motherhood - growth - living
Step into Autumn in style with these fall themed doormats, all under $30.
There are so many affordable fall doormats ready to grace your front steps. A doormat is one of the first things people will see when they arrive at your house – we all know how important first impressions are!
Read moreI finally have a list of my favorite baby items! Now that I have a toddler I feel like I know what to buy for the next kid. I was tempted to make this list earlier, but I now feel that I have the perspective to really evaluate what I loved, hated, and didn’t need!
Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.
If the item has an asterisk (*) it means we are still using it at 19 months!
I love our monitor. I didn’t want one that synced to my phone or measured her oxygen levels or whatever. I knew before I had her that I would need to rest when I was away from her, and that those kinds of monitors would lead to me over-monitoring her.
We went with the Motorola monitor and it’s amazing! My favorite part is that you can turn the screen and volume off but there are little colored lights at the top that turn on when there’s sound in the nursery. We can also talk to Baby M through it.
It has a pretty nice range, so I can bring it outside with me in the morning while I’m playing with the dog.
As a former preschool teacher, I’ve had my eye on these for awhile. My students would use them for nap time and their parents would confirm that they had gotten them as babies. Anything that’s usable for years and softer with every wash is a bargain, in my opinion.
I have dozens of muslin blankets from them, and it’s one of the few items that I’m glad I over-purchased. We use them for everything!
Did you know babies can learn just from watching you? We put Baby M down on this mat from a few days old and let us watch us. It’s a nice alternative to a swing, which can inhibit gross motor development with high levels of use.
We didn’t use these as cloth diapers, but as do-it-all rags. They worked as emergency wash cloths, burp rags, high chair cleaners, etc. They retain a lot of moisture!
Ugh, I love Jellycats! They are the softest stuffies ever. We have the raccoon, owl, bunny, and puppy. Baby M just adores them.
I am so glad I went with this bassinet and not one that is right on the side of the bed. Baby M was a loud sleeper, even as a newborn. Like, you can’t imagine something so tiny is so loud. I was able to put her at the end of the bed and get (some) rest.
This is my absolute favorite baby book. I read it before I was even pregnant and I cried. It’s an American classic! You can also view my (hopefully future) The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery here.
My mom got this for my husband as a gift and we’ve fallen in love with it. It’s like a mountain bike. If you keep reading you’ll see that my baby didn’t tolerate wraps, so we ended up carrying her pretty much everywhere. She loves this stroller and we love that she loves it 🙂
This one is pricey, but worth it. We added this to our registry because we knew we wanted multiple kids and would pass it on to someone who really needs it after. I love the simple, ergonomic design. Baby M really started to enjoy it once she learned how to kick to make herself bounce!
We got this as a gift and it’s just the sweetest little toy. It vibrates and plays lullabies. It’s also super soft.
Who invented these things? They’re genius. I can’t remember when we stopped swaddling, but these were the next step. Now, even with a toddler, I don’t have to worry about my angel getting tangled in blankets or being cold. Burt’s Bees has lasted through puke, poop, and many, many washes.
This is the best high chair. Ever. It is all plastic, so it’s a breeze to clean. It’s under 8lb. It’s sleek, simple, and stylish. I don’t know why anyone would even consider another high chair.
I love the Mushie bibs. They’re held their shape over time and are so easy to rinse off. I put a command strip on the back of our high chair so I can hang the bibs while they drip dry!
This car seat was so dang heavy. And it didn’t last too long before Baby M grew out of it. The stroller is nice, but it really doesn’t come with much. No cup holder, no front pocket, no tray for the little one to have a snack.
Now, we really only use our baby jogger, as it’s just as smooth and has great carriage space.
I love these crib sheets, but they haven’t stood the test of time. They are too shrunken now. I probably didn’t wash them correctly, but what parent wants to read the tag and do a separate load of laundry? No thanks! Our Burt’s Bees sheets have washed beautifully.
Call me crazy, but was this ever necessary? We started putting our diapers in a little bag outside of the front door and take it out every night. I feel like this pail didn’t really do much. You have to buy the inserts, and it takes up space.
It has a baking soda scent sanitizing thing-a-ma-jig attachment at the top, but the room still smelled like a dirty diaper. I had to put the whole pail outside in the sun for days to get it to stop smelling. It’s definitely not on my list for baby #2.
I bought those disposable diaper bags like they were going out of style. Now I used them for the dog and the cat litter. I think I’ve used maybe 5 in total so far. Most people are find with us sticking a dirty diaper in their trash or there has been a garbage can around.
You know those terrycloth-like bibs? I have dozens. I don’t know what I was thinking. We have a few of the Mushie bibs and that’s all we use! My baby wasn’t a drooler, so I think that made a difference.
I loved my Solly Baby wrap. And my ErgoBaby Wrap. And our ErgoBaby carrier. My baby hated all three. She couldn’t stand being contained past week one!
So, modern day diapers are so effective at holding liquid that there is less of a need for diaper cream/baby powder than there was in earlier generations. We are still on our first jar of Aquaphor.
Again, I don’t know why I bought 5 when I only used it once!
I loved using reusable nursing pads, but I didn’t need them for long. I also didn’t need the 100 or so nursing pads that I bought. I don’t know why I thought I was going to be walking around like a geyser all day.
These bad boys stain so easily. I received so many (I registered for so many), and I wouldn’t buy them again. Not only are they easily stained, but the fit didn’t seem to last as long as other cotton onesies.
So. Many. Socks. Now we have so many partner-less socks. My kid hated them. I really only needed 1-2 pairs.
What are your favorite baby items? Your least favorite?
Do you love or hate anything on this list?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Mark my words: my next nursery will be The Runaway Bunny themed.
It’s my favorite children’s book and it’s iconic imagery is absolutely inspiring. I collected items for my dream nursery below – now all I need is the baby 🙂
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of heavily themed nurseries (or themed weddings, parties, etc). I love simple motifs and little details. That’s why this inspo board isn’t loaded with bunnies; it’s a subtle interpretation.
I wanted to include different textures and colors inspired by the book. It’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit grandmillenial. It would be perfect for a little boy or a little girl!
Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.
Did you do a theme for your child’s nursery?
Have you read The Runaway Bunny?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Summer is here and things are starting to heat up! I’ve amassed some easy ways to keep your baby or toddler cool in the summer.
Here on Long Island, the temperatures can easily reach the high 90’s in June. On top of the stifling humidity, it can get pretty dang hot!
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.
I’m always careful to make sure my toddler doesn’t get too hot. Some days, you just need to stay inside to protect yourself. However, we do try to get out as much as possible. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and sunshine!
Some days, it’s much to hot to stay out from 10-3pm, so we usually save our outdoor activities or errands ’til the end of the day.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
This is basic first aid that should be in your repertoire. Make sure to know the signs!
Always keep your baby and toddler hydrated! Whether that’s with water or breastmilk or both. We also love the Pedialyte hydrating ice pops on days when it’s super hot.
This nostalgic ice cream maker is sure to keep your little ones entertained and cool. I still remember using one in my childhood.
These ice pop makers are perfect for frozen treats.
Did you know you can also make breast milk popsicles?
This one is another quick ice cream maker.
A stroller fan is a registry must-have. It’s small enough to throw at the bottom of the stroller when you don’t need it.
This one is super cute! It is re-chargable via a USB port.
Who ever invented these is a genius! Simply freeze it and place it in the car seat or stroller for a few minutes before letting your little one sit. If it’s really hot I give my little one frozen teethers to hold onto while the car cools down.
Running through the sprinkler is a childhood classic. It seems only kids can tolerate the freezing cold hose water. My toddler also loves playing in her kiddie pool for as long as I’ll let her!
You can use old teething rings, your own coolers ice packs, or these fun ones for kids.
They are great to use in transition from activity to activity, or just as an extra way to keep cool!
Are you looking forward to summer? What do you to do help your kids beat the heat?
How do you keep cool?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Baby M (should I be calling her toddler M now?) is obsessed with ‘side. She wakes up talking about ‘side. She goes to bed talking about ‘side. She doesn’t care if it’s raining or 95 degrees out, she only wants ‘side.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.
She means outside, of course. We are so blessed to have a large, fenced in yard perfect for her to safely explore. Between her love of the outdoors and the new puppy, we are getting a lot of use out of our yard.
Our collection of outside toys started with a simple baby swing and has grown to a full kid-sized compound. It’s starting to look like a Little Tikes catalog back here.
Since we are outside constantly, I thought I’d share the items that we are using!
Let’s start with the house. Baby M is always asking for “house”, which means her house of course. No parents allowed (not by choice, we literally can’t fit in the house). It took my husband almost an hour to set up, but it was well worth it. Baby M moved a bunch of her toys in there and loves opening and closing the windows and doors. The best part – no taxes and we paid off her mortgage for her!
Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse for Kids – Outdoor Playset and Indoor Playground for Toddlers with 2 Working Doors (Amazon, $129.00)
Next, let’s talk about “sly” aka The Slide. This one is a little tall for Baby M, so she isn’t keen on going down completely independently yet (she’s 19 months as I write this). She does, however, enjoy pushing her stuffed animals down and trying to walk up it, which is a wonderful gross motor exercise. It folds up for easy storage!
Little Tikes First Slide Toddler Slide, Easy Set Up Playset for Indoor Outdoor Backyard, Easy to Store, Safe Toy for Toddler, Slip And Slide For Kids (Amazon, $29.99)
I know what you’re thinking – a brand new swimming pool? In this economy? You heard right folks; my kid has her very own pool. The water might run a tad cold if her butler (me) forgets to put it out in the sun to heat up in the morning, but it’s usually pretty refreshing.
The best part is it doubles as a dog swimming pool.
We got ours at Target last year – I can’t find it online anymore, but here’s a beautiful, classy second option!
FUNBOY Giant Inflatable Luxury Italian Tile Kiddie Pool, Year-Round Fun for Ball Pits, Swimming Pools, a Summer Pool Party and the Beach (Amazon, $54.40)
To complete the aquatic theme we have a splash pad, which also features your signature ice-cold water that only children can tolerate. This one has little sea creatures that float around and your spigot can control the height of the fountains.
Winique Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids, Wading Pool for Toddlers, 68″ Inflatable Outdoor Summer Toys for Babies (Amazon, $16.00)
Not to brag, but my not-even-two-year-old has a horse. A real life, plastic rocking horse. This one is from Little Tikes and is a classic summer yard staple. We make sure to feed it grass every morning.
Little Tikes Rocking Horse Magenta (Amazon, $29.92)
To add to the zoo we have a few cows that came with this amazing water table. This one is so cute since we love all things farm over here! Our only complaint is the dog won’t stop drinking out of it.
Theo Klein 3948 John Deere Farm Sand Play Table, Water Play Table I with Farm Animals and Vehicles I Water and Sand Basins I (Amazon, $120.21)
How does Baby M manage all her land and animals? With her tractor, of course! She got this one for her birthday and it’s been a wonderful addition to her outside set up.
John Deere Ride On Toys Sit ‘N Scoot Activity Tractor for Kids Aged 18 Months to 3 Years, Green (Amazon, $39.94)
Here we have the swing that started it all! We have the blue.
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing (Amazon, $26.99)
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump Spray, DEET-free Mosquito Repellent, 4oz (Amazon, $4.68)
RuffleButts® Baby/Toddler Girls Baby/Toddler Sun Hat with UPF 50+ Sun Protection and Floppy Wide Brim (Amazon, $19.99)
Badger SPF 40 Baby Sunscreen Cream – Reef-Friendly Broad-Spectrum Water-Resistant Baby Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide – Chamomile and Calendula, 2.9 oz (Amazon, $13.76)
Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers Disposable Swim Pants, 11 Count (Amazon, $11.99)
Big Bubble Bottle 12 Pack – 4oz Blow Bubbles Solution Novelty Summer Toy – Activity Party Favor Assorted Colors Set (Amazon, $14.99)
We have this lawn mower, but it looks like it’s sold out everywhere – here is another option that makes bubbles!
Sunny Days Entertainment Bubble-N-Go Deluxe Toy Bubble Lawn Mower with 4 oz Bubble Solution | No Batteries Required | Amazon Exclusive – Maxx Bubbles – (Amazon, $23.99)
Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table with Umbrella, Multi Color (Amazon, $89.99)
Lastly, I always stick our JBL Flip 5 portable speaker in our summer basket. It’s small and lightweight but powerful! It just hooks up to bluetooth on my phone.
So, those are our favorite summer outdoor items for 2022!
What are your backyard summer essentials for your child?
Do you have any of these things?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Mother’s Day is almost here! What better way to share your love of mom with your little one than by reading books on the subject!
Keep reading to see ten of the best baby books to celebrate any mom in 2022.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.
I don’t know about you, but we have books strewn all over our house. They’re everywhere. There are books for the bathtub, books for the stroller, books for grandparents’ houses and books for the car….
“Can you read your book while you wait” is an everyday phrase in our house. My daughter has been a voracious reader since the beginning. I love how much she loves to read! I credit our dedication to reading every day since birth (okay, not every day, I’m human).
In my experience, reading and motherhood go hand in hand!
There’s nothing sweeter than having my daughter crawl into my lap with her favorite book. As much as I love our snuggles during Puffin Rock or Elmo, reading a great children’s book with her is a joy like no other.
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th, 2022. Mother’s Day is held on the second Sunday in May in the United States.
As soon as possible! Even if it’s a quick little board book in the beginning, get into the habit of reading to your baby immediately. I remember adding it onto my list of things to do when I had a newborn.
Read with your child every single day.
See this article from Parents for more information: “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn” (click here for reference):
Studies have also shown that children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary, as well as more advanced mathematical skills, than other kids their age. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, for example, found that kids who are read to every day are exposed to around 78,000 words each year—over five years, that adds up to 1.4 million words heard during story time.
There’s also a direct link between how many words a baby hears each day and her language skills. One study found that babies whose parents spoke to them a lot scored higher on standard tests when they reached age 3 than children whose parents weren’t as verbal.
Parents, “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn”
I always say that the easiest way to read more books to your little one is to tack it onto an already formed routine. Reading before bedtime, around a mealtime, or after a nap are some of the best times to read with your baby.
Baby M loves to read by herself when I’m making her meals or in the car! By having lots of books in lots of places, it’s easy to keep your little one reading.
I’ve compiled a list of some classics and newer titles.
My personal favorite is The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. I fell apart the first time I read it. There was something so sweet and comforting about the mama bunny accepting the baby bunny’s rebellion.
The illustrations by Clement Hurd are vibrant and iconic. I would love to hang some prints from this book in my next nursery.
I was encouraged (by the internet) to read to my baby while I was pregnant, that she would be comforted by the sound of my voice. The Runaway Bunny was always my go-to pregnancy read. Of course, I fully expected my infant daughter to have some kind of reaction to me reading the book when she was out. She made it very clear that the book was not her cup of tea…
My goal as a parent is to be “the tree” that my daughter can come home to.
So, there are some of the best books to help your little one celebrate mother’s day this year!
Are you familiar with any of the books above? Have you read The Runaway Bunny?
How do you plan on celebrating the moms in your life this year?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
If you’re looking for a list of winter necessities, look no further!
We are still stuck inside due to the (ahem) state of the world and it is actually pretty cold this year on Long Island.
It’s definitely not your typical winter.
Here is what I’m loving this winter in particular!
What are you loving this winter?
Let me know below!
O.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and I will die on that hill with Andy Williams!
Christmas season is full of wonder, cookies, presents, and cheer. If I can get my shopping done early enough, Christmas season is pure JOY!
I delight in baking cookies to Christmas music with my TV fireplace on in the background. My Christmas season begins in early November and I love every second of it.
Christmas season is the best, and here’s why!
Who doesn’t love a simple color scheme and bright, shiny lights? The actual act of decorating is a fun way to bring in in the holiday season. I love adding to my “collection” each year and having specific decor for specific places. The next item I have on my list to get is lighted outdoor reindeer. We have a big yard and I’d love to look out my window and see a herd of reindeer lit up in the night!
Who doesn’t love Christmas music? I start listening in late October/early November because who’s going to stop me? They key to Christmas music is having playlists that reflect the mood – somber Christmas, joyful Christmas, religious Christmas, background Christmas, rowdy Christmas, etc. Check out my post on Christmas Compilations to Listen to this Year for some inspiration!
There’s not much to say here – holiday food is it’s own animal. Sugar, sugar, and more sugar is always on the menu. I love letting loose and going to town on candy canes, Christmas cookies, and pie!
One positive to getting older is starting to enjoy gift giving! I love getting people exactly what they need or ask for, or finding something unexpected they didn’t even know they wanted.
Something changes in people once the jingle bells start ringing and the lights go up. They just become nicer, myself included. Despite how stressful the Christmas season can be, it feels like people have a little more grace with each other, at least her on Long Island.
We never want to admit, but presents are one of the best parts of the holiday season! Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I really look forward to having some gifts for myself, since I don’t get to do as much shopping as I used to. Now that I’m an adult I’m perfectly content with socks, books, and a warm scarf!
Ah, I saved the best for last. I saw this cheesy quote on Instagram today, “As a grown-up I’ve learned that all the “Christmas magic” I felt as a kid was really a mom who loved me so damn much” and oof I felt that! Both of my parents worked so hard to make Christmas the most special day of the year. They were so cautious about keeping us grounded in reality and gratitude but on Christmas we were spoiled rotten (or at least it felt that way).
Now, as a parent, I love recreating those enchanted moments for my daughter. I want it to be the most relaxing, magical, exceptional day for her. I want her to compare everything in her life to the excitement of Christmas morning.
This will only be her second Christmas, but I can already sense her joy and excitement when she sees the lights and decorations. She remains very confused about trees coming indoors, though.
Seeing her light up over the simplest things is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Now, if only we could figure out how to get her to sing Jingle Bells…
Agree or disagree? What’s your favorite part of Christmas? Do you think it’s overrated or are you obsessed, like me? Let me know below!
O.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and I will die on that hill with Andy Williams!
Christmas season is full of wonder, cookies, presents, and cheer. If I can get my shopping done early enough, Christmas season is pure JOY!
I delight in baking cookies to Christmas music with my TV fireplace on in the background. My Christmas season begins in early November and I love every second of it.
Christmas season is the best, and here’s why!
Who doesn’t love a simple color scheme and bright, shiny lights? The actual act of decorating is a fun way to bring in in the holiday season. I love adding to my “collection” each year and having specific decor for specific places. The next item I have on my list to get is lighted outdoor reindeer. We have a big yard and I’d love to look out my window and see a herd of reindeer lit up in the night!
Who doesn’t love Christmas music? I start listening in late October/early November because who’s going to stop me? They key to Christmas music is having playlists that reflect the mood – somber Christmas, joyful Christmas, religious Christmas, background Christmas, rowdy Christmas, etc. Check out my post on Christmas Compilations to Listen to this Year for some inspiration!
There’s not much to say here – holiday food is it’s own animal. Sugar, sugar, and more sugar is always on the menu. I love letting loose and going to town on candy canes, Christmas cookies, and pie!
One positive to getting older is starting to enjoy gift giving! I love getting people exactly what they need or ask for, or finding something unexpected they didn’t even know they wanted.
Something changes in people once the jingle bells start ringing and the lights go up. They just become nicer, myself included. Despite how stressful the Christmas season can be, it feels like people have a little more grace with each other, at least her on Long Island.
We never want to admit, but presents are one of the best parts of the holiday season! Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I really look forward to having some gifts for myself, since I don’t get to do as much shopping as I used to. Now that I’m an adult I’m perfectly content with socks, books, and a warm scarf!
Ah, I saved the best for last. I saw this cheesy quote on Instagram today, “As a grown-up I’ve learned that all the “Christmas magic” I felt as a kid was really a mom who loved me so damn much” and oof I felt that! Both of my parents worked so hard to make Christmas the most special day of the year. They were so cautious about keeping us grounded in reality and gratitude but on Christmas we were spoiled rotten (or at least it felt that way).
Now, as a parent, I love recreating those enchanted moments for my daughter. I want it to be the most relaxing, magical, exceptional day for her. I want her to compare everything in her life to the excitement of Christmas morning.
This will only be her second Christmas, but I can already sense her joy and excitement when she sees the lights and decorations. She remains very confused about trees coming indoors, though.
Seeing her light up over the simplest things is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Now, if only we could figure out how to get her to sing Jingle Bells…
Agree or disagree? What’s your favorite part of Christmas? Do you think it’s overrated or are you obsessed, like me? Let me know below!
O.
