M+A Edit

FTM here. I’m desperate for some help with my 3-week old DD. I’m trying to EBF while home on ML (currently NAK), but my LO is constantly screaming bloody murder. Could it be a DA? Is she hungry and I need to supplement with FF? It’s struggle city over here, and I need some guidance. TIA

What to Pack in a Hospital Bag When it’s go-time, you do not want to be packing your hospital bag in between contractions -- trust us! Nor do you want to leave your partner in charge of what you may need at the hospital. Here’s your comprehensive list of what to bring to the hospital. Ideally, we recommend having your bag ready to go by about 35 or 36 weeks just in case you go into labor ahead of your due date.  Practicals ID Insurance card Phone and charger Cord blood kit...

What To Do Before Baby Comes The urge to nest and check things off your to-do list is real. Especially, in those last few weeks before baby arrives. Following are a few top of mind things for your pre-baby to do list when you're in the final few weeks countdown.  1. Arrange Care For Other Children and Pets If you have other children, arrange for a friend or caretaker to spring into action when the time comes. Write out the instructions now, email it and post it on the fridge. If you...

How Friends & Family Can Help Postpartum Those first few weeks (or even months) after having a baby, friends and family will ask if there’s anything they can do to help. Do not – we repeat DO NOT – be a martyr. Take them up on it. You’re going to need it, and they likely just want a few newborn snuggles in return. Win-win. Meals With all the focus being on feeding the babe, feeding yourself becomes last priority. But you need all the nourishment you can get, both for...

Relationships After Having a BabyHave you had a friend tell you, "your life will never be the same" once you've announced your expecting? Or maybe, something along the lines of, "enjoy it now, because you won't be able to [fill in the blank] once baby arrives."  We’ll never understand why people feel compelled to utter unhelpful cliches upon announcing that you’re pregnant. Why not share tips on keeping your relationship intact – thriving even – while everything else feels new and overwhelming? Here’s what helped us (and will hopefully help...

A baby bottle is a baby bottle is a baby bottle, right? Wrong. Babies can be finicky when it comes to finding the bottle, nipple, and flow they prefer, so don’t just buy 10 of the ones your best friend swears by. Go by our handy checklist, so you’re fully prepared.

What to Expect From Your Postpartum Recovery Your new baby is out (congrats!) and your body is yours again. Um, not so fast. While everyone's postpartum period experience is different, many moms agree it can take a while to feel at home in your own skin again. We asked NYC-based ObGyn Jaqueline Worth and co-author of The New Rules Of Pregnancy to walk us through some of the most common "surprises" new moms face as it relates to postpartum recovery. Whoa, Breastfeeding Many think it's just naturally going to happen, but...

Newborn Learning Toys Did you know newborns mostly see in black and white? It’s true. We asked out go-to resident pediatrician, Dr. Payal Adhikari, about the toys that best stimulate infant development, and she told us, “Anything that incorporates black, white, colors, textures, lights, and sounds is a sensory dream for new babies. Toys that include these features are great for developing brains. And since newborns mostly see in black and white, books with sharp contrasts will keep their attention.” Based on her guidance, here are M+A’s picks for the...

Newborn Car Ride Essentials Here’s the deal: Some babies love riding in the car and fall asleep to the movement, while others hate it and scream the entire time. Unfortunately, you won’t know what you’re dealing with until you hit the road.These must-haves will make it less stressful and more enjoyable—for you both. Car Seat Mirror You’ll throw your back out (or worse, get in an accident) trying to lean over to see if baby is sleeping or not, so just get a mirror and make life easier on yourself.  Britax...

Accessories to Upgrade Your Stroller If you live in a city, and your stroller is your main mode of transportation, accessories will help it help you. Here’s everything you need to make strolling a breeze. Stroller Organizer Smartphone, keys, coffee, wipes. You want a place where all of these things are out of your hands and easily accessible. Enter the stroller organizer. Just make sure the one you choose is compatible with your ride. Uppababy Carry-All Parent Organizer $35 SkipHop Grab and Go $23 Ethan & Emma Universal Baby Stroller...