There is no one on the planet who loves thrift store shopping more than me. Stuff is expensive, we need to keep useful stuff out of landfills, and the thrill of the find lights my brain up like a Christmas tree. If you are having a baby, you can save some serious cash by buying […]
When my oldest was just under two, I watched him push off on his Strider balance bike for the first time, lift both feet, and glide down our driveway with the biggest grin on his face. No training wheels, no running behind him holding the seat, just pure joy as he figured out balance on […]
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Reviewed after 4 months of nightly use | Mattress provided by Parent Tested Parent Approved My husband and I had been sleeping on a memory foam mattress from Wayfair for several years. It was relatively inexpensive, and at first, we thought we'd scored a great deal. But here's the thing about budget mattresses: […]
Let's be honest: "Shit Happens" probably covers most of the parenting experience. And yet, there's real wisdom to be found from people who've walked this road before us – some of it inspiring, some of it hilarious, and some of it just plain true. I went down a proper rabbit hole trying to make sure […]
If you've ever second-guessed a parenting decision or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, take comfort in knowing that you're not dangling your baby out a window in a wire cage or dosing them with opium syrup (hopefully). What we consider "safe" and "normal" parenting changes dramatically over time and I was able to find quite […]
Preparing for a baby is expensive, but you don't have to pay full price for everything. I've researched and tested the best ways to get free baby products and samples – from registry welcome boxes to formula samples to breast pumps covered by insurance. Here are 18 legitimate places to get free baby gear without […]
By Amy Morrison | Updated January 2026Amy has been researching baby products and writing about pregnancy since 2010. She’s a mom of two boys and runs Pregnant Chicken, helping parents navigate the chaos of early parenthood with humor and practical advice. Visiting family with a new baby should be about snuggles and showing off your […]
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s message for your pregnant partner? These heartfelt notes celebrate her strength, beauty, and the incredible journey she’s on. If you’re a partner looking to celebrate the amazing woman carrying your child, here are some thoughtful messages that go beyond the usual Valentine’s clichés. Pairing Your Note with a Gift A […]
Last updated January 2026. Post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure. Smothering your favorite newborn with kisses and hugs tops every parent's to-do list, but baby's first Valentine's Day deserves something extra special. After testing dozens of baby gifts over my 15 years as a mom and parenting writer, I've curated 20 thoughtful (but practical) […]
After five years of celebrating Noon Year’s Eve with my own kids, I’ve discovered the secret to a stress-free New Year’s celebration: skip midnight entirely. We countdown at 7pm (midnight in London), drop balloons in our living room, watch real fireworks on YouTube, and everyone’s in bed by 8pm. It’s become our favorite family tradition, […]