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This budget pick is inexpensive, available in several colors, and universally flattering! Many of the purchasers have uploaded photos of themselves wearing the dress, and they all look super cute. I like the larger short sleeves with the cuff in combination with the semi-boatneck. The reviews say the fabric is good quality, and I like that it’s mostly cotton with 5% spandex. I also like the big belt, and I would probably size up for that blousier look. The dress is between $23.49 and $26.99 at Amazon, depending on size and color. Short-Sleeve Dress with Belt A plus-size option is from Calvin Klein — and it’s on sale, marked down from $139 to $66. This post contains affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!Sales of note for 4.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
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Kid/Family Sales
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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?
AnonATL says
Any recs for comfortable, cool, and reasonably inexpensive casual button downs? I’ve tried on Old Navy’s full sleeve version and the arms are tight while the rest of the shirt fits. Some of the short sleeve ones are just too frumpy boxy in the sleeves, but open to suggestions for ss options too.
I’m planning to wear these for nursing when I need to look halfway decent but don’t necessarily want *nursing* shirts.
Anon says
Take this with a HUGE grain of salt because I’m expecting my first child in a few months and therefore have zero actual experience yet, but I worry that button downs would be a PITA for nursing b/c button downs are a PITA in general if you have larger boobs. I’m going to be looking for softer fabric jersey options, personally (although I also WFH full-time, pre-pandemic, so my need for office-appropriate clothing is lower and I can pretty much throw a sweater blazer or actual blazer on over anything and be zoom-ready).
Anon says
As a veteran of breastfeeding, yes. Button down shirts reveal a lot and are uncomfortable for nursing. If you wear a cute and not too tight knit shirt (non-nursing), it’s easy to lift it up, and the baby’s body covers the exposed skin below the bustline. The idea (below) of using a nursing tank as an underlayer is good too.
Anon says
That said, if you want button downs that work for nursing, I’d suggest a linen tunic-y style like this from LL Bean:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/502972?originalProduct=92573&productId=1541534&attrValue_0=Oatmeal&pla1=0&mr%3AtrackingCode=065A9F0C-6952-EA11-8106-00505694403D&mr%3AreferralID=NA&mr%3Adevice=c&mr%3AadType=plaonline&qs=3136938&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-JvUz_bR6gIVQcDICh26qwdREAQYBSABEgIf5fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&SN3=FindabilityProd02_Cat&SS3=B
Clementine says
Button down shirts never worked quite right for me while I was nursing; however, I did have a lot of success wearing a nursing tank/tank under a looser shirt. I would pull one up and the other down and it was the most discreet option i found.
FWIW, I never owned a ‘nursing’ shirt other than nursing tanks.
anonn says
+1 I nursed like this for 24mos. the only drawback is wearing a nursing bra and nursing tank with less textured shirts bc of my nips.
hated button downs because they expose so much on top.
GCA says
I’m a fan of Uniqlo generally, and they have some nice shirts with buttons, both short and long sleeves. However, I hated trying to fiddle with buttons for nursing; my preference was always for shirts and dresses with zips – I have a couple from Loyal Hana ((true to size but I didn’t love the polyester for muggy summer days).
Anon says
Is this your first? If so, to everyone’s point about the button downs, I wouldn’t go overboard with buying things not specifically for nursing that you think will work. Breastfeeding is one of those things that until you’ve done is just really hard to appreciate all of the ins and outs of it or how it will specifically work for you until you’ve done it. I bought some things that I thought would be good for nursing that faster the fact were laughable for sure.
Definitely have good nursing tanks etc. for right away, but those are obvious things to buy that work for most. You won’t have a reason to look presentable for weeks/months, you can buy then.
If you already have kids and just know button downs work for you, never mind!
anon says
I bought ALL the things for breastfeeding and then it ended making me cry for like four months straight for a variety of reasons. So…yeah…don’t go all in yet. I would get a couple of nice stretchy shirts that you can pull up, that you layer over a tank top and bra that you pull down. You can always use those!
Anon says
Kohls has nursing shirts that don’t look like nursing shirts. Highly recommend – in fact some of the tulip hem styles I wore long past nursing. https://www.kohls.com/catalog/womens-feeding-nursing-tops-clothing.jsp?CN=Gender:Womens+Activity:Feeding%20%26%20Nursing+Category:Tops+Department:Clothing&searchTerm=nursing%20tops&submit-search=web-regular
anne-on says
I am very small chested, and was never much beyond a large B/small C even when nursing. I wore a TON of button down shirts over camisoles (regular ann taylor ones I just shoved down under my nursing bra). I really liked the extra coverage (I got cold even in the summer with arms/back exposed) and found they were just easy to pop on and look relatively put together.
The brooks brothers red fleece line worked well on me – they were slightly more expensive but washed well and looked nice right out of the dryer. You can find the button down shirts for $30-$45 or so each during sales (check now actually, they’re running some good ones!).
AnonATL says
This is my first so I do appreciate all the feedback on the buttons. I was thinking boxy boyfriend cuts wouldn’t be too snug but I can see it being a pain to button and unbutton even half of them.
I guess what I’m really looking forward is something other than my boxy tshirts that I could wear nursing that are casual but nicer. Like if family is coming over to see the baby, and I don’t want to look like a complete dumpster dweller.
Anon says
Haha, the family certainly won’t care and will be busy looking at the baby anyway. A clean boxy tee is dressed up when you have a newborn.
Anon says
+1 agreed, and for me if I remember right it was more about button ups leaving me more exposed than pulling a knit shirt up with a nursing tank underneath.
Pogo says
With my first I wore nursing tanks with button downs over and didn’t necessarily button them all the time. I had good luck with J Crew, I got a few of the “boyfriend” checkered shirts and a chambray one as well. It did help me feel more put together. That was years ago so not sure what J Crew sells now but I can try to find a link to something similar.
Pogo says
This actually looks like one of the ones that I got – it’s very lightweight. I wear it as a beach coverup now. https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shirts_tops/classicfit-boy-shirt-in-crinkle-gingham/C6086?color_name=classic-navy
Pogo says
And a chambray shirt like this – though this one looks heavier weight than the one I have. https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shirts_tops/everyday-chambray-shirt/G7529?color_name=madera-wash
katy says
I will also be the outlier and say that I wore lots of casual button ups (when I wasn’t wearing a tank + cardigan) – but not to look dressy, just as a warmer layer come winter. I never found the 1 or 2 buttons I had to do to be a pain and didn’t feel that exposed. I was wearing plaid / cotton chambray type shirts, not actual fitted dress shirts. I do however agree with the posts saying not to buy too many clothes before you see you maternity style.
For summer, the BEST purchase I made was a nursing maxy dress. the fabric just split open a bit.
I didn’t usually wear button ups when I went back to work, some shirt that I would pull up / wrap dress / wrap top etc. were more comfortable for me to pump in. (just not normal dresses)
No Face says
I tested out button downs as nursing tops during maternity leave by wearing my husband’s shirts. They were surprisingly inconvenient.
I like loose or stretchy non maternity tops with the undercover mama nursing tanks (they don’t have straps; they attach to the nursing bra).
Scilady says
Take a look through this post from Putting Me Together about Breastfeeding friendly clothes – https://www.puttingmetogether.com/nursing-friendly-clothes-outfits-breastfeed-in/. I paired flowier tops with a nursing tank and was pretty set. She has some good ideas that I followed. If you are able to breastfeed, a lot of shirt lifting will be done one-handed, so keep that in mind (I couldn’t do buttons back up with one hand).
Anon says
Gap has a nursing cardigan that was a workhorse for me. Unbuttoned it looked like a lightweight waterfall cardigan, but buttoned it acted as a nursing cover. I wound up buying both colors and wore them over nursing cardigans.
Anon says
I think button downs are actually way more difficult to nurse in than a basic t-shirt. You can just pull a t-shirt up above your b00bs and nurse easily, without having to fiddle with all the buttons.
DLC says
I also prefer the layered shirt/tank method for nursing, but I do agree with OP that sometimes you want something a little less casual. I’m just now (with my third child) discovering that I actually love shirt dresses and button downs for those days when I just need the pick me up of being a little more put together. Also- maybe I’ve grown less modest with age where I don’t care as much about flashing people.
Second the above suggestion of Uniqlo- the shirts tend towards a more boxy silhouette, and they also have some great shirt dresses.
Anon says
Disregard if you’ve already had the baby but after I gave birth my body was kind of weird – it takes time to get back to normal non-pregnant size so anything semi-fitted like a button down didn’t work for me because my stomach was bigger. The best tops were just plain old t-shirts or casual tops that weren’t tight, like what you’d wear when you’re first pregnant but don’t need maternity clothing yet. Most clothing I could pull up to nurse and if you want to nurse in front of others wear a tank underneath.
Quail says
+1 I wore button downs open over tanks with both kids – buttoning was not happening! I also hated pulling my shirt up (I have to kind of hold the shirt fabric with my chin which is not comfy) so I went for stretchy tanks and v neck t shirts to pull down. If I wanted to look nicer, I’d go with a chambray or linen button down (open) or a cardigan. BTW, neither of my kids would/will nurse under a cover and it was always very fiddly and I felt more exposed trying to wrestle covers around.
Ashley says
I don’t think I’ve seen this mentioned, but my favorite style of “nursing” shirt was tulip style that pulled to the side. I don’t think anyone would have seen it and thought, “that’s a nursing shirt!!” Link to follow.
Ashley says
https://www.motherhood.com/products/pull-over-tulip-hem-nursing-tee-006-91333-006-001
Pesh says
Any recommendations for a birthday gift for a one-year-old? My niece turns 1 soon, and I don’t have kids, so not exactly sure what would be good for this age!
Anonymous says
As the mom of a 13 month old, we got our son more books and a shape sorter (Green Toys brand specifically). I have no idea what other babies are like, but our son has, since about 6 months, reallllly enjoyed more “puzzle” like toys – stacking rings, this wooden drawer toy where he puts these wooden coin type things in the top). The books might be more of a toy for the parents since it can get old reading the same 10 pages again and again. And shaker eggs if she doesn’t already have them.
AnotherAnon says
I don’t normally say this but this was one of the first questions on yesterday’s board. It was discussed at length so it should be easy to find and had some great suggestions. Failing that: books, anything Green Toys, ride on vehicles, cash register or piggy bank, soft blocks, and play food/kitchens are the suggestions I remember of the top of my head.
Anon says
yes, there was a lengthy discussion yesterday. i have twin girls who are 2 and at age 1 (and now), they loved their doll stroller, baby doll, pretend food, mega blocks. there are a lot of great toys that she probably cannot use right this second, but will grow into over the year and continue to use for years to come
Emily S. says
At this age, you can still buy practical things that the kid will use and she won’t mind, so you could also see if the parents need kid utensils, sippy cups, diapers, swim diapers, a bathing suit, etc. (things that they might not have registered for or didn’t buy for a newborn because of space constraints.) Experience gifts, like a museum or garden membership, probably don’t make sense right now. Board books, musical toys (maracas, shaker eggs, mini drum, etc.), and Baby Stella were popular gifts at that age for my kids. If they have space, a Little Tykes or Step 2 play slide or small slide/swing combo — this was my daughter’s 1 year old bday gift and we used the heck out of it.
Anon says
Books and dolls or stuffed animals are always good, as is practical stuff like clothes and kid utensils. If you want something slightly bigger but still not too expensive, a water table is a popular first birthday gift (although I will say that our water table got basically no use the year my daughter was 1 – she likes it now at age 2 though). I would recommend asking your sister or brother for suggestions too.
MNF says
I love the subscription of Hello! that someone purchased for our daughter. It’s a monthly magazine from the Highlights company made for ages 0-2. It’s sewn (not stapled), the pages are sort of plastic-ey (don’t rip, water proof) and the content is perfect. They’re my preferred “toy” for on the go because they’re lightweight, easy to clean and if lost, we get another next month.
Redux says
Anyone know where I can buy a multipack of masks that have elastics that go around the head? For various reasons the ear loops don’t work for us. I have a few from etsy, but I need several and don’t want to pay 12$ apiece for them.
Emily S. says
Primary sells both kids and adults size. You probably will have to sign up for an in stock alert and then jump on it, though. Also, not what you asked, but I’ve heard good things about the cooling gaiters as an alternative.
Redux says
Good tips, thanks!
Anonymous says
Do you have the masks where the ear loops are sewn in, or the kind where the ear loops are made of elastic threaded through a casing? If the latter, snip the elastic and remove it. Buy some narrow braided elastic at the fabric or craft store. Use a safety pin to thread a long length through one casing from top to bottom, then through the other casing from bottom to top. Tie the elastic to fit behind the head.
Redux says
They are sewn in, but this is a brilliant and crafty hack. Thank you for explaining!
auntie anon says
Gifting. Having just received a repulsive e-mail from my SIL, suggesting we buy American Girl dolls or “any furniture” for 6 y/o… (Though, she is the same person who opened her wedding cards, (and remarked at the amounts!) in front of guests at her day-after brunch). I’m wondering what you ladies find to be a reasonable way to steer people toward things you’d like for LO without looking like an ahole? My instinct would be to recommend something, if asked, and leave it at that. (Are Amazon wishlists helpful?)
Anonymous says
I mean talk about wanting to judge her cake and eat your own. I’m on the side of don’t ask for gifts, which includes no “helpful” directions or guidelines, unless and until someone asks you “hey what would kid like?” And I think responding to that question with an amazon list is fine, as is suggesting a category of items. I’m sure your SIL is satan incarnate but just buy a piece of furniture and call it a day or ignore her suggestion and do your own thing. I’m a giver of books so I would get a couple American girl books and a card and call it a day.
OP says
thank you for this reality check! it made me lol.
Anonymous says
Ok good! I was hoping it would come across as loving best friend telling it straight not nasty internet stranger being mean!
Anonanonanon says
Ugh I loved this whole interaction so much. You two seem great. (I mean that seriously, I feel like it sounds sarcastic)
Agreed, clearly there is a history here and I 100% believe she’s horrible (what expensive gifts to send to your SIL to buy!) but I’d roll my eyes and buy a doll outfit or one of the books and complain to someone about how crazy she is (as you have done)
Emily S. says
I recommend a few things in a wide price range, if asked, but don’t actively suggest or solicit. (Which is how my 5 year old ended up with a cuckoo clock. Thank goodness it comes with an off switch. She loves it, of course.) I know people find joy in picking out a gift and I like surprises, so when the 5 year old opens a cuckoo clock, I take a deep breath and remind myself of these two things.
Anonymous says
My husband’s aunt once bought his niece (her great niece) a Fry Baby deep fryer when she was about 9. I guess the “Baby” name made her think a vat of boiling oil was appropriate for a child?
I also only offer gift ideas when asked.
Anon says
this literally made me lol
AnotherAnon says
OMG we had a Fry Baby and it made total sense to my 6 year old mind that there was a Fry Daddy…which grandma owned, of course. Thanks for the laugh/throwback.
avocado says
Ha! Perhaps she thought it was the fryer version of the Easy Bake Oven?
Realist says
I’ve done a Pinterest board before. In our family, the relatives usually just ask and I give a mix of specific and general suggestions (they would like this LEGO kit, or this character costume, but are also happy with craft supplies or new books or stickers…). If people don’t ask, then I don’t worry about it. I also have no problem thanking the gifter and then donating a gift that isn’t going to work out for us for whatever reason. Maybe it also helps that I don’t care what people give? Usually my child is hyped about one thing and DH and I will make sure they have that gift, otherwise it doesn’t matter to me if people want to give dollar store trinkets or fancy toys or educational items or whatever they want to give. This comes from privilege, I admit. My child has all needs and plenty of wants fulfilled. I’m more worried about them being spoiled with material excess than I am about not getting great gifts from people.
Anon says
I think I need more context from the story here or I think I’m being repulsive, but…
We keep a running “registry” going all year for our kids on a site called MyRegistry.com. So if they mention something in June that they really want and the next gift giving occasion isn’t until Christmas, I can add it in there and not forget. Then come the holidays and birthdays we share with our relatives AND use it ourselves to remember/keep track of what we want to get little ones. I haven’t used Amazon wish lists but I think MyRegistry is better because you can add stuff from any website, and even create things like a request for season passes to a museum etc. You can add a bookmark button to your browser that makes adding stuff super easy.
We usually wait until asked for gift ideas to send out the link, but honestly sometimes we just proactively do it as I know our close family are going to get them something and seriously everyone involved is so much happier if they are steered in the right direction. Also if my parents ask for it, then I proactively send it to my in laws at the same time as I’m sure they’d prefer to get it without asking then not get it until after my whole family has had a go at it. I guess this is a know your family thing.
Anonanonanon says
I think this is sooooo family-specific. My mom would love if I did this, but my in-laws would be highly offended. I think it really depends on relationship dynamics and it sounds like SIL of the OP missed the mark!
Anon says
We maintain an Amazon wish list and only send out the link when asked for gift suggestions, but apparently my MIL was super, super offended to receive an email with a link instead of an email saying “[Name] would like X, Y and Z.” You can’t please everyone.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Why is that a repulsive email? I lean toward your SIL’s way of doing things, but I’m not an etiquette expert. Our parents often ask for what they should get the kids so we send them an amazon wish list and they buy it off of that. That seems like a win win to me.
Anonymous says
+1. My family is always asking for a list of ideas, which is nice but also a burden on us (i.e. I have had enough trouble picking out and buying our own gifts for the kids). I’d almost rather family just buy a book or nothing and call it a day. But if I go to the trouble to find things that I think our child would like to save you the trouble? Well, don’t judge what the kid likes, especially if there is a range of prices. How much more are moms supposed to do here? And lest I look like an ingrate, I’d honestly rather you just not buy anything.
Anonanonanon says
I think because those items are all very expensive.
Anonymous says
+1
My daughter loves American girl, but all the dolls are $100+ and the furniture items are $50-300. I get my daughter a new outfit for her doll on birthdays and Christmas, but a new doll or furniture would be a Very Big Gift.
Anon says
well there is a difference in terms of whether this person asked SIL for what to give, or SIL just sent an email without OP asking first. I don’t think this email is so repulsive if it is in response to a request, but is repulsive if OP never asked in the first place
anon says
Yes, agree. I make up a list, but only because people bug me about it. My brother and SIL usually send specific gift instructions (upon request), which I think is somewhat annoying but does solve the “5 water gun” problem that we had this year (not that DS is complaining). I also agree that the list should have a range of prices, that’s obnoxious. Like, it could have said “anything AG” rather than AG dolls.
rakma says
We do Amazon wishlists, and if asked I’ll usually give broader ideas, like she’s really into baby dolls right now, or she’s been spending a lot of time with Lego. I like to leave it open so people can decide their own price range, or if they want to do a little toy and an outfit there are options. (My kids looove when other people buy them clothes because I usually stick to basics and they love the sequins and lace that relatives pick out)
I’l take your word for it that the email was obnoxious–I think the American Girl stuff is pretty overpriced, and I personally would not give such a limited suggestion.
SC says
Is the repulsiveness the price of the items? I knew the dolls were pricey. I just looked up the prices on furniture, and . . . wow. I’d probably find it presumptuous if a family member gave me those suggestions. But I’d probably roll my eyes, take the American Girl cue and buy an accessory in my price range or a couple of the books.
Anon says
+1
Anon says
I give broad suggestions when asked. Or I send various links for the older folks who need more particular instruction when they ask (year one I sent my MIL links to some toys I thought kiddo would enjoy). I told my sister when she asked that brio train sets or more little people would make a great addition because kiddo loves both. My MIL asked for kiddo’s birthday this year, and since we got her a play kitchen, I suggested that kitchen accessories (pots, pans, play food, etc. would be great and steered her toward a couple of brands – Melissa and Doug, Hape, ikea).
Clementine says
So, I think she kinda sucks as reflected by the wedding checks thing, but with this I’m actually okay with the idea (although the execution could have been softer). In my immediate family and even with my in-laws, we are very direct. We usually give items that have a pretty broad price range like ‘outdoor toys’ or ‘cold weather gear’. I appreciate specificity to the point where I would be thrilled by this and she would be getting an outfit + a book with no emotional labor on my part of figuring out what she would like.
I don’t send out unsolicited requests though – this is only in response to actual requests from a close circle. As somebody who has just given up and bought her eldest niece and nephew (who are impossible to shop for and now older teens) some variation of a gift card + a water bottle/coffee mug/hydroflask with stickers (this was a SHOCKING hit with both), I wish somebody would just tell me what to get for them.
Anonanonanon says
Youths are into hydroflasks right now. No idea why, but it is a Thing, so great work!
Anonymous says
Amazon wishlists are great bc they allow you to link to other websites or include concepts (child needs needs new pajamas in 2T).
For dealing with someone that is that demanding, I would probably decided to be lazy and give an American Girl gift card. The child can make the decision how to spend it rather than you trying to find the perfect gift. My 5 year old would happily spend an hour at Target trying how to spend a gift card. I am sure that a child that is obsessed with American Girl dolls could do the same.
Pogo says
Definitely such a family specific thing. My MIL usually wants to know a big, fancy item that she can buy for LO so she would want a list like this. I would not blast it out to the whole family though!
For my SIL (aka kiddo’s aunt), I text her when I think of things – usually small stuff like more Thomas the Tank Engine figures for his Brio set.
I will say I tend to be slightly extra in the sense that I would prefer someone buy the exact link I sent rather than going rogue and picking something they think is “close enough”. I wouldn’t call it out to the person, I’d still graciously accept, but as a parent you get so much cr*p that accumulates in your house it is frustrating when someone asks for a suggestion and then ignores it. I’ve just gotten comfortable donating things that kiddo never wears/uses, regardless of whether it was a gift.
Cb says
Yep, we sent a link to the Annie and Clarabelle trains, and a rescue train to my in-laws, and a list of books to my father in law so he could choose something he liked the look of.
Pogo says
We have Annie but he really wants Clarabelle. He has like a Sodor mail car that sometimes he pretends is Clarabelle but he knows it’s not the Real Thing lol.
Anon says
I keep an Amazon wishlist updated for both kids around holidays and birthdays. If asked, I share and say it is list of things I think the kids might enjoy right now, but that they should feel free just to use it as inspiration. It always has some toys, books and clothes at various price points. It’s the same link always so the grandparents dont even ask any more. They just check it on their own. Sometimes they use it, sometimes they don’t.
auntie anon says
OP here. To clarify – I was so frustrated that she threw out such a pricey suggestion, and unsolicited, in such uncertain economic times! And yes, there’s history with SIL. I expected this to be my last post, but coming back to read this, I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated everyone’s comments and perspectives on this (as an aunt and FTM!) CorporetteMoms, you da real MVPs.
AnotherAnon says
I need some help getting my 3 y/o to eat breakfast before he goes to day care. DH insists on making him a scrambled egg every morning, which is a good instinct because kiddo does not do well on carbs. But kiddo actually eats the egg about 1/3 of the time. We put cheese and ketchup on it (which I find super gross but he loves ketchup). He gets up at 6:30 – we normally serve breakfast at 8:30 so he’s hungry but he will still refuse to eat most of the time. What’s your strategy for getting your kids to eat breakfast? What are some protein heavy breakfasts I should sub? He doesn’t eat oatmeal. I’ve also tried serving yogurt with chia and fruit. Kid just isn’t a breakfast person, which is fine but day care won’t allow him to bring breakfast and doesn’t serve snack til 11. Do I just need to let this go? Get a dog to cut down on the food waste?
Anonanonanon says
Will a spoonfull of peanut butter do the trick if all else fails?
My now 10-year-old used to eat ketchup on his eggs and he is relatively normal now so don’t worry haha
lurker says
my HUSBAND eats ketchup on eggs, jury’s still out.
my 2.5 year old eats fruit + something else for breakfast. i know you don’t love the carbs but some cold cereals are more filling because of whole grains. my kid hates oatmeal but will happily eat kashi cinnamon whole grain cold cereal (not sure what its called but it has hearts on the box). for eggs, i make a one egg omelet with cheddar and cut it up, always a hit because cheese.
Anon says
With the caveat that my child is not small for her age, my philosophy has always been that if she doesn’t want to eat, it’s ok. Of course if skipping meals was leading to a problem like crankiness or night wakings then I would worry about it, but I don’t think skipping a meal is in and of itself a problem.
Anonymous says
Not OP but yeah that’s the problem – kiddo refuses to eat then can’t hold it together emotionally. Our 5 year old often refuses to eat until practically mid afternoon with meltdowns right and left, then totally fine after eating. It’s a huge challenge during this time at home. It was also a challenge at daycare but at least for snacks and lunch there was social pressure of everyone eating. Somehow kiddo is more willing to eat en route so toast while walking or in the car often does the trick.
Pogo says
+1 We don’t force it. Sometimes he eats literally one bite of a waffle, sometimes he eats two servings of oatmeal and a big bowl of fruit. It depends on how much dinner he ate the night before, which I’ve heard is the way to think about toddler eating – how much do they eat in a day or week, not how much in one meal. If your LO eats a solid lunch, snack and dinner, I would not worry and just keep offering something at breakfast but don’t fight him on it.
If mine doesn’t finish something like egg that can’t be composted, I just eat it. lol.
OP says
Kids Eat in Color has really helped me reframe the meals vs weekly intake of food. He definitely eats more overall in a week where he’s growing (which only seems to apply to his feet lately, lol). I’d eat the leftover eggs but I can’t get over the ketchup. Clearly I have my own food issues to deal with. Honestly this has made me realize: DH and I don’t eat breakfast (I sit with kiddo and drink coffee while he eats). Maybe I need to signal to him that this is important to me by eating breakfast myself. Thanks, Pogo, you always have a helpful perspective!
Anon says
Could you give him a little dipping thing of ketchup and have him dip the egg he’s eating before he puts it in his mouth? That way if 1/2 the egg is leftover, the leftovers wouldn’t be totally covered in ketchup. You can also refrigerate things he doesn’t eat and serve it to him the next day.
OP says
A ketchup dipping ramekin is a fabulous idea, thank you! Then I can eat the leftover eggs. I do sometimes offer him leftovers, but I draw the line at reheated eggs, which I think are gross. I don’t think it’s fair to offer him something I wouldn’t eat myself.
Anon says
Eh, just because you find reheated eggs gross doesn’t mean he will. Kids are weird that way. I certainly understand the feeling that a kid shouldn’t have to eat things that aren’t good enough for you, but you might be surprised by his reaction to it. It’s worth a try. If he complains you don’t have to serve it again.
anne-on says
Have you seen the Nadiya eats episodes on Netflix? She does egg roll-ups with tortillas that looked totally yummy and I can see being VERY easy to slice into smaller pieces and also to hand him in a car (or if you’re not fussy about a but of mess) walk around with. My kiddo wouldn’t do tomato paste but I bet ketchup or cheese would also work well as the ‘glue’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/egg_rolls_46445
We also joke we’re powered by quesadillas around here – I would 100% serve those for breakfast with some fruit or veggies on the side. I’m 100% a savory breakfast person and love a good breakfast quesadilla with lots of salsa!
EP-er says
These are so good! I make them with ham & cheese, or even plain. My new favorite anytime meal.
Anon Lawyer says
I tried them and couldn’t flip the tortilla without making a mess! I am so incompetent. But I did enjoy eating tortilla and egg scramble.
Anonymous says
Let it go and consider taking up composting to make yourself feel better about food waste (it worked for me until NYC’s composting program became another casualty of COVID).
OP says
We already compost. Animal products (eggs, meat, bones) don’t go in the compost because they attract maggots.
Anonymous says
Portland OR city composting allows animal products!! It’s so great.
Anoner says
Ugh yes. I stopped composting in nyc for a few weeks in the beginning of quarantine because we stocked up on some freezer foods and didn’t have space and then they cut the program. So sad.
AwayEmily says
A banancake! Blend together 1 banana, 2 eggs, a pinch of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Pour into a hot greased skillet, cook for awhile, then cut into quarters and flip each quarter. It’s basically a big banana pancake. There are a million different versions of this online (you can also use it as regular pancake batter but I find it easier to just make one big one). I usually add an extra egg for protein, some ground flaxseeds, and blueberries. I have yet to meet a kid who did not love this (tho I’m sure there are some out there). The leftovers keep well and also are good for packing in school lunches.
AwayEmily says
Also, extremely eggy French toast is a good way of sneaking protein in.
OP says
Thanks, everyone! This is why I love this community – someone always has a suggestion I haven’t thought of. I’m definitely going to try Nadiya’s egg rolls (if only for myself) and a bananacake! I didn’t mention it, but he’s small for his age (0.3 percentile height/weight) and adopted, so I’m not certain whether his size is normal or not, but I suspect it is. We’re seeing an endocrinologist who’s taking a “wait and see” approach since he’s so young. Otherwise I’d just totally let it go…which I probably need to do anyway. If all else fails, a spoonful of peanut butter would be a good offering.
Pogo says
I assume you’ve already done this but have you tried offering all kinds of protein options, not just eggs? Yogurt pouch and cheese stick, I think because of the novelty of the packaging, are a big hit with my 3yo.
OP says
Ooh yogurt pouches could be a big win here. Kiddo doesn’t like string cheese (?!?) but I could also try cutting cheese squares into shapes – I hadn’t thought about doing that for breakfast. Agree with poster upthread who stated that kiddo eats the most volume at day care and I think it’s due to social pressure. I’ve learned to pack new foods for lunch rather than introducing them at dinner. He barely ate during quarantine and I tried not to stress about it, but breakfast is more of a battle of wills. I know he’s hungry, but he prefers to play (understandably). I’m not going to force him to sit and eat (much to DH’s dismay), but maybe a yogurt pouch in the car would make it “fun”?
Anon says
or why they might not always be considered the best option to some people, what about some kind of kids protein bar to eat in the car?
anon says
My kids eat frozen gogurts at basically all hours. I buy the lower sugar varieties. At 3, it was a little hard for them to push the tube up, but you could also make yogurt/berry popsicles and that’s totally valid breakfast.
Also, my kids really liked “toddler trail mix” at this age. One kid ate teddy grahams, oyster crackers and dried cranberries for breakfast every single day. You could come up with your own combo that has more protein, maybe granola with nuts or something like that? It’s easy to bring in the car – my kids always ate breakfast in the car because there’s nothing else to do.
Also, I would try to focus on getting him to eat something, without worrying about how much protein is in it, to start. Obvi, protein would be better, but if it’s between carbs and nothing, carbs are still better. Waffles?
Pogo says
+1 to the trail mix! LO doesn’t eat it at breakfast, but I make it out of just peanuts, raisins, and dark chocolate chunks and serve it as a snack that works well on the go and isn’t just straight carbs.
Anonymous says
‘flat egg on toast’ is popular with my 5 year old. A fried egg with the yolk broken and then the egg on toast quartered. Or a hard boiled egg quartered.
Vector cereal also has a lot of protein for variety. Or toast with almond butter or peanut butter and some fruit like a banana or apple slices to munch on.
Anonymous says
Smoothies are also a popular option with my kids. Try different flavors to see what fruit he likes. Mango or Strawberry banana are popular with my kids. Use greek yoghurt or a scoop of protein powder to up the protein.
IHeartBacon says
Have you tried giving him non-breakfast foods for breakfast? My son will occasionally get into moods where he doesn’t want breakfast and I will feed him dinner leftovers (eg, a bowl of rice and black beans; sweet potatoes and chicken; a quesadilla; etc).
Anon says
I started to make my kid things in a mini-muffin pan, like blueberry flaxseed muffins (made with almond flour) or mini quiches. Would he be into something like that?
avocado says
What about Kodiak Cakes pancakes? We make a big batch on the weekend with milk and eggs for even more protein, then freeze them. There’s also one flavor of Van’s brand frozen waffles that is high in protein.
IHeartBacon says
We do this too. We don’t buy Kodiak Cakes, but we do buy a protein just-add-water pancake mix. We use milk instead of water and add an egg and walnuts.
Anon says
What about smoothies? We add nut butter and coconut milk or avocado or cow milk to try to make them more filling (not just fruit)
Anon says
Do you do end of year gifts for daycare teachers? What would you do in this situation when we haven’t seen them since March and will be moving to a new room when daycare reopens next month? We will be seeing the old teachers for an outdoor socially distanced farewell meeting next week and I could give them a card with gift cards then.
Anonymous says
Umm not this year when I haven’t gotten day care in months I am not.
Anon says
Is that the teachers fault though? It seems weird to penalize them for a decision that was made by the state government and/or the center’s leadership.
Anonymous says
I’m not giving them gifts for it. Not sending them to jail.
Anonanonanon says
This made me laugh
Walnut says
Hopefully my “gift” was the fact that they were still getting paid even though I was providing my own childcare.
Eek says
I don’t this it’s necessary or expected. I wouldn’t feel at all obligated, but if you want to I’m sure it would be appreciated.
HSAL says
Not end of year, but we did teacher appreciation gifts the week before daycare opened, not knowing who would be back or not. I just thought it was a nice thing to do, and it was easy enough to afford because daycare was closed. If your circumstances are different I don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s a nice gesture.
anon says
We did it for our school teachers. Totally not necessary but it would always be appreciated.
Emily S. says
I think it certainly would be appreciated but not expected. I am doing end of the year gifts as usual because my center closed for a brief time and was not able to pay everyone at 100% (everyone kept their jobs but not at 100% pay.) I want to say thank you to the teachers we’ve loved and give them a food gift card that could make the next month a little easier because I’m sure a month with lower income has a long tail of repercussions.
Instead of gift cards, you could send food in on a teacher workday or the farewell meeting. It is a token of appreciation without calling out specific teachers.
Anonymous says
We bought our teachers lunch this week (delivery). We really appreciate them and it is a hard time for everyone.
Meg says
A small gesture would be nice! Remember the teachers have been put in a particularly tough situation during the pandemic, without adequate financial and safety support. Thanking them could mean a lot. Elementary school teacher friends have advised me in the past that Starbucks/coffee gift cards or gift cards to places like Target are always welcome. They have to throw away homemade food gifts (especially now).