavia where you’ll find high-end shopping, gelato shops, restaurants, souvenir stores, a grocery store, and so much more. Stop by Le Select, the oldest bar in St. Barths, for a bit of relaxation while you are in town.
How to Get to Le Carl Gustaf
Le Carl Gustaf/Kate Loweth
You can arrive in St. Barths via a ferry from St. Martin or by flying into St. Barths airport via Winair or another carrier. This airport is quite small with a very short runway that only allows for small planes. You’ll need to transfer to a small plane at Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of St. Maarten where you’ll take a 10-minute flight with a dramatic landing in St. Barths. On your way home, be sure to have the hotel print your boarding passes for you as paper passes make your transfer at Juliana Airport much quicker.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf would be ideal for families with elementary or teenaged kids as the proximity to town and Shell Beach make for easy jaunts off-property. Families with younger kids should note that there are many stairs between the lobby and the suites which could make things tricky for little ones.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Gustavia, St. Barthelemy Online: hotelsbarriere.com
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf but all opinions belong to the writer.
When babies suddenly turn into picky toddlers overnight, refusing their favorite maple-roasted carrots and tossing their butternut squash fries on the floor, the idea of hiding veggies in their food is super tempting. It’s almost too easy: mixing riced cauliflower into regular rice, blending mashed sweet potato into muffin batter, or baking black bean into brownies. But is sneaking vegetables into your kid’s food actually the best way forward?
We want our kids to like veggies because there are so many reasons to. They’re yummy, they can be prepared in so many different ways, and they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals that do so many awesome things for our bodies. But hiding them without disclosure can be tricky, fostering a sense of distrust that can backfire in the long run. Instilling a love of vegetables (or, at times, a tolerance) involves understanding their ever-evolving preferences and establishing an appreciation for veggies as they are—not disguised in smoothies, mac and cheese, or cookies (though these are all totally fine if you tell your littles what they’re eating).
Instead of trying to pull a fast one on your children by slipping vegetables into their meals undetected, let’s explore some more effective strategies to increase the likelihood that your kiddo will eat them.
Variety is the spice of life
Regularly switch up the way you serve veggies. Roast cauliflower instead of steaming it or cut zucchini into half moons rather than thin spears. Your kiddo might be avoiding steamed cauliflower because it’s too mushy, and rejecting zucchini spears because, well, toddlers being toddlers! Another approach is to flavor your veggies differently. Maybe your little is bored of garlic-sesame green beans (how dare they?!), so experiment with new flavor profiles using zaatar, mild curry, soy sauce, or ghee. Lots of toddlers love the act of dipping, so throw some creamy ranch on the side of raw veggie sticks. The key here is to vary the texture, flavor, and presentation.
Serve vegetables alongside favorite foods
Create a sense of safety and comfort with the unknown by serving veggies alongside (not hidden in) their favorite dishes. Kids will often reject new foods because they feel overwhelmed by the novelty. If you plop a piece of roasted eggplant on their plate, it might make them feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed and they’ll likely turn it down. However, if you present the roasted eggplant alongside their favorite fruit or pasta, they may feel more comfortable at mealtime, increasing the likelihood that they’ll eat it. It’s not an instant magical solution, but your kiddo has a better chance of trying something new if they feel at ease at the table.
Ease into veggies by having some fun
Another way to make veggies less intimidating is to introduce them without the expectation that they be eaten right away. Make them fun by setting up creative art projects like crafting rainbow veggie kabobs or making smiley faces out of broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Build towers with carrots and cucumbers, explore gardening, or let them pick out a new vegetable at the grocery store. The key is to approach veggies in a laid-back manner—no pressure necessary!
Consider taking on a sous chef (or three)
Involving your kids in the kitchen allows them to experience food in a new, interactive way. Try kicking off your cooking adventures with a field trip to the grocery store to pick out ingredients. They can help you prep the grocery list and find the items at the store. Then, put your kids to work peeling, spinning the salad spinner, whirring the blender, or chopping (I love these kid-friendly knives!). They can also help keep track of when dishes are ready and assist in serving them when it’s time to eat. The whole experience gives them a glimpse into a food’s journey from the grocery shelves to the plate.
Try a little exposure therapy
The more opportunities your kiddo has to engage with veggies, the better, as it helps them become more familiar with the food. Regularly incorporate them into meals and snacks to increase exposure. Serve them family-style on a large plate in the center of the table so they can choose what looks tempting, or offer small portions with plated meals to keep it breezy. Funnily enough, some kids eat better in groups, so consider serving a veggie tray at your next play date and watch what happens.
Give them some autonomy
Offering kids choices is one of the best parenting hacks I’ve discovered. It empowers kids by giving them a sense of control over their options and boosts their confidence. When serving veggies, give your kids the opportunity to choose how they’re prepared, served, or plated. For instance, you could ask, “Would you like some ranch dressing or Thousand Island dressing with your carrots?” or “Would you prefer your cucumbers cut into circles or spears?”
Never resort to bribing or bargaining
While bribing your kids to eat veggies may seem like a good idea when you’re at your wit’s end, it’s actually not helpful (or beneficial) in the long run. When you use bribery or bargaining tactics, you’re sending the message that one food has more value than another. Plus, placing certain items on a pedestal isn’t the best approach to fostering a healthy relationship with food. Kids will be kids, and they’ll always want what they can’t have or what seems more special, which can turn into an unhealthy obsession. Ultimately, we want children to genuinely enjoy veggies, not just eat them as a means of getting dessert.
It’s mid-week, you’ve got three practices to be at right now, homework isn’t done, the laundry is piled on the couch, and your kids are starving. What’s a parent to do? First, forget the laundry. Second, nip all the “I’m hungry” pleas in the bud with an easy air fryer dinner recipe that will taste great and take less time than ordering takeout. Whether they like steak, pizza, chicken, or tacos, we’ve got simple solutions that’ll get food on the table in a flash and leave you time to do other things—like watching your new favorite show on Netflix. Priorities, amirite?
A hamburger is always a favorite with families, but grilling on a weeknight is practically impossible with a busy schedule, which makes this air fryer dinner recipe for hamburgers (or cheeseburgers) from Well Plated perfect. You’ll get the same results in way less time. Just put out your buns and toppings, and dinner is done.
If there’s anything cozier than a roasted chicken for dinner, we haven’t found it. Cut down on your cooking time using your air fryer like this recipe from Spend with Pennies does, and don’t forget—your leftovers can be used in all sorts of different ways.
Mom’s meatloaf gets a modern upgrade when you make it in an air fryer. Urban Bliss Life has a recipe that’s short on time but not on flavor. This version is made with healthier ground turkey, and the glaze topping is a ‘chef’s kiss.’
This kid-favorite gets a healthy makeover that you can whip up in minutes. There is a breading you need to make, but the good news is that you can prep a big batch and cook as many as you need during the week. Get this air fryer dinner recipe from Feel Good Foodie.
A tasty beef mixture stuff inside a yummy pizza dough-like shell? Yes, please. The filling is easy to prep, and you can find frozen empanada discs at the grocery store, so this is a no-brainer on a busy weeknight. And don’t stick to ground beef! You can use turkey or shredded chicken or make pizza pockets with cheese and pepperoni. Get the recipe from Skinny Taste.
Is there anything more delicious than a loaded baked potato? We sure don’t think so. We also don’t love the time it takes to bake one in the oven, and with this version, you’ll get crispy, salty potatoes ready for savory toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, scallions, or even broccoli. Get this air fryer dinner recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
Mini pizza, anyone? Kids will love this creative air fryer dinner idea because they can use whatever toppings they want, and you’ll love that the kids will be fed in under 15 minutes. Get ideas for toppings and what kind of tortillas work best from Oh Snap Marcos.
Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile ingredients you can use because the flavor possibilities are endless. Using an air fryer doesn’t change that, but it does change your time in the kitchen. Check out this air fryer dinner recipe from Low Carb with Jennifer for chicken thighs—you might never use your oven again.
A gooey, warm cheese sandwich is the ultimate cold-weather meal for kids (and adults). And now, you can make one in your air fryer and save your skillet a wash. Add a bowl of soup, and you’ve got a delicious dinner. Kristine’s Kitchen has the ultimate explanation for how to get that bread to toast just right.
White fish fillets are a perfect protein for picky eaters. It has a plain flavor; you can make it in all sorts of ways, and now, with this air fryer recipe for fish and chips, you can create a proper English staple. Feel Good Foodie has tips to ensure your version comes out perfectly crispy.
Everyone knows Marie Calendar’s chicken pot pies are a perfect frozen meal when you just don’t want to cook. But the actual cooking time makes them too long when you’re in a rush. Thankfully, Everyday Family Cooking has an air fryer solution that takes less time and tastes like they spent an hour in the oven.
Imagine a crispy-seared steak with a juicy pink middle. You can have it without the hassle of a skillet or grill using this air fryer dinner recipe from The Recipe Critic. You can use a New York Strip, Rib Eye, or even Tri Tip, and don’t forget to make the decadent garlic butter to top it off.
Who doesn’t love a meatball? This easy air fryer recipe from Spend with Pennies is homemade, but the cooking time in an air fryer takes the same amount of time as boiling pasta. The best part? You get that elusive crisp outside. Make a large batch and serve with marinara sauce or as a quick snack.
Chicken wings are one thing. Honey garlic chicken wings are entirely another. With a sauce that only has five ingredients, and an entire batch of wings done in under 25 minutes, serving these with a side of rice and veggies sounds like a perfect mid-week meal to us. Get the recipe from Real Food with Sarah.
Another popular seafood for families is salmon. This recipe from Feel Good Foodie only uses two spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil, and is air-fried to perfection in under 10 minutes.
Taco Tuesday, or any day really, just got a glow-up with this easy air fryer recipe for crispy tacos that will keep grease to a minimum and flavor at a maximum. You will have to brown your beef with this one, but it still cuts back on meal prep, which makes for a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Get the recipe from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.
Naming your baby is no walk in the park. In looking for inspiration on popular baby name sites, you’re promised a staggering “30,000 unique names” to choose from—and trying to pick that one brilliant moniker feels almost as impossible as ignoring your relentless craving for mango bubble tea. But the pressure to select the “perfect” name is greater these days than for past generations, says Colleen Slagen, baby name consultant and founder of Naming Bebe. “Parents today are picking from a bigger pool of names than they were 30 years ago, and people have access to baby name data that didn’t come out until the nineties.”
It’s no wonder the whole exercise feels so incredibly daunting. So, to help you narrow your options, we’ve gathered all the names that you simply can’t choose. Why? Well, because the United States and other countries have banned them. Read through the list to see them all.
1. Linda
This list is riddled with confusing name choices, but Linda definitely came as a surprise. In Saudi Arabia, it joins Alice, Lauren, Sandy, Elaine, and Maya on a banned list of monikers deemed contradictory to the local culture or religion, inappropriate, or too foreign.
2. King, Queen, and Majesty
These names have been banned in certain states since they reflect titles instead of actual monikers. Following suit, countries like Australia have said no to Lieutenant, President, and Emperor. So, even though your little one might be the king or queen of your heart, it’s probably safer to use this as one of the 10,000 loving nicknames you’ll pick out.
3. Akuma
This Satanic name had legs for a while in Japan, despite meaning “devil”—so much so that the Prime Minister’s cabinet pushed back on a ruling to prevent parents from using it in 1994. But just a few months later, officials banned the name, calling it “an abuse of the right of parents to name a child” and forcing the couple to choose something else.
4. 1069 or .
Though the thought may not have crossed your mind, if you live in some states you’re banned from calling your kid symbols or numbers. In the ’70’s, the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled that a schoolteacher couldn’t change his name to 1069 because, you guessed it, names can’t be numbers. Or how about the couple in New Zealand who wanted to use the “.” symbol to name their child “Full Stop.” That’s when the New Zealand government put a full stop to their naming plans.
5. @
Speaking of symbols, China has no time for any of them, including @. Despite the local pronunciation “ai-ta,” which sounds like the phrase “love him” (kind of sweet, no?), the government put the kibosh on a couple’s attempts to use the symbol.
6. Adolf Hitler
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Adolf was actually a common boy name that reportedly hit peak trendiness in 1851. As you can imagine, this first name plummeted in popularity due to its association with genocidal Nazi dictator Adolf Hilter. And while the full name has been banned in Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, and New Zealand, a New Jersey couple actually used it in the early 2000s, garnering lots of negative attention when a grocery store baker refused to write Adolf Hitler on their son’s birthday cake.
7. Nutella
A French couple wanted to name their baby after the beloved chocolate hazelnut spread, but the French court stepped in and stopped this idea from spreading any further. According to the BBC, the judge said, “…it is contrary to the child’s interest to have a name that can only lead to teasing or disparaging thoughts.”
8. Harriet and Duncan
In the United States, Harriet ranks as the 626th most popular name, while Duncan was deemed the 1015th most popular pick for boys in 2021. However, Iceland’s Naming Committee won’t be approving these monikers for local babies anytime soon because they don’t appear on Iceland’s list of 3,565 approved names. According to the Rekjavik Grapevine, names must have letters that appear in Iceland’s 32-letter alphabet—the “c” in Duncan doesn’t. Also, names need to end in the nominative, accusative, genitive, and/or dative cases, and Harriet doesn’t fall into this category.
9. Fish and Chips
Yes, babies are so cute you could just eat them up—but that doesn’t mean you can call them any food you want. After a couple in New Zealand tried to name their twins Fish and Chips, the request was denied and the names were added to a list of banned monikers.
10. Chow Tow
A wave of Malaysian adults filing to change their names led to the creation of a list of banned monikers, including Chow Tow, which means “smelly head” in Cantonese. Spit up may not smell great but no baby deserves to have it brought to their attention all day every day. Also on the list: Sor Chi, which means insane, and Woti, which translates to sex.
11. Santa Claus
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout… when I tell you that this name has been banned in Ohio. As the story goes, a Santa Claus impersonator wanted to legally change his name to Santa Claus, but the court denied him because they believed using the name all year round would be misleading to kids. However, if you desperately need to know where you can spot Santa Claus walking down 5th Avenue, this request was actually granted to a man in New York.
12. Circuncisión
In Sonora, the Mexican state that banned Facebook, RoboCop, and Lady Di, another name that didn’t make the cut for future parents is Circuncisión, which translates to “circumcision” in Spanish. Yikes.
13. IKEA
Agreeing on a baby name can be as tough on a relationship as building an IKEA cabinet, but what if you want to name your baby after the Swedish furniture store? Sorry to disappoint you, but under Swedish Naming Law (put in place to prevent names that could cause kiddos “discomfort”) this name has been banned in the Scandinavian country along with Superman, Elvis, and the ever-popular Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116.
14. Sex Fruit
Sure, this name isn’t likely to be at the top of many couples’ lists, and for New Zealanders, it’s downright illegal. While we can all agree that fruit is “sexy,” New Zealand’s strict naming laws forbid this one from becoming an official kid name.
15. Anal
If you thought Sex Fruit was bad, that’s just scratching the surface of New Zealand parents’ questionable baby name attempts. The undeniable standout on the country’s 2013 list of banned names was Anal.
16. Cyanide
If you’re unfamiliar, Cyanide is a deadly fast-acting poison. However, a mother in Wales thought she’d picked a killer moniker until the Welsh court let her know otherwise. The BBC reported that the Judge said the name was unacceptable and might cause her child harm.
17. Thor
Sorry to rain on your parade, Marvel fans, but even the power of Thor can’t get you permission to use this name in Portugal. It joins Nirvana and Paris on the country’s 82-page list of banned names.
18. Spinach
Nope, you can’t name your kid after Popeye’s fave leafy green if you reside Down Under. The courts took a hard pass when a couple tried to call their little sprout Spinach.
19. Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii
One of the wildest baby naming cases ever was this absolute mouthful, given to a young girl who was not on board and refused to tell anyone her name. After her parents split and entered a custody battle, little Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii became a ward of the court until she was given a name that didn’t lend itself to so much teasing and discomfort.
How to Pick a Name
If you’re feeling super overwhelmed and confused when it comes to narrowing down your list of baby names, know that you’re not alone. Slagen encourages parents not to overthink it, and to make sure you like how the name sounds when you say it out loud. “That’s when you realize you may love a name on paper, but you may not love it when you say it out loud.” So go ahead and give it a try and you’ll quickly be able to decide if sentences like, “Sex Fruit! Stop hitting your brother…” work for you and your family.
It’s time to say goodbye to needless arguments, unrealistic expectations, and some of that mom guilt
The new year may be a time of resolutions, but guess who doesn’t have time for that? Toddler parents. Toddler parents don’t have time for lots of things, like showers or grown-up TV or reading something that isn’t Goodnight, Moon. Forget vows to eat healthier—a meal means cheesy puffs and kid leftovers. Exercise is dragging a screaming kid out of Target, tucking them under an arm, and running like a linebacker (you know, circuit training). A day out? Library storytime. Date night? The grocery store. We have time for New Year’s resolutions like we have time to clean up another puddle of barf. Of course, we will clean up more barf—it’s inevitable—and maybe we should treat the start of a new year the same way. Maybe it’s time to have a plan and make it happen.
After all, toddlers live to assert independence, usually in socially inappropriate ways, and it can feel like we spend much of our lives struggling against it—fighting the ridiculous outfits and the mess and then feeling guilty about it all. So we’re not going to ask you to pile even more onto your plate. If you want some calm, here are a few things you can shed from your life. It’s time for a change, toddler parents. Here goes nothing.
1. Give up all the arguments that don’t matter
Your kid wants to wear their princess dress to bed or rock a fireman costume at the grocery store. They dress themselves in clashing plaid and stripes with a unicorn headband. Generally, we shut it down. You can’t wear your dress-up clothes for bed. Fireman outfits are for play. Let’s put on some clothes that match before we head out.
Newsflash: No one cares what your toddler wears. Those carefully curated outfits? Almost no one notices them. But all these no’s add up to an overwhelming tally for your tot, who inevitably hears “no” all day because, well, they’re a toddler who tries to do wild things. So next time you’re attempting to stuff your kid in a sweater and she’s screaming for an Elsa dress, remember: There is nothing cuter than a kid in a costume. When I let my toddler wear his dress-up clothes to the mall, everyone smiles. That’s a wonderful stormtrooper costume, they’ll say, and my son beams. Some things are not worth your time. Are they warm? Are the clothes only mildly stained? Then you’re already ahead in the world, so don’t argue.
2. Give up worrying about what needs to get done
We know you have dishes and laundry and dinner to plan, and you’re sketching it all out in your head while your kid flings books off the shelf. You’re always worried about what comes next, too busy to enjoy what’s right in front of you. I know because I’m you, and it’s brutal. Now take a deep breath. Life will get done, and in the end, you won’t remember those dishes. You’ll remember the epic fort you built with your kid or the time you spent cuddling on the couch with a stack of books. We weighed the options: Household chores or fun with kids? Kids won every time.
Social media is a great escape. We all love to cruise Insta and watch TikToks of people dancing. Everyone’s addicted to Candy Crush, and when you’re sort of bored, you can always shop on Amazon. And hey, you can do all those things into the wee hours of the night. But sometimes a little person wants your attention and, sure, you can maroon them on the couch with some form of digital entertainment, but we’d bet a lot of the time you don’t actually want to. We’re just completely addicted to our phones, and you know that little metal box is responsible for a whole lot of mom guilt, too. So resist the urge when you can, because these years are quick and blah blah blah—but seriously, they are. You’ll turn around and have a teenager. Then they’ll ignore you for whatever newfangled social media trend hits the interwebs. Oh, the irony.
4. Give up the notion of a clean house
Stop worrying and stop cleaning so much. Your mother doesn’t live here—who are you trying to impress? (New motto: If you need to impress them, they aren’t worth impressing.) As long as your house hasn’t sunken into squalor, no one cares what it looks like. Your only priority is to keep you and your littles healthy and happy. Make sure you’re all fed and clean and enriched. And make sure your kids know how much you love them. Stressing about having a perfect house is not only futile, but it’s bad for your health, so ditch it. Just leave the pile of laundry. It’ll get folded eventually.
5. Give up the urge to take things personally
Toddlers are jerks. They’re sweet, too, but their favorite word is “no,” and sometimes, their favorite position is lying facedown and banging their tiny fists on the floor. When your kid threatens to deafen everyone at storytime, hits you for asking them to eat dinner, or chucks your lovingly crafted cookies on the floor and grins about it, take a deep breath. This is not about you. This is about a need for independence. It’s about your child growing up and becoming who they are. It’s really tempting to feel rejected. After all, you’re the one getting punched, both literally and figuratively. A few short months ago, your baby was a squishy little muffin intent on nothing but cuddles and milk. Now they’re flinging toys because you won’t turn on Sesame Street. They still love you, and toddlers have no concept of respect. Instead of shouting or restraining them, remove them from the situation and walk away—tantrums often dry up without an audience.
In other words, listen to Elsa and let. it. go. The weight of these expectations and arguments is crushing, and that’s the last thing you need in your life. You’re responsible for a tiny, growing person and (most of the time) it’s much more fun to focus on them than chores and reels and proper attire. So let the crayons fall where they may because life is short and toddlerhood is shorter. There’s your New Year’s resolution: Let go of what doesn’t matter—for your kid’s sake and yours. Remember that most of the stuff that worries you falls into the “doesn’t matter” category. This season, give it up. You’ll be happy you did.
Make sure to capture all the cutest moments of your kiddo taking on the world in a Marshall costume—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Got extra storage space? We’ve got a side job for you
You love your kids, but let’s be honest: They’re not the best bosses. So if you want a job that doesn’t involve picking up toys or tiptoeing around tantrums, there are plenty of gigs out there that’ll earn you extra cash while letting you keep “Mom” or “Dad” as Job Number One. So, whether you want to put your style sense to work, hang with a furry friend, or throw a few more items in your shopping cart, here are the best side jobs for moms right now.
Do Other People's Laundry
iStock
If the idea of more clothes to wash doesn't stress you out, working with LaundryCare—a nationwide company that will pay you to do other people's laundry—might be your perfect side gig. All you need to do is supply the washer & dryer, plus the soap and fabric softener, and the company will pay you by the bag to wash and deliver to homes in your neighborhood.
What it pays: According to the site, laundry washers can get paid about $20 per bag of laundry.
Do you have dozens of beautifully arranged Pinterest boards? Do you follow current lifestyle, food, and decor trends? Offering up your services as a Pinterest manager for a company might be for you. Instead of creating pins for your boards, you'll create and manage pins to boost engagement for businesses. You will need to analyze data, report on trends, prompt customer engagement, and have knowledge of how Pinterest works, so be sure you know how to do those things before reaching out to clients.
What it pays: As a freelancer, you can charge what you want based on your skills, and according to Zip Recruiter, a WFH Pinterest manager can make up to $67K a year.
Where to apply: Check job sites like Zip Recruiter, Upwork, and LinkedIn for leads.
Advertise On Your Car
Wrapify
If you don't mind driving a rolling advertisement (and your kids won't die of embarrassment when you pick them up from school with a car that screams, say, "Fillows Creme Filled Cereal"), you can get paid for wrapping your car in ads. With Wrapify, you can get paid $450 a month to just go about your everyday business—you know, drive the kids to school, drive to soccer games, drive to parent meetings, etc.—while your car is "wrapped" in advertisements. You'll make the most money with a "full wrap" (meaning your car's whole exterior is an ad) or opt for just the doors and windows.
To qualify, you need to pass a basic background check and drive a 2010 or newer; Coupe, Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or minivan without significant body/paint damage.
What it pays: $264-$452 for a "full" wrap; $196-$280 for a "partial" wrap; $181-280 for a "lite" wrap.
Are you a computer whiz and want to teach kids a thing or two about coding? Or maybe you're a Potterhead and want to design a spell-making class fit for Harry or Hermione? The only prerequisite to being an Outschool teacher is that you have expertise in something that may be of interest to kids and teens. It's free to list or teach a class—you just have to be willing to give Outschool 30% of what you make through enrollment (you can set the class cost at whatever you deem fit).
Note: If you've got a teaching credential, the Web is your oyster. Check Teachaway for a comprehensive list of online teaching jobs.
What it pays: About $50 per hour, according to Outschool (but it can be more or less, depending on how many students enroll and what you charge for the class).
You know that feeling of freedom you get at the grocery store alone? Turn that glorious solo time into pocket cash by becoming an on-demand grocery shopper for companies like Instacart and DoorDash. The perks? Flexible hours (work whenever you have free time), a fairly easy side job for moms, and direct deposit of your earnings. To be eligible, you need to have a car, a valid driver's license (and insurance), and be able to lift between 30-40 pounds without help.
What it pays: About $15 an hour, according to Indeed.com.
Ready for The Sleepover's big comeback? After two years of social distancing, maybe now's the time to get a gig organizing the coolest slumber soirees ever! Companies like Elite Teepees will provide you with all the supplies and information needed to license its brand and start organizing teepee sleepovers (forget simple sleeping bags on the floor; these sleepovers are in a league of their own!). Of course, any franchise comes with startup costs—starting an Elite Teepee business takes an initial investment of up to $7,500—but you'll have the potential to earn thousands more, depending on how much you put into it.
What it pays: Anywhere from $26,000 to $54,000 as a part-time business, according to the Elite Teepees website.
Got some extra room in your attic or garage? Don't leave it empty! People are willing to rent those corners and crawl spaces to store their overflow of stuff. Neighbor.com lets you list your garage, driveway, or basement exclusively to store other people's things (like their cars, storage boxes, bikes, etc.). Listing your space is free; Just set a price, post some pics, and then wait for people to e-mail you. It's easy money, especially if you've got an extra parking spot in a city where parking is sparse.
If you're nervous about being a Lyft or Uber driver because you don't want to pick up strangers and drive who-knows-where, how about letting someone else do the driving and just getting paid to supply them with the car? Sites like Turo or Hyrecar let you list your car or truck for other people to rent (it's like Airbnb for cars). You lay the ground rules for what you do and don't accept (no dogs, smoking, etc.), set a calendar for when your car is available, and wait for prospective renters to roll in (Note: HyreCar works specifically with rideshare and delivery drivers, while Turo works with tourists and those looking to test out specific car brands). It's a great option if you've got a second car that's just gathering dust in the garage.
Both Turo and Hyrecar's fees include insurance (you pick the level of protection)—and drivers also must have insurance (their own or a policy offered by the company), so you don't have to worry about your car getting damaged while someone else is driving it.
Note: If you've got a Jeep Wrangler or a Tesla, you've got the potential to make big bucks, as those are two of the most popular cars to rent from Turo!
What you can make: According to Turo, car owners can make an average of $706 per month, assuming their car is rented at least 12 days per month; meanwhile, Hyrecar claims you can make up to $1,200 a month to Uber, Lyft or delivery drivers (that's assuming your car is being rented for most of the month).
You don't have to sell the clothes off your back, but how about the clothes in your closet? If you've got cool outfits just collecting dust, now's the time to unload! Just send your unwanted threads to secondhand clothing companies like Poshmark, Crossroads, and Thredup, and they'll pick and choose what's good enough to sell (they can send back your clothes or donate the things they don't choose). The company gets a piece of your sale, but you won't have to do all the hard stuff like packaging and sending out goods to the customers.
What it pays: Varies, but more if you've got designer duds to sell—a Gucci handbag, for instance, will get you 90% of the listing price (about $286) on Thredup, whereas a pair of Old Navy jeans will only get you about 5% (that's about 55 cents in your pocket).
Are you good on the phone? Do you have the patience to engage with a not-so-cheerful caller? Companies use customer service agents for a variety of tasks, including answering customers' questions, making travel reservations, and providing tech support. All you need is a phone line and good internet access.
What it pays: $19/hour or about $39,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Where to apply: Browse customer service jobs on Indeed or Remote. Amazon also has remote customer service job openings—check them out here.
Want to get rid of your CD or DVD collection? Got an old cell phone or video game console you've long since abandoned? Time to unload!
For CDs, DVDs, and video games: Try sites like Decluttr or Eagle Saver, where you can sell your old DVDs and Blu-rays without having to worry about shipment costs or listing the items yourself.
For electronics: Decluttr buys cell phones, tablets, video game consoles, and textbooks (in addition to CDs and video games); and Amazon's trade-in program accepts things like cell phones, Kindle E-readers, tablets, video game equipment, and books. Amazon pays for the shipment costs and lists your item for you. You get paid in Amazon credit—or use your trade-in to upgrade to new Amazon devices.
What it pays: Varies, depending on what you're selling and how much you've got to sell. At Amazon, for instance, you'll be paid via an Amazon gift card equalling the appraised value of your device (plus you may get credit toward a new, upgraded device).
If you have a background in writing and editing, there's a huge demand for written content all over the web. Whether you want to write about your personal experiences or be assigned topics as needed by the publication, look for jobs at job sites like Indeed and Remote or on media-specific sites like Mediabistro.
What it pays: Varies by publication
Where to apply: Browse listings for "Writer" or "Freelance writer" on Flexjobs, Mediabistro, Indeed, and Remote, or look under the "Jobs" sections of your favorite websites.
Are you a fast typer? Use your skills for extra income! Sign up to be a transcriptionist at TranscribeMe!, which will pay you to transcribe audio clips. You can work as little as an hour or two—whenever you've got the time. It's monotonous work but an easy job.
You don't need to know another language to teach English, and most online ESL companies provide complete lesson plans that make your job easy. All you need to do is apply, sign on, and start connecting with kids from around the world. Note: This is a great gig if you're looking for something to do when your kids are asleep, since your students may be in a different time zone.
If you've ever used Amazon Prime Now, you know the wonder of needing a pack of diapers RIGHT NOW and receiving them on your doorstep in just minutes. The magic behind the on-demand service? Drivers who are willing to pick up your orders and get them to you pronto. It's good for the drivers, too, who can work when they want (turn on the app and start taking orders). As for pay, drivers get paid depending on which jobs they take, with more urgent items (those that need to be delivered in an hour or less) offering the highest pay. The only catch? You've got to live near an Amazon warehouse to get the gig. Find participating cities here.
If you've always wanted to write the Great American Novel (or maybe just a cute bedtime story). Amazon makes it easy to do it on your own. Just get writing, and then log onto Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing to upload your book. The site will convert your creation to an ebook and/or have it available as a printed book. You don't have to pay a cent! Every book is printed only when ordered (so there's no need to prepay for books). You'll be a published author before you know it. The KDP site offers free tools to help you write, illustrate, and organize your masterpiece.
What it pays: It depends on the price and size of your book and whether it's in color or black and white—but according to the site's royalty calculator, a 200-page 6X9 book without color will get you $2.75 per copy sold if you set the book price at $10 (which is, by the way, way better than the 10% royalty most mainstream publishers offer new authors).
Do you have a law degree? Are you a nurse or a doctor? Whether your know-how is in medicine, law, cars, or home improvement, cash in on your knowledge by answering questions for Justanswer.com. Anyone can apply to be an expert; you make money if your answer is voted the most helpful.
What it pays: Anywhere from $20 to $100 an hour (but that’s, of course, only if you’re giving the “best” answers… and lots of them).
Did you know you can burn 200 calories an hour just walking man's best friend? Go! Cancel your gym membership, and spend your mornings palling around with pooches. This is a perfect side job for moms who want to get out of the house, whether your kiddo comes along in a stroller or spends the morning at preschool.
Pssst: Want more than just a 20-minute Fido fix? Get yourself listed on Rover, and turn your home into a crash pad for pups (and maybe cats, too). You get paid by the day or hour, depending on the setup.
What it pays: Up to $25 an hour (or about $60 per day for pet-sitting)
If you're one of those stylish mamas who hasn't ditched the high heels and still carries a brand-name purse instead of a dirty diaper bag—Stitch Fix might be the perfect work-from-home job for you. Stitch Fix is a clothing delivery company that sends you personalized wardrobe choices based on your preferences, lifestyle, and price point (you fill out a questionnaire to determine these bits).
Behind this service, of course, is a team of work-from-home stylists who pull together the outfits, client by client. Stylists get a rundown of the customer, then scramble to find something fabulous. Stylists must commit to working 15 to 30 hours per week and be available for a remote training session.
What it pays: About $16 per hour according to Glassdoor.
Channel your inner artist and sell your goods online at sites like Etsy and Amazon Homemade. Both sites take a commission, with Etsy taking a 6.5% commission as well as a 20-cent listing fee, and Amazon taking a 15% cut and a $1 referral fee (this covers payment processing, marketing, seller support, and fraud protection).
What it pays: It depends on what you're making and how much of it you sell.
As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.
Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there.
Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags.
Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store.
Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns.
If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use.
Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.
We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.
Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.
What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.
A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).
You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.
We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes.
What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave.
Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.
We’ve all been there. Your kid is spiraling over having to leave the park, having to clean up their toys, or not getting that stuffie they wanted from the grocery store. (And the good times don’t end with littles—elementary-aged and tween kids have plenty of meltdown moments, too.) You become the immediate target, and they lash out with, “You’re the WORST MOM EVER!” or “I’m just going to run away to Nana’s house!” Instinctively, we want to snap back, argue with them, or put them in time-out for speaking to us so disrespectfully. It’s especially challenging when your kid is reacting this way in public because you don’t want to look like a pushover.
But parenting expert Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta suggests you try something different to de-escalate the situation when your kid loses it on you—something that’ll work out better for everyone. “I want you to tend to what matters: What matters when your child is super upset is their upset, their regulation. The provocative words are a symptom of the dysregulation.”
Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta to recast the situation and respond to your child differently (in every case, saying less is key):
“Wow—that’s really hard.”
“You wish I was doing something different.”
Or respond in a mono-syllabic or guttural manner with words like, “ugh,” “yikes,” or “ouch.”
Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta explains that what you are trying to avoid is layering more words on top of the provocative moment. “Your child is in a part of the brain that does not process language very effectively.” Your instinct is to take that moment to teach your child other ways to respond more appropriately, but this is not the time for that lesson. If you counter with more words, you’ll likely be on the receiving end of further anger and shouting. Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta suggests that you make a plan to discuss this with your child when the upset has passed and they are more receptive to advice.
“When adults casually remark that a child seems to be driven by their emotions, they are usually quite correct,” explains Signe Whitson, LSW, in Psychology Today. Emotions are controlled by the body’s limbic system—specifically, the amygdala. “When the amygdala perceives any kind of danger, it directs the body to either fight the threat (e.g., through yelling, physical aggression), flee the situation (e.g., by running away, withdrawal), or freeze up (e.g., shutting down emotionally). Fight, flight, and freeze reactions are all brain-directed, instinctual responses, rather than purposeful, willful, or intentionally defiant acts.”
Kids reacting in these provocative ways tend to have less control over their behavior than parents think they do. Often, kids are acting out emotionally because they have not yet developed the language needed to talk about what is going on. While it might be difficult in the moment, parents should say less when their child’s emotions are running high and double back to discuss the interaction later.
From the must-have Paw Patrol air carrier to cool book bundles, your busy kids will love these holiday gift ideas.
Parents of preschoolers know this stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and boundless energy. If you’re on the hunt for the just-right gifts that balance and encourage this playful combo—start with this list. From books that spark imagination to a scavenger hunt game that gets them outside, these innovative holiday gifts for 4-5-year-olds hit the mark. Need something for a different age? Check out our guides to the best gifts for 6-9 year-olds, tweens, and even stocking stuffers!
With a flash of light, these whimsical fairies come to life! Kids can control their movements with their hands and they can be released again and again.
Arrange and connect in just about any way, over anything! Can kids make the foam balls move from tube to tube? Can they use enough force to make them spin?
The ultimate holiday toy for a preschooler who loves to whip up a good meal. Whether they feel like making steak, pizza, corn, or veggie burgers, this pretend-play outdoor kitchen has what they need.
Tots with a need for speed will adore this speedy 4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™ and electronic SmartPoint stunt car. They can rev up imaginative play and lessons around first words, fun tunes, phrases about feelings, and cool sound effects by cruising over three SmartPoint areas.
A must-have toy for preschoolers in 2023, they’ll love the dual vehicle launchers and Chase figure that comes with this aircraft carrier from Paw Patrol: The Might Movie.
Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.
This dress is one that they'll want to wear over and over again. And, with JACADI's heirloom-quality pieces, they'll be able to. We also love the ultra-festive bold hues that are perfect for any holiday party.
An outdoor swing, but with a little sailing style thrown in for good measure. Perfect for two kiddos, it comes with adjustable, durable nylon ropes and O-rings for easy installation.
Your preschool kid might be a little too young for video games, but they’re never too young to love Super Mario Bros. With this board game, they get to enjoy the characters while having screen-free fun.
No preschool gift guide would be complete without Hot Wheels! This multi-level playset has dual racing tracks, a loop stunt, and pretend play opportunities on the first level of the ‘garage.’
The fire truck, police car, and rescue helicopter combine to create a 20"-long T.Rex ready to save the day! The police car makes sounds and has a driver, too.
They can keep a little magic close to their hearts while at school with this sweet gift perfect for preschoolers. It comes with eight ingredients, a booklet with five potions, and four different necklace styles.
hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters
Fans of these mathematical superheroes will love this playset from the popular series. There’s a lookout, a ride-on elevator, and it comes with a Numberblock Three figurine. Get the rest of the Numberblock crew here.
The must-have for Bluey fans, this four-level playset has 45 sounds and phrases from the popular kids’ TV series, nine different play areas, and a real-working lift.
These cuties operate on USB charge, come in several color combos, and allow kids to communicate up to three miles apart. There’s even an option to listen to FM radio.
The perfect way to introduce a preschooler to all the wonderful ways the body works, this fun gift for ages four and up had a 3-D model, activity books, a magic “X-ray” machine, and much more.
With 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards, preschoolers will have plenty of ways to practice their patterns. The bright colors and fun animals add to the fun.
A hot toy for holiday 2023, these magic mixie dolls are offered as a deer, a unicorn, or a mermaid, and all come in a sweet jeweled bottle. Just say the magic words and watch the mysterious potion reveal the treasure inside.
You’ll love reading these food-based stories about self-acceptance to your preschool kid. Choose between The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, The Couch Potato, and more!
Covered in the sweetest print, this activity book is perfect for on-the-go creativity. It comes with a set of ButterStix®, is erasable and washable, and is easy for little hands to handle.
Sparky is a special figment agent, and he delivers the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination)’s mail. One day, disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories is too full, and Sparky must recruit more special agents. With lovely illustrations and fun prompts, this book is charmingly interactive.
Remember when our parents used to lug around an actual camera and cross their fingers that we’d hit some new milestone or do something adorably silly while it was on hand? And don’t get me started on those massive, back-breaking camcorders that seemed to be running at all times. Lucky for today’s parents, whose smartphones are practically glued to their hands, capturing moments for your baby’s photo album couldn’t be easier.
Of course you’ll be sure to document the first crawl, first smile, and very first picture with mom and dad in the hospital, but there are so many other sweet snaps that may pass you by in your baby haze. So we’ve gathered 11 of our favorites to add to your mental checklist and share with family and friends on the Tinybeans app (and they’re going to go nuts over that shot of baby tasting a lemon, we promise).
Our Fave Moments to Capture for Baby’s Photo Album:
Seeing the world through their eyes
There’s something so absurdly cute about a baby’s tiny head looking out a big window at the world beyond. And since you’re never in the pics, Mom, ask your partner to snap a photo of you holding your babe up to a window while you both look out together. You might not know this yet, but there will be so many moments where you get to see the world through your kid’s eyes and it’s magical.
Big diaper, little baby
Sure you’ll take tons of pictures of your scantily clad baby, but there’s something about seeing that teeny tiny newborn in a massive diaper that looks like it takes up their entire body. The way it shows off their gangly little chicken limbs and memorializes just how small they were is a total *chef’s kiss* and you’ll want to share this pic with family and friends immediately.
The many faces of squish
Whether they’re aggressively pushing out a poop, looking panicked and puckered as they try lemon for the first time, or just throwing out a toothless grin, babies give hilarious face. Be sure to capture as many as you can.
When the latch hits right
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, a photo of that first latch is really powerful and touching. While some unicorn babies latch on immediately like it’s nothing, for many of us it takes a minute (or many) to figure it out. But once they’re latched and that oxytocin starts coursing through your body, you’ll want photographic evidence of this special time. Sharing with loved ones optional, of course.
Siblings (human or furry) meeting for the first time
While my husband told his mom to take his baby brother back to the store, hopefully, your child will be a bit more welcoming. And if not, it’s still super hilarious. Whether it’s a sweet or sour moment, your kids will one day appreciate having the moment memorialized. And for the record, after beating each other up for 11 years, my husband and his brother ended up best friends.
But wait, don’t forget your furry firsts! As a house that has many heartbeats in it (so many we call it the Funny Farm), it was crucial for us to grab a photo of our “first babies” meeting the tiny human one. We even have a sign that says, “First we had each other, then we had the furbabies, then we had you, and now we have everything.” I’m so glad we captured the dogs sleeping by my son’s car seat and “guarding him” when we first brought him home, especially since one of them is no longer with us. But we’ll always have that cherished moment of them meeting their little “brother” in our baby’s photo album, one that our now five-year-old loves to look back on.
Impromptu family nap time
It was the best of times, it was the sleepiest of times. Grab photos of each other dozing on the couch with baby on your chest to commemorate both the sweetness and the exhaustion. It helps you remember that amid all the poopsplosions and colicky tears and soul-crushing monotony, there were awesomely serene, cozy moments.
A particularly messy meal
There’s nothing better than a baby photo with an entire bowl of spaghetti on their head, complete with noodles falling over their eyes and a full beard of red sauce. Whether it’s spaghetti, queso dip from the Mexican restaurant, macaroni and cheese, smashed peas, or applesauce, make sure you capture this sweet and hilarious moment before you have to clean it up. Bonus: In addition to baby’s photo album, this messy meal pic makes a great slideshow addition for their wedding rehearsal dinner.
Milk-drunk and dozing peacefully
There’s a certain look of complete calm, serenity, and joy when a newborn is milk-drunk. Whether they’ve just inhaled a bottle of warm milk or finished a nursing session, that look of contentment on their face is the best (especially when there’s a little drop of milk dribbling down their chin). Plus, you’ll want to look back on this peaceful moment when your child is five and screaming “poopy poopy bum bum” at the top of their lungs while diving off the couch. Trust me.
SO excited to see you
The first time you go to get your baby from a nap and they’re standing in the crib facing the door and beaming with excitement, your heart might just explode. The cuteness is doubled if they’re in a sleep sack. When they’re a teenager rolling their eyes at you, you can open up your Tinybeans app and remember the good old days, when your mere presence lit up their face.
First bath (and hooded towel) of many
Most babies hate that first bath; It’s weird and uncomfortable, and they get really cold, really easily. (Pro tip: Wet a washcloth with warm water and drape it on their tummy to keep them toasty.) If they’re rage screaming throughout the bath, you’re going to want to grab a photo or two, but you might have better luck once they’re all clean and wrapped in their little hooded towel. Beyond. Later, when your babe is used to it, there will be tons of bath cuteness to capture, from their first time hitting the tub with siblings or cousins to their little bums as they stand peering over the side of the bath while it fills.
Selfies, selfies, and more selfies
Remember what we said about you never being in the pics? Sure your partner may not think to take those beautiful candid shots when you’re hanging as a family (or find a way to only capture poses where you look like a troll), but it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Whether you’re strolling through the grocery store and it’s baby’s first time sitting in the cart or you’re lazing around playing on your bed, snap a few selfies whenever you can. It’s the “proof of life” you’ll be so happy to have down the road when those moments are just a distant memory in the baby book.
Make sure to capture all these adorable moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids and makes it easier than ever to turn them into a keepsake photo book.
