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I love the look of maternity overalls, and Storq has a great pair.
Their Maternity Anytime Overalls feature a roomy fit, tapered leg, and adjustable straps so that they work for moms-to-be who are tall, petite, or anywhere in between. The fabric is a soft, lightweight cotton jersey that stretches with your growing bump or to nurse or pump afterwards. They’re also C-section friendly!
These overalls come in four colors perfect for fall (black, shell, cinnamon, and sage). As the weather cools down, I’d layer it as pictured with a tee and roomy waterfall cardigan for a comfortable weekend look.
The overalls are $105 and come in sizes 1 (XS) through 7 (3X).
Sales of note for 4.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Spring Mid-Season Sale: Up to 50% off 100s of styles
- Nordstrom: Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- Zappos – 29,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – Up to 70% off baby items; 50% off toddler & kid deals & 40% off everything else
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off spring faves; 25% off new arrivals; up to 30% off spring
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Up to 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off kids’ spring-to-summer styles
- Old Navy – 30% off your purchase; up to 75% off clearance
- Target – Car Seat Trade-In Event (ends 4/27); BOGO 25% off select skincare products; up to 40% off indoor furniture; up to 20% off laptops & printers
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Anonymous says
I confess maternity overalls leave me cold. They just look so juvenile and hideous to me.
Cb says
Weirdly, for me, they were one of my pregnancy regrets. I think they are adorable and I regret being too cheap to buy a pair.
Anon says
they are not for me either. i had to pee 24/7 and this would just take too long.
Anonymous says
Agreed — something built for speed (elastic waist) is key; this is not that.
Anon says
The most charitable thing I have to say about maternity overalls is “good for you and NOT for me!”
anonM says
Overalls are so cute on some women! My sister can pull them off, and right when I saw these I thought “she’d look so cute in these pregnant!!” But, she can also pull of grandma sweaters and look hip and cute, whereas I’d look simply frumpy. We all have our crosses to bear hahha.
Booster shot says
Has anyone seen guidance on whether pregnancy qualifies for a Pfizer vaccine booster?
Anonymous says
Yes. It does. Pregnancy is one of the conditions which permits a booster if you are under 50.
Anon says
Yes and I gave birth last Monday! Ughhh! Had my second shot at end of March and it was Pfizer so wishing I’d managed to get it!
Anonymous says
The CDC list also says recently pregnant, defined as within 42 days postpartum.
Earlier poster says
Thank you!
Anon says
You can still get it! The CDC says “pregnant and recently pregnant people.”
Earlier poster says
Thank you!
Anon says
Yes, it’s on the CDC’s list of underlying conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
If you click on the hyperlinked phrase “underlying medical conditions” it lists a bunch, including pregnancy.
anonamama says
Good news to share: after 6 mos of unemployment, I landed a ‘dream’ job! Senior management, 40% salary increase over my previous role, flex hours, and hybrid schedule. Such a reward after a long and tough period. DH still out of work so this is a big sigh of relief. This hive subbed in as virtual coworkers of the best variety!
Boston Legal Eagle says
Woo, great news, congrats! I’ve often felt that this group has been my set of virtual coworkers and friends these last few (18+…) pandemic months. Hope you can celebrate soon!
TheElms says
Yay!! Congratulations!!!! I hope you are proud (I think you should be!)
GCA says
Aww, congratulations!! That’s fantastic news.
Cb says
Wow, that is AMAZING news!
Anon says
so thrilled for you! hopefully the salary increase helps a bit with the time out of work. hope DH finds something soon too!
Spirograph says
Congratulations! I hope you love it.
Anon. says
Congrats!!
Anonymous says
Well done, you!
IHeartBacon says
Congrats!! I”m so happy to hear of it.
anonamommy says
Congratulations! What a great opportunity!
Can you share any insight into how you found it? DH has been looking and he’s not getting calls for things he qualifies for. I’m ready to hire a resume coach for him but he wants to keep working on his own.
Anonymous says
Not OP, but these days it seems only a personal connection of some sort is going to get you a call. If you’re just submitting resumes or applications through the employer’s site or a job site, if you don’t get weeded out by an algorithm for some ridiculous reason you’ll end up on an overwhelmingly large list of names to be screened by HR. Nobody who has any idea what the qualifications really are has anything to do with the screening process. Getting a call on a blind submission is like winning the lottery.
anonamama says
OP here. I worked with an outplacement service that provided resume help and career coaching. This particular job was a posting I responded to– but guidance from coach to ‘get to the hiring manager’ led me to lean on a connection who passed along my resume internally, getting to screening portion faster. Both resume writer and career coach have side gigs – I would HIGHLY recommend them — and happy to share info. I can post burner email in a bit if interested!
AnonFTM says
Congrats!!! That all sounds wonderful for you.
Pogo says
YES GIRL GET ITTTT
anonamama says
I love it! Thanks all!!!
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous says
Looking to get some new work from home pieces. I think what I want are some tunic tops and also some cotton cardigans that are sort of drapey and easy to throw on before a Zoom session. And some warm winter leggings. Any suggestions?
Boston Legal Eagle says
I basically live in Nordstrom’s Zella Live In High Waist Leggings all fall and winter. They’re not warm enough for the coldest days but I can still wear them out for fall weekends and quick pickups even in winter. For tops, I mostly have Athleta sweaters now for my work from home times, but those are probably a little too athleisure for nice zoom tops.
OP says
Thanks! I already have some Athleta sweaters and love those.
Anon says
Modal and spandex, not cotton, but one of my favorite desk sweaters ever (and for plus size ladies I have this in a 2X): https://www.target.com/p/women-s-cozy-lightweight-fleece-cardigan-all-in-motion/-/A-82472791?preselect=82205390#lnk=sametab
Anon says
And for warm winter leggings I would go for underarmour cold gear. They are too warm for me to wear indoors for any length of time (I run hot) but I wear them skiing or for winter walks.
OP says
That cardigan is exactly what I am looking for, thank you! And good to know on the UA leggings, had not tried them before.
octagon says
I just ordered the Pranayama wrap from athleta after reading about it here.
For leggings, I like the fleece-lined Baleaf ones on Ama*on. Order now because they are harder to find once cold weather hits.
OP says
I should pull the trigger on the Pranayama wrap, I have been eyeing it awhile. Thanks!
Anonymous says
It is a wardrobe workhorse. In black it even reads as a blazer on Zoom.
AwayEmily says
Old Navy has some fleece-lined leggings that I like a lot. LL Bean does too, though they are more $$.
OP says
I forgot about LL Bean. I had some that were really uncomfortable but I think the sizing was off. I may try again but size up and ignore their fit chart.
Easy weeknight meal says
On know there’s sometimes threads on this, but I just found another one!
The Whole Foods near me has su vide chicken and bagged stir fry veggies. The brands are Kevin’s Keto and Taylor Farms. They both have a coconut curry that mix together great. Literally ten minutes of cooking, served with rice from the rice cooker. It’s a little spicy for our 5yo, but we just let her eat leftovers.
anon says
The Kevin’s coconut curry is divine. +1 on this recommendation!
Carpooling vehicle? says
Trying to decide whether a bigger car makes sense for our family, and would love some perspective from people with older kids who have navigated carpool logistics/politics. Plus this board seems to have good advice about car selection generally!
Kids are 4.5 and 1.5, now in preschool walking distance from our house, but we’ll likely need to drive at least one of them once older one is in K next year. For now car is used for weekend excursions, pediatrician visits, Costco runs, and my engineer husband sometimes drives to local construction sites for work. We have a 2010 Subaru Outback that we bought used and already high mileage. It’s served us well but has electrical system issues, and with kindergarten and increased kid activities on the horizon I’m thinking it may be time to replace. I really want carpooling to be an option, and I imagine we’d be a more appealing family to carpool with if we have capacity for 4 kids, so we can pair with another family with 2 kids. For those who have done carpooling, what else do you take into account – does a nicer/newer car affect the decision? Even separate from carpool, being able to seat 6 in one car would be awesome because we like to host friends/family who visit by plane/train.
In terms of a specific car, we are not opposed to a minivan, but strongly prefer that our next car be a hybrid and it seems like there are more options for SUVs, plus my husband driving on construction sites makes an SUV more attractive. I’m looking at the Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan and the hybrid Toyota Highlander. Are there any other hybrid vans or 3 row SUVs we should we considering? We are not luxury car people (have only ever bought used subarus!) but are open to options.
Anonymous says
We only have one kid, and not having a vehicle with a third row has still been a real hassle for carpooling. We adore our Prius, so I’d look at the hybrid Highlander. A minivan is like a living room on wheels, which you will either love or hate.
Anon says
I only have one child but we’ve never really carpooled or seen the need for it. We do bring a friend on excursions sometimes, but I thought that was more common for only children than for families with 2+ kids. I could see how a six seater would be useful if you had two kids and grandparents who are local or visit regularly (it’s very convenient being able to put our family + my local parents in one car to take roadtrips, go out to dinner, etc.)
Anonymous says
I will say that a minivan has the best back seat room of any vehicle I’ve ever been in. If you will regularly have adults in the back, they will love you if you have a minivan (if not today, over the life you will have your car). Also, it is gold to be able to carpool over the summer (where we live, the good summer camps are 10ish miles from our house, so driving 1/2 (two families sharing) to 1/3 of the time (three) in a minivan is golden. I’m a former econobox driver, but this makes my life so much easier (sliding doors!) and I’m all about that.
anon says
I find that carpooling depends more upon logistics working than the car. We have a 5 and 8 yo and still haven’t really started carpooling. The kids just don’t have enough regular practices to make it work, as most activities are still 1x a week. I think carpooling probably works better when the same activities has practice 2-3x a week AND there are local teammates. I’d be surprised if you start carpooling anytime soon.
I’d be pretty critical of some of those hybrid SUVs–the mileage is still pretty darn bad if you care about emissions. We have the plug in hybrid Pacifica and it has been great. We can do all our local driving on electric and only get gas for roadtrips, so just a handful of tanks a year. We do find a minivan is easier for kids getting in and out than an SUV, especially with your kids being younger. The auto sliding doors are amazing.
avocado says
In our experience, a carpool is mainly necessary for sports or dance where there are multiple afternoon practices/classes each week and more than one kid from the same school on the team. For families with two working parents, a good carpool can mean the difference between sports and no sports, or between $0 child care costs and $$$ for a driving nanny. We had a couple of years where driving carpool from school to practice once a week got us out of paying for after-school child care because practice was nearly every day and started right after school. We did find car size, but not fanciness, a limiting factor in joining carpools.
Anonymous says
I will counter with summer camps being where I do my carpooling (I drive mornings, one mom drives afternoons) and also for social outings (taking a bunch of kids to the movies, camping, to a thing, or just to play, which will come back at some point over the life of your vehicle).
I have a Honda Odyssey that I love but with more camping/hiking on our plate in areas where the last mile isn’t often paved, leaning to replacing it with a Telluride. Friends love the AWD Sienna, but I don’t like that this year is a remodel year and they are only making hybrids (not that there are any cars to buy now). Replacement planned for 2022-2023. *
SBJ says
I’ll second the plug in Pacifica. We have one, too, and the vast majority of our driving is electric. We’ve owned it for nearly two years and we’ve put gas in it at most… six times? And most of those times have been because if the gas engine hasn’t run for long enough, the car requires you to go into fuel refresh mode and put a bit of fresh fuel into the tank. I have never filled it up from empty. I hate being a minivan person, but with 3 kids, it’s the right choice for us and I love that it’s basically an EV for our use case. And yeah, the auto sliding doors are amazing.
As for carpooling, I would never consider how fancy someone’s car is, but I would care about how safe my kid is and yours (like are you wedging a third seat into a car that really cannot accommodate 3 across or compromising on what type of seat to use in order to fit kids in, like moving them to a booster when they are too young to do so).
Anonymous says
If your husband is driving to a construction site, the car is not available to car pool. So id think you’re really talking about 2 cars.
Anonymous says
If you are going to carpool, especially if you have all your kids still in carseats, get a minivan. It’s just SO MUCH EASIER.
I have 3 kids and will often give rides to friends for activities, playdates etc. We have a minivan. Friends have other Big Cars (suburban and their ilk) and with young kids the suburbans are hard. As the kids get older (elem) they are fine. But if you are dealing with anything other than booster seats just lease or buy a minivan for the next few years and get something electric then.
Anonymous says
My husband has a Tahoe and I hate it. It is hard to climb into as a 5-4 woman (never mind a kid) and the doors have a weird hinging on them when you have to fling them open or they shut on you . . . not good in a parking lot. And the third row is not roomy at all once kids are non-tiny. So . . . b/w Suburban and minivan, it was not a hard choice at all.
Anonymous says
Family is DH, 5YO (6 next month), and me. We just got a used Honda Pilot (2019) in February. And it truly might be my favorite material purchase of all time. I will have that thing forever and really recommend it.
anon says
Booya. Bring it global warming!
Anonymous says
FWIW – we have 3 kids and just downsized from a minivan to an outback. We may add a minivan again in a few years. I expected elementary school to involve more carpooling than it does in reality. Even when kids have been in same daycamp, parents work hours vary slightly. Like I’m 9-5 and other parent is 8-4 or something. Anecdotally from friends, carpooling picks up in upper elementary and junior high. Smaller city so drive times are shortish anyway so a lot of ppl seem to think carpool is not worth the hassle.
I’d go with an outback again for now (maybe preowned) and reassess in 4-5 years when you get more of a feel for the kids friends/school and how common carpooling is. You can fit three across in the outback so that would allow you to do one of your kids and two other kids if needed.
TheElms says
We are expecting number 2 in the spring and planning to get a 3rd row SUV. We have looked at almost everything in the class that is on the smaller end of the 3rd row SUVs (so not the full size 3rd row SUVs like a Suburban, but instead,
ones like the Mazda CX9, Acura MDX, VolvoXC90, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, VW Atlas, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, BMW X7). Putting the BMW aside (because its the nicest and most expensive) our favorites are the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, VW Atlas, and Kia Telluride. The Car Mom on Instagram reviewers cars for families and she has reviews of a ton of 3rd row SUVs. Its a terrible time to buy a new car (or used because of price) so we are going to stick it out in our current car for a little bit longer and hopefully by next summer things will be better.
anon says
We had a hybrid Highlander. It was fine, but the minivan is way more spacious. My kids are 12, 10 and 8, and it’s just getting really tight back there. We are replacing it with a Sienna.
Anon. says
Anyone have recommendations for toddler and preschooler sized headphones?
Anon says
My only recommendation is to buy ones with Bluetooth! Forget which kind we have but it’s so much easier!
Anon says
Damn, this is a good tip!
Anon says
We love our Puro labs one. Build quality is solid.
EDAnon says
I agree with Bluetooth. We have “regular” ones that can plug into the Kindle but they won’t work on our iPhone/iPad now. I recall when researching them that the need for volume limits was important to preserving hearing. It’s pretty standard on kid headphones.
anonn says
also make sure they aren’t too wide, our daughter can’t sit back in her car seat while wearing because they don’t fit inside the headrest. We have the Midola from Amazon and they’ve been fine, other than how bulky they are in the car seat. my 4 year old doesn’t seem to mind, but I worry about her neck.
Anonymous says
LilGadgets brand. They have bluetooth and traditional options.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
So the ped GI visit went really well! Thanks all who provided insight on their experiences.
The doctor recommend switching DS #2 to G*rber Good Start Pro Gentle. I picked up a can, and he’s sucking it down like it’s nectar from the gods. I can’t for my life find a coupon (and I signed up for g*erber, etc.) Any suggestions? I felt like S*milac ALWAYS has a coupon or 5 to use.
JTM says
Both of my kids were on Gerber Good Start and sadly the coupons were few & far between, compared to Similac/Enfamil. To save on costs, I’d wait for the 1 week a month when Target does a GC/purchase deal on formula & snag several cans. They also sometimes have a discount in Target Circle, so check the app weekly & buy when it’s on sale, normally it’s like a 20% discount.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Thank you – GTK! I went ahead and did Amaz*on subscribe & save so getting at least a bit off with bulk order. Will check on Tarjay as well.
anon says
Just need someplace to anonymously say that I really hope I’m pregnant. 6 days out from getting my period, so I can’t test yet.
AnonFTM says
I’ll cross my fingers and toes for you!!! 6 days out from getting your period is a pretty good sign!
AnonATL says
Mine is due this weekend and we are trying for #2. Work is keeping my brain very occupied this week, but the hopefully pregnant anxiety is still bouncing around in the background.
Good luck!
Anonymous says
Crossing my fingers for you.
Nifty Gifties says
Thinking ahead to the holidays, does anyone have big-ticket (over $100) gift suggestions for a 1.5 year old? My child’s grandparents are already asking but I haven’t thought of anything beyond a play kitchen and water/sand table. I’d love to tell them just college fund contributions, but they want to get something tangible too. Space isn’t a major concern.
Clementine says
Yes. Outdoor toys. A tricycle with a handle + a nutcase helmet. A high quality bike trailer (burley makes nice ones) to tow behind your bike or a Topeak seat for your bike. A micro mini scooter (thanks to this group for suggesting one – not only is my 3 year old obsessed, but the 18 month old loves standing on it and being towed/pushed.)
Experience gifts: A course of swim lessons. Zoo membership.
Cb says
Yes, the Micro Mini with the seat is great at that age. And I still use the Topeak 2-3x a week with a 40lb 4 year old, and wish we had invested earlier.
Nifty Gifties says
Glad to hear this! We actually already have a Topeak that was a hand me down but haven’t tried it yet.
Cb says
It is so good. Nice to be able to change it from my bike / my husbands bike and I swap the seat for a basket and can do our grocery shopping. Kiddo prefers to ride his own bike but it is fab for days when we are late or are going on busy roads or longer distances (he tops out about 3-4 miles)
Pogo says
We have a hand me down Topeak that is still going strong on the 4th kid who has used it. It’s great.
Mary Moo Cow says
Good to know on the Micro Mini. We just gave one to our 6 year old and she’s obsessed. Our 4 year old has been asking for one, but we were thinking of a balance bike for her instead, because I didn’t know how a 4 year old would do with one.
Cb says
My son has been riding his scooter since he was 2, with competence since 3. he got a balance bike at nearly 3 and abandoned the scooter for the balance bike. He’s 4 now and on a bigger balance bike with one pedal. He’s not an advanced physical kid but loves the mobility and happily does 3 miles round trip to nursery.
Scooting says
Agree, I think a Micro Mini is a standard 2 year old gift for NYC kids, or was when we lived there. My 3.5 year old has been doing tricks for a long time.
Anon says
Does it have to be physical? My favorite big gift to give and receive is an annual membership to a zoo or children’s museum. I’ve also heard of grandparents giving the cost of a sports session plus something tangible related to the sport (e.g., swim lessons and a new swimsuit). I know people also like the monthly subscription boxes, but I wasn’t impressed with one we were given by a friend (Little Passports).
Anonymous says
for grandparents that just have to buy something, we have had luck doing museum subscriptions + toy from the museum gift shop
anonM says
LOs’ bdays are close together and close to the holidays, so two sets of grands and an auntie went in on a “fancy” playhouse for both. It is great. I like looking at in the yard, kids love playing in it. AND it didn’t add a bunch of clutter or plastic to my house. Other ideas- Ranger Rick/Highlights has a lot of subscriptions by age group. Or maybe a subscription activity box? We got one last winter for weekend projects to keep them entertained (cancelled during summer because we’re gone more). I also just ordered a more expensive one-piece rain suit (Ollie and Stella Outfitters if you’re in the US) — it’d be practical but still kind of “fun”! I’ve also plugged multiple times to the nap mat for daycare if LO is in childcare. It’s from etsy and has a built-in pillow, blanket, sheet thing that rolls up, can be personalized, and is machine washable (and easy for you to keep track of = win). My kids think it is SO fun and fight over it.
Anonymous says
Balance bike! (My kid was on one at 18 months).
Magnatiles are easy to spend 100$ on.
A zoo membership and animal stuffy or t-shirt (try to get them on board with this concept early! It’ll save you when kid is old enough for after-school classes and sports).
Anon says
Things not yet said: A wagon. We used this with one kid, and so much more often than our double stroller once the second kid was able to sit up. Get the fancy ones that collapse and have a removable canopy if you want extended use. We now use ours (without canopy) to haul sports equipment to games.
Also for a few years, we asked grandparents to help us build our family digital movie library. They got us the digital movies and then a little toy or trinket that represents the movie. So like, all the Disney movies with a toy figurine. Old musicals with a toy drum or xylophone. Classic holiday movies like White Christmas with a Little People Christmas set. (We do family movie night every Friday night so we went through all the movies several times in the last few years!) The biggest hits were “newer” kids movies like Rio (with a board book from the movie), Sing (with a microphone), and Madagascar (with a stuffed lion). We currently have Disney+ and Netflix, but not all of these are available on those platforms. Plus we know we can watch a favorite even if/ when it goes into the vault.
SC says
+1 to a wagon! We used ours for parades and trick-or-treating when Kiddo was younger. Now, we use it to haul stuff at the beach.
Anonymous says
Piggybacking on this, does anyone have a rec for a wooden balance bike (like the cute ones you see in Europe)? I want to get one for my nephew, but not the metal kind. TIA!
Cb says
They are super cute but I know two kids who have had horrific accidents on them because they can’t be steered the same way? But I might just know speed demons. Kidly is a UK site but would give you ideas of brands.
Anonymous says
We had a wooden one (Kinderfeet). It was so heavy I couldn’t take it anywhere and the posts where pedals would be kept my kid from running with it (which they need to do to actually being able to balance). We got a Strider bike was so much better! We have the wooden balance bike to school and in couple weeks the wood had split and one of the handles fell off, so it also can’t be stored outside.
Anon says
A nugget. He’d be a great age to get a lot of use out of it but not yet act too crazy/jump and hang from the chandeliers. I was initially a skeptic but we got ours when our kids are 2 and 4 and will be getting another when we move to a bigger house
Anon says
i know you already said play kitchen, but that plus accessories, they could even get a shopping cart too, is really the best. are you looking for indoor or outdoor toys? at age 2 my twins got scooters. we have a Nugget, which has been great. i am even considering a second one. if you have a big yard and don’t already have one – a swing set? I also wish we had gotten the stokke trip trap, but that might be too practical for them if they prefer to buy toys
Ni says
I have never even heard of a Nugget! Off to find out what that is. And I guess indoor and outdoor suggestions are welcome because he has a summer birthday too. I really want a Tripp Trapp and a generous family offered to buy us one, but idk if there is still any point in getting one when we’d probably only use it for another year at most (and we’re not planning on any more children).
Anon says
it turns into a chair so I think you can actually use them for years to come, even once you take off the harness part. another idea, is an easel (probably not 100+ but once you add in supplies, smock, etc.). i have 3 year old twins and their birthdays are late spring which works out nicely to be about 6 months from the holidays. they got a play kitchen for their first birthday, scooters for their second birthdays and balance bikes for their third birthdays. the Nugget was a covid purchase. something else we’ve gotten a ton of use out of that is cheap, is the little tikes plastic slide.
Anon says
Piggybacking – any recs for a good play kitchen?
Boston Legal Eagle says
We have the KidKraft Farm to Table one – I like and the kids (the 3 year old especially) plays with it a lot. I like that it has storage containers underneath for the play food.
Anon says
+1 we have the same one and I love it (although we have way more play food than would fit in the containers and even when we had less food it was never organized neatly).
Anon says
Hape is our favorite. Smaller footprint, very sturdy, not an eyesore, fairly easy to assemble (my dad and me, under an hour including a redo of one part because DH decided to “help”).
FP says
This may be overkill but in the early days of the pandemic with a 2 and 4 year old at home, I bought a small bounce house and that thing has paid for itself again and again. If you have the space, it can go in a room like a finished basement or living room. I want to say it was $200 for the Little Tikes one. It’s also just the right amount of space for about 4 kids, so great when we have another family over to play.
Anonymous says
A Hape Easel is $80. A few art supplies would bring it up to $100. And… it is an awesome indoor toy.
Anon says
Whyyyyy are people still sending their kids to playdates when they’re sick? At our last two (outdoor) playdates another kid had runny nose, and after the most recent one kiddo and I both got sick. I assume it’s just a cold given how quickly we got sick and what our symptoms are, but even a cold is a huge disruption to our lives now since kids can’t go to daycare with runny noses or coughs.
Anonymous says
This has always driven me nuts, but in the age of COVID it’s even worse. I know kids are always sick and it’s a disruption to have to cancel things because your kid is sick, but it’s terribly inconsiderate to expose other people to your kid’s germs. What’s even worse is when people (ahem, certain family members, ahem) ask you to hold or babysit a sick kid. I had hoped that COVID would reshape social norms around the acceptability of going out in public while sick, but apparently it hasn’t.
Anon says
At the first playdate, the mom (who was a friend of my friend) said to me “Janie has had a runny nose every day for the last two months since starting daycare. If we stayed home every time she was sick, we would never have a playdate.” So….don’t have playdates then!? Your child is 3 and in full-time daycare, it’s not like you’re doing her irreparable harm by skipping playdates for a few months while her immune system develops. At least that kid wore a mask and we didn’t get super close and none of us got sick.
Playdate #2 was with my kid’s daycare bestie and since we know his parents are vaccinated and the whole family recovered from Covid a couple months ago, we didn’t insist they wear masks. And boom, we catch a cold. Ugh.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
There’s a LOT I dislike about my state when it comes to how they’ve handled COVID-19. I will say, I do appreciate that I can still send my kids to school with the regular runny nose. I will likely get a lot of shade, but I agree that…the only time my older son didn’t have a runny nose was the first four months of his life while I was on leave, and then when he was home between March-September of 2020. The school is stricter on the temperature, which makes sense to me.
Both my kids have runny noses right now, and whatever they have I got of course (congestion, runny nose). We had a “cool front” come through so I’m going to guess it’s school germs, temp changes, etc.
Getting a PCR test later today!
EDAnon says
Our center also allows runny noses and I am so grateful, because our younger one gets a runny nose from everything.
Since Friday one kid or the other has had a runny nose. They masked whenever we went anywhere (only outdoors), and tested (negative). We warned people so they could ask us not to attend or not attend things. My youngest got over it already so I am assuming it’s just a little cold.
We did keep them both home from child care today so try to stop the spread of whatever it is (since they have to be inside all day at school).
Anonymous says
Nasal congestion was my first and primary breakthrough COVID symptom, developed within 3 days of exposure, so I would get tested.
Anonymous says
The incubation period for a cold is even shorter than that. More like 24-48 hours.
Anon says
My kids both came down with runny noses and froggy voices so I kept them home today and we’re getting Covid tests. If negative, I will send them back to school tomorrow (as long as they don’t get markedly worse). Colds will still happen and we can’t put our lives on hold for fear of spreading a cold…BUT that involves parents doing the due diligence of staying home and getting tested first! That said, I agree there is a big difference between social events and something like school or day care.
But at this point I’m just accepting that lots of Covid tests are in our future this year.
TheElms says
My kid also has a cold with runny nose and slight cough so she got a Covid test yesterday (negative), but she’s still home today to see if I can avoid spreading it to the class and the class closing while kids get Covid tested.
Anonymous says
I’m in the minority, I guess, but I’ve never tested myself or my kid for runny noses and sneezing. We just stay home until the runny nose has resolved, which is usually only a day or two. I don’t know if masks are making colds milder or it’s just b/c our kid’s immune system is getting stronger, but all our colds lately have been very mild and have basically passed within 24 hours. Our daycare only excludes kids for fever, coughing or vomiting, and both our ped and my PCP also only recommend testing if you run a fever or have another Covid-specific symptom like loss of smell or taste. None of us have had a fever or gotten seriously ill since February 2020. But DH and I work from home and are still getting everything curbside, so the only place we’d potentially be exposing people is daycare, and that’s also the source of all of our colds so I know we wouldn’t be patient zero at school.
Pogo says
+1 we have only tested for fever or close contact exposure. I wouldn’t have a problem testing for runny nose, but it hasn’t been recommended here.
Anon says
Our kids’ schools requires testing for any covid symptoms. We got tested during seasonal allergies last year, and my kids tend to have runny noses that linger. I’d rather test than keep them out of school for the week it takes to be symptom-free with a cold. Anecdotally, medical professionals have told me colds are already rampant since most people have no/lessened immunity to them after not being exposed for 1.5 years.
Anon says
To be clear, the school also requires testing if the kid is absent for covid symptoms. If I keep them home for a runny nose, they won’t be allowed back without proof of a negative test
Anonymous says
You are at least staying home, though.
Anonymous says
Yeah, I would definitely not take a sick kid to a playdate! That was inappropriate before and is even more inappropriate now.
FVNC says
Trying for a third time (I’ve been using this name since C-moms started, no idea what’s tr i gger ing m o d….apologies if this posts multiple times).
Does anyone use any products or “scents” from Sc3nt sy?
I know, I know…I don’t like mlms either but I’d like to support a woman I know by making a purchase. I’m thinking I’ll buy some laundry detergent or multipurpose cleaner because it is consumable. Any favorites? Looking for something that’s not too overwhelming, as we use “free and clear” detergent typically.
Anon says
So I’m a FTM and applying for a new job at a smaller firm where I know the hours are better. One of the main reasons I’m looking is I need a better work life balance (I’m currently a biglaw income partner who works late nights and almost every weekend all weekend). I think one of the big questions will be why would I leave a big law law firm and take a huge salary cut (I’m willing to take a salary cut for a better work life balance). I do think the smaller firm will provide me with better opportunities for growth and will say that but should I mention the work life balance? And if so, is there a good way to say it that doesn’t make it sound like I’m lazy?
anon says
I think it depends if work life balance is actually better at the smaller firm. If it’s not, then it sounds out of touch and like you’ll be a bad fit. If it is significantly better, then those who are interviewing you are likely at that firm for that reason.
Anon says
I think if the work life balance is good people will be saying that to you during interviews so it’s fine to say it back in a diplomatic way like excited for a job that lets me thrive as a lawyer and also have better balance with spending time engaging with my community and being with my family. If not, I wouldn’t say it and instead can say things like you are excited to take on more leadership, work more closely with a smaller team, and be the local expert on X. I think everyone assumes people leave biglaw because of the hours so not really necessary to spell it out.
SC says
I left a large firm for a small firm, and work/life balance is a big reason. People here know that’s true for everybody, and there’s no reason to say it. In interviews, I focused on other stuff, specifically the opportunity to do a certain type of work for a certain type of client. If I were a partner, I’d talk about growing my client base, taking more of a leadership role, etc.
SC says
I was going to add, focus on what makes you want to join that particular small firm, not just why you’re running away from Big Law. They know why you’re leaving Big Law, but they want to be more than an escape hatch.
Anonymous says
Agreed. I’m at a similar firm.
Pogo says
Guys my 13mo will not sleep past 4a.m. I know that sounds like a night waking, but it’s not. He’s up for the day. He either rolls after complaining loudly for 1.5 hours if we leave him (which we really can’t do because he wakes the 4yo) or if I nurse him, it’s basically the same – not like I can put him back down to sleep.
We have tried limiting his morning nap and encouraging a big afternoon nap (caregiver’s preference), not limiting naps at all (what I do on weekends), putting him to bed early (honestly 6:15 is the earliest possible given work), putting him to bed later (7ish) and it doesn’t matter. I am about to lose my freaking mind.
I know it’s a regression – he’s starting to cruise, shifting to more cow’s milk vs b-milk, etc – but I’m dying.
Right now we often take turns where one person gets up with the baby and eventually the 4yo while the other person gets to “sleep in” til 6:15 (HA.HA.). I’m wondering if it’s better for me to just suck it up, get up with him, and keep him in the office with me so I can at least work for an hour or so? Right now no one is sleeping well from 4-6. Since I do expect it is a phase that will pass, maybe I lean into it and just go to bed at 8:30?
Sleep says
So much sympathy! We had a similar experience recently. At first we coped by taking really early morning walks. A later bedtime (7 pm-ish instead of 6:30) didn’t seem to make a difference, but then one day around 14 months old it just did and he started sleeping until 6:15/6:45.
Now that SIDS is no longer a concern, we also started putting a couple of stuffed animals and soft books in the crib at the opposite end from where his head is while he is sleeping. I think now when he wakes up he entertains himself with those for a bit.
We also bought the Hatch Rest+ on a recommendation from here and have started using the okay-to-wake feature (different color lights and white noise on a program, and when it switches from one to the other we’ll go in to get him up for the day if he is making unhappy noises). We did a demo while he was awake where I pretended to sleep on the floor while he was in his crib for a minute until the correct program came on, which another poster suggested. I’m not sure if he totally gets it, but that combined with the later bedtime and the toys in the crib has made a huge difference for us! Or maybe he just aged out of it, but I like to think some of the steps we took helped.
Pogo says
Ohhh I do have a Hatch, I could try that! You’re right, it could be totally placebo but it would make me feel better.
He has a couple small loveys in there and has no interest in them.
Sleep says
Do any of those loveys make noise? Maybe he’d be more interested in one that “talks” when he pushes a button? I sometimes hear Elmo talking at 5:45 am, so it seems to work for my son.
Anon says
Is he getting enough calories at dinner time? When my kids had early morning wakings, a bottle of milk always got them back down. Are you producing enough if nursing? Hugs so hard.
Also, I highly recommend a sound machine for the 4 year old. I never needed one with my older one when it was just her but once my son started complaining early mornings, they each have their own so the crying doesn’t wake them in the early mornings. It’s impossible to let either one complain loudly early morning when they’re already sleeping lightly.
Pogo says
My mom suggested more at dinner as well – I can try to add some avocado, whole milk yogurt or peanut butter, and offer milk as well. Supposedly he drinks about 20oz/day, mostly whole cow’s milk. But definitely can’t hurt to offer at dinner too. He eats whatever big brother is having for dinner – so like, chicken nuggets and sweet potato tots, for example. And he often eats more than the 4yo.
And yes, 4yo has a hatch too – but since he refuses to shut his door I think that cuts down on the effectiveness of the white noise. I could try cranking the volume once he is asleep and see if that helps. Or add more white noise outside his door.
thank you everyone!!!
Sleep says
I should have mentioned we added a small bedtime snack for my son in addition to his dinner (which is around 5:30 usually, so he’ll have crackers and peanut butter or something like that around 6:45 or 7 pm) and his bedtime bottle of milk. Again, idk if that is making a difference or not, but it’s something else you could try.
Scilady says
Solidarity. My 11 month old is doing the same thing. 4:30 am wake up and despite nursing she won’t go back to bed! You can only let her cry so long so she doesn’t wake the 3-year-old. New skill learning? Still I need all the coffee.
Anon says
For us it was a just phase and got better over time. My brother though apparently didn’t know that overnight diapers were a thing and once they started using them it made a big difference – but I think most people use them already.
Anonymous says
Yeh my kids are a MUST have overnight diapers kids. Whenever they didn’t/don’t they wake up from feeling wet
Anonymous says
I did not really know overnight diapers were a thing (I mean, I knew they existed, but we never used them and it never would have occurred to me to use them, unless we were having issues with leaks). We never struggled with early wakings though.
Anon says
Same. I only know they exist because I learned about them on this site a few months ago. We only have one child so far (11 mos), and she almost never has leaks overnight, so it’s not something that would have occurred to me to look into.
Is your 13 month old tired at bedtime? I’m asking only because that seems super early to me (we eat dinner at 615/630pm and our daughter has bedtime milk ~815/820pm and goes into her crib after that to fall asleep on her own). She wakes up around 7-730am, so I imagine that if we did bedtime 2-2.5 hours earlier, she’d be waking up much earlier as well. I’m wondering if you can move bedtime back a decent amount and see if that helps.
Anonymous says
I would move to one nap, 13 months is in the normal range for that. For my kids, early waking was a sign they were ready to drop a nap.
Anonymous says
What vehicle do you have with three kids and two large dogs? If we travel, the dogs almost always go with us. I feel like getting an SUV/van with a bench seat in the middle row so all three kids are close to me and the dogs are in the back with luggage is the way to go, but with captain’s chairs being practically the only thing available on dealer lots, I’m worried I’m missing a benefit. (Or does everyone just have 2 kids, so captain’s chairs are all they need and the third row is just for occasional pals?)
Spirograph says
We have 3 kids and zero dogs, but we have a Honda Odyssey. It has captain’s chairs and a removeable middle seat for the middle row. We keep it out almost all the time, but it’s nice to have the option.
Anonymous says
Honda Odyssey was also going to be my rec but we don’t have dogs either. I’ve transported my sister’s in a kennel though so I know they fit (my three kiddos are all in the middle seat three car seats across).
anon says
We have three kids and 2 dogs (small ones) and had a Highlander and n Odyssey. Definitely a tight squeeze in the Highlander. My kids are a little older, so they split between the back two rows and the dogs sit between them (in a booster and a travel crate.
Spirograph says
Also, I’m not sure how old your kids are, but as one of three and now with three of my own… Putting all of them next to each other for any longer car trip is NOT a good idea, unless you want to hear “he’s touching me!” “she’s looking at me!” “[sibling’s] arm is on MY side!” the whole way. We always do either 2 in the middle captain’s chairs or on either end of the back bench. They’re still in arm’s reach, but at least incidental contact is not possible.
Odyssey (and most other minivans and SUVs) allow you to split the back bench and fold down only one or two of the seats, so you can still have one in the back with dogs and luggage.
Anonymous says
I have three kids, and I have a Honda Pilot with a bench seat in the middle row. I do have my oldest in the back seat, because he can’t buckle his own booster in the middle row. If I had all three in harnessed carseats I would put them all in the middle row. One dog medium sized dog worked okay with this configuration, I put him in a crate in the very back with half of the third row down.
4-5YO Toys says
My inlaws are already freaking out about holiday gifts for DD who literally needs nothing. Inlaws that have to buy big material things, can’t be intangible (memberships, lessons, etc.) or practical (clothes, books, shoes, coats, etc.). Anyone have suggestions on something we don’t have already?
DD wants for nothing and is the only grandchild on both sides. We have a play kitchen with more food than you can imagine, a bike, a swingset, all the sport balls, easel, arts and crafts supplies galore, a desk, a tablet, multiple play tents (from three different people last year), multiple dolls, a marble run, magnatiles, old fashioned blocks, remote control cars, timber tots, barbies, legos, brio trains, plenty of books and board games. Literally our house looks like a preschool play center (because it was for a good 11 months during peak covid). I just upgraded the bath toys this summer.
Anonymous says
What about something intangible but that they can do together? Like a zoo pass, or movie tickets (whatever is COVID friendly)?
anon says
Grandparents like this will not take these suggestions. It’s all about the big Christmas reveal.
Anon says
This sounds like our situation too, so I empathize with the overload of stuff (but also if you say no to the stuff, you just get duplicates of things you already have/don’t want). Maybe a Nugget play couch or dress up clothes? Also maybe semi-practical stuff that she’ll still enjoy like a kid-size umbrella (my almost 4-year old is obsessed with hers!), a new bike/scooter helmet (ours gets used a ton and has seen better days), etc.?
EDAnon says
We have started doing outdoor gear and lid-sized things and it’s worked well! Bike helmets, life vests (we go kayaking so it’s fun stuff), lights for their bikes, etc. They seem to bridge you and practical in a way that works for people.
Anon says
Your in-laws sound obnoxious. I can sort of understand insisting on a physical thing the kid can open, but refusing to buy something practical like clothes or books (?!? many kids love books!) is really annoying. I guess I would steer them towards consumables like art supplies or a cookie decorating kit.
Anonymous says
Slumber bag (not a camping sleeping bag) for indoor sleepovers. Monogrammed luggage from PB Kids. Roller skates and pads. Inflatable water slide. Fancy china tea set that can be used for actual tea and passed down as an heirloom. AG WellieWishers. Nugget as mentioned above. A real armchair for her bedroom, if there’s room. Snap Circuits. Science and craft kits (build a robot, make bath bombs, etc.). A real sewing machine, not a toy one, plus kids’ sewing books (only for a 5-year-old with good fine motor skills and only if you know how to use it and have the desire to help her learn). Lovely matching boxed set of classic children’s books. Nintendo Switch. iPad.
Anonymous says
One of my daughter’s friends was over the moon when her grandparents gave her a fancy ice cream maker.
SC says
Sounds like my house, except Kiddo was so overwhelmed, most of his toys are in the garage now.
More Legos, if she plays with them.
American Girl dolls–I’d normally say wait for a doll that expensive, but if they insist on buying, who cares? Plus, they could continue down that rabbit hole for years, and you wouldn’t have to do the emotional labor every year.
An outdoor play house.
+1 to Snap Circuits and science/craft kits.
Anonymous says
I think you want to be careful with AG that she doesn’t get bored of the dolls. It’s not just the cost that’s relevant. In my area, girls really seem to get into them around 6 or 7 so if you give one to a kid at 4, she may be over it by the time her friends are interested in them. I have three of my own AG dolls to hand down to my 4 year old but am waiting, mostly for that reason.
Anonymous says
Counterpoint: I had been planning to wait until age 6 or 7 for the same reason, but we ended up getting her the doll at age 4.5 because Daddy cannot say no to her and she never got tired of it. It just gave her more time to collect outfits and accessories that take up so much room.
Anon says
i don’t think you mentioned scooter? does it have to be something totally new, like can it be more magnatiles, or barbie accessories? american girl doll? dress up stuff? Nugget? do you have a doll house? what about one of those subscription boxes? are your inlaws local or far away? maybe you could hint at a subscription box so that there is something to open and then DD can do the activity or whatever with the in-laws either in-person or via facetime/zoom?
Boston Legal Eagle says
Does she like doing those lego sets? Maybe the lego friends ones? My 5 year old loves following those instructions and they make nice gifts and hopefully won’t take up too much room.
Anonymous says
That depends on whether your kid insists on keeping them assembled. We have a room in our house that other people have started calling “The Lego Room.”
GCA says
Oh dear, this is my kids’ room. The 6yo has a whole shelf of assembled vehicles and vehicles-in-progress-of-his-own-design, and now the 3yo has started with her Duplos.
NYCer says
Bean bag chair? Fun umbrella and rain boots? (If you live somewhere with a decent amount of rain.)
I also like the suggestion for a sewing machine.
Anon says
I may be too late in the day, but any advice on what to expect in a typical Covid case? 4 of my DS’s 2d grade classmates tested positive over the weekend – DS has been feeling like crap, we don’t have results yet, but assume it’s Covid. So far, high fever, severe headache, pronounced fatigue … what might we be looking at for the next few days (or does is vary so much that there is no ‘typical?’)
In a 78% Vaxxed county and universal school masking …
Anon says
I think it really varies so much there’s no typical, but most kids seem to start feeling better after a few days. Sending good thoughts to your family and hope your kiddo recovers quickly! That’s pretty scary that so many kids got sick despite masks.
EDAnon says
I am no help but I wish your kid a speedy recovery. And that everyone stays safe and healthy.
Anonymous says
Oh hugs. My son tested positive in August and I have NO idea where he got it – most likely while swimming in a lake and talking to other kids, outdoor dining, or masked at an uncrowded museum. We’re in NY and he came down with it when we were upstate camping (very socially distant). In our experience, he was the worst on day 1 – extremely tired (4 hour nap), a little queasy and out of sorts, lowish fever that night. Over the next few days his main symptom was loss of appetite and low fevers. He eventually developed a dry cough (maybe day 4?) that bothered him for a couple days and then went away. He lost his sense of smell at some point but didn’t notice until I quizzed him on it. He was almost 100% better within a week; his appetite was the last thing to return. I can’t remember how long the fever lasted but less than a week. He was generally happy as a clam for most of it.
Anonymous says
PS – put a mask on and try to isolate! My husband and I both got breakthrough cases from our son. Delta is no joke contagious.
Anonymous says
Were your breakthrough cases bad? I know everyone says vaccinated people get “mild” cases but the two people I know personally who had breakthrough cases got really, really sick. They didn’t have to be hospitalized but one went to the ER and they both said it was the worst illness they ever had (worse than mono, flu, etc). Hope your family is all feeling better now!
Anonymous says
Kids typically have more gastrointestinal issues than adults (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea). So any “sickness” may be covid. Check temperature regularly. Test now and five days from now with PCR. Rapid is only good for ruling out Covid if you have symptoms.