I created this page so that you could easily find some of the websites, services and products that I find invaluable in this crazy parenting world of mine. If you need more information about a topic, chances are you’ll find it in one of the recommendations below!
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below (click here for more on that), but these are all items that I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t personally used, loved and completely obsessed over.
PREGNANCY AND BABY INFORMATION
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
: The baby bible of what to expect when you’re, of course, expecting. Get the book, check out the website, sign up for the weekly e-mails. You’ll want it all, because let’s be honest: Pregnancy is totally weird and wonderful and terrifying and you have a lot of questions! You’ll also want to check out What to Expect the First Year and What to Expect the Second Year. Think of them as your first line of defense when it comes to childbirth, baby and toddler concerns.
The Bump: Another great, comprehensive pregnancy and baby site. You’ll find out which fruit matches your growing baby’s size each week. It sounds silly, but it’s a rite of mommy passage.
Fit Pregnancy: Stay fit, stay healthy and stay limber so that your pregnancy and your delivery is that much easier…you know, as far as pregnancies and deliveries go.
KellyMom.com: Everything you wanted to know about breastfeeding—and everything you didn’t even know you wanted to know about breastfeeding. Trust me when I say that this site is AMAZING.
Ewg.org: We’re obsessed about what put in our bodies while pregnant, so why aren’t we equally obsessed with the products that we put on our bodies? Actually, I am, and so is the Environmental Working Group. The site provides a comprehensive list of sunscreens that are safe for pregnancy and for kids—and a surprising list of the ones that aren’t. And while we’re on the topic, talk to your doctor about other lotions and potions that you put on your skin and make sure they’re safe for pregnancy.
Baby Bargains: This book isn’t just about getting baby gear on the cheap. It includes the pros and cons of each product, customer reviews and—most important, in my opinion—safety ratings. And when you’re looking to buy big-ticket items for your little one, make sure to check out my personal algorithm for finding the best baby products on the market.
The Happiest Baby on the Block
: How can you help calm and soothe a newborn? By mimicking the coziness of your womb and helping him adjust to life on the outside during “the fourth trimester.” The book is a bit overwritten, but skim it and you’ll get the very important gist.
GOOD CAUSES
A few causes that are near and dear to me. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little worlds, but children other than our own are also in need of protection, care and love.
UNICEF: Advocates for and protects disadvantaged children around the globe, with a special focus on those affected by war, disaster, poverty and exploitation.
Make a Wish Foundation: Grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
: Treats children afflicted with catastrophic diseases, as well as funds research for cures and means of prevention.
FORCE: Helps individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
ASPCA: Works to prevent animal cruelty throughout the U.S. and to find pets their forever homes. Furry babies need our help, too.