Best Baby Shower Gifts Fall 2024
So many people receive that Baby Shower invite and head straight to the store to wrap up a cute outfit or trend of the season stuffed animal but the truth is baby showers could be even better if the gifts given could help support mom and baby on a deeper level.
Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas:
-Postpartum Massage. What more can I say? Mom needs to relax and heal.
-Housecleaning. If someone, could come in clean all the bathrooms & kitchen, freshen all the bed linens and do the laundry you would have one appreciative new mom and dad.
-Gift certificate to mom’s favorite restaurant tied with a ribbon around the neck of a bottle of champagne. Takeout is wonderful for that day that feels like you’ve had no sleep.
-Light weight travel stroller. Easy for a new mom to maneuver in and out of a car is essential. Travel stroller will stay with the family long past newborn stage and can serve a family well up to 6 years especially on vacations and dinners out.
-Gift certificate for a pre or postnatal yoga class. Get strong with or without baby with a class that’s right for their needs.
- Gift certificate for a new moms group. Help them find a group of mom friends in the same stage of motherhood.
We would love to hear what your favorite baby shower gift ideas are in the comments!
Prioritizing Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness
Prenatal and postpartum care wellness
Proper prenatal and postpartum care supporting both mom and baby are so important for the well being of a young family. Prenatal care can help an expecting mother develop a birth plan for her child’s delivery which will help the birth partner, spouse or friend help advocate for mom’s wants and needs during labor. Each mom and baby are unique and deserve the special attention the mom desires. Prenatal care helps educate a mother for her labor and delivery as well as her postpartum journey.
A few tips for Before, During and After Pregnancy
Before Pregnancy: Optimize your diet with whole foods, walk to achieve healthy resting heart rate and keep your body ready for the marathon that is labor. A goal of 10k steps is great! The fitter you are during your pregnancy the smoother your labor will be.
During Pregnancy: As soon as a you find out your pregnant schedule prenatal visits and if you aren’t jiving with your OBGYN now is the time to find a labor and delivery doctor that fits your needs. Find a community for expecting or new moms to join. This group of women who are in the exact stage of motherhood you’re in will be so helpful to your journey through your motherhood experience. Moving through pregnancy will make all the difference. Continue eating whole foods and staying active while waiting for you’re little ones arrival.
Recovery After Labor: Whole foods will get you through your recovery along with perinatal ice packs. Nipple shields will help protect your sensitive skin through breatfeeding as your uterus shrinks back into its shape over the first several months. Take an easy during your recovery whether you had a C-Section or natural birth. Both types of deliveries require rest, nurturing and bonding time with baby for mom to properly heal at her own pace. Join a local new moms group to find moms friends in the same stage of motherhood you are experiencing. You’ll find having mom friends with the exact same child will help you navigate so many questions you will have as your baby develops. It is so reassuring to know you are not alone in early motherhood and that other moms have the same questions as you. Don’t forget about you. It’s ok to wait to care for your baby but you also need to care for your body, mind and soul. Implementing yoga/pilates, meditation, massage and exercise are all great self-care activities to keep your cup full as a new mom. Moving your body during pregnancy and postpartum will make all the difference for your body and your mind. The real goal here is to be the healthiest mom you can be because in return it will benefit the whole family.
Wellness is wealth!
Introducing Homemade Baby Food: A Guide for New Moms
Introducing Homemade Baby Food: A Guide for New Moms
As a new mom, you’re likely excited to introduce your little one to the world of solid foods. Homemade baby food can be a wonderful way to ensure your baby is getting nutritious, wholesome meals tailored to their needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started with making and introducing homemade baby food.
Introducing Homemade Baby Food: A Guide for New Moms
As a new mom, you’re likely excited to introduce your little one to the world of solid foods. Homemade baby food can be a wonderful way to ensure your baby is getting nutritious, wholesome meals tailored to their needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started with making and introducing homemade baby food.
Why Homemade Baby Food?
Control Over Ingredients: Making your own baby food allows you to choose fresh, organic ingredients without any additives or preservatives.
Cost-Effective: Homemade baby food can save you money compared to store-bought options.
Flavor Variety: You can experiment with different flavors and textures to help your baby develop a healthy palate.
Nutritional Benefits: Freshly made food retains more nutrients compared to pre-packaged options.
When to Start
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solid foods around 6 months of age. Look for signs of readiness, such as:
Good head and neck control
Sitting up with minimal support
Showing interest in food (reaching for or watching you eat)
Essential Tools
To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools:
Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing food to a smooth consistency.
Steamer Basket: For cooking vegetables while retaining their nutrients.
Ice Cube Trays or Small Containers: For freezing and storing baby food in portion sizes.
Spoons: Soft-tipped spoons are ideal for feeding.
Basic Steps to Make Homemade Baby Food
1. Choose Your Ingredients
Start with single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest. Common choices include:
Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and squash.
Fruits: Apples, bananas, avocados, and pears.
Grains: Oatmeal, rice, and quinoa.
2. Preparation
Wash and Peel: Thoroughly wash and peel any fruits or vegetables as needed.
Cook: Steam or bake fruits and vegetables until they are soft. Steaming is preferable as it helps retain nutrients.
Cool: Allow the cooked food to cool before pureeing.
3. Puree
Using your blender or food processor, blend the cooked food until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little breast milk, formula, or water to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Store
Pour the pureed food into ice cube trays or small containers. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into freezer bags for easy storage. Label with the date and contents for quick reference.
5. Introduce New Flavors
Start by offering one new food at a time, waiting about three to five days before introducing another. This helps you monitor for any allergic reactions and allows your baby to get accustomed to each flavor.
Feeding Tips
Start Small: Begin with 1-2 teaspoons of food, gradually increasing the amount as your baby shows interest.
Watch for Reactions: Observe your baby for any signs of allergies or intolerances.
Stay Positive: Encourage your baby by making mealtime fun and engaging. Let them explore textures with their hands!
Be Patient: It may take several attempts before your baby accepts a new food.
Recipe Book Guides
Introducing homemade baby food can be a rewarding experience for both you and your little one. By taking the time to prepare nutritious meals, you’ll help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Here are a few of my favorite baby food recipe books that I find super helpful.
The Big Book of Organic Baby Food
Enjoy this exciting journey as you discover new flavors together!
Happy cooking!
Baby Food Recipe Books
Is It Time For A Tonsillectomy?
Why does my child snore so loud? When does a child need tonsils removed? Will removing my child's tonsils and adenoids improve their sleep? Obstructive sleep apnea in children and other symptoms of enlarged adenoids.
Sleep Interruption in toddlers and little ones can be warning signs that it’s time for a tonsillectomy or removal of adenoids. Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Dry mouth, Chapped Lips, Sleep walking, Always thirsty, Large Tonsils and Stuffiness are all symptoms that your little one is not getting great sleep but they could get better sleep- and so can you.
Are any of these familiar? Wonder why your child isn’t sleeping well? Book at trip to an ENT doctor or a dentist specializing in sleep apnea. (We went to an Ear, Nose, Throat office and they were fabulous.) Your child may need a tonsillectomy or adenoid procedure for better breathing and sleeping at night. Our son was always snoring and even after waking in the morning sounding stuffy with no drainage… We were puzzled. The snoring was definitely affecting his sleeping and he never looked well rested in the morning. At age 7, after having his adenoids removed and his tonsils shaved he’s officially a morning person! I hope these tips help you get through this procedure that can feel scary for your child.
Warning Signs your child may need their tonsils or adenoids removed: Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Dry mouth, Chapped Lips or chin, Sleep walking, Daily grogginess, Always thirsty, Large Tonsils
Visit ENT: The doctor will use a funny camera up their nose which can be silly and fun to see on the screen. Try a Flonase routine for 6 weeks and gage any improvement or no change to sleeping habits. Have a delicate conversation with your little one about what’s going to happen if the flonase helps or if it doesn’t. My son was very scared of the word surgery. So we went with procedure and we let him know if he used the prescribed Flonase that his night time breathing could improve. If we did not use the medicine that we would definitely have to have a procedure and we are trying to prevent the need for surgery. Explaining all this definitely helped get him on board with taking the Flonase each night when brushing his teeth.
Day before surgery I hit up the store to grab Motrin and kids Tylenol. Also stocked up on Sprite, soup and popcicles- no dairy for the first 2 days and then all the chocolate ice cream!! Then I enjoyed all the snuggles with my little guy. We had a great afternoon doing an activity of his choice and served his favorite meal for an early dinner.
Pre Surgery: No breakfast in the AM so activity time it is! Let your child pack a bag with an ipad downloaded with child’s favorite show for immediate quiet time after procedure. Also, have child pack their favorite pair of jammies to wear to hospital and their favorite lovey. When you arrive at hospital child should be in the comfy jammies they chose holding bag with lovey and ipad. Keep it simple mom. They less the better. You’ll be able to be together and walk them to their pre-operation room. A pediatric dental specialist visited to examine for any loose teeth and to make sure your kiddo is healthy. Laughing gas will put your child to rest for what will be a 25-40 procedure time. You will then be asked to head back to the waiting room. My husband and I brought a game to keep away the nerves and to pass the short amount of time.
Pre-operation with a favorite stuffed animal and ipad with favorite show downloaded.
Post Surgery: Observe your child’s breathing for 24 hours, alternate medications according to doctor’s instructions to keep pain down and have your child rest even if they want to run, jump take them for a walk but keep the activity for for the first several days. Athletic or strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 10 days following surgery. And of course it POPSICLE TIME!! These were his favorite popsicles. Mango all the way!
Diet Following Tonsillectomy for a child: Clear liquids and soups for first 24 hours then introduce soft foods on Low Residue Diet including but not limited to mashed potatoes, small noodles, popsicles, soft bread without crust. My son wanted a hamburger straight away so I asked him to wait a day or two.
The following foods are NOT recommeded after tonsil procedure:
-Grains, toast, crispy waffles, crunchy cereals, crackers, pretzels, popcorn
-Raw Vegetables
-Citrus Fruit, apples, melon.
-Meats that are tough or dry. Nuts
-Citrus juices, soda with bubbles
-Crunchy cookies
Generally, stay away from greasy, fried foods, chips, grilled cheese sandwiches or anything with crusty edges.
Normal Symtoms: Low fever, bad breath and light blood in mucus as normal.
I hope this information has helped prepare and better understand what to expect from a tonsillectomy for your child. Of course it is nerve racking thinking about any child needing surgery- especially yours but I will tell you my child’s sleep quality therefore the entire household has benefitted from visiting the ENT. When children sleep better they wake up rested and happy and ready to learn.
Restful activities during recovery: Walks to the ice cream shop of course! Walk through the zoo & read the placards to your kiddo for a unique interaction for you both. Puzzles, chess/checkers, coloring/drawing. Making a basket with a puzzle, a craft kit, coloring book, a library book, stickers and some new markers/a fidget is just one simple idea to cheer up your little after the procedure.
How to Easily Change Your Last Name in Illinois After Marriage
How to change your last name in Chicago. Are you a newlywed that wants to make it official my changing your last name? Sure you've heard it's a hassle but really follow these simple steps and you'll have your new identification in no time, stress-free.
How to Change Your Last Name in Illinois After Marriage
So you got married, now what?! Everyone is calling you Mr and Mrs blah, blah, blah but how do you officially change your last name? Changing your last name after marriage can be a straightforward process, but it involves several steps to ensure that your new name is properly recognized and updated across various legal documents and institutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to change your last name in Illinois after marriage.
1. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
Congratulations! You’re a newlywed! The first step in changing your last name is to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You’ll need this document as proof of your marriage and the name change. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk’s office in the county where your marriage took place. Typically, you’ll need to provide some identification and pay a small fee for the copy($7 for pickup & $15 to have it mailed).
2. Update Your PASSPORT
To change your name on your new passport
: You can download this on the Passport Agency’s website and
Complete U.S. Passport Renewal Application and sign form: You can download this form on the Passport Agency website or obtain it at your local Chicago Passport Agency office or most post offices. Print to complete and sign.
Provide Documentation: You will need to submit your certified marriage certificate, your previously issued U.S. passport (current or recently expired).
Attach one color photograph 2x2 inches in size: You can have proper sized photo taken to exact requirements at FedEx, UPS or CVS stores. The passport office will use only one of the photos and you will keep the other. The cost of photo is $12-$15.
Submit Your Application: You can mail the completed form and documents to the Passport Agency or visit your local Passport Agency office in person by appointment.
Updating your passport is super simple with an existing passport and marriage certificate. I was actually quite surprised how little I needed to make the name change. I went with recently expired passport and my reserved travel itinerary(flight reservation) and received my passport the following day for pickup which I loved! Now that you have a passport with your new name (congrats!!! eeek!!!) and your marriage certificate and a new and expired passport you will be ready to update your Driver’s License, Social Security card and all other bank accounts and financial records such as future tax documents. Note that your old, expired passport is just as valuable as you new passport until you get all your documents transferred to new name.
2. Update Your Social Security Card
Before you update your driver's license and other documents, you need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here’s how:
Complete Form SS-5: You can download this form from the SSA website or obtain it at your local Social Security office.
Provide Documentation: You will need to submit your certified marriage certificate, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
Submit Your Application: You can mail the completed form and documents to the SSA or visit your local Social Security office in person.
Updating your Social Security card is crucial because it affects your tax records and other financial documentation.
4. Update Your Driver’s License or State ID
Once your Social Security card has been updated, you can change your name on your Illinois driver’s license or state ID:
Visit an Illinois Secretary of State Facility: You will need to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Bring Your Documents: Bring your certified marriage certificate, your updated Social Security card, and your current driver’s license or state ID.
Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate form to request a name change on your driver’s license or state ID.
Pay the Fee: There may be a fee for issuing a new license or ID with your updated name.
5. Update Your Bank Accounts and Financial Records
Notify your bank and any other financial institutions of your name change:
Visit Your Bank: Go to your bank with your certified marriage certificate and updated driver’s license or state ID.
Fill Out Required Forms: You may need to fill out forms or provide a copy of your marriage certificate to update your name on your accounts, credit cards, and checks.
6. Notify Other Institutions
Other institutions where you should update your name include:
Employer: Update your name with your employer for payroll and benefits purposes.
Utility Companies: Notify your utility providers to update your name on accounts.
Insurance Companies: Inform your health, auto, and home insurance providers of your name change.
Post Office: Update your name with the post office to ensure your mail is correctly forwarded.
Professional Licenses: If you hold any professional licenses, update your name with the relevant licensing boards.
7. Update Legal Documents and Records
You may also need to update your name on various legal documents, such as:
Wills and Trusts: Consult with an attorney to update any estate planning documents.
Property Records: If you own real estate, you might need to update your name on property deeds.
8. Inform Your Contacts
Don’t forget to inform friends, family, and other contacts of your new name. This will help ensure that you receive correspondence and invitations correctly.
I Hope This made youR Name Change as simple As It Was For Me!
Changing your last name after marriage in Illinois involves several key steps, from obtaining your marriage certificate to updating your documents and records. By following this guide, you can make sure that your name change is completed efficiently and accurately. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to consult with legal or administrative professionals for assistance.
#namechangeillinois #changenameafterwedding #howtochangelastname #newlywedadvice
Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Kids menus in Chicago that go above and beyond chicken nuggets!
Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Chicago!
Do you love to dine out but taking the kids can be challenging? We are lucky to have a kiddo that loves dining out too so put on your eye cream, grab your purse & lets go out tonight because these Chicago restaurants have everything you need to keep your little one entertained. I’m not just taking crayons and coloring sheets here. These restaurants have healthy options when you want to go beyond chicken fingers and buttered noodles. These dining spots have the best service and will cater to you and your littles dining needs. Hurry! Click the websites to make a reservation today!
Crosby’s Kitchen- Kids eat FREE from 4-6pm at Crosby's Kitchen on Southport. Crosby’s is a lively neighborhood restaurant with great lighting and excellent rotisserie chicken. You will spot many families and will not need to worry about being too noisy. Perfect for a dinner out with another family.
Addresss: 3455 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60657
http://www.crosbyschicago.com/
Joe’s Seafood, - Find a healthy kids meal including options like crab cakes, grilled chicken with vegetables. People always ask how my child likes vegetables and you feed kids the right foods when they’re hungry. When you’re entertaining and need a nice restaurant that is doable with kids this is the one. Perfect for clients, family celebrations and birthdays.
Address: 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
SummerHouse Santa Monica- SummerHouse Lincoln Park offers a build your own pizza station from 4-6pm for little one and has an additional kids menu including spaghetti and meatballs with fruit, sliders with fries and fruit and much more And of course do not forget to stop by the dessert shop on your way to grab a cookie for all the littles to take home!
Address: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
https://www.summerhouserestaurants.com/lincoln-park/
Ed Debevic’s- On the pricier side, but the entertainment is priceless!! The waitstaff dancing between tables and one stage!! There’s also a resident cowboy hat wearing DJ spinning all the oldies but goodies. Perfect for a celebration they’ll never forget!!
Address: 159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Sushi San Lincoln Park- Kids Bento boxes and Japanese history to boot! Perfect for kids of any age, the bento box is a Japanese doll you take apart to reveal their kids meal. Edamame, sushi and fruit in their main meal and mochi ice cream comes after to celebrate a healthy meal well done!
Address: 1950 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
https://www.sushisanrestaurant.com/lincoln-park/
Dining Out with Kids: Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Eating out with children can be a delightful experience, but it also requires a bit of planning to ensure it goes smoothly. Whether you're heading to a casual diner or a more upscale restaurant, here are some tips to make dining out with kids enjoyable for the whole family.
1. Choose the Right Restaurant
Selecting a kid-friendly restaurant can make all the difference. Look for places with a relaxed atmosphere, a varied kids' menu, and amenities such as high chairs or booster seats. Restaurants that offer crayons and coloring sheets can also keep little ones entertained while you wait for your meal. You can always bring a smaller sized activity book that is new to them with their favorite marker/pen. I prefer a blank notebook and a pen for my little guy to get creative in from drawing to writing or even a game of tic tac toe.
2. Plan Ahead
Check the restaurant's menu online before you go to ensure there are options your children will enjoy. Also, consider making a reservation if you're going during prime dinner times or on the weekend to avoid long waits. If your child or other family members has any dietary restrictions or allergies, notify restaurant in the “special notes” section when you book your online reservation.
3. Prepare Your Kids
Before you leave, talk to your children about what to expect. Explain the dining etiquette and how they should behave at the table. We like to practice dining etiquette at home to reinforce these as basic habits anywhere they may dine. Let them know that dining out is a special treat and they should be on their best behavior. This can set the tone for a smoother dining experience. Reward that good etiquette with a dessert of choice for themselves or to share with the table. One dessert, 4 spoons please!
4. Pack Smart
Bring along a small bag of essentials to keep your kids comfortable and entertained. This might include a discreet snack (just in case), a favorite tiny toy, notebook for them draw, fold, color in. Stay away from a tablet with headphones for shows, games or videos. As I stated dining out is a special treat and the reward if you the display of good manners not for quietly watching an ipad. Devices are distracting to other tables as well as your own. This type of parenting can be more challenging at first and require patience but very rewarding once the expectations for dining out are set. Don’t forget to pack any necessary items like baby wipes and small changing pad it. It has surprised me all the places I’ve had to change a diaper and that simple changing pad can be a lifesaver.
5. Order Strategically
When the waiter comes to take your order, order for your kiddo right away while you are placing cocktail orders for mom and dad. Ask about the portion sizes. Sometimes, a kid’s meal is enough for older children, and sharing larger portions can be a great option for families with toddlers. Exposing toddlers to mom and dad’s meal instead of order off a kids meal can be a great way to encourage a happy and curious eater at an early age.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Dining out with kids often requires a bit of flexibility. Be prepared for the meal to take longer than usual and try to remain patient. If your child gets restless, gently redirect their attention with a story or a quiet game.
7. Encourage Good Table Manners
Encourage your children to use their indoor voices and practice good table manners. Setting a positive example by demonstrating polite behavior can help reinforce these habits. Praise your kids for their good behavior to encourage them to keep it up.
8. Handle Mishaps Gracefully
Accidents and spills can happen. Set your kid up for success. Remind them to keep their drink placed away from the edge of a table. Contrary to what most do, glass plates and glasses are heavier and not as easy to knock over so try them out. If your child is used to using glass at home they’ll really succeed in a restaurant. If your child spills a drink or drops food, handle it calmly and apologize to the staff. Most restaurant staff are used to dealing with children and will appreciate your patience and understanding.
9. Be Considerate of Others
Remember that not all diners are there to enjoy a family meal. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of your surroundings. If your child needs to take a break or has a moment of restlessness, a quick walk outside or a visit to the restroom or kitchen can help.
10. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, remember that dining out is about creating family memories. Embrace the experience, enjoy the meal, and savor the time spent together. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, dining out with kids can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Bon appetit! -M
HOW to Lollapalooza with kids
Everything you need to know to successfully take your kid to Lollapalooza 2024.
You can successfully take your kid to Lollapalooza 2024! And here are all of our best tips to enjoy a day at Lollapalooza and Kidzapolooza together. It’s awesome when your child begins enjoying some of the same things you enjoy as a parent. I think the greatest gift you can give to your child is the gift of experiences and that’s exactly what Lollapalooza is- an EPIC experience! We have exposed our child to music from an early age and now we reap the benefit of enjoying music together as a family. We’re going to show you how to make your family day at Lollapalooza a total success so much so that you’ll make it a family tradition! #kidzapalooza #lollapalooza #chicagofamily
📸:@the.urban.canvas
Here are a few key tips to making an epic Lollapalooza experience for the whole family.
-Play the bands you’ve mapped out to hear with your kiddo so they can get excited about the big day planned! Listen to the bands in the car, on a lazy Sunday morning and in the kitchen for a Friday Night Dance Party! When you child knows the music at Lolla their attention is more likely to be captivated and the adults will enjoy the show too.
-Take an easy in the AM but with no screen time and a very healthy breakfast and lunch. you know what food to expect at a festival so keep healthy meals on the AM docket so you get the best behavior from your little one. Then pack some special treats in their bag for the concerts. A green apple blow-pop was this year’s favorite treat.
-Dress your child in pants, hat, fannypack, cool shades, sunscreen, noise cancelling headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are at must at any show for a child. Headphones allow you to roam around the stages with having to be in the back of the venue. A fanny pack allows your kiddo to carry around a few treats like a pack of gum/granola bar and their sunglasses (and extra underwear).
- Travel by train, it's an adventure in itself
-Have a healthy snack right before you walk in the gates. No one should be hangry at a music fest. Enjoy an apple or banana before walking in the gates to get everyone off to a great start for the day.
-Bring earplugs(for yourself) @discovervibes are my favorite earplugs for shows. They are great at filtering out the noise for a great music experience. Definitely bring babywipes, mints/lollipop, granola bar & empty waterbottle.
Vibes Hi-Def Earplugs make every show better.
-Most of all PACK LIGHT to make the day and night enjoyable
-ROCK ON!!!🤟 xo-M!
#chicagomom #chicagosummer #lollapolooza2024 #kidzapalooza
Chicago Businesses Every New Mom Should Know About
Resources Every New Mom in Chicago Should Check Out!
-New Mom Meetups by Mothership Launchpad provides a space for new moms to comae as they are & meet other moms in the same stage of motherhood. Mothership Launchpad also hosts family events throughout Lakeview & Lincoln Park for the entire family.
-HelloBaby is the nation's first (and only) free standing, free of charge drop in play space for babies, toddlers and their caregivers
-The Second Child is a Second Hand Store on Armitage Avenue contributing to the conservation of the plant while saving you money.
Top 3 Businesses Every New Mom in Chicago Should Know About! This is definitely a difficult choice to only choose 3 but these 3 came fast as they’re dear to me to some good reasons.
-New Mom Meetups by Mothership Launchpad provides a space for new moms to come as they are & meet other new moms in the same stage of motherhood. Mothership Launchpad also hosts family events throughout Lakeview & Lincoln Park in Chicago for the entire family. As a young mother who struggled with postpartum depression it was so difficult for me to get out the door with my baby. I strive to help other new moms get out of the house and have a judgement free place to go with their baby (and possible enjoy a HOT coffee). @mothershiplaunchpad on Instagram
-HelloBaby is the nation's first (and only) free standing, free of charge drop in play space for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. Fabulous resource for the families of Chicago! HelloBaby website for more information on family programming.
-The Second Child is a second hand store on Armitage Avenue contributing to the conservation of the plant while saving families money. We bought our crib used from The Second Child for our baby’s arrival in 2016 and it still has a place in our home as a cherished family heirloom. Customers will find children’s gently used clothing, shoes, furniture and toys in the heart of Lincoln Park. Shop online and in store!
-Michelle, Mothership Launchpad
@mothershiplaunchpad
Family Travel Series
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’m lifting our online community up with my knowledge of family travel. We travel our young family by plane, train & automobile & have so many tips & tricks that made those adventures on the road easier & more pleasurable for me as “mom” and as a family to enjoy. Being prepared 4 steps ahead made my life so much easier with a little baby & now going into a season of traveling with a seven and a half year old I go back to that old adage- preparation is everything. First stop, SCOTLAND! Follow me on Instagram for all the fun travel adventures and tips every Thursday with @mothershiplaunchpad.
Save the Date: April 27th at 10am for some fun in the sun at Parson’s Chicken and Fish- Lincoln Park, 2435 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and I’m sending you so much love today- and everyday!
-Michelle, Mothership Launchpad
Family travel is fulfilling. Make family travel fun by being prepared with Mothership Launchpad.
Back to the Basics
Celebrating and supporting new moms in Chicago. Mothership Lauchpad host new mom groups to give new moms a place to belong as they meet other women in the same stage of motherhood. Bring your baby and make a friend at Mothership Lauchpad’s New Mom Meetups.
Closing out the holiday season Mothership is so grateful for our loyal customers that have sent words of encouragement, attended outdoor classes all summer/fall & helped us move out of our storefront. 2020 was a year of stretching & evolving as a business, going with the flow learning to pivot with every new restriction & regulation put into place all while inevitably having to close our storefront because we could no longer run the same business we originally opened.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Mothership has accomplished a lot of good helping moms all across Chicago to be better moms.
-Created a welcoming space for mom, dads & caretakers to enjoy time with their little one & meet friends.
-Hosted events supporting the local arts community
-Supplied new moms with furniture & supplies for new babies.
-Furnished an apartment for a family of 3 effected by a fire in September.
Mothership Launchpad was opened to bring moms belly to belly, introduce them to each other and create bonds between moms experiencing the same stage of motherhood. Our mission is simple and we are going back to the basics. Mothership is hosting more mobile New Mom Meetups to help benefit Chicago moms in 2024 to make creating long lasting impact in the lives of new mothers in Chicago communities.