Nursery Inspiration & New Mom Advice

Whether you're running errands, heading to the park, or preparing for an unexpected emergency, having a well-stocked baby go-bag can be a game-changer. As parents, we know that babies don’t travel light—and being prepared can mean the difference between a smooth outing and a total meltdown (theirs or yours!). Here’s a go-to list of 10 essential items every parent should pack in a baby go-bag, so you’re ready for anything life (or your little one) throws your way. 1. Diapers & Wipes No surprises here—diapers are the #1 essential. Pack enough for the day (plus one or two extras, just in case). Baby wipes are a must, too—they’re not just for diaper changes but also for cleaning sticky hands, faces, and even surfaces. Experienced Mom Tip: For our children we felt safe if we had at least 3-5 diapers/pull ups in the bag every outing. 2. Change of Clothes for Baby (and mom!) Spit-ups, blowouts, and snack spills are basically guaranteed. Include at least one full change of clothes (for each member of the family), and don’t forget socks and a spare hat if needed. A resealable plastic or wet bag is also a must for stashing any soiled items. 3. Baby Food or Formula If your baby is eating solids, pack baby food pouches, a spoon, and a bib. For bottle-fed babies, pre-measured formula or ready-to-feed bottles are perfect for quick feeding. Don’t forget clean bottles and water if needed! Experienced Eco-Mom Tip: I craved yogurt like crazy with my first child. I splurged for the Oui yogurt because you can buy resealable lids. They're perfect for storing a serving of formula! (And kid snacks, melting a tablespoon of butter in the microwave, and homemade baby food) 4. First-Aid Kit Keep a small, baby-specific first-aid kit in your bag. It should include infant pain reliever (with dosing instructions), a thermometer, adhesive bandages, a nasal aspirator, and any medications your baby may need. 5. Blanket or Swaddle A soft blanket or muslin swaddle is multi-purpose magic. Use it as a nursing cover, changing pad, stroller shade, or for warmth during cooler weather. Check out our swaddle blankets - Click here 6. Baby-Safe Disinfectant Wipes Babies explore with their hands—and mouths. Pack baby-safe disinfectant wipes for cleaning toys, highchairs, or surfaces on the go, especially when you're out at restaurants or public spaces. 7. Portable Sound Machine & Fan While our Hatch made it to long trips, having a portable sound machine is a life-saver for those long outings and naps had to happen on the go. During hot summer months, a portable battery-operated fan also came in handy, especially in Houston! Pro Tip: Get a portable fan/sound machine that is rechargable and has a sturdy clip so they can attach to a stroller and car seat. 8. Sun Protection Depending on your baby’s age and local weather, include sunblock (baby-safe and pediatrician-approved), a sun hat, or stroller sunshade. For infants too young for sunscreen, shade and clothing are key.   9. Pacifier or Comfort Item A familiar pacifier, teether, or small toy can soothe your baby and provide comfort in new or overstimulating environments. 10. Burp Cloths or Bibs Keep your clothes and your baby’s cleaner with absorbent burp cloths or bibs. Bonus: they double as wipes in a pinch. Final Tip: Pack It Once, Check It Weekly Restock your go-bag regularly—especially as your baby grows and their needs change. Consider keeping a second version in your car or stroller so you're always ready. Your baby go-bag doesn’t need to be fancy—just functional. With these 10 essentials, you’ll be more than ready for outings, playdates, or even unexpected detours.

Struggling to know where to start in your daycare hunt! Consider these eight things we suggest you iron out before starting tours.

The journey of parenthood is filled with ups and downs, and just when you think you've navigated it all, life throws another twist your way - pregnancy with a teenage child in the house. As you prepare to welcome a new addition to your family, emotions might run high as you balance the needs of your soon-to-be-born baby with the unique challenges of raising a teenager. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips and insights to help you embrace this change, strengthen the bonds with your teenage child, and create a harmonious and loving environment for your growing family. Open Communication: As with any life-changing event, open communication is key. Sit down with your teenager and discuss the pregnancy openly and honestly. Encourage them to share their feelings and concerns, and actively listen without judgment. Assure them that their thoughts and emotions are valued and that the upcoming changes will be navigated together as a family. Involve Your Teenager in the Process: Make your teenager feel included in the pregnancy journey. Invite them to doctor's appointments, ultrasound scans, and baby shopping outings. Involving them in decision-making processes, such as choosing the baby's name or setting up the nursery, will help them feel invested in the upcoming arrival and more accepting of the changes that lie ahead. Address Concerns and Fears: Teenagers might have concerns or fears about how the new baby will affect their life, routines, and relationship with you. Create space for them to express these feelings and address them with empathy. Discuss the positive aspects of becoming an older sibling, such as the opportunity to bond with and mentor the new addition to the family. Set Realistic Expectations: Be mindful that pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding. Setting realistic expectations for both yourself and your teenager during this time is essential. Communicate openly about any adjustments that might be necessary in daily routines and responsibilities, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Encourage Responsibility and Involvement: Empower your teenager by assigning age-appropriate responsibilities related to the baby's care. Whether it's helping with baby-proofing the house, assisting in preparing meals, or simply spending time bonding with the new sibling, involving them in caregiving activities will foster a sense of responsibility and strengthen their bond with the baby. Quality Time Together: Amidst the changes, make an effort to spend quality one-on-one time with your teenager. Engaging in activities they enjoy and showing interest in their passions will reinforce the bond between you. This uninterrupted time together can also provide opportunities for them to open up about their feelings or concerns.   Navigating pregnancy as a parent with a teenage child may bring its share of challenges, but it also presents a unique opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. By fostering open communication, involving your teenager in the process, addressing their concerns, setting realistic expectations, encouraging responsibility and involvement, and spending quality time together, you can ensure a smooth transition as you welcome a new member into your family. Remember that each family is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace the changes with love, patience, and understanding, and together, your family can embark on a new chapter filled with growth, connection, and the joy of welcoming a new life into your home.