Babies aren’t cheap! From hospital bills and diapers to gear, food, and childcare, the costs can add up fast—and surprise even the most prepared parents. As someone just weeks away from becoming a first-time parent, I’ve been deep in the numbers lately. I wanted to know: How much does it really cost to have a…
Note: I’m not a doctor—just a parent-to-be trying to prepare for all the “what ifs.” This post shares what I’ve learned through research and expert resources, but it’s not medical advice. Always call your pediatrician or a medical professional if you’re concerned about your baby’s health. I’ll be honest: one of my biggest fears about…
Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest adventures—and like any new adventure, it comes with a whole new language. Whether you’re reading parenting blogs, talking with your pediatrician, or just trying to survive the first few months, it helps to know what people are talking about. Here’s a handy glossary of parenting terms every…
Important Note: I’m not a medical professional—just a parent-in-training learning everything I can before my baby arrives. This post is meant to encourage awareness, not to replace proper medical training. If you’re interested in learning infant CPR, I highly recommend taking a certified class through the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a local…
As a parent-to-be, I’ve already started feeling the mental load ramping up. I worry about feeding, sleeping, diapering, swaddling—you name it. And that’s all before the baby’s even here. But in my research, I came across something important that I hadn’t really considered: postpartum anxiety. I’d heard a lot about postpartum depression, but I didn’t…
Installing a car seat sounded simple in theory—until I started researching how to actually do it. Between the endless straps, angles, and safety recommendations, I felt like I needed a degree in engineering just to get it right. If you’re also preparing for baby and feeling overwhelmed by the car seat setup, welcome. You’re not…
Everyone keeps telling me the same thing: “Get your sleep now—because once the baby comes, it’s gone.” And while I know they mean well, hearing that over and over kind of freaks me out. So I’ve been doing what I do best when I’m anxious—I research. I’m preparing ahead of time for the sleep deprivation…
Changing a diaper sounded like it would be one of the simplest parts of parenthood. But as I’ve been preparing for baby’s arrival, I’ve learned there’s way more to it than just swapping out a wet diaper. And let’s be honest—if you’re like me, just the thought of dealing with a blowout or figuring out…
If you’re breastfeeding but only need to pump here and there—maybe for a night out, occasional bottle feeding, or backup freezer stash—you probably don’t need a bulky electric pump. In fact, many moms prefer a manual breast pump for occasional use because it’s affordable, portable, and quiet. But not all manual pumps are created equal.…