Rookie Moms

Pregnancy > Parenthood

  • While travel stroller system strollers sound a bit complex, this is actually something that is going to make your life way easier when you find the best fit for your family. It really just means a stroller and car seat duo. A travel system stroller is a stroller that is compatible with and usually includes… Keep Reading

    The 8 Best Travel System Strollers in 2020 for every type of Mom!

  • As babies grow from the infant stage to around 3 months old, parents should consider incorporating a baby play gym in their child’s daily routine. Using a baby play gym will help the baby grow and strive to reach important developmental milestones. Each of the baby play gyms on our top 10 list keeps your… Keep Reading

    Top 10 Best Baby Play Gyms of 2020 [Sensory & Fun!]

  • Some of us have easy pregnancies that we breeze right through, others of us have pregnancies we’d rather not think about too much. The same thing goes for our journeys through labor, and again through postpartum. There is one thing we all have in common, though. The beautiful, hard, miraculous journey of pregnancy brings us… Keep Reading

    It Starts With Birth- The Pregnancy App You Need!

It Starts With Birth- The Pregnancy App You Need!

Some of us have easy pregnancies that we breeze right through, others of us have pregnancies we’d rather not think about too much. The same thing goes for our journeys through labor, and again through postpartum. There is one thing we all have in common, though. The beautiful, hard, miraculous journey of pregnancy brings us our greatest gift, our children. Whatever your pregnancy journey is like, I think we can all agree the more support you have the better. The It Starts With Birth app can be one important part of this support system. It will help you keep track of the practical things along with the sentimental. 

The Practical Support

There are a lot of things to keep track of during your pregnancy; prenatal vitamins, doctors appointments, baby shower planning, and purchasing everything your newborn will need when they arrive from car seats to diapers. Plus, all of that is doubled with the constant worry about how your little one is developing. It’s a hectic time! 

Kick Counts

One thing that eases a lot of expecting mom’s anxiety is kick counts. Kick counts can show you that your baby is healthy and doing well in your belly. Knowing the average amount that your baby moves around and kicks will help you to notice if there are any sudden changes. It Starts With Birth, will give you daily reminders to check-in and write notes about your baby’s movement. Keep in mind, kick counts are different for everyone but if you have a concern always bring it up with your doctor or midwife! 

Contraction Timer

It Starts With Birth can also be a big help when you go into labor with its easy to use contraction timer. Eliminate a complicated tracking system or trying to keep track of your contractions with a timer. With the app, all you have to do is tap the button when your contraction starts and ends. It also allows you to document intensity. Then, you can easily share what you’ve documented on the app with your care provider. This makes it easy to know when the time comes to go to the hospital or call your care provider. 

Holding onto Your Memories with It Starts With Birth

While it’s easy to get caught up in everything, don’t forget to document this journey. Your body is doing an amazing thing and it’s really something special to be able to look back on the memories of pregnancy. The My Story & Photo Tool allows you to easily journal and document the milestones of your pregnancy. You can also add reminders in about your appointments and events like your gender reveal or baby shower. 

The app can also help you come up with mantras for yourself. Build your inner strength and let that warrior mama out! You already have everything you need to get through the journey of pregnancy, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little reminder. 

This is a pregnancy tool that you don’t want to live without! It is easy to use and completely user friendly because you don’t need any extra stress throughout pregnancy. Click here to download it and be sure to share it with your fellow mamas-to-be.

 

Hello Bello Review – Here is what we think!

So let’s get started, here is our Hello Bello review along with our favorite items!

Being a new mom, everything can seem very overwhelming at first. There are so many products out there for babies and all their needs. Today we are going to be looking specifically at a new, safe brand on the rise: Hello Bello. We love their products and even did an unboxing to check them all out, which you can find at the bottom of this post! 

Hello Bello was founded by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. Their goal is to give moms the most premium level products, without premium prices. Sounds pretty great, right? 

Rookie Mom’s Hello Bello Review

lotion for babies

Delivery Service

You can shop for individual Hello Bello products both in-store at Walmart and online. BUT, what makes them really special is their subscription delivery bundles. They offer subscription services that bring all their best products right to your door. This means you do not have to leave the house with a new baby (or a wiggly 6-month old!). 

When you make a bundle, you will first select the diaper size and print that you want. You can even split sizes if you think your baby will soon be growing out of their current diaper size. Trust me, these diapers have the absolute cutest prints. Choosing which one you want to go with will be the hardest part of this whole process. 

hello bello diaper box

Next, you will be able to add on any extras that you need. They have vitamins, nighttime diapers, hand sanitizer, bubble bath, shampoo, lotion, wipes, detergent, and even clothes! Once you have thrown in all your add-ons, you will select the frequency of delivery. They offer either 3, 4, or 5 weeks between delivery. 

Up until the shipment date (which they send you email reminders of), you can make changes or skip your bundle. They make it very easy to do this, which is a big bonus! 

Overall, we rate their delivery service 5/5. It’s easy to pick and choose exactly what you want in your bundle. Plus, we greatly appreciate being able to skip if necessary. 

The Hello Bello Diaper Difference

A review of Hello Bello wouldn’t be complete without mentioning their promise to make premium quality products with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. The products created by Hello Bello are safe. Plus, they are free of harmful chemicals that may be a hazard to you and your baby’s health.

All of Hello Bello products are made free of :

  •  alcohol
  •  synthetic fragrances
  •  phthalates
  •  parabens
  •  formaldehyde donors

baby wipes

Hello Bello Diapers Review- Everyone’s Favorite Product! 

Hello Bello offers a premium built diaper for every stage. They are ultra-soft, some of the softest diapers I have ever felt, and created with a cloth-like feel. This makes them stretchy and provides ultimate comfort. There is even a wetness indicator on the diaper for easy checks of when your little one needs a change.

PLUS: Hello Bello offers several prints to choose from. It is time to say goodbye to plain diapers, and hello to stylish, fun diapers! 

Wipes

Hello Bello offers plant-based water wipes to help clean the most sensitive little bums. The wipes are made up of 99% water with a touch of organic aloe and chamomile extract. These wipes are very super soft and leave the skin feeling clean and not sticky like some wipes do. 

Whether you are wiping a bum or wiping up a mess, these wipes get the job done. Even though they are soft, they are strong enough to stand up to whatever mess parenting throws your way. 

Extra Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash

hello bello reviews

Let me start off by saying WOW! This product smells so good, like really good. The Vanilla Apricot smell is minimal. It’s just enough to calm and soothe your skin and leave your baby smelling so fresh.

My favorite thing about this product is that it does not have a perfume smell. That smell of fake flowers and fake additives, this wash doesn’t have that. This wash leaves the skin fresh and clean and is so gentle for babies and their skin.

The Vanilla Apricot scent is definitely my go-to for day time washes. However, the Lavender is my go-to for night time because it soothes babies and gets them ready for bedtime. Plus, these washes are safe for all members of the family. Just like the item that’s next up on our Hello Bello review… lotion!

Vitamins

You can get just about any kind of vitamin you need from Hello Bello. They have prenatal vitamins, a kid’s men’s & women’s multi, Omega 3, Immunity, and more. None of them contain artificial colors or flavors, but they taste naturally fruity and delicious. They are also all easy to eat gummies, so everyone in the family will enjoy them. 

Premium, Plant-Based Lotion!

Again, WOW! This lotion is a must. It calms and soothes the skin while moisturizing. The lavender smell is my favorite, but it also comes in different scents like vanilla apricot and fresh & clean.

Even as an adult, I suffer from sensitive skin. This means having clean products is very important for me and now even more so for my baby.

The Hello Bello lotion is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and non-greasy. It leaves your skin feeling so soft. Most of all, I love that I do not have to worry about harmful products being transferred from my skin to hers. 

Check out our Hello Bello Unboxing video below! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by R O O K I E • M O M S (@rookiemoms) on

I hope our Hello Bello review has helped you come to a decision about whether or not these baby products a good fit for your family! Hello Bello is truly giving families the best quality products without the cost. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard do not believe in having to choose between quality and budget. It is noticeable in their products that they truly care about the families they are providing for. 

You May Also Like:

Dyper Bamboo Diapers [Brand and Service Review!]

50 Must Haves to Put on Your Baby Registry List + 5 Things to Skip

Mom Hacks; The Best Baby Lotions to Keep your Baby’s Skin Perfect!

Best Kiddie Pools to Beat the Summer Heat

Is there anything better than laughter and memories in the swimming pool during a hot summer day? While we might not be able to head to a community pool this year or have an in-ground pool, there are some pretty awesome pools you can easily set-up right in your yard. We’ve pulled together a list of the very best kiddie pools for you and your little one to splash around in this summer. 

Of course, the cuteness factor was taken into consideration. You are going to need to snap some photos of your sweet baby splashing around in their tiny swimsuit! 

What You Need to Consider Before Adding a Pool to Your Yard

best kiddie pool

No matter how shallow a pool is, you need to take precautions to protect your little ones. Here are some safety tips to consider:

  • Lay strict ground rules about the pool. Some of these rules might be never running near the water, not going near the water without an adult, always asking mom or dad if it is okay to swim, or something as simple as needing to be a good listener.
  • Always be hyperfocused on your child when swimming, even in a shallow pool. Drowning can happen within seconds.

Check out this article for more swim safety tips!

Shopping for a kiddie pool requires some attention to features like:

    • Durability – The strength of the material is crucial depending on the wear and tear you predict you will need. Molded pools are the strongest at first because they are molded plastic and hold their shape until excessive heat or weight alter its material. Other kiddie pools are typically made from vinyl, some with double seams for strength. If there is a hole, a repair patch usually does the trick.
    • Portability– If you are in charge of bringing the pool to the backyard party, a molded pool will take up the most space while inflatable and frame pools can deflate and fold into something more convenient. However,the larger the size, the greater the need for a water filter to remove debris and bugs over time.
    • Storage– The ability to store the pool in the offseason is also important. Molded pools can be brought out and filled up with ease so long as you have a space for its size. All of the other pools require more time for installation and breaking down, but take up much less space when not in use. However, some pools provide multipurpose uses like sandboxes, ball pits, or a playmat that contains messes indoors and outdoors.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by t a y l o r k r a b i l l (@taylorkrabill) on

Types of Kiddie Pools:

  • Molded– When you have a toddler or preschooler that you are introducing to water play, you want something that is safe and comfortable for them. You want enough water for optimum splashing, but nothing too deep that can increase its danger factor. Inexpensive, plastic kiddie pools that are shallow and about six feet in diameter are accessible at most stores, but there are other wading pools for babies and toddlers that are more entertaining.
  • Inflatable– Inflatable kiddie pools make the perfect family pool. They range in size and features for family so that more people can enjoy water fun at one time. There are inflatable pools for younger swimmers that need shallow waters and pools for big splashers that can handle water even waist-deep.
  • Framed– Framed kiddie pools take longer to assemble and fill, but some of the great ones do not require extra tools. Kids enjoy these pools because it feels and looks like a big backyard pool. Parents enjoy these pools because they are just as easy to store when summer is over.
  • Play Center– If your child loves bouncy houses, they will love wading pools with all of the bells and whistles. Play centers are more expensive than the other types of kiddie pools, but it incorporates so many features that encourage water play, imagination, and exercise. From slides to games, inflatable play centers are the ultimate kiddie pools.

Best Kiddie Pools for Summer Fun!

As with any pool, adult supervision is the most important safety feature that must be included with all pools. Whether you are performing the role of lifeguard or swimmer, your child’s safety depends on it. In addition to safety, don’t forget to add a little fun with some fun pool toys.

Molded Kiddie Pools: 

backyard fun

Step 2 Play and Shade Pool

Since sun exposure can be too much for a child’s delicate skin, a little bit of shade goes a long way to keep the fun going. Step 2 has all of the features for fun and makes your child cool in their own little pool.

Summer Waves Plastic Wading Kiddie Pool

This bright colorful pool will be perfect to fill with water in the summer and splash around in, but it’s versatile too. When the weather cools off, you can easily fill it to make a sandbox or ball pit. 

Inflatable Kiddie Pools: 

backyard fun

Neon Palm Kiddie Pool

Target has a great selection of kiddie pools that are durable, easy to blow up, and will make a super cute addition to your backyard. 

Intex Swim Center Clearview Aquarium

Little swimmers will feel like big fish in this sturdy, 90-gallon inflatable pool. Parents and grandparents praise its ease in inflating and strong sides that can handle preschoolers climbing and laying on them.

Leonore Inflatable Pink Pool

Leonore inflatable pool

A little mini polka dot pool… could it be any cuter? Aside from the cuteness, Leonore makes sure their products are eco-friendly and this pool is even BPA free. 

Xflated Kiddie Pool

The Xflated Kiddie Pool comes in three tasty design choices: watermelon, ice cream, and hamburger. It is three-rings high, so if one ring has a puncture, the whole pool will not completely collapse. 

Framed Options: 

best kiddie pool

H2OGO! My First Framed Pool

This 4’x4’ pool is a great size for little swimmers who want to do more than just sit in water. The strong PVC poles keep up the pool while the liner resists many scratches and pokes. Some reviewers comment how well it keeps up with their dogs swimming too!

Intex Mini Frame Pool

Just like the H2OGO!, the Intex Mini Frame Pool holds up to swimming wear and tear. It promotes its foam-padded horizontal beams to protect swimmers entering, leaving, and playing hard in the pool.

Play Centers: 

best kiddie pool

Intex Candy Zone

Intex makes swimming time sweet with this Candy Zone inflatable play center. The garden hose is used for the sprinkler feature, but children two and up will slide to their heart’s content onto the extra padding below. 

Intex has numerous play centers of different designs and sizes, like the Gator Inflatable Play Center (ages 2 and up) and the Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center (ages 3 and up).

Banzai Wild Waves Water Park

Water fun does not have to be in the pool alone. The Wild Waves Water Park has a slide into the pool, but also a basketball hoop and ring toss for wet fun in and out of the water.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Nɪᴄᴏʟᴇ Pʜɪʟʟɪᴘs (@the_phillips_home) on

A kiddie pool is a perfect way to create a summer full of memories right from your very own backyard. Kick back and cool down, but always remember to keep pool safety in mind! 

Pin for Later: Best Kiddie Pools to Beat the Summer Heat

Super Stylish And Cozy At Home Clothes For Mom

Thank goodness for loungewear, am I right? It has made it totally possible to be a stylish mama at home without sacrificing your comfort! Being comfortable doesn’t necessarily mean you have to look like you just rolled out of bed. I don’t know how moms did it before the days of loungewear and athleisure, but I am so thankful for these brands below that make super comfy AND trendy outfits.

What to Keep in Mind When Curating a Comfy Closet

cute comfortable clothes

First things first, here are some tips to keep in mind while you’re shopping for clothes to replace those not-so-flattering gray sweatpants.

  • Go with soft and breathable fabrics for maximum comfort.
  • Quality over quantity. With just a few really great pieces, you will be set to mix and match. When it comes to loungewear always carefully consider the quality of the piece. 
  • Wraps and cardigans are super convenient, especially if you have a zoom meeting coming up. All you have to do is put it on over any top and fix your hair, then you’re good to go!
  • Select a mix of comfortable clothes; some leggings, some shorts, tanks, tees, and hoodies. That way you still feel like you’re changing things up every day. 
  • Pick clothes that match your own personal style. You can find loungewear in just about any color palette; bold, neutral, bright. 
  • Read the reviews. They really do give you an insight into how well the clothes perform and whether the sizes run small, etc.

Now, let’s go over the top picks for stylish and comfortable at-home clothes that any mom would love to have!

Our Favorite Comfortable Clothing Brands

Vuori

Vuori Clothing

Vuori strives to make comfortable clothes that perform well without sacrificing style. Their clothes are built to last, so even if you wear their clothes a hundred times, they won’t get that worn-out look. I love their pants and leggings because they are comfy, yet versatile. As for the tops, I love that most of them have a loose fit but are still flattering. 

Another thing that’s awesome about Vurori is their product guarantee– if you don’t love their stuff, then you can send it back!

As for my favorites:

  • Performance Joggers. They are tapered around the ankles and have a drawstring for easy adjustment. They don’t look anything like sweatpants, but they’re just as comfortable! 

Vuori Clothing

  • Halo Performance Hoodie – This grey hoodie is so comfortable, lightweight and I am not kidding when I say it is the softest hoodie I have ever had in my life. Perfect for sipping coffee in the morning and relaxing on a cool summer morning.
Shop My Look! 

Fabletics

I am pretty loyal to Lululemon, but I recently decided to give Fabletics a try and I must admit that I am absolutely in love with their leggings now. Not to mention, You can really find whatever it is you’re looking for at Fabletics— whether it’s leggings, tops, soft sports bras, or complete outfits. They even sell accessories– bags, socks, scrunchie hair-ties, underwear, and more. Keep in mind, they get new items every month and sometimes things do sell out quickly! 

The designers at Fabletics understand that women come in all shapes and sizes, so they created a section for plus sizes. This way, curvier women can look and feel their best, too. Right now they’re having a legging sale for VIP members, you can get 2 for $24– that kind of deal is hard to beat! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Fabletics (@fabletics) on

As for my favorites:

  • Kinsley Seamless Hoodie. This hoodie has ultra-soft fabric with mesh patterns for ventilation. The material is so soft and breathable you won’t become as sweaty while jogging, and you can wear it around the house without worrying about overheating.
  • Anything matching! Fabletics sells mommy-and-me sets and they are absolutely adorable. 

Wolven

Wolven’s motto is “make sustainable sexy,” but it could also easily be “make being comfortable sexy.” Everything they produce is designed with comfort, durability, and elegance in mind. Best of all, it is also produced sustainably. 

The vibrant colors of their Indian-inspired print loungewear are quite eye-catching. Each pattern is created in-house by Kiran Jade and Will Ryan, the designers behind Wolven. The shapes and lines of the designs are placed in such a way to give women a slimming effect. Even better, the stretchy high-rise waistbands on some of their pants are wide, and they wrap around the hips and tummy in a certain way to smooth it out and minimize your tummy.  

cute comfortable clothes

As for my favorites:

  • Crossover Pocket Leggings. Not only are the leggings gorgeous and bright, but they are made using post-consumer recycled plastic. We love that this pair has a pocket because as a mom you are always holding something for someday; pacifier, crayon, booger that got handed to you in the grocery store, etc. 
  • Graphic Tees. Woven has plenty of cute matching tanks to go with their leggings, but we prefer their graphic tees. They have a looser fit and are super soft. 

Athleta

athleta loungewear

If you love softer-than-clouds fabrics, then you’ll love the comfy and stylish clothes from Athleta. It’s like a one-stop-shop for moms. They sell tops, bottoms, dresses, rompers, jackets, wraps, hats, shoes, and swimming suits.

We love the subtle feminine touches of their loungewear. They also have some of the best jumpsuits and rompers! As for their leggings, the stretchiness of the material is really comfortable to wear. It doesn’t feel like spandex at all, and the waist doesn’t roll down! It also keeps the awkward jiggling down to a minimum and keeps everything together in all the right places, so you can strut your stuff with confidence. 

As for my favorites:

  • Ultimate 2 in 1 Support Top. I love this Athleta tank because it offers extra support. It has a snug fit with a loose overlay that holds everything in place while hiding any imperfections, and it doesn’t cut in– this is pretty important for women with larger chests.

Lululemon

Chances are if you don’t already have a pair yourself, you’ve at least heard your friends raving about their “Lulus.” If you haven’t, then here’s what you need to know. All of their clothes are really comfortable and in style, but they’re known for their leggings, they’re very flattering and smooth out all of these annoying bumps on your legs.

Lululemon believes in self-improvement and living your best life, so they produce clothes to help women gain confidence while they work on meeting their personal goals. After all, women are more likely to get things done when they feel their best, right?

They have so many prints to choose from, and they look great with almost anything! So, even if you dress down, or mix it up, you’ll still look good.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by lululemon (@lululemon) on

As for my favorites:

  • Align Super High Rise Short. I know that biker shorts are still an “I don’t know if I really like this” type of trend. Just try them out and believe me, they will be your new favorite to wear around the house. They are sweat-wicking and buttery soft. 
  • Align Leggings. Lululemon has many options when it comes to leggings, but nothing beats a pair of Aligns. They are weightless, soft, and hold you in all the right places. 

Upwest

Upwest produces tailor-made clothes specifically designed for comfort– they actually have a section dedicated to “Comfort Essentials.” You can’t go wrong with their matching sets. They have a natural chic feel, and some of them come with a charming tie that goes around your waist. You can mix up the items to create different looks making it easy to create a capsule wardrobe of loungewear. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by UpWest (@go_upwest) on

As for my favorites:

  • Wear Everywhere Sweatshirt Dress. You can wear this dress just about anywhere, whether you are at home or running to the store. Plus, it will match any shoe or accessory you use.
  • Sherpa-Lined Cardigan. This is a must-have! You won’t find one like it anywhere else and it is literally like wearing a blanket.

Free People

mom clothes

Like the name says, Free People creates unique loungewear for ladies who love bohemian apparel. Most of their clothes are long-flowing with an airy feel that gives your skin a sense of freedom. Their selection is actually really impressive! They offer head-to-toe outfits, crazy comfortable pants, long t-shirt/sweater dresses, and many more. If you want to complete the “Boho” look, then check out their sandals and accessories to add a vintage touch.

As for my favorites:

  • Sunny Skinny Sweatpants. These pants are chic while still being extremely comfortable, which makes them one of my favorite items in this whole list. Every mom needs one pair of sweats that are cute enough to be worn out and about while running errands, and this pair definitely fits that criteria. 
  • Dani Swing Tank. For warmer weather, we love this flowy breathable ribbed tank. It’ll pair perfectly with your favorite pair of sweats or leggings. You can also dress it up with jeans or shorts for a day out. 

LyssÄ›’s

comfortable mom clothes

The designers at LyssÄ›’s aim to provide breathable and washable high-end clothes that are cozy and timeless. It’s like vogue loungewear. They have options for every body type and style, making them popular with plus-sized women. 

Did I mention they have vegan leather pants? Oh, and they have added sleek jackets and tops to go with their ahh-mazingly wonderful leggings!

As for my favorites:

  • Leggings. These leggings are not only trendy but flattering, too. For starters, they cover the full belly, and the waist does not roll down at all. They’re created with careful seam and waistband placements along with a 4-way stretch to let you move beautifully and comfortably.
  • Martina Short Sleeve Top. It can be really hard to find a flattering longer shirt that will cover your behind when wearing leggings, but this shirt is perfect! It’s flowy and flattering with a longer back and split sides. 

P.E. Nation

P.E. Nation is a newer brand that centers around creating quality designed modern athleisure that is considered comfortable and fashion-forward. Their products are a must-have among many celebrities. If you like tight-fitting clothing that makes your body look good, then this is the brand for you! The leggings usually have stripes on the sides to slim down your legs, and you can match them with P.E. Nation’s fashionable bra tops.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by P.E NATION (@p.e.nation) on

Most of their apparel has a high-contrast retro feel with bold color blocks and stripes placed carefully against a black backdrop. The colors have a shaping effect (the good kind). The fabrics are made from polyester and elastane, to make sure any sweat is whisked away, so you can feel comfortable during any activity– even if you’re chilling at home.

They also have loose-fitting loungewear with softer tones. Their oversized sweaters and hoodies are super cozy and durable.

As for my favorites:

  • Field Tracksuit in Pale Peach. This tracksuit has that vintage classic look to it. It’s heavyweight so it will keep you warm and cozy. The pale peach color is perfect for a subtle pop of color. 

Splendid

mom clothes

The people behind Splendid believe that women should have loungewear that’s amazing and in style no matter where they go. Their products come in various sizes and styles, so there’s a little bit of everything. Looking for the perfect at-home outfit? Say no more.

Their tops and bottoms are classy, yet comfortable enough that you could curl up with a good book in the comfort of your home. And they have jumpsuits too! They also sell a variety of sweaters, cardigans, and wraps that are super chic but still casual.

Recently, they added a new collection to their line called “The Supersoft Collection,” that’s relaxed, refined, and seriously soft! And they wash really well. To mix it up a bit, they have some camo and tie-dye prints along with neutral colors. 

As for my favorites:

  • Cora Half-Zip. This fleece nylon zip-up is super trendy and cozy. I love the drawstring bottom that you can use for a perfect fit. 
  • Campside Short. I think every mom should have a pair of comfortable campsite shorts. This pair is so cute and you can easily dress them up or down. They have a relaxed fit and you can pair them with all sorts of tops. 

You deserve to have clothes you feel good about and comfortable in! As moms, we’re always on the go (even when we’re just in the house) and the brands above all make clothes to withstand that. I hope this list has helped you to find your new comfortable go-to! 

You May Also Like:

50 Inspirational Quotes About Life and Struggles for Moms

Gifts for a New Mom in the Hospital [Our 15 Favorites!]

75 New Mom Quotes to Warm Your Heart

25 Fun Activities for 4 Year Olds with Household Items!

Below, you’ll find a list of 25 activities for 4 year olds that you can try at home. These activities are fun, stimulating, and won’t break the bank and they utilize many common household items!

Four is a very special age when it comes to the mental, physical, emotional, and social development of a child. Just past the torrential toddler stage, slightly more independent, yet still irrevocably adorable and inquisitive as ever. The mind of a four-year-old is still like a sponge, and they are constantly learning about the world around them through experience. As caregivers, we do our best to offer activities that not only entertain them but stimulate their minds. 

25 Fun Activities for 4 Year Olds with Household Items!

kid playing dress up

Activities for 4 Year Olds with ONLY Household Items

Homemade Instruments

DIY projects are always the best. Making instruments at home is a fun and cheap activity for your four-year-old and you both can enjoy an in-home concert! Here are a few instruments you can make at home with stuff you most likely have:

Rain-maker: Take some uncooked rice and place it inside a cardboard roll (toilet paper or paper towel) and secure both ends.

Harmonica: Tape plastic straws together that are cut at different lengths.

Baking

Activities for 4 Year Olds

It’s no secret that young children love baked goods- but how fun would it be if they could learn how to make their favorite treats? Baking with your four-year-old is an activity that comes with a multitude of benefits. Learning to read and understand recipes, measure, and count time are all benefits of baking with your four-year-old.

This activity also teaches patience and the importance of paying attention because they get a yummy reward at the end.

Dress Up

Costumes don’t always have to come from a Halloween store at a steep price. With a little imagination, you and your four-year-old can use some items from around the house to come up with their own unique costume. When you’re done, have fun with some imaginative play!

DIY Play Dough

Activities for 4 Year Olds

Homemade playdough is easier than you think! Here’s a  great recipe – you probably have all the ingredients around your house! It’s inexpensive, you can make as many colors as you like, and it’s non-toxic! This playdough can also last for a few months if stored in a Ziploc baggie.

Cheese graters, cookie cutters, and other household objects can be used as molds to make cool soft creations.

At Home Puppet Theater and Show

Making your own puppets and a puppet show theater is actually pretty easy. There are plenty of cool DIY ideas online and puppets can easily be made from old socks, paper bags, or just about anything your four-year-old can stick googly eyes on (with your permission of course!).

Watching your four-year-old put on a puppet show can also give you a glimpse as to what’s on their minds.

Creative Activities for 4 Year Olds

Finger/Feet Painting

Not only is painting with hands and feet loads of fun, but it’s also great way to get in some sensory play. Washable finger paints are easily found online or in craft stores, and you can recycle old newspapers, paper bags, or junk mail to use as a canvas. There are so many different creations you and your little one can make together with your built-in paintbrushes.

Find a cute room and decorate the playroom or kid’s bathrooms with your creations!

DIY Silly Putty

Let’s face it, kids love potty sounds, I know I did as a kid! Combine borax, school-glue, and some food coloring to make your own silly putty that’ll have your four-year-old laughing hysterically!

Make a Collage

Finally a use for those old magazines and newspapers collecting dust in your attic! Collages are fun to put together and the end product is a satisfying project for any four-year-old. Whether you’re making a dream/vision board or just a collage of favorite things, your little one can express their creativity with different colors and scissors with different designs.

DIY Storybook

Activities for 4 Year Olds

Having your four-year-old create their own storybook is a really enjoyable way to enhance their reading and writing skills. Staple a few blank pages together and let your little one’s imagination run wild, complete with hand-drawn illustrations. When they’re done, read the book together!

Invent a New Toy

Creativity in a four-year-old is full of imagination and innovation. Why not have them invent a new toy with household items?

DIY Bird Feeder

A DIY bird feeder is an easy home project and your four-year-old will love seeing the different types of birds and other woodland critters come up for a bite. Simply find a pine cone and have your four-year-old cover it with peanut butter, attached a string, and hang it up outside where you can see!

Gardening

kid gardening

You don’t have to have a green thumb to enjoy this activity with your little one. Many large retail home and garden stores sell already sprouted plants, all you have to do is plant them and water! Tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs are all fairly easy starter plants.

Yes, your four-year-old might ask you every day if the plants are ready to harvest, but the joy on their faces when that day comes is incomparable, and they can take pride in their hard work and patience.

Sidewalk Chalk

On a warm sunny day, there’s no better activity than covering a driveway or patio in bright and colorful creations with your four year old. Your little one will love spending time doodling on this giant canvas.

Create a New Song

If you listen closely, you’ll often hear your four-year-old singing a silly song they made up. Why not join them? Write down the lyrics and record them on your phone.

If you’re handy with an instrument, accompany your little one. If not, it’s still fun to add in some DIY instruments.

Classic Activities to Play Together

Legos

kids playing legos

Most of us probably grew up with Legos in our home. Whether you and your four-year-old are working together to build a specific Lego kit, or just having fun and letting imaginations go wild, building with Lego blocks are a great way to express creativity and fine-tune those developing fine motor skills.

Puzzles

On a day where the weather may not be the best for outdoor activities, a puzzle might be just what you and your four-year-old need to chill out and concentrate on for some time. Puzzles are a great way to spend some downtime with your four-year-old, talking and working together.

Karaoke

Who doesn’t love a good karaoke session? Whether you and your four-year-old are performing in the car or at home, karaoke is a fun activity that releases energy and brings you and your little one closer. Sing along to the radio or find the karaoke version of your favorite song on YouTube!

Hide and Seek

Hide-and-seek is a fun activity that only requires you and your four-year-old! For a few extra “players” hide some stuffed animals or action figures around the house.

Freeze Dance!

Freeze dance is a fun way to release some of that four-year-old energy. The rules are simple: play your favorite song and when the music stops, everyone has to freeze!

Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts don’t have to wait until Easter time. This is an easy and educational activity for your four-year-old than can be done with objects already at home. Create a list of everything you’re hiding and let your four-year-old find them and check off the boxes. 

Add an extra challenging element by making an obstacle course to get to some of the items!

“Simon/Simone Says”

I’m sure we’ve all played this game at some point in our lives, and it’s a timeless one. This game is a quick activity that only requires you and your four-year-old. Simon/Simone says is a great way for four-year-olds to learn to give and receive directions.

Sink or Float?

My son’s current favorite internet personality is Blippi. Blippi creates highly interactive videos for young preschool-age children and provides many great ideas for parents on activities they can do with their young ones. One simple activity is the “sink or float” game – it’s just as simple as it sounds. All you need is a large container filled with water, like a spare fish tank and a few items you don’t mind getting wet.

Ask your four year old if they think the item will “sink or float”, and then test out their theory!

Paper Airplanes

A classic indoor or outdoor activity that we’ve all enjoyed ourselves when we were younger. Paper airplanes don’t have to be simple. There are plenty of online ideas on how to create a unique plane that’ll be loads of fun to test out.

Pretend School

Activities for 4 Year Olds

As four-year-olds are preparing to enter kindergarten, they may be curious as to how the school day will go. A great activity to get them used to the formal school day is to set up a pretend school. Let your four-year-old be the teacher and you and other family members (or stuffed animals) can be the students. This is also a great learning activity as your little one will be “teaching” and leading the class.

These are just a few of the many activities that you can do with your four-year-old at little to no cost. Whether you’re spending the day indoors or enjoying some fresh air, there’s always plenty to do with your little one. 

You May Also Like:

The Ultimate Guide for Hunkering Down at Home [Indoor Activities & More!]

5 Quotes That Will [Help Break You Out of the Mom Slump]

Treat Mama to a Little Luxury- Our Mother’s Day Favorites

Pin for Later: 25 Fun Activities for 4 Year Olds with Household Items!

How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower [Invites, Decor, & Games]

Turns out all you really need to host a baby shower is an internet connection! A baby shower is a very special celebration of the mom-to-be, so despite everything going on it’s still important to make it happen. Luckily, we live in the digital age. With things like Zoom and online games, you can easily have an amazing celebration with friends and family. Below is your guide on how to throw a virtual baby shower with tips on everything from the platforms to make it happen, the invites, decor, party games, and more! 

How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower

virtual baby shower

1. How to Gather

The first choice you need to make is how you are going to gather everyone together. Just because you can’t physically be together doesn’t mean you can’t connect. I think we’ve all learned that recently. Video chatting is likely going to be the best route for throwing a virtual baby shower, but don’t forget there are many platforms to choose from! 

Video Chat

zoom call

If you’ve been working from home, or even just staying in touch with friends and family during this quarantine, you’re likely acquainted with tools like Facetime group video calls, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom. These are all great options for including people in your virtual shower!

Zoom and Skype are both free and you can invite many guests for free, 100 on Zoom & 50 on Skype, making them the most popular options. 

The All-in-One Virtual Baby Shower Option

There is also a service called WebBabyShower made exclusively for helping you gather friends near and far to celebrate the arrival of your little bundle of joy. They offer everything you need, including email invitations, a gift registry, online games, and guest books, and even video and photo albums. You do pay a fee for the service, but they’re offering special deals right now!

2. Invitations

Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to let everyone know how and when you’ll be gathering for this virtual baby shower. Don’t worry too much about people not understanding the concept, it’s fairly normal and completely makes sense with everything going on! 

A More Traditional Option

A couple of good options to create a more traditional looking invitation are Evite and Paperless Post, check out some of our favorite cards from them! 

The Facebook Route

You can also create an Event on Facebook, then invite everyone to the page. We like this option because it is an easy way to drop the video chat link for everyone to join in for the baby shower. You can add photos to create a theme and share updates and reminders in your Facebook Event.

You can also use the event page after your shower to share photos, and even updates once the baby arrives.

3. Décor

Figuring out the technology of how you will gather together virtually is one thing, but how you’ll create the ambiance for your online baby shower is another project altogether. Some platforms, like Zoom, offer virtual backgrounds to choose from. However, we love the idea of buying a few items to decorate your space just as you would have for an in-person baby shower. It will make it feel more “real” and we know there is at least one piece of decor you’ve been hanging!

baby shower banner

By hanging a baby shower banner and pink or blue streamers behind you in view of your camera, your guests will really feel like they’re there with you. Even though you aren’t getting the opportunity to decorate a full space the way you probably envisioned, you can still let your creativity and personality shine through on camera.

4. Your Registries

Baby shower registries have been online for quite some time now, and the majority of people expect to look at them virtually. So, this part of your virtual baby shower won’t necessarily be much different for your guests. Many stores offer fantastic perks when you create a registry, like free gift boxes and discounts on your own purchases!

You can choose to create a baby registry at your favorite stores like Buy Buy Baby, Pottery Barn, or Target. You can also go completely virtual with a registry on Amazon. Now just to decide what you need! Check out our essentials checklist for newborns here. 

Rookie Mom Pro Tips:

  • Since some items are in short supply right now or subject to lengthy delivery times, you can also use the Amazon Group Gifting option to allow people to contribute money to your registry. Then, you’ll receive a gift card that enables you to purchase the items you still need. This is convenient for you, and it also ensures your guests won’t feel stuck purchasing something that may or may not make it to you on time.
  • If you decide you don’t want to do a virtual baby shower, but you’d still like to receive gifts (who wouldn’t?) it can feel like a tricky situation. If you feel awkward asking for gifts yourself, have a friend send out your registry list for you! 

5. The Entertainment

Opening Gifts

If you’ve been looking forward to your friends and family members oohing and awing over tiny baby shoes and butter-soft blankies as you open your gifts, you can still it happen! Your registries will usually offer a way for guests to ship the items directly to you, including gift wrap and a card or personal note enclosed. If you send your invitations with enough time for guests to select gifts and ship them to you before the virtual shower, you’ll be able to open them for all to enjoy. People will love watching the expecting parents open up the adorable items they picked out! 

If you hate opening gifts in front of people, you can totally skip this part! That’s one perk of having a virtual baby shower. 

Baby Shower Games

Fun- and sometimes cheesy- baby shower games are a hallmark of this kind of celebration! You’ll find these readily available at WebBabyShower, discussed above, but there are other options, too. JackBox Games offers party packs for use on multiple platforms if you’re looking for ready-made games.

However, you could also use good old-fashioned email to share Baby Shower Bingo boards or trivia games ahead of time, simply asking your guests to print them out or have them pulled up on the computer during the shower. It’s remarkable just how fun games can be even when you’re not in the same room as the other players! Here’s a shortlist of ideas, but the possibilities are endless:

  • Baby Shower Bingo
  • A Comment Chain of GIFs where you have to post a related picture to the one before it (baby-related is a bonus!)
  • Over or Under 
  • The Oldest Picture Game
  • Guess Baby’s Birthdate and Weight 
  • Match the Baby Picture to the Celebrity 

Don’t Forget the Thank Yous!

Just because your shower is virtual doesn’t mean you should eschew traditional thank yous, like hand-written cards. However, personal email or Facebook Messenger thank you messages also work and will be well-received by your guests.

Although you probably never imagined a scenario that would force you to forego a traditional baby shower, it’s still possible to create a celebration worthy of your little one! Use the guide above to plan a fun and festive virtual baby shower to mark this exciting and memorable time in your life for yourself and for your loved ones.

Do you have more fun ideas for how to throw a virtual baby shower? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!