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I’ve had my eye on a Dagne Dover tote for ages and I think I’m ready to commit.
Their Legend Signature Tote is my choice for a roomy work-to-weekend bag — it can hold most 15-inch laptops, plus a pair of shoes and change of clothes. Perfect for me since I used to head straight to work from my workout.
The top also zips closed to keep your essentials from spilling out, and the interior features tons of useful pockets like a bottle holder and laptop sleeve. I also like the easy care and durability of coated canvas.
The tote is $265, but several colors are on sale for $159, including my pick, Bleecker Blush, a go-with-anything greige. If the Legend is a bit too large for you, check out the Classic Signature Tote.
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Psst: this tote is also in the Corporette Workwear Hall of Fame!
Looking for other options? Check out our roundup of the best tote bags for work.
Above, some of the best work totes for women in 2021: one / two / three / four / five / six (not pictured but also Tumi and Dagne Dover!)
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?
Walking from daycare says
Anyone here walking to daycare? What are your logistics?
My husband drops off our son in daycare in the morning by car and I pick him up on foot (I take the train to the office).
So far my husband leaves an umbrella stroller in daycare but that is just one more thing to remember to put in the car at night and store there in the morning, so I am wondering if there is any other way?
I am considering taking the bike to the train station and picking son up with a bike seat… then all we would have to remember is his helmet.
I probably just have to wait until he is old enough to walk the entire way but maybe you ladies have good ideas :)
Cb says
We do a mix of biking, scooting, and walking to our local nursery (bus or train the other days). Normally we both cycle but if we are in a hurry, I put him on the back of my bike. He keeps his helmet with his rucksack at nursery.
Anonymous says
We walk both ways with the stroller and leave it at school during the day. It would definitely be annoying to have to remember to put it in the car every night! Maybe have a back-up travel stroller that lives in the car or that lives at school?
EDAnon says
We walk but generally we both walk so we leave the stroller at school and walk home (WFH indefinitely) without a stroller. Not super helpful for your situation.
Other parents use the bike solution, which I think would work well. Our center would let you leave a helmet in the cubby, so you could always try to remember one but then also keep a backup in the cubby. Or you could take the helmet with your bike so you know you have it.
Anonymous says
Just have a dedicated stroller for this purpose that you stick in the car as soon as you get home every afternoon. Make it part of your routine, just like you put your keys and shoes and coat in the same place. Don’t ever take the stroller out of the car for any other purpose and it will always be there at day care drop-off.
Allie says
This. Summer infant 3D is a great stroller for the price and was our daycare stroller.
AnonATL says
Love this stroller. The summer 3d is our go to travel stroller. Inexpensive and has held up well for the miles we put on it.
Anonymous says
We walk both ways but don’t have a great place to store our full-sized, double stroller in our house. We keep it in our van in our driveway and at daycare during the day.
Anonymous says
How old? In big cities I see a lot of preschoolers commuting on Micro Mini scooters.
Anonymous says
We used to walk both ways, which made remembering the stroller pretty automatic. I did drop off and my husband did pickup, and we left the stroller at daycare. (We live in NYC so just about everyone else was doing the same). Perhaps you could leave an emergency babycarrier at daycare in case you forget. But I think if you get into a routine you’ll both start to remember it like you do anything else that is important (most of the time).
One tip – a poncho is great for pushing a stroller in the rain. I could not hold an umbrella while doing it.
Re: bike seat – when we split biking pick up/drop off, we got the Yepp seat that can be moved from one bike to another if you have an adapter on both bikes. I also appreciated this when I locked my bike on the street, as I could remove the seat and bring it into my office (or daycare) so it wouldn’t get all dirty outside. It has a lock so is hard to remove without the key.
Unless your walk is really short, it is probably going to be a loooooong time before you want your son to do it alone. I let my son walk home once when he was about 2, and what was normally a 15 minute walk took a solid hour. I actually put him in the stroller for the last block because I couldn’t take it anymore.
Anonymous says
PS – we used a Micro mini scooter starting around age 3. If you do this attach a strap to the handlebars so you can tow it without bending over so much. There will be times when you need/want to tow.
Anonymous says
YMMV. My older kid walked the 0.9 mile walk to daycare by 2.5 no problem. Current preschooler is on the hot mess express in the morning and will refuse to put one foot in front of the other.
Anonymous says
True, my son is now 9 and is still slow as F. Born 2 weeks late and never in a hurry! He liked to stop and smell the roses so to speak.
Anonymous says
It is exactly the same logistically, but LO has always like commuting by bike / Strider bike. You would still have to put it in the trunk when you got home (same as stroller – so not sure that it helps). Clip the helmet to the bike when you put it away so you don’t forget it if you take it).
If you do the bike thing I would clip LO’s helmet to his daycare bag when you get home every night so you don’t forget it. (Assume you can leave it in his cubby).
Anon says
When we did this we just put the double stroller in the car each morning and then went back in the house to grab the babies. At daycare we did the reverse: take babies inside, then come back to get the stroller out of the car. It was kind of a pain, but we only had one car and walking home with 2 infants without a stroller wasn’t happening. Once they hit 2.5 and could reliably walk the mile back home on their own it was nice to have one less thing to schlep.
Cb says
Not sure I should have laugh or cry. I took T to his 4 year development check, and my very verbal, articulate kid spent the whole time pretending to be a cat?? Just meowed in response to anything.
It had rained during the appointment so our bike seats were wet and he declared to the nursery teacher that we had wet bums
strollerstrike says
Well this just made me laugh at my desk. But those check ups make me nervous (for no apparent reason) so I can understand wanting to cry, too :D
Cb says
Glad it can brighten your day! The community health officer took it in good spirits, it’s really just reviewing the ages and stages questionnaire, weight, height, and any concerns so it won’t trigger any intervention etc.
Anonymous says
Isn’t pretending to be a cat while being assessed for linguistic development a positive sign of advanced creativity and individuality?
Anonymous says
hahahaha I’ve been there, and so glad it’s not just my kid! My daughter does this thing she calls “Unicorn language” which is somewhat similar to cow lowing? She exclusively spoke Unicorn for the pediatrician last year. And then there was my youngest who answered, “pancakes, chocolate cereal, and nutella!” when asked what he normally eats for breakfast. He’s a perfectly healthy weight for his height, luckily, so the doctor just laughed (and I clarified that we usually have more balanced breakfasts than that).
AwayEmily says
UNICORN LANGUAGE! this is amazing.
So Anon says
Hahahaha! That is awesome and so perfectly summarizes parenting!
anon says
Read her the book Doryfantasmagory. The kid Dory spends an entire pediatrician’s appointment pretending to be a dog. The mom is furious. It’s pretty darn funny, and a good kids series to boot.
Anonymous says
My 4 year old son entered his gifted test pretending to be a dog.
Anon says
My daughter did this at her preschool orientation last week!! She was a puppy. She’s extremely articulate for her age and she… barked. The whole time. Very glad I’m not alone in feeling like a liar when I insist that she’s actually very smart and verbal despite her licking her “paws” and barking at adults.
Pogo says
My son is is a baby dinosaur at least once a day and answers with very tiny “roarrrrr” to whatever you ask.
fallen625 says
My 3 y old just started daycare a week ago and is a mess when he comes home. He seems happy at drop off and when I get him and is typically there 9-5ish with a 2 hour nap there. But when he comes home he screams the whole ride home and is cranky / it’s one tantrum after the other. He also tells us every morning he doesn’t want to go to school and want to stay home. He was with a nanny before. Is this normal?? What can I do to help Him? It sucks bc I am an academic so a lot of times I can just end the day at 3 and get him after his nap (he’s better when I do that but not great) but it’s gonna hurt my career eventually if I keep doing that. with this and covid I am beginning to think switching from nanny to preschool was a big mistake.
avocado says
Being in school all day after being home is a big adjustment. You just have to give them time to adjust, along with plenty of food and downtime and sleep. The only way out is through. Hang in there.
Signed, currently going through the same thing with a tenth-grader
So Anon says
Yes. It is normal and called restraint collapse and happens with kiddos of all ages! The basic idea is that they hold it together all day at school/daycare and then let it all out when they are in their safe space at home.
Anonymous says
This also happens with adults. (Ahem.)
Not that I know of any PERSONALLY, you understand.
Just guessing.
Spirograph says
Right there with you. With your guess, at least.
Anon. says
Agreed with other posters that it just takes some time. And if you aren’t already doing it, bring a snack and water for the car ride. Both of my kids always need a post daycare snack to not be hangry monsters at pick up.
Anonymous says
Totally normal! A snack in the car helped us a lot.
anon says
Bring a snack for him to eat in the car on the way home. Or ask the daycare to give him a snack at 4:30, right before you show up. The pre-pickup snack really helped my hangry 4 yo. Even a snack in the car wasn’t enough, as she couldn’t transition from the classroom to the car when hungry.
Anon says
This may be a silly question, but recommendations on the best post-school/car snacks?
Spirograph says
My go-to is a cheese stick. Easy, no clean up, you can eat it in the car without making a giant mess, good staying power.
Anonymous says
For years we have required by now 6 year old to eat a couple of dates immediately at pick up. They are shelf stable to stay in the car and boost blood sugar almost immediately (enough to get home anyway).
AwayEmily says
+1. We do prunes a lot. Also, Costco has a “probiotic” dried apricot that is super tasty.
Anonymous says
Plain or chocolate milk. They can just slurp it down without even having to chew.
Anon says
My son (age 1) gets so hungry by the end of daycare. We feed him immediately when we get home (usually chicken), which calms him down and tides him over until dinner.
Anonymous says
Normal. Adjustment takes at least 3 weeks. Normal that he prefers nanny because that’s more of getting to do what he wants when he wants vs. more scheduled day at preschool.
Picking him up early for a couple weeks won’t be a long term career dent. Just add a half hour a week.
Hand him an applesauce squeezie pack and then when he’s done that, a water bottle. Mine didn’t eat or drink enough the first few weeks at daycare as they are too busy looking at the other kids.
IHeartBacon says
Is there a grassy area somewhere nearby the preschool where you can walk over there together and sit on a picnic blanket for 10-15 minutes together while he eats his snack? Sometimes just sitting together outside for a few moments helps my kid with that kind of daily transition; it also helps me to be outside in the fresh air for a few moments and let’s me recharge my patience.
anon says
Any book recommendations for books about younger kid anger? Something both to read to my 4.5 yo and for me to read? He’s able to articulate the feeling of the anger sometimes but it’s turning into hitting himself and me during a tantrum. All the techniques I’ve tried aren’t helping (holding him, telling him I won’t let him hurt himself/me, putting him in a safe space). I didn’t experience anything like this with my first and am overwhelmed.
Anonymous says
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
Anon. says
Grumpy Monkey
Anonymous says
Solidarity. We struggled with this with my eldest for much longer than I thought this should go on. He’s almost six now and starting to turn a corner. I echo the suggestion for How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen, also REALLY liked No-Drama Discipline, which provides a lot of the science on development and behavior. I also follow a lot of insta accounts that serve as constant reminders of the strategies we like to use (Janet Lansbury, Mr. Chazz, big little feelings, dr Becky, the mom psychologist).
Anon says
I got the book “A Little Spot of Anger” from Amazon. My son liked reading it to help recognize his anger and what to do about it. We also got an Anger Management workbook for kids “Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad” but it’s for ages 6-11 so might be too old for your son for right now. Your ped will also have recommendations. Good luck!
Leatty says
Looking for book recommendations for my 4 year old. She strongly prefers silly/funny books to serious ones, and I’m happy to indulge her if it helps her enjoy reading.
Anonymous says
For her to read, or for you to read to her? If the former, reading level?
Leatty says
For me to read to her. She’s still learning her ABC, so not yet ready to try reading herself
Anonymous says
In that case I’d go with chapter books. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle was a silly favorite in our house at that age.
Spirograph says
Picture books or longer ones? These are all picture books.
Nostalgia:
Duncan and Dolores. (Especially great if you have a cat.)
A Garden for Miss Mouse
Never Tease A Weasel
Newer:
Nobody Likes A Goblin
Dragons Love Tacos
There’s a Bear On My Chair
Spirograph says
Another nostalgia one: Caps for Sale. My kids liked to act out the man getting angry at the monkeys. Also, it’s good for early readers because it has a pretty limited vocab.
Leatty says
Thanks! Definitely picture books. She has no interest in non-picture books
TheElms says
Are you looking for longer picture books or early chapter books? Some that might be worth looking at are the Mercy Watson series (early chapter books but still with a lot of illustrations). In picture books, I also like I Broke My Trunk (Mo Willems), Detective Dog Nell, Dinosaurs Love Underpants, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, and I Want My Hat Back.
anon says
My 4 yo loved Doryfantasmagory (which is super silly), Princess in Black, the Dragon Masters series, the Kingdom of Wrenly series, and the Last Firehawk series.
Anon says
the elephant and piggie books
EP-er says
We love these! And still take turns reading the dialog, which was great for early reading days!
Also recommend all of the Roald Dahl for super silly read alouds.
Anon says
My almost 4-year old loves Room on the Broom, The Snail & The Whale, and The Gruffalo (I think they’re all by the same author). Any story with rhyming is a big hit right now. She also likes the National Geographic “My First Big Book Of…” series. She loves the pictures and will “read” them on her own.
DLC says
Picture books that make me laugh:
Anything by Robert Munsch!
Nanette’s Bagette by Mo Willems.
King Arthur’s Great Great Great Grandson by Kenneth Kragel.
The Whale in My Swimming Pool by Joyce Wen
The Stinky Cheese Man
Cb says
Winnie the Witch! We’ve been reading the series this week.
Anon says
I do not know why this is so hard for me to figure out, but what type and size of coat does DS need for winter? DS is 6 months and just getting into 9M clothes. I would guess that over the next 6 months he will be in 9M and 12M clothes. We live in the SEUS, so it gets cold but it’s not like he needs a snowsuit. I am seeing a lot of full-body bear suits that I’m assuming are for a stroller ride and possibly a younger baby? But then a lot of the puffer jackets I’m seeing do not have sizes under 12M… so I’m wondering if he’s too young for that for some reason?
anon says
The bear suits are really nice for a kid who is still being carried because they don’t ride up like a coat. We had a fleece one piece from Old Navy that wasn’t too thick or warm that was great for 40-60 degree days (and the car seat) and a thicker snowsuit for outside time on 20-30 degree days. For younger kids you can get one with footies. For toddlers you’ll want one that works with shoes.
Once they were about 2 yo and started potty training and walking more, we switched to just a coat.
Anonymous says
Definitely used full body bear suit at that age all the way through 18-24 months.
Walnut says
I was a pretty minimal purchaser of winter attire at this age. My kid’s outside time was mostly limited car to daycare and back to car. Winter attire isn’t carseat friendly, so I opted to snuggled kids in a warm blanket instead.
I’m pretty sure I had a hand me down 12-18 month snowsuit that I kept in the vehicle for an emergency situation and the occasional stroller ride.
Anon says
Columbia fleece from the river store along with a hat to cover their ears was plenty for us even in the Northeast because the only time she was out was from the car to the house/daycare/doctor/etc. I had a blanket to throw over her legs in the car as well. A lot of puffer jackets are not approved for car seats and were too bulky or expensive anyway. The Columbia was reasonably priced for the one winter we needed it (one and done so no need to reuse for other kids) because she was going to out grow it by the following winter.
Anonymous says
+1, this is what we did in the upper Midwest last year.
AnonATL says
My son used the Baby benton fleece from Columbia around that age last year. I think we got him the 6/12 size
Anonymous says
I like the full body fleeces from somewhere like Columbia for that age. Then you don’t need to worry about a blanket, jacket riding up, car seat issues, etc.
DLC says
We had a Columbia fleece bear suit that we used, added blankets around the kid in the car seat or stroller. I liked also the foldover cuffs. If i felt it wasn’t warm enough, I would layer it with a thin puffer vest. And then a snow suit if it snowed and we would sit her in the snow to play.
We are in DC and cold here is usually not lower than 20 degrees, usually mid 30s to mid 20s
Anon says
Size 12 month (better large than small, and will take him through March) Hanna Andersson.
Anon says
Sorry, signed, from the South/ish.
Anon says
I am getting ads for name label stamps for kids clothes. Seems much easier than the stick-on labels but I wonder if the ink bleeds. Does anyone have experience and a favorite brand?
Anonymous says
I got the Mabel’s Labels one and it’s fine so far, have been using about 6 months and stuff is in good shape except faded on socks (yes, I label socks, and stamping them is the right level of effort). The only thing that has bled is the stamp on a pillowcase tag which is a different material. So much easier than stickers, sharpie, ironing stuff.
Lydia says
I ordered a random one from Etsy (bestbargain0166 was the vendor) and it’s worked fine and held up to washing. Also it was much cheaper than many options (about $15).
ShoppingHelp says
Can someone help me plan outfits for family photos? Northeast fall outdoor photos. I’m planning on wearing the Maeve Devery dress in plaid blue (link below) with booties. I need matching outfits for my husband + two daughters (1 and 5). Do I put us all in blue? Blue and another color? I’m so bad at this!
ShoppingHelp says
Link to dress: https://www.ebay.com/itm/254628086529
Anon says
you could do all blue and white, but that doesn’t read as fall to me. I might pull in another fall color like mustard yellow or burgundy or plum purple. i love the idea of corduroy dress or jumper with a shirt underneath
anonamama says
Are you planning to layer with this – a cardigan or jacket – to tie in a solid color? I think the girls would be cute in navy turtlenecks + tan corduroy jumper dresses + bows (old navy does these colors pretty well). Hubby in rich jewel colored sweater/button down. I think Pinterest has a lot of collages from photogs for ideas!
ShoppingHelp says
I wasn’t planning on layering this, but you’re right that I probably should. Any suggestions for a cardigan on top?
Anonymous says
Cardigan (maybe maroon or navy) over the dress for you. Add in mustard, navy, and maroon to everyone else’s outfits. Ideas:
https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=884465002 in “squash” for younger daughter, paired with denim jacket
https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=705204002 The jumpsuit in cranberry for older daughter, paired with this cardigan: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=719647002
Husband: jeans, quarter-zip (maroon, oatmeal, or navy– don’t make it the same as your top layer).
Anonymous says
Should I pay for another year of cold storage or just thaw my eggs and have a baby?
On the one hand, I really had hoped to find a husband. And I’d like to find a new job and settle in pre-baby. And buy a house and move.
On the other hand I’m 38, I make 170k a year, I’ve paid off my student loans, and I just want a kid! And I’m tired of waiting.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
I say go for it! There’s never a right time for anything. I never thought I’d get married, and figured I’d adopt (this is before I knew about egg freezing). I would also make sure you look at the financials of childcare, what type of help you will have, maternity leave, etc. Perhaps there is a community in your area of fellow single mums by choice that could help as well.
Anon says
this is obviously a very very very personal decision. on the baby front – i would talk to your doctor, see if they have any concerns with you waiting longer, etc. in terms of the switching jobs/buying a house and moving – obviously you cannot plan life exactly, but that would be a lot of changes to make right after having a baby. i would want you to have time to build up good will at a new place of employment, qualify for maternity leave, etc. are you talking about moving to a new city where you would need to establish a new support system or moving to a new place within the same city.
Anonymous says
I’m just hopeful to move 20 milesfrom an urban area to the suburbs! It’s where I grew up tons of friends and family. Just need another 6 months for a down payment and hopefully for the market to settle.
Go for it says
If you want a baby now, I say do it! (But don’t do it to avoid paying for another year of storage fees, obviously.) This is your life and you should live it on your terms and go after what you want.
RR says
There’s no perfect time to have a baby. If you wait for everything to be right, you will never do it. If you want a baby, go for it. You sound far more responsible even than I felt as a married 32-year-old having my first! Go make a person!
Anon says
There’s never a perfect time for a baby and even if all of your preferred life circumstances are lining up, you still aren’t guaranteed a baby at that time. So, I always say go for it because nothing is guaranteed and you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Anon says
It’s good you earn a great living because being a single mom can be very hard. Go in with eyes wide open.
Anon Lawyer says
I’m a single mom by choice to a toddler – it’s by far the best decision I’ve ever made. If you want to talk, feel free to email me gilraenv at gmail dot com. But you’re in a good position – if your gut is telling you you’re ready, go for it. There will always be something. And trying to conceive and then pregnancy aren’t instantaneous. It took me a year and a half from the first consultant with the fertility doctor until I was pregnant and I moved cross country and bought a house in the middle of it, then I still had nine months. (Though obviously your frozen eggs should help speed things along!)
anon says
I was almost exactly in your shoes (same salary, with frozen eggs, but a few years younger). I ended up finding and marrying my husband a year later, and I used those frozen eggs for my second child. Not sure how many eggs you have and how many children you want, but one of the advantages of thawing and fertilizing now is that if they don’t work, you still have time to do a fresh IVF round to create embryos. Good luck!
Anon says
Mostly I just want to tell you that feeling uncertain and “what if this was a terrible idea?” is a normal reaction even for someone who has a house, and a husband, and a stable job. A baby is a big thing! It’s okay to have concerns, and I think it would be strange not to feel at least a little anxious.
ElisaR says
go for it! my only question is that you mention the 2 choices of “pay for storage” or “have a baby”. Don’t have a baby because you don’t want to pay for storage. Have a baby because you want a baby.
for what it’s worth my very good friend did this 2 years ago as a single mom by choice. both of her parents passed away and I know that adds another element of difficulty to her situation. So if you have family support nearby, I say that’s another plus for you.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Has anyone here seen a pediatric GI? My almost 9-month old has had slow weight gain and spits up a LOT (still), and often throws up when overfull (like after dinner since he’s had milk and solids all day). I haven’t been able to give him anything too textured yet.
The pediatrician thinks its GERD but wants the GI to take a look which I’m onboard with, but would love to hear others experiences.
Anon says
Not sure what you are wanting to know, but my nephew went to a pediatric GI and my SIL regrets not doing it sooner. She kept thinking he just had reflux and was small for his age. Turns out he had some other issue going on, and he would have been much better off (with better weight gain) had he been evaluated sooner. If the pediatrician is recommending it, I would go. i
OP says
I think we’re in the same boat. Good to know!
SC says
We’ve seen a pediatric GI, though for different issues in an older child. We had a very good experience. She ordered a bunch of tests to rule out certain underlying causes. She recommended a treatment plan, which addressed the acute issue. She gave us a follow-up regimen, which has prevented reoccurrence of the acute issue. We’ve had several follow-up visits, and we’re still dealing with slow/no weight gain, and Kiddo has fallen off the growth chart. She referred us to an endocrinologist, and our appointment is later this month.
OP says
Glad to hear it was a good experience. DS was a low-weight baby at birth and has continued to grow on his own curve, but not on the chart. Hope your visit with endo goes well.
Anonymous says
We saw an ENT for GERD, but my son had slightly different symptoms. He did a swallow study and put this camera thing up my son’s nose to look at his larynx a lot.
So Anon says
My son has been under the care of a pediatric GI since he was about 3. He had a low BMI always and was slow to put on weight. We went gluten free when he was about 2, and the first pediatric GI that we saw totally blew me off. He insisted that I was not being as careful as required to manage my son’s likely Celiac disease. Shortly thereafter, we started seeing a registered dietitian. The registered dietitian was awesome and gave amazing advice and tips. My son continued to be slow to put on weight, despite me doing all of the things that I could to help him grow. We then saw a new pediatric GI when he was around 5. She was and still is completely amazing. My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s under her care, and he is in complete remission. For us, she appropriate weighs intervention versus wait and see.
octagon says
Kiddo announced at breakfast that he had a dream that we all wore matching pajamas on Christmas morning. So…. where to look for these? I’m not crazy about the Hanna offerings so far (am on the list for notifications when new ones get added) and Target doesn’t have their Christmas ones up yet. Where else should be on my list? I’m cusp size, kiddo is 6, DH can wear straight men’s sizes. Thank you!
Anon says
i think i saw some at gap and old navy
Anon says
carters and childrens place sometimes have matching family pjs for the holidays even though they dont typically carry adult sizes
Anon says
Burt’s Bees.
Anonymous says
+1 this is what we do and I’ve always been happy with the wuality
JTM says
Target will have Christmas PJs available in October – my suggestion is to keep an eye out on the website if you think you’ll need a size that goes quickly. And in the meantime, they have matching family Halloween PJs right now, if you just want family matching PJs.
IHeartBacon says
Pajamagrams have Christmas pajamas year round.
Anonymous says
Old Navy has coordinating family PJs.
Our family Christmas PJs are matching non-Christmas t-shirts I got on Etsy plus non-matching red flannel bottoms. The pieces get worn all year, sometimes together and sometimes separately.
Mary Moo Cow says
Primary doesn’t have theirs up yet, but they should soon. I have the grown up Halloween ones and they are very comfortable.
Lily says
Little sleepies just released their holiday collection and it’s so cute! A little pricey (but cheaper than Hanna) but really excellent quality and ridiculously comfortable.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
I have this bag! It’s great BUT I will say it’s heavy, and obviously gets heavier once things are added. I wouldn’t recommend it for a walking or public transit commute.
Anon says
+1 I have the Classic and I love it a lot but it does get heavy. I used it for meetings in the before world and it held up to everything. Now that I’ve been wfh for a year and a half, I haven’t used it and I miss it.
Anon says
following up on the above. one of my 3 year old twins has recently become a biter when she gets really mad/is super tired. so far the primary victim is her twin sister, though on Friday she bit me while sitting on my lap bc her sister took away her stuffie. i’ve read how to talk so little kids will listen and follow big little feelings, dr becky at home, etc. on instagram. in the moment, i tell her that it is ok to feel angry, it is not ok to bite, so i am going to move my body/sister’s body some place safe. after the fact, we talk about what to do when we feel like biting. on sunday she saw a huge bruise on my leg and asked what it was and it was from her biting me on friday. she looked so upset/scared in the moment, so we again talked about what to do when we feel really mad/sad and some things that are ok to bite, and i was hoping that maybe seeing the mark on me had an impact, but then she bit her sister again yesterday when her sister was bothering her and wouldn’t leave her alone despite her asking (according to our nanny). any books for kiddo to discourage biting? the bites really hurt and take quite a few days to heal so im getting worried she is going to really hurt her sister. they often play together very nicely and are very sweet with each other
Anokha says
My 2 year old loved “Teeth are not for biting” — and we used that language often in our house.
Anonymous says
Why not bite her back – once, gently but enough to hurt so she knows what it feels like from the other end, so to speak. Crude but it works.
Preg Anon says
Can I have your recs for favorite nice(ish) maternity tee shirts? It’s my final pregnancy. I’ll be WFH the whole time, and live in the southeast so a tee shirt plus jeans/shorts/skirt plus blazer/cardigan/AC layer is going to be my maternity capsule wardrobe. It’s been five years since my last pregnancy and I cannot do the cheapo tees I got from Motherhood Maternity again.
TheElms says
Gap had some thick material nicer t-shirts that were a cotton – modal blend that I had 2 years ago and liked. These look similar https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=660838012&cid=6049&pcid=6049&vid=1&cpos=23&cexp=1567&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D6049&cvar=11747&ctype=Listing&cpid=res210914083634649330579#pdp-page-content
CCLA says
I really liked the basic house brand ones from pea in the pod. Also got some from Ingrid and Isabel that looked marginally more polished but were thicker, which was not what I wanted when pregnant in the summer but may be good for winter!
Anon says
where does one purchase kids placemats these days?
IHeartBacon says
Etsy
Anonymous says
I like the Target Pillowfort ones. Silicone, I think, very easy to clean.
Anonymous says
Shutterfly
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Mushie line at Tarjay.
Anon says
Any advice on getting my stubborn, spirited 17-month old to let me brush his teeth? He was a really late teether and didn’t start getting teeth beyond his front four until he was well past a year old, so the concept of toothbrushing is pretty new for him. I can kind of squeeze a brush in to get the front ones for a few seconds but now that he’s getting more in the back, it’s nearly impossible to brush them. I do bedtime solo so there’s no other adult to help hold him. I give him his own brush and I use one, too. I’ve tried songs. He’s too young for bribery. Doesn’t really care about screens yet. Help?
CCLA says
Try starting with one of the 360 degree toothbrushes (like Baby Buddy Brilliant). That way if you squeeze it in and can move it around some while they’re probably biting down, you get both top and bottom. I did hold our kids down once in a while but had better luck with telling them we were getting all the sugar monsters out (“oh no! I see four more sugar monsters in the back we have to get them out!”)…which I’m pretty sure is based on a suggestion I got from someone else here!
Anon says
I used to have DD get on the floor and lay down and open wide (sometimes wrestled while crying, sometimes willingly). We also hunted for dinosaurs (and I would talk about all the different ones I would find in the back of her mouth).
Tip for my now 4YO, not sure if younger would work. The sonicare kids app has a furry furball guy and a timer and shows you how to brush (visual of brush on teeth, moving from quadrant to quadrant), plus you get a little present to decorate the fluffball with each time (paint him different colors, hats, sunglasses, food for him to eat, etc.). Brushing is no longer a fight because she wants to say hi to “my little guy”. I thought an app for teeth brushing was beyond absurd, but she is absurdly motivated by it so we’re going with it.
sf says
definitely talk about what animals you are brushing out of his mouth: Do I see a dragon in there? what’s a doggie doing in there? someone else told me they brushed out “sugar babies.” This seems to universally work.
and there’s an Elmo song on YouTube that worked as a distraction, even if he’s not that into screens.
A says
Has anyone seen a speech pathologist for a child’s stuttering? My three year old has been doing it for a few months, but it’s become more pronounced (and frustrating for him) recently. I talked to our ped’s office, who recommended waiting to see if it resolves on its own before seeking a speech referral, although this was based on a two minute phone conversation I had with the nurse. I don’t want to overreact, as I know stuttering at this age is not uncommon, but I also don’t want to do nothing if it’s an actual issue that needs addressing. If anyone else has experience with this, I’d be curious to hear more.
Anonymous says
Yes. I’d suggest you call back and ask to talk to the doctor and ask for a referral to a speech therapist. My son (3.5) has been doing speech therapy for awhile – first for late talking, now for his stutter. My non-medical-degree understanding is that it cannot hurt to seek intervention earlier rather than later – why not start now? Good luck!
Strategy mom says
My son stuttered at that age and grew out of it! Doc mentioned it’s a thing
Anonymous says
After several years of stress eating, mommy wine culture, and bad sleep habits, I think I’m finally ready to focus on my own health. I’m overweight, largely sedentary, and in mid-thirties now, and I know I need to take proactive steps to avoid preventable issues down the road. I’d really like to find a structured program to lean into that would be fun and give me a sense of achievement, which is generally motivating for me. But I really hate running (I’ve quit C25k so many times!) and don’t want a fad exercise or diet plan that’s just focused on weight loss or cosmetic benefits. I just want to feel better and be more active for my kids. Any recommendations for something fun that can help me get started with an overall healthier lifestyle?
Anon says
no exercise program recs specifically, but there is a blog called Runs for Cookies and she is not like a typical mommy blogger with fancy everything (in fact she is the total opposite) and i find her writing very down to earth and helpful when i myself am trying to get healthier
Anonymous says
For workouts, I like the Sweat app (structured program) and Les Mills On Demand GRIT and Bodypump. A long time ago I used to go through the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred program on DVD whenever I wanted to get back in to working out.
Pre-COVID, I took GRIT and Bodypump classes at the YMCA. If it weren’t for COVID I’d go back there or try out the new Burn Bootcamp studio that has opened near my house.
AwayEmily says
Maybe this sounds like a cop-out answer but my suggestion would be to try a bunch of things and see what you actually LIKE doing. I tried running (hated it), spin (hated it), swimming (ugh), and then finally fell in love with weightlifting and lots and lots of walking. But I have friend who are Peleton fanatics, those whose lives were changed by CouchTo5k, and those who swim religiously. So, I think the exercise that works best is the one that works for your life and you actually like. And it may take some experimenting to figure out what that is (fwiw I got into weightlifting via CrossFit, which I also loved, but am not doing currently because of COVID and also I’m reluctant to recommend it because there are such huge variations in quality between different CrossFit gyms).
Anonymous says
+1 to finding what you enjoy. I discovered that I hate running and swimming but love HIIT, yoga, ballet, and Muay Thai. In the Before Times I went to class just because it was fun and my family was not there.
FVNC says
Agree to find what you enjoy. I love walking. LOVE it. So that’s what I do because it’s what I will consistently choose to do. I still feel that I *should* like running, I *should* like swimming, I *should* like [whatever high intensity thing] — but I don’t, so I won’t do those things. Walking it is.
AwayEmily says
Totally with you. Walking forever. I’ve tried running so many times and just cannot stand it. But I recently did 100 days in a row of 10k+ steps per day and it felt AMAZING! I love my Fitbit.
Anonymous says
Me too! My favorite thing is to go for a long walk winding through all the streets in my (suburban) neighborhood at night. 1 earbud in with a podcast or an audiobook, reflective vest, and off I go for an hour. Sometimes I see a fox or an owl and it makes my week.
I’ve quit C25K so many times…. I feel great about it for the first 5 weeks, and then my knees remind me why I don’t run.
Anonymous says
another one for finding what you enjoy and what works. I enjoy walking, swimming laps, and Peloton bike workouts. When I feel comfortable going to gyms again, I also love yoga, most group exercise classes, ballet, and weightlifting (I used to follow New Rules of Lifting for Women plans, and charting progress is motivating for me).
I started South Beach Diet a couple weeks ago because I felt similar to you, OP. I get plenty of exercise, but I’ve fallen into some unhealthy eating habits over the pandemic and mid-30s metabolism isn’t doing me any favors. I only did a week of Phase 1, and felt so.much.better already. For me the quick-start thing is key because it’s quick results — if not in weight (although that too, in water weight), at least in how I feel. I added fruit back into my diet before the “rules” said I should, but the portions, snacks, and limiting refined carbohydrates is easy for me follow. A study just came out recently that really foot-stomps that refined carbohydrates and sugars are bad for your health and your metabolism, so I think this is just good sense even though the diet has a fad name. Some people like keto, some like atkins, some like intermittent fasting, or whatever. Those are all too restrictive for me, but having some kind of structure helps me at least be conscious of what I’m eating rather than just giving into a craving for a piece of toast slathered in butter, or mindless late-night munching because I’m bored.
Anonymous says
Buy a bike! Biking is something fun that gets you into nature, you can do it with your kids, and it’s easy to motivate yourself to get out there. I recommend mountain biking in particular (it’s more relaxing than riding on the road IMO) and it hits all the boxes you listed. You could pair it with a structured 6-week core strength program or something if you feel like you want more structure, but if you stick with it on its own, you’ll definitely see plenty of strength and cardio gains.
Anonymous says
Counterpoint: Make sure you enjoy mountain biking before spending $$$ on a bike! I find it terrifying.
Anonymous says
Mountain biking doesn’t have to be extreme, though – it can include riding on wide dirt roads, easy nature trails with your kids, etc. It’s one of those sports where you can easily tailor it to your current skill level, but also really see measurable improvements over time. It’s about 3000x more motivating to me than pounding away on the elliptical, something I’ve NEVER been able to stick with. Fun is a must-have for me in working out, not a nice-to-have.
Anonymous says
Exactly–OP should find what is fun for her. Which may or may not be mountain biking.
For me, the only biking that is enjoyable is not vigorous enough to count as an actual workout. No matter how fast I go on those wide flat trails, my Apple Watch doesn’t even give me credit for exercising. I bought a hybrid bike to ride on easy trails with the family and get my workouts in other ways.
Anonymous says
You don’t need your Apple Watch to give you “credit” for activity. Moving your body in nature brings benefits, no matter what the tech says, and a big part of adopting a new exercise routine is learning that all movement “counts.” Good luck, OP!
Anonymous says
Leisurely movement is fun and healthy, but it’s not exercise that improves fitness and leads to weight loss.
Anonymous says
I can’t agree with that at all! Check out the work by James Levine on NEAT – non-exercise activity thermogenesis. Speaking from personal experience, my low-level physical activity (walking, light stretching, etc.) 100% improves my physical fitness, mobility, flexibility, and mental health. It’s also so important in the early days of getting into fitness to pat yourself on the back for EVERY victory, even if it’s a walk around the block or 10 minutes of wrestling with your kids. It helps make fitness fun, positive, and something to look forward to.
Cb says
Yep, I would recommend biking. It is easy on your joints, is fun to do with kids etc. If you have a bike or buy one used, get it tuned up.
Anonymous says
My #1 recommendation for a healthy enjoyable lifestyle is a dog who likes long walks. Even better if, unlike my dog, it likes to ride in the car and can go on hikes.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Last summer, I hired a personal trainer type person (all virtual) to help me get to a place where I was comfortable with my body. The trainer and her team focus on strength training (which I had never done before) and that, in combination with tracking my calories, got me the weight loss I wanted. I know you said you didn’t want a diet or anything restrictive, and I didn’t either, but being aware of just how many calories are in foods helped me get an overall sense of how much I was consuming and what I needed to expend to lose weight. Strength training also made me stronger and a bit leaner. For maintenance, I like walking too, and I try to run once a week or so. And while I don’t track every day anymore, the awareness of my caloric intake is still there.
Anonymous says
If you recommend your particular person and they’re still doing virtual, would you mind sharing?
Boston Legal Eagle says
Yes, it is Jennifer Nagel and her team (I worked with one of her team members, all virtually). Heard about her on BOBW actually!
Anon says
I love dance and Zumba classes. Sometimes you feel silly but really gets you moving and you don’t need any particular equipment or clothes so it’s easy to start.
Realist says
I have heard some people rave about the Stronger U online nutrition program but don’t have personal experience yet. I’ve been thinking of trying that when I am in a better place to make some larger lifestyle shifts. It looks expensive but I have heard it is worth it.
For fitness, I agree with AwayEmily and find what works for you. For me, what really helps is having a class or activity that is super easy to get to. So search for gyms, yoga studios, kickboxing, whatever, in a 10 minute radius from your work or your house. 5 minute radius is even better. Then just try out whatever appeals to you. It sounds dumb, but even a 15 minute drive is enough of a hassle for me to fall into the trap of “oh, I will just go do a workout tomorrow.” But when I can literally glance at a clock and quickly change into clothes and start my workout in less than 15 minutes, I make it work and go way more often when I find myself with an hour freed up (like when a call reschedules right before my lunch hour).
Katarina says
I also hate running. I really like the website Fitness Blender. It is more focused on health than weight loss or cosmetic appearance. There are a wide range of exercise videos. They are rated from 1-5 in difficulty. I started with a few level 2 workouts to try it out. There are many free videos, but also things to pay for. There are also a few free 5 day challenges, but I think they would be challenging for a true beginner. There are fitness programs, which are mostly for 4 weeks, with a different hard workout 5 days a week, one recovery workout, and one day off. After doing videos on my own I bought low impact round 2, which was good for a beginner. They also have a subscription service, which includes many 2 week challenges and a few 4 week programs. The 2 week programs includes a beginner challenge which would be good for a true beginner. I was initially turned off by the subscription but I eventually bought one and it has been worth it, anything that gets me excited about working out is worth the money to me. Many of the workouts do involve weights. I bought a few lighter sets of weights slowly to gage my interest, but I am now planning to buy a more expensive set. When you are first starting out many of the weights based workouts would be challenging without weights.
I found the variety of the workouts really kept me interested. I personally enjoy weight lifting the most, but it is a good mix of HIIT and weights with a good smattering of Pilates, lower intensity cardio, and kickboxing. It is much easier for me to workout at home than go to a gym. I do enjoy swimming to workout, but it is such a hassle. I have notices a difference in my functional fitness; it is easier to carry my toddler and run around with my kids.
Feeling Like a Cow says
Just wanted to thank everyone who commented yesterday about the reassurance regarding formula. I hopped back on to read them late in the day and they were all amazing. I book marked the page to re-read all your wise words (and the Atlantic pieces) in the future too.
Pogo says
Hugs, you got this!
FTM nursery question says
How do changing tables work for toddlers? Most of what I’ve found online looks great for little babies, but far too rickety to safely support 30 pounds of squirming toddler. Do people just stop using them at a certain age/size, like bassinets? And what do you use instead?
AwayEmily says
Hmmm, most people I know (including us) just put a changing pad on a dresser rather than using a specific changing table.
Anon. says
+1
Anonymous says
We had a dresser with a removable changing top that was plenty sturdy, but mostly did standing diaper changes with toddlers. We started out with a traditional changing table with open shelving and baskets underneath. We replaced it with the dresser soon after the baby learned to crawl because she liked to dump everything out of the baskets.
Io says
When my daughter turned 18 months we moved the changing pad (Keekaroo) to the floor. Before that it was on a children’s armoire (not quite as low as a dresser). I know people who never had a changing pad, just used towels and a folding waterproof pad on their bed (one room apartment, but cheap and safe).
Anonymous says
We change on a foam mat on the floor. Often while he looks at a book so he’s distracted.
Anonymous says
Have had the changing mat on the floor since maybe 12 months.
Anon says
We have a Delta Children brand changing table and it’s on its third baby (so, remarkably durable). I changed my first on it until he potty trained at 2.5. I changed my second on it until about 1.75-2, then mostly just changed him on the floor because he was wiggly and I could pin him down better (though I was 32 with no back issues…the changing table could have supported him longer if I needed it).
fallen625 says
We do pull-ups and change standing up unless he went #2.
Anonymous says
What are your go-to meals for the week? I need dinner inspiration for the next 3 nights. Kids are 4, 6, and 9 with no major allergies.
I have chicken breasts and ground chicken in the fridge. Would prefer to stay away from high pasta dishes as my other meals this week are pasta based.
Thanks!!
Anonymous says
For the chicken breasts, How Sweet Eats potato-chip crusted chicken fingers with roasted broccoli and ranch. In the alternative, Just One Cookbook’s baked chicken katsu with rice, sauce, and veg.
For the ground chicken, What’s Gaby Cooking larb with rice and veg, or tacos. Baked tacos are very popular in our house. You can brown the ground chicken with an onion and maybe a chopped poblano pepper if your kids like the taste or grated zucchini for extra veg. Add a packet of taco seasoning. Fill 12 hard taco shells with meat and cheese and bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, ranch dressing, or a mashed avocado mixed with sour cream, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt for dipping.
Anonymous says
Sheet pan chicken + some type of marinade/sauce + veggie + a carb. We do this with varying flavor profiles; hoisin sauce plus pickled veggies for a Vietnamese-ish rice bowl; BBQ sauce plus cornbread for a southwestern style, etc. Can also use frozen sausage or meatballs to change up the meat.
GCA says
Oddly specific, but I’m poaching chicken breasts in the Instant Pot today and adding them to a noodle soup with various veggies and a bottle of Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce. With ground chicken I would probably do meatballs of some sort, and you can pair those with rice (chicken teriyaki meatballs + rice?) or mashed potatoes (like Swedish meatballs?) if you don’t want pasta.
TheElms says
Cook the chicken breasts in an Instant Pot or slow cooker with mild salsa, shred, and then use the shredded chicken for tacos (with all the other usual taco toppings).
Anon says
With ground chicken recently, I just browned it up and gave the kids chicken tacos… but for the adults I added hot sauce and a little butter and made buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. Topped the chicken with celery, bleu cheese, and diced cucumber.
It hit all the spots.
Anonymous says
I made chrissy tiegan’s lettuce wraps recently and they were excellent.
DLC says
For the ground chicken, this Bahn mi bowl is super easy and tasty. The recipe uses ground pork, but I’ve also done it with tofu so I’m sure ground chicken will be good too. And I make it with either noodles or regular rice rather than cauliflower rice.
https://thealmondeater.com/banh-mi-bowl-paleo-whole30/
AwayEmily says
Has anyone seen any zip-up sweatshirts without hoods? For kids — 5/6. I got one at H&M a few years ago but don’t see them any more.
Anon says
Target has some zip up jackets without hoods in their active wear kids section. Not quite a sweatshirt, but same function.
RR says
Just got one for my daughter from Rockets of Awesome. She’s 8.
Anonymous says
Looking for anecdata only – have a check up next week and will definitely ask then. 3 year old has not gained weight since 18 months. Was off the charts weight and 99th height at 18 months. Still a sturdy kid, large frame and not skinny at all (squishy legs but not round anymore). My guess is *not* near top of height chart anymore. Given high weight at 18 mo would you be worried/did this happen to your kid?
Anon says
My brother was 10 lbs at birth and 30 lbs at a year. He was 40 lbs at 3 years. Essentially his weight evened out and he became more proportional. No one was concerned.
Flipside– Nephew was 18 lbs at a year and was 19 lbs at 21 months. He is rail thin. Pediatrician has made them supplement nutritionally.