Modern Parenting Tips

Is anyone really an expert at parenting? We’re all just figuring it out! We’ve taken advice from other parents, and now it’s our turn to give our own advice, to you.

Through our parenting tips, find what has worked for us, and feel free to try it. We’re telling our stories and figuring it out as we go, and we know you are, too.

Find your starting point

Start with what you need

A few places to begin, organized around what’s on your mind.

Browse all articles

Preparing for a baby

Use personal checklists for getting ready at home, at the hospital, and at the registry.

Diapers and essentials

Compare diaper experiences and focus your baby-gear decisions on how your family will use them.

Postpartum support

Read lived experience about rest, recovery, friendships, and support after birth.

Choosing and starting daycare

Separate choosing a provider from preparing your child and family for the transition.

Toddler activities

Find hands-on ideas for play, rooms, and daily life with a growing child.

The full collection

See everything else

Keep exploring: browse all our articles below, from newest to oldest.

Non-Toxic Diapers: How I Compare Material Claims

I compare diaper materials and ingredient claims across brands, including what touches a baby’s skin and what I check beyond a non-toxic label.
Diapers for Sensitive Skin: What I Compare

I compare diaper materials, absorbency and fit for sensitive skin, and explain why I cannot promise that any one brand will prevent irritation.
Should You Hire a Baby Sleep Consultant? (My Experience and What I Learned)

I didn’t believe in baby sleep consultants until I worked with one, when our baby was six months old. Learn what changed my mind and if you should consider one: would it be worth it for your baby’s sleep?
How We Survived the First Weeks of a Newborn and a Toddler (best Hacks)

Surviving the first few weeks of having a newborn and toddler at the same time is no joke! We got through it with this list of unique things we did to get through the challenge.
Things to Get Done before a Baby Arrives (checklist + Last-minute Ideas!)

This list is a checklist that I made completely on my own, in preparing for our new baby’s arrival. I hope you get ideas of things to do at home before your baby comes so that you can be 100% ready!
Coterie Skincare Review: What to Know before Buying (First Wash, Cream & Balm)

Coterie came out with a skincare line and I tried the body wash, lotion and diaper balm! Read this review to learn about which products are my favorites so far, as well as where I think they fall short, during my uses.
14 Helpful Things to Know Before Your Baby Starts Daycare

I started my baby in daycare at 9 months, and quickly learned a thing or two! In this list, you’ll see what I wish I’d known and what you can start daycare knowing.
What Goes in a Hospital Bag for Partners? (Checklist for Dads)

Here’s our hospital checklist for husbands, because birthing partners need to go to the hospital, too! In this dad hospital bag packing list, see what we took and what was the most helpful during birth.
KUDOS Diapers & Wipe Review: Worth the Hype?

Let’s talk about Kudos diapers, the safe and clean diaper brand you may be just getting to know. In this review, find out the benefits, my experience, a comparison to Coterie and if they’re worth the price.
My Coterie Diapers Review: Softness, Absorbency and Price

I used Coterie diapers with my child and compare their softness, absorbency, fit and cost with less expensive options. Here is when I think they are worth it.
Tubby Todd Baby Skincare Review: Is the Price Worth It?

Everyone wants to know if Tubby Todd is worth the hype. As one of the most expensive, yet highly-rated and well-known baby skincare brands, I had to find out if the rumors were true!
The Best and Worst Diaper Brands I Have Used

I compare the diapers my family has used, from budget daytime options to premium picks, with notes on fit, absorbency and when a higher price felt worthwhile.
What to Bring to Your Friend Who Just Had a Baby (and What She Won’t Want)

What are some great little things to bring over to your friend who just had a baby? In this list, I detail how to make a care package, and what you should never bring when you visit!
How to Start a Moms Group on Facebook (My Step-by-step Guide)

I wanted a moms group when I moved to a new town, so I created one on Facebook. Here is the step-by-step process I used to build a local group and community.
10 Ways to Actually Make Friends during Pregnancy (What Worked for Me!)

From prenatal classes, to mom groups, there are many ways to make pregnant friends when you’re expecting. This list shows how I made friends during pregnancy and how you can do it.
How to Support Your Pregnant Friend: 15 Things to Do That Help

It’s not hard to support a pregnant friend, especially when you have lots of ideas at your fingertips. In this list, find the ways that I think are the most helpful, having been the pregnant friend myself!
Visitors in the Hospital after Birth? Reasons It’s OK to Say “No,” and Why

No visitors, please! I decided that I didn’t want visitors after my baby was born. See all my reasons for why you may want hospital visitors, if you’ll be giving birth soon.
Quince Baby & Toddler Line Review: As Cute as it Looks?

Should parents be considering shopping from Quince for baby, toddler and kids clothes and accessories? In this review, see my experience with Quince’s best gifts and new arrivals for littles!
Wood and Hearts Convertible Toddler Kitchen Tower: A Parent’s Review

I review the Wood and Hearts Montessori toddler tower to let you know how it compares to the competition. Should you consider a 2-in-1 kitchen helper tower that doubles as a desk?
Guava Roam Stroller Review: Jogging Stroller, Travel Stroller or Both?

I got the Guava Roam Stroller as both a jogging stroller and a travel stroller for my toddler. In this review, see what I think it does best, and what you should know.
22 Best Gifts for New Moms (Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury!)

It can be hard to find the perfect gift for a new mom! In this list, see the best gifts I received when I gave birth, as well as the presents my mom friends appreciated the most.
What to Put on Your Baby Registry for a Second Child

I couldn’t figure out what to put on a baby registry for my second child, but after some thought, I came up with these essentials for newborns when you have an older child!
My DYPER Diaper Review: Original Vs. Charcoal Enhanced

I tried DYPER’s original and Charcoal Enhanced diapers. I compare their feel and fit and explain whether the Charcoal upgrade was worth it for my family.
SlumberCalm by SlumberPod Sound Machine Review: We Put it to the Test

SlumerPod came out with a sound machine for babies, kids and toddlers, and we put it to the test right away. In this review, we compare it to the Hatch Rest white noise machine.
Munchkin Duck Travel Baby Bathtub Review: Read This before Buying

We got the Munchkin Baby Duck Tub because it’s a highly-rated travel bathtub. In our review, see our real experience using it and what we’d honestly recommend about it.
How to Score a Ton of Your Baby’s Stuff for Free (A Mom’s Tips)

Would you believe me if I said I got a ton of baby stuff for free? In this list of how I did it, you’re welcome to use my tips and experiences to get baby products for free for your child.
How to Hide Your Baby Bump as Long as Possible (With Example Photos)

I hid my baby bump longer than I ever thought I would, with a few style tips I came up with on my own! In this list of hacks, disguise your pregnancy belly for longer.
How to Avoid Buying Maternity Clothes (15 Ways to save Money)

Ready to see how I wore “non-maternity” clothes during my pregnancy? With this list of tips, learn all the ways I saved money and avoided buying a maternity wardrobe.
12 Must-Do Tasks in Your First Trimester (Pregnancy Checklist)

To see what I did during my first trimester, head to this list of actionable tip and essential things to do, in order to stay healthy, enjoy your pregnancy and feel great.
14 Smart Things to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

While there’s a few things you’re “supposed” to do when you find out you’re pregnant, there’s a lot of smart things to do right away. In this list, see what I recommend and what I did.
11 Ways to Know If You’re Ready for a Second Child (Signs to Know)

We knew we were ready for a second child! With these ways to know if you’re ready for another baby, consider the signs that you’re both on board, or if you need to wait.
How We’re Raising a Screen-free Toddler (What to Do Instead of Screen Time)

We’re passionate about a screen-free lifestyle for our child. Here are my ideas for achieving “no screen time,” and the things we do instead of consuming media on screens at home.
9 Great Benefits of Having a Baby in an Apartment (Why We Loved It)

After living in an apartment with a baby, I counted the benefits and perks for my parent lifestyle. In this list, see some of the big advantages to apartment living with a baby.
The Most Helpful Baby Items I Put on My Baby Registry (Don’t Leave These Out!)

I pinned down the most helpful products for my perfect baby registry. Here’s a list of my top picks for must-haves, and the reasons why they are perfect for first-time moms (or dads).
16 Ways to Survive Winter as a New Mom with a Newborn (What I Did)

Surviving winter with a new baby is far from easy, and I want to help you, as a new mom or new parent, get through winter with a newborn—not just get your newborn safely through cold months. Try my tips.
25 Thoughtful Questions to Discuss with Your Partner before a Baby Arrives

Have a few hard conversations with your partner before your baby comes, to make sure you’re on the same page about big “life” topics and sort out differences as your family grows.
11 Essential Breastfeeding Products for Your Baby Registry (from First-hand Experience)

It’s smart to put a few breastfeeding accessories and nursing products on your baby registry so that you’re prepared. Here are my favorite breastfeeding must-haves for a registry.
29 Ways to save Money with a Baby: Smart Budgeting Hacks

Life with a baby is expensive, but I found proven ways to save money on our baby expenses! Find out how to get free, discounted, on-sale, low-cost, borrowed, second-hand or used baby gear.
Do Babies Cost a Lot of Money? (You Might Be Surprised)

I think babiest cost a ton of money. Here’s where all my baby expenses come from, and how surprised I was at all the different types of expenses I had as a new parent after birth.
Avoid These 16 Baby Registry Items (First-Time Moms Guide)

I skipped and scrapped a lot of stuff when I made a baby registry. As a first-time mom, see which things I’d leave off a baby registry, from useless items to overrated products.
11 Best Prenatal Yoga Youtube Channels That Got Me Through Pregnancy

I discovered online prenatal yoga during my pregnancy and used a few fun and helpful channels as a way to continue my yoga. Here are my favorite YouTube channels that I tried.
Why We Chose the Benefits of Daycare (and Not a Nanny) for Our Child

It’s a tough choice: daycare, or a nanny? For us, the benefits of daycare were clear, from our toddler’s development, to costs, to the social aspect. See why we chose daycare.
When Should I Send My Baby to Daycare? (How to Decide When to Start)

Figuring out when to start daycare, and at which age, can be one of the hardest decisions to make. See when we started our baby in daycare and all the factors that went into making this decision.
How to Choose a Daycare: Finding the Best Option for Your Family

I had so much to consider when choosing the best daycare for my child. In this list, see what I prioritized, and what went through my mind during the daycare centers we toured.
Are Online Birth Classes Worth It? (Yes, but Here’s My Hack)

I think childbirth classes are worth it, if you can find them for free and virtually on Zoom. Read on to see if birth classes are for you, because I found out that they may not be right for everyone.
Newborn Must-Have Items for the First Month (Minimalist Guide)

Do newborns need a lot of stuff? Here’s a bare minimum list of what I got my newborn for the first few weeks, based on essentials I used (and what I didn’t).
How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night (My Honest Journey)

I couldn’t handle all the myths about getting a baby to sleep through the night, so I’m spelling out what I did, and what I totally ignored, to hit this parenting milestone.
9 Benefits of Joining a New Mom Support Group (What Helped Me)

I didn’t expect to find so many benefits by joining a postpartum (new mom) support group. I’m grateful to have gotten support, advice and community, among other positives.
When I “Announced” My Pregnancy (Family, Friends, Social Media, Work)

When should you tell family and friends you’re pregnant? It comes down to your comfort level, but there are a few good things to keep in mind.
My Best Ways to Work Out in Pregnancy: Cardio, Flexibility and Strength

I enjoyed working out during pregnancy very much, mostly because I kept my exercise varied and did what made me feel good. In this list, see my favorite ways to stay fit during all trimesters.
Smart Toddler Pool Bag Essentials: What to Pack for a Swim Day

What should you pack for a pool day with your toddler? Here’s what I take along when I turn my diaper bag into a pool backpack with our swim essentials. See the checklist.
How to Make New Mom Friends with a New Baby (My Useful Tips)

I’m lucky that I was successful in making new mom friends as a new mom when I had my baby. How did I do it? See several ways that worked for me in this list of tips.
My Review of the Jupiduu Wooden Indoor Children’s Slide for Toddlers

I’m reviewing my Jupiduu Indoor Slide. Find out what I like, what I don’t like and if I think it’s worth it. This slide has become a special activity at home for our toddler so far.
Unique Ideas of Things to Do on Maternity Leave to Stay Sane

Maternity leave doesn’t have to be boring. With these unique ideas you may not have thought of doing on maternity leave, I hope you can stay sane and avoid going crazy.
How Frequently Should You Do Baby Laundry? (Everything I Do)

Baby laundry is confusing. And as a new parent, I wondered how often to do it and if you can mix your wash with your baby’s (and more). Find my candid answers to baby laundry FAQ.
12 Proven Ways to Stay Healthy after Giving Birth (Postpartum Survival)

I discovered that surviving the postpartum phase is hard. Here are my no-nonsense ways to take care of yourself after giving birth, from the physical to emotional.
How I Got Some Sleep When I Had a Newborn (and What I Didn’t Do)

Rather than how to get your baby to sleep, this is my guide to how to get sleep when you (the parent) have a newborn. This is a no-nonsense list of how I got sleep with a new baby.
Hospital Birth Bag Packing List for Having a Baby (and What I Didn’t Use)

What do you really need in your hospital bag? See which essentials I packed for my birth bag and postpartum bags, which things I didn’t use and which things I didn’t need.
What to Drink at Parties When You’re Pregnant (Alcohol-Free Fun Ideas)

I discovered so many things to drink at parties while I was pregnant - delicious virgin drinks, with no alcohol, but lots of flavor (and fun). See it all in this list, with photos.
How to Find Time for Yourself When You Have a Newborn (For New Moms)

Finding time for myself felt impossible when I had a newborn, and was very shocking, for months. In this list of tips, see how I figured out how to get Me Time as a new parent.
How to Best Support Your Partner in Pregnancy (What Worked for Us)

Here’s how my partner supported me during pregnancy, from emotional support to things like working out and coming up with fun dates for us. See more in this list.
Where Should My Newborn Baby Sleep for the First Few Months?

Deciding where a newborn should sleep is a personal preference. I had a strong opinion on it, so you can see my story here, about where our newborn slept when I gave birth.
9 Things I Loved about Being Pregnant (Although it Was Hard)

Being pregnant can be hard, and it’s harder to love every moment. For me, these are the things that I loved, and tried my best to love. I hope it’s the same for you.
11 Things to Avoid During Pregnancy (What You Can’t Do and Why)

There are things I learned to avoid when I was pregnant, and I was OK with that. Here’s what you can’t do when pregnant, and the reasons why they’re unsafe.
How to Set up a Fun Toddler Bedroom (Transition from Nursery)

I wasn’t sure how to make our nursery into a toddler room, but figured it out! Among these tips, find how to make a toddler bedroom FUN, with ideas on what to get.
How to Set up a Minimalist Baby Nursery (And What You Need)

Setting up a minimalist baby nursery is harder than it looks. Use my experience and what I did with my nursery setup, to create a minimal baby room for your newborn.
What to Ask Yourself If You’re On the Fence About Having Kids

I put together the big kickers to consider if you’re not sure if you want to start a family and have kids. Use these questions to break down this very hard life decision.
10 Ways to Support and Help Your Wife During Breastfeeding

With these ways of supporting a breastfeeding mom in the first few weeks of having a newborn, you’ll be helping a great deal. See what worked for me.
Baby Diaper Bag Essentials: A Checklist for Newborns

Let’s find out what goes in a diaper bag for a newborn baby. Use my checklist to pin down diaper bag essentials, and see some products that have worked for me.
Take Your Own Newborn Photos or Hire a Professional? (Tips for Success)

In my experience as a professional photographer and in taking newborn photos when we had a baby, I weigh the pros and cons of getting a photographer vs. doing it yourself.

Start with what you need

Preparing for a baby

Things to Get Done before a Baby Arrives (checklist + Last-minute Ideas!)

The Most Helpful Baby Items I Put on My Baby Registry (Don’t Leave These Out!)

Hospital Birth Bag Packing List for Having a Baby (and What I Didn’t Use)

25 Thoughtful Questions to Discuss with Your Partner before a Baby Arrives

Diapers and essentials

The Best and Worst Diaper Brands I Have Used

My Coterie Diapers Review: Softness, Absorbency and Price

KUDOS Diapers & Wipe Review: Worth the Hype?

Newborn Must-Have Items for the First Month (Minimalist Guide)

Postpartum support

12 Proven Ways to Stay Healthy after Giving Birth (Postpartum Survival)

9 Benefits of Joining a New Mom Support Group (What Helped Me)

How to Make New Mom Friends with a New Baby (My Useful Tips)

10 Ways to Support and Help Your Wife During Breastfeeding

Choosing and starting daycare

How to Choose a Daycare: Finding the Best Option for Your Family

14 Helpful Things to Know Before Your Baby Starts Daycare

Why We Chose the Benefits of Daycare (and Not a Nanny) for Our Child

When Should I Send My Baby to Daycare? (How to Decide When to Start)

Toddler activities

How We’re Raising a Screen-free Toddler (What to Do Instead of Screen Time)

How to Set up a Fun Toddler Bedroom (Transition from Nursery)

Wood and Hearts Convertible Toddler Kitchen Tower: A Parent’s Review

Avenlur Casa Modern Playhouse Review: Stylish, but Worth the Money?

See everything else