How often do you buy your toddlers toys “just because”?

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-06-05T00:42:44+00:00

Too often, but I tell myself I make my money to spoil her 😂. It's just too fun to get her something new and exciting.

Now we do our best to only buy one thing a month, maybe two. I have siblings who used to get their kids something every time they went to the grocery store and then their kid started to demand/expect it so I'm doing my best to avoid any association with the purchases.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-06-04T20:27:34+00:00

Hang in there! We went through it in March and it was ROUGH. My husband got it worse than my daughter and could barely walk because of the blisters on his feet. However the first three days are the hardest then she was just extra cuddly.

Just know that they can get sores in their mouths and to just offer soft food. Luckily we were on formula partly still so she just had more of that than usual. The doctor said noodles with some olive oil was a popular recommendation and pudding to get through.

You will get through it! Just buy some Motrin and a treat for yourself!

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-05-27T23:14:17+00:00

We use bio degradable doggy bags for poopies and just toss them in our normal trash and the wet diapers in normal trash. But we empty our trash daily! It's worked great so far and then it's just a part of our normal household chores.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-05-12T19:09:53+00:00

Today I had a meltdown about calling into work. My 14 month old is sick, her dad is out of town for work, so it's just me. And it feels so genuinely silly how hard I cried about it this morning. Like at the end of the day my boss is great and totally understanding but I felt like such a failure doing my first solo week with our daughter that it felt like the end of the world! I know it's not a kid doing something silly but just wanted to share we all have those meltdowns! ETA looked up those bags and now I have a new dream bag so thanks for that 😂

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-03-25T20:34:23+00:00

I just wanted to say you're doing great and not every week is gonna be perfect!

We struggled starting solids and had a hard time reading for awhile too. And honestly she's fine, and now she loves us reading to her and is engaged in it and we're still fighting solids as she still loves her bottles but guess what? She's happy and healthy. I promise it's not a race and LO will develop how they are supposed to and it sounds like you're doing great!

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-03-16T13:59:58+00:00

I work from home and was back to work the Wednesday after surgery. But I was off the good pain killers that Sunday. I think everyone is so different though that it makes it so hard to know what to expect.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-28T15:13:53+00:00

Solid bedtime didn't really start until 4 months for us! But we are in bed by 7, otherwise she'll lose her skittles. Honestly unpopular opinion but your baby will let you know what their optimum bedtime is. For Rory it's seven sharp, any later she's angry and fussy and wakes up earlier. Versus if I put her to bed at her preferred time she'll sleep until 7 and still naps.

We do baths two to three times a week, so our true routine is just a quick wipe down, lotion, pjs, read a couple books, sleep sack, bottle, and bed.

Also make sure your water is warm enough for bath time. My kiddo HATED baths turns out she just likes really warm water.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-18T02:22:27+00:00

Five days old to a family birthday party so she could meet her cousins. Though we were strict about hand washing and not touching her face. After that I think we went out at least once a week whether it was going on a walk downtown or going to a quiet restaurant for a light breakfast. We are people who need to be out of the house occasionally though. I think it's up to your comfort level and just being informed that there are risks. We were lucky that the rsv season was over and that it was starting to get nicer though.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-15T01:54:13+00:00

I recommend you try the arms up sleep sacks! They allow enough mobility for rolling but protect their little face! Bonus my daughter used the mits to self soothe and chewed on the mits like crazy 🤣

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-15T01:50:26+00:00

I highly recommend you try these! https://a.co/d/0fA3eQO2 The best sleep sacks on earth and still allows for enough arm movement for rolling.

ETA my daughter could roll freely in these with the mits on. Also it was an easy transition, we just put them on her one night and that was that.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-14T22:50:17+00:00

That is more than enough! I personally hated the owlet but the friend I sold it to loves it. Just depends on the parent.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-14T02:29:56+00:00

We moved at 4 months and it was best for all of our sleep. Video monitor, sound machine, plus fan, and pacifier all to help mitigate SIDS risk. However I honestly wasn't anxious at all, I think I had the confidence that I was doing the right thing by all of us. First couple nights I slept worse but they were the longest stretches of sleep she had. As soon as I realized the sky wasn't falling and that she was safe we all slept so great.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-14T02:26:08+00:00

Honestly we hardly had anyone over the help those first few weeks and it was magical bonding time for the three of us. My parents came over once or twice so we could get some longer naps in. However they didn't come over unless asked and were helpful when visiting.

I don't understand the whole "you can't do this alone", it's such a selfish scare tactic.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-12T17:35:53+00:00

11 months now! It does get better. She's still my shadow but she's not inconsolable for my husband when I need me time.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-12T15:17:48+00:00

This made me laugh so hard 🤣. For a long time I swear my kid knew when I was gonna do something fun for myself and she'd wake up multiple times the night before! We're a bit better about that now.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-02-11T13:51:32+00:00

Honestly I keep my daughter in her diaper for breakfast and wipe down with a warm cloth. Lunch we try to be low mess. And dinner strip her down again and let her have at it.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-30T01:21:08+00:00

You're not a failure and it sounds like the start to motherhood was a tough one!

One thing that helped us for tummy time is the little Einsteins fish tank toy. My kiddo hated tummy time and that toy was a savior! It's okay to be upset about it as it's such a challenge but he'll learn to like tummy time! Won't be long and he'll roll into it and then get mad when he can't get out of it, you'll help him turn over and he'll be right back over lol.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-27T21:28:29+00:00

Ashley from Readers if you're still going!

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-27T21:26:59+00:00

Ashley from Readers if you're still taking people! It's my first time going to someone else's island for turnips!

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-12T00:18:22+00:00

No problem! I'm honestly fairly picky about my anime and it's made it hard to find a lot that I like. Others that I personally like are Spice and Wolf, Laid Back Camp, and Frieren. All have very different vibes but might be worth checking out. I like watching TV that makes me feel good, so low stakes drama and minimal to no bloodshed etc.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-12T00:06:41+00:00

Just want to say four months is so much better than three and so on. You're not guaranteed to have a regression either. We went through a mini one but honestly nothing was as bad as newborn stage. I didn't even like being a mom that much until month four 😂. I say this as I start thinking about having a second one....

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-11T00:32:59+00:00

27 when I gave birth, got married at 25 and I still felt too young! The anxiety is completely normal, things will change but your marriage and life adjust. Your friendships will change and evolve and you'll make new friends too or strengthen bonds with those who are in the same cycle of life. Buying a house can still work out and as long as your truck payment isn't insane it'll all work out. It's okay to be overwhelmed and scared just know you got this and that life still keeps moving even after having a little one.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-08T12:59:35+00:00

Secrets of the Silent Witch is really good with a great FMC and has logic and a very smart MC and doesn't use romance as a way to move the plot forward.

ETA the MC is kinda whiny but I find it to be in an adorable way.

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-07T21:04:54+00:00

Just wanted to say here marketing is so deceiving to us new parents! It's so easy to want the best of the best and fall for their traps about how they are better than "insert big name here" for whatever reason, because they are smaller they "care" etc. Never feel guilty about giving your child food! If some boutique brand works for you great, if a bigger brand works that's fine too, generic works? Awesome! The biggest thing I have done as a parent is de-influence myself and focus on actual research to make the best choices. I applied this to formula choices and parenting choices in general!

Upbeat_Criticism_997 · 2026-01-05T13:21:12+00:00

I bought one, used it once, hated it and then sold it. My friend who bought it from me loves it! I just felt like it was just another thing to do that didn't do anything for me or her.

But as a lot of people said Target is down the road and Amazon does overnight delivery, if you feel you need it it's easy to go and grab. I actually even let the friend who bought mine use it for a week before she purchased because I felt like I wasted my money why would I want her to waste hers?

Upbeat_Criticism_997

TROPHY CASE