Embracing imperfection

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

How millennial mothers are opting out of the ‘perfect mom’ narrative. Forget the Insta-worthy birthday party. 

This new UN report that says kids can sue their government for failing to reduce climate pollution. Who run the world? Kids.   

How a European airline is testing an ‘adults-only only’ area for childless passengers on one of its flights. FYI: It’ll cost extra.

Why kids could end up in the hospital after even the smallest bite of a marijuana edible. A reminder to childproof the weed stash.

How the pressure to ‘master’ baby sleep can lead to shame and anxiety in parents. Plus, expert tips on handling sleep deprivation.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How much water and juice should my baby drink? 

FEATURED EXPERT:

Nicole Nalepa, RD, LDN

Registered dietician at the Pediatric Feeding Clinic at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

“Infants aged 0-6 months don’t need any water. They receive all of their hydration and nutrition from breast milk or infant formula. Giving an infant water can actually be dangerous, as it can cause an imbalance in their sodium levels, which could lead to seizures. 

“Between 6-12 months of age, breast milk and infant formula continue to provide the primary hydration and nutrition for an infant, but water and juice can start to be introduced in small quantities. This can be helpful when introducing cup drinking. 

“At this age, water [or] juice should be limited to no more than 3-4 ounces a day. For infants older than 1 year of age, water can be offered more often, as long as their breast milk [or] formula needs have been met for the day. It’s recommended to limit juice to less than 6 ounces a day for children aged 1-6 years old.”

Which question should an expert answer in the future?

P.S. The question with the most votes will be answered in an upcoming newsletter, so stay tuned. You can also ask an anonymous question for our parenting experts here.

Funny and Relatable Parenting Podcasts to Help You Get Through the Day

So many parents [raises hands] are going through it, and some are sharing their relatable experiences with a side of comedy. Hit play to laugh and feel a little less alone:

“I Love My Kid, But…”: Comedians Megan Gailey, Kurt Braunohler, and Chris Garcia are just as overwhelmed and stressed as you, and they’re getting honest about it. They (along with a guest) share the joys and challenges that come with parenthood — lengthy bathtime routines, the kooky daycare lady, or using your kid to get out of social events. New episodes drop every week.

“What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood”: Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson each have three kids and different parenting styles. Margaret is laid-back and Amy “never met a spreadsheet she didn't like.” Their podcast comes out three times a week. Mondays cover listener questions on topics like getting your kid to move faster in the morning or handling the end-of-summer scaries. Wednesdays, the two discuss “parenting dilemmas” such as setting boundaries and whether vacations are worth it. Fridays, an expert gives a “fresh take” on things like choosing family or mom scams.

“Mom and Dad Are Fighting”: From the online magazine “Slate,” Jamilah Lemieux, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen share parenting ups and downs while giving helpful advice. They release two episodes per week and often feature parent guests, including therapists, authors, and other podcasters. Dive into relatable topics like the pressures around screen time, whether we need the tooth fairy, and what to do with a toddler that licks everything.

Baby-Proof Suction Dishware that Actually Sticks

Avanchy’s organic bamboo bowls and plates come with a removable suction cup that stays in place once pressed onto a clean, hard surface (like a high chair, wooden table, or kitchen island). The suction ring is detachable, so your kid can still use it well after the messy toddler stage.

The dishes are also environmentally friendly, 100% biodegradable, and nontoxic. Plus, all Avanchy products are free of BPA, BPS, PVC, plastic, lead, and phthalates. One con: Bamboo plates, bowls, and spoons aren’t dishwasher safe and tend to require some extra TLC. 

Parenting writer Claudia Rupcich has been using these for nearly two years and says out of all the baby dishes she’s bought, these have the best suction by far. They’re high quality, durable, and well worth the investment, she adds. Check out her Skimm Tested review to learn more.