M+A Edit

Relationships After Having a BabyHave you had a friend tell you, "your life will never be the same" once you've announced your expecting? Or maybe, something along the lines of, "enjoy it now, because you won't be able to [fill in the blank] once baby arrives."  We’ll never understand why people feel compelled to utter unhelpful cliches upon announcing that you’re pregnant. Why not share tips on keeping your relationship intact – thriving even – while everything else feels new and overwhelming? Here’s what helped us (and will hopefully help...

A baby bottle is a baby bottle is a baby bottle, right? Wrong. Babies can be finicky when it comes to finding the bottle, nipple, and flow they prefer, so don’t just buy 10 of the ones your best friend swears by. Go by our handy checklist, so you’re fully prepared.

What to Expect From Your Postpartum Recovery Your new baby is out (congrats!) and your body is yours again. Um, not so fast. While everyone's postpartum period experience is different, many moms agree it can take a while to feel at home in your own skin again. We asked NYC-based ObGyn Jaqueline Worth and co-author of The New Rules Of Pregnancy to walk us through some of the most common "surprises" new moms face as it relates to postpartum recovery. Whoa, Breastfeeding Many think it's just naturally going to happen, but...

Newborn Learning Toys Did you know newborns mostly see in black and white? It’s true. We asked out go-to resident pediatrician, Dr. Payal Adhikari, about the toys that best stimulate infant development, and she told us, “Anything that incorporates black, white, colors, textures, lights, and sounds is a sensory dream for new babies. Toys that include these features are great for developing brains. And since newborns mostly see in black and white, books with sharp contrasts will keep their attention.” Based on her guidance, here are M+A’s picks for the...

Newborn Car Ride Essentials Here’s the deal: Some babies love riding in the car and fall asleep to the movement, while others hate it and scream the entire time. Unfortunately, you won’t know what you’re dealing with until you hit the road.These must-haves will make it less stressful and more enjoyable—for you both. Car Seat Mirror You’ll throw your back out (or worse, get in an accident) trying to lean over to see if baby is sleeping or not, so just get a mirror and make life easier on yourself.  Britax...

Accessories to Upgrade Your Stroller If you live in a city, and your stroller is your main mode of transportation, accessories will help it help you. Here’s everything you need to make strolling a breeze. Stroller Organizer Smartphone, keys, coffee, wipes. You want a place where all of these things are out of your hands and easily accessible. Enter the stroller organizer. Just make sure the one you choose is compatible with your ride. Uppababy Carry-All Parent Organizer $35 SkipHop Grab and Go $23 Ethan & Emma Universal Baby Stroller...

Baby Health Necessities When it comes to newborn care, your best bet is to just make sure you're as prepared as possible. But what does that mean exactly? Start with this list. Vitamin D Drops Strange fact: Infants who breastfeed or partially breastfeed are at risk for a Vitamin D deficiency. So the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing with 400 IU per day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life. Note: We are NOT doctors. This info is from the CDC, but you should absolutely...

How to Bathe a Newborn Baby Bathing a newborn can be a super special bonding activity—if you’re properly prepared. We’re here to set you up for success. Keep reading to find out what you'll need to set up your baby's bath and a few products that will make the process easy and fun. Here's what we will cover: Newborn Bath Tubs Bath Temperature Kneeling Pads Faucet Covers Baby Shampoo & Body Wash Rinsers Pro Parent tip: Have everything you need in the bathroom ready to go before you start the...

What to Look For in a High Chair Baby meets food somewhere between four and six months (make sure to check with your own pediatrician). So before that happens, you’ll need a high chair. Like most baby gear, there’s a whole slew of factors to consider, so let us walk you through it all with everything to consider when selecting a high chair for your baby. Space: High chairs can have a larger footprint than you anticipate. If you’re short on space, opt for one that hooks on to a...

8 Products to Introduce Solid Foods  It’s time for an introduction. Baby meet Food. Food meet Baby. But first, you need to gear up. Things are about to get messy. If you haven’t already chosen a high chair, do that now. Now on to the rest. Baby Food Maker If you’re going to make your baby’s food, it’s worth investing in a gizmo that makes the process super simple. These contraptions steam and puree meats/fruits/veggies in 15 minutes or less with the push of a button. Bonus points if it has...