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Well, nipples, we’ve had a good ride. For nine months and three weeks, we essentially coasted through breastfeeding. Sure, there were cracks in the beginning; Daddy bought stock in Lansinoh Lanolin. Round-the-clock nursing left you burning up; we pushed aside some oranges in the produce drawer to clear space for cooling gel pads. But for the most part, you escaped unscathed. Until December 1, when our little girl’s very first tooth emerged, popping its head out of her lower gums like a tentative woodchuck on Groundhog Day....

Some scary health concerns are putting the publication of a new cookbook for new moms, babies and toddlers on hold. Specifically, health officials are worried paleo recipes might actually kill babies. Bubba Yum Yum: The Paleo Way is the latest cookbook from Australian celebrity chef Pete Evans. It’s a collaboration with mom blogger Charlotte Carr and naturopath Helen Padarin. Recipes include runny eggs and extra salt, but it’s the bone-broth milk formula that really has people concerned....

A good activity mat should serve up some serious entertainment for baby—and this whimsical one from Skip Hop, which features many key developmental activities, will make baby one happy camper throughout several growth stages. WHAT WE LOVE The adorable tent poles, dangling toys and scenic mesh backdrop are all removable, creating incredible versatility: Baby can enjoy overhead play, tummy time or seated play, all with one mat Over 17 built-in activities encourage developmental milestones and sensory skills, and cute critter-themed toys, like the turtle mirror, light-up firefly, bear rattle and raccoon teether, keep baby engaged...

A lot has changed since fashion blogger Kate Brennan attended her baby shower in 2013. At the time, the mom-to-be was a buyer at Ralph Lauren, living in New York City with her husband, and expecting their first child, whose gender was a surprise. Now, two-and-a-half years later, the couple has since relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they are parents to daughter Isabella, and are expecting another daughter this July....

Engaging with young babies is crucial for their development: Talking to them, making silly faces, taking them out for walks, having them meet friends and doing age-appropriate activities are all great ways to introduce infants to the world around them. But just as with anything, it’s totally possible to overdo it. (What’s that saying about too much of a good thing?) Similar to adults, babies can become overwhelmed by activities and environments....

It’s no secret that pregnancy comes with its own unique set of aches and pains. But while you’ve probably heard of things like round ligament pain, tailbone pain during pregnancy doesn’t get a lot of attention. Still, it can and does happen. Grappling with butt pain during pregnancy? Here are some possible causes, plus what you can do to treat it. In this article: What causes tailbone pain during pregnancy? How to ease tailbone pain during pregnancy When to call the doctor about tailbone pain...

You carried baby for over nine months—nine+ long months of reading about baby’s week-by-week development, stocking up on newborn essentials and learning how to care for an infant. And then it happened: Your water broke, baby came and life as you knew it changed forever. Of course, by then you were prepped and ready for all the changes baby was about to go through. But how prepared were you for the toll it would all take on your body?...

As a parent, you want to make sure your child is well cared for, especially if the worst should happen and you aren’t around to raise them—which is why creating a will is a smart move. But a lot of people put off this important task, eager to avoid a mountain of paperwork. Good news: There’s such a thing now as e-wills, which allow you to fill out all the forms electronically....

Rachel opened up to The Bump about the best and worst parenting advice she’s gotten (and her perspective is very refreshing!). She also let us in on how she’s giving back to families in need. The Bump: What’s something most people would be surprised to know about your pregnancy? Rachel Zoe: Being pregnant with Sky was really great actually. Maybe the fact that I wore heels until I gave birth. A lot of people made fun of me for it....

Baby’s birth involves a few hundred — no, thousand — feelings for mom! You’re in love, all over again, with a tiny baby you’ve been growing inside of you; you’re nervous; you’re suddenly aware that life is just more than sleeping in on Saturdays and a good manicure. But for some moms, baby’s birth also brings with it tons of feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness. Moms who experience the baby blues aren’t alone....

Like any sleep training strategy, the Ferber method has its supporters and critics. Letting baby “cry it out” can make you feel like an inattentive parent. But how else are they supposed to learn? Good news for parents looking to give it a go: About a quarter of infants who wake up crying are able to settle themselves back to sleep on their own, according to the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics....

Motherhood. It’s the most amazing, most confusing journey of your life. But it also comes with its fair share of ironies. Like, oh, baby is finally sleeping through the night, but it’s in your bed. Or the fact that you just bought baby a whole new slew of pacifiers, but baby now hates his paci. Oh yes, there’s no shortage of ironies with a little one in the house. Here are 11 more ironies all mommies can relate to: 1....

The results are in: According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular names of 2009 were—drum roll, please—Jacob and Isabella. Yep, looks like Twilight fever has hit the baby name scene hard. We have to hand it to Jacob, though, who’s been going strong for the last 10 years — long before we were all besieged by shirtless Taylor Lautner pics. As for Isabella, she’s been hanging out among the favorites for years now herself, though it took awhile to finally nab the top spot (no doubt with some help from Bella Swan)....

The Bump presents #MomBoss, a series dedicated to showing off all-star moms. We catch up with mompreneurs behind products we love, influencers who get real about motherhood and SAHMs who can multitask in their sleep. One of the things Liz Eichholz decided to do after she got married was give her linen closet an update. But her search for new towels was far more complicated and frustrating than she expected. When she didn’t find what she was looking for, Liz decided to create her own line of luxury towels....

This is a guest post written by Dr. Winifred Soufi, a mom and OB/GYN. Don’t skip meals! Be well rested! Stay hydrated! Alleviate stress! Sound familiar? Most mothers-to-be are aware of these common recommendations, but I wish every mother knew a few other less frequently discussed tips regarding the health and safety of their baby, which are just as important. As an OB/GYN of Women’s Health Associates and a mother myself, I encourage expectant mothers to be mindful of these invaluable tips....

A twin pregnancy can be really special, as it offers double the love and excitement. But it can also be stressful. Doctors often categorize twin or multiple pregnancies as high-risk for complications and monitor them closely. One of the increased risks of a twin pregnancy is the miscarriage of one twin, called vanishing twin syndrome. Though the remaining baby generally goes on to have a healthy delivery, it can be a heartbreaking loss for parents who were told they were expecting twins....

Pregnant women are like beacons for unsolicited advice. And when you’re carrying twins, that unwanted advice tends to, well, double. When I was pregnant with my now one-year-old twins, everyone had something to say about it. Usually, I got comments along the lines of “double trouble,” or “you’ll have your hands full.” And when people found out I was expecting a boy and a girl, many congratulated me on getting it all “out of the way” in one go....

Types of Nursing Covers The nursing shawl. This option looks just like a “normal” shawl, in that it’s a large piece of fabric that can be draped across the shoulders and used for warmth as well as discreet nursing. Strategically placed buttons let you fully cover baby within the folds of the fabric. The nursing poncho. These are made from a single piece of fabric that slips over your head and covers the front, sides and back, providing slip-free coverage for nursing....

What to Look for in a Men’s Diaper Bag When it comes to a diaper bag for dad, comfort is key. With this in mind, look for large diaper bags that have been specifically designed for the male physique or have adjustable straps. A convertible diaper bag is also a great option, as it can be worn multiple ways or clipped onto a stroller when you need to go hands-free....

You’ve decided to try for a baby—congrats! But do you know how to go about trying to maximize your shot at conceiving? The truth is, women may experience certain symptoms that can signal when she’s ovulating and at peak fertility, which is helpful to know, so you can time sex with your partner appropriately. So what should you be on the lookout for? The following signs of fertility in women may help boost your chances of getting pregnant each month....