1.) Meal prep is your best friend
The day we came home from the pediatrician with the go-ahead to start solids, we were excited but nervous. I found myself constantly Googling, “Can my baby have this?” before offering anything. Since we started solids relatively early, we began with purees, as our pediatrician recommended. However, transitioning from exclusively breastfeeding to making purees several times a day was a big adjustment. We eventually bought a baby food blender that steamed and pureed food, which made the process easier and allowed us to prepare food for a whole week. Now that our toddler is eating a wider variety of foods, I regularly prepare things like meatballs, broccoli-cheese fritters, and muffins — freezer-friendly meals I can thaw easily. It’s a relief to know there are protein-packed, ready-to-go options always on hand.
2.) Pause before purchasing
In those late nights with a newborn, I had plenty of time to scroll and build a mental list of “must-have” baby items I hadn’t included on my registry. Thanks to Amazon, I often impulse-bought things I thought would be game changers — many of which we barely used. One thing I’ve learned is that every day with a baby is different, and the stages pass quickly. By the time you realize something might have been helpful, you’re often already moving on to the next phase — making the product you just bought no longer relevant. Before hitting “buy now,” take a moment to consider how long you’ll actually use the item and determine if it’s really worth it.
3.) The best advice is not always on the internet
I’m part of a generation where TikTok plays a big role in social culture. The app is known for its highly personalized “For You Page” that is based on each user’s interests and life stage. During pregnancy, my feed was full of baby content and once I became a parent it shifted to all things motherhood. At first, it was comforting to see so much relatable content, but over time, it became overwhelming. The constant stream of conflicting advice from creators with varying levels of expertise was exhausting. After going down one too many rabbit holes, I finally took a step back and started relying less on TikTok for guidance.
4.) You might unlock the “key to parenting” — but then it might change the next day
Almost everyday I find myself thinking I’ve figured out the best way to do something — whether it’s the best way to put my daughter in her car seat without tears, rocking her to sleep or getting her to eat the food on her plate. However, sometimes this feeling of triumph is cut short when the “key” I discovered, stops working the next day. With my daughter rapidly developing, it makes sense that everyday feels different. What works one day, might not work the next, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.
5.) Be prepared, but don’t get down on yourself when you’re not
I have a huge bag that I call “the park bag.” It’s filled with everything we need for a fun day outside — sunscreen, picnic blanket, snacks, toys etc. However, even though it’s stuffed with essentials, I find that I always seem to forget something. Instead of getting down on myself for forgetting her sun hat or her water bottle, I take note for next time. That way, I know that I will not forget those items again.
The Toledo Zoo has a variety of educational opportunities available for kids and families of all ages. They offer camps, preschool groups, tours and family groups. Some of the opportunities include a ‘Reef Tank Feed’, and a ‘Stroller Safari.’ Their groups range in price so there are opportunities for every budget.
