M+A Edit

The newborn stage is over in a blink — and while we can’t freeze time, we can help you hold onto it a little longer. The secret? Take all the pictures. Whether you’re booking a professional session or capturing moments at home on your phone, a few simple tricks can make those early photos even sweeter. We asked four photographers to share their best tips for photographing children. From finding the perfect light to keeping baby cozy, here’s their advice for turning fleeting moments into lasting memories. Hayley Johnson, @hayleyjophoto...

Advice from Good Inside’s Dr. Becky Kennedy, shared with the Monica + Andy community. Back-to-school season often brings a swirl of emotions—for both kids and parents. Whether it's separation anxiety, new routines, or the bittersweet feeling of summer ending, the transition is rarely just logistical. At an event hosted by Monica + Andy, bestselling author and clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy shared how to emotionally prepare for what’s ahead—and how to support our kids without losing ourselves in the process. Her biggest piece of advice? Change your mindset. It’s not you...

🍼 What to Pack for Daycare: The Ultimate Checklist for Your Baby’s First Day Starting daycare is a major milestone for babies—and their parents. Whether you're preparing for your infant’s first day of daycare or just refreshing your routine, knowing exactly what to pack for daycare can make all the difference. Here’s a complete, parent-approved daycare checklist for infants to help you stay organized, ease separation anxiety, and ensure your baby has everything they need for a comfy, happy day. 🎒 Infant Daycare Packing List: Essentials to Bring on Day...

Our founder & CEO, Monica Royer, shares this heartfelt letter in honor of Mother’s Day—a reflection on strength, sacrifice, and the unshakable bond between mothers and daughters. Dear Mom, Your early life was not an easy one. Born in India, the middle child of seven, your path to the education you cherish was challenging. You immigrated alone to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue your college education and to send money home to your ailing father. It must have taken real bravery—a kind I have never...

A guide to sun-soaked memories, tiny hands, and joyful bites Summer brings with it a rhythm that feels slower, sweeter, and full of possibility—especially for families with young children. Whether it’s the first warm breeze that whispers “outside time,” or the scent of sunscreen and grilled veggies filling the air, there’s something inherently nostalgic about summertime with kids. For many parents, especially moms balancing everything from nap schedules to snack demands, the idea of planning a BBQ or picnic might feel like just another task. But it doesn’t have to...

There’s a particular kind of energy that pool days with kids bring—equal parts anticipation and “wait, did we bring snacks?” Whether you’re heading to a splash pad, a friend’s backyard, or your own inflatable setup, the secret to a smooth summer outing comes down to what’s in the bag. You want it light(ish), organized, and filled with sun-safe, skin-soft, seriously cute pieces that hold up to SPF, chlorine, and snack crumbs. Here’s what we’re packing—and how it all comes together for pool days that actually feel like a win. The...

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to pack away the fleece-lined layers and bring out the breezy basics. Transitioning your baby’s wardrobe for summer is all about comfort, safety, and keeping things cute (and easy for you). Here’s your warm-weather checklist for dressing baby just right, all season long:   1. Stick to Breathable Fabrics Babies are more sensitive to heat, so light, airy materials are key.Look for: Organic cotton (gentle on delicate skin) Muslin (lightweight and soft with a natural stretch) These fabrics help...

There’s something special about a family movie night — no schedules, no screens (besides the big one!), and all the snuggles. Whether you're looking to start a new weekly tradition or just want a low-key night in, here's how to plan a cozy movie night your kids will actually remember. 1. Choose a Crowd-Pleaser Finding a movie everyone agrees on can be the biggest challenge. Rotate who gets to choose, or create a short list ahead of time. Family favorites like Moana, The Lego Movie, or Encanto are fun, feel-good...

Because the best summer memories are made in everyday moments By the time the sun starts beaming a little brighter and the days stretch long into the evening, many of us moms find ourselves both excited and a tiny bit overwhelmed. Summer holds all the promise—outdoor play, sweet treats, and the chance to slow down—but it also begs the question: How do we keep our kids engaged, happy, and off screens without burning ourselves out in the process? Whether you're caring for a curious toddler or a fiercely independent kindergartener,...

When Audra Lawlor traded a busy corporate job in New York City for a quieter life in the San Juan Islands, she wanted to reinvent what having a career looked like for her. “I was on a mission to create something different,” she tells Monica Royer in a new episode of The Mentor Files podcast. “Most importantly, to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could create a business and be an entrepreneur and build a company that did scale purposefully and could afford me some of...