Date night for one

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

These tips on babyproofing your relationship before the baby arrives (and the sleep deprivation hits). Thank us later.

The FDA's rec for the first-ever RSV vaccine to protect infants. Plus, the test they cleared that could predict severe preeclampsia in pregnant women.

How Doona just launched a car seat alert system to prevent hot car deaths. It’s compatible with most car seat brands too.

Why there’s a severe shortage of Black sperm donors, and how some facilities are trying to find a solution.

How freeze-dried breast milk is a thing, and what experts think about its safety. Spoiler: You should not DIY it.

Q:  How do I check in with my kid on their mental health?

Kids 0-3 are pretty resilient and flexible. As long as they are within nurturing, loving, and responsive families, most children will thrive, says Dr. Wanjiku F.M. Njoroge, medical director of the Young Child Clinic at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. That said, it’s important to check in on all aspects of their health, and that includes their mental well-being. 

Here are ways you can check in with your kid (even if they can’t talk):

• Watch for unusual changes in behavior: That includes sleep, independence, and self-regulation. For example, your kid was starting to explore their world and now they are clingier or less willing to leave you in a new environment. Or perhaps they’ve become fussier, more difficult to soothe, or more easily frustrated. 

• Use play: Very young children can use imaginative play to share their inner world. Investing in toys like a doll house or figures (like animals or dinosaurs) could be helpful materials for kids to problem-solve and play out things happening in their worlds. 

Note: Kids 0-3 go through a series of developmental milestones, so it’s normal to see a change in behavior at certain ages. For example, at 9 months, many babies become more clingy, and between 18 months - 2 years old, some go through a sleep regression. Just because your baby or toddler’s behavior is “off” for a few days doesn’t mean you should be alarmed. You know your kid best. If the new behavior persists and you’re worried, consider talking to a professional.

Do you have a parenting question you want answered by an expert? Ask anonymously here. Your question could be answered in next week's email.

Need to Decompress? Have a (Self) Date Night

When you're in that go, go, go of daily life, you’re using your prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that plans, executes, and problem-solves. But to feel fulfilled and content, you need to align with your feelings, says Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and author of “Real Self-Care.” Decompressing means taking the time to do what you want without having to take care of anyone else.

Here are some ideas to do just that: 

• Get moving: Get out in nature, take that yoga class, or go for a walk around the neighborhood. If you want “company,” press play on a podcast. (True crime fans click here.)

• Read a novel: Try a genre that’s unrelated to work or caregiving. For example, romance novels are silly, frivolous, and fun. Plus you get to escape. 

• See your friends: Try to make girl’s night a scheduled, regular thing every month so there’s less planning and decision-making every time.

• Get your creative juices flowing: This will look different for everybody. Try the class or activity you’ve been curious about — whether that’s dance, wine and paint night, gardening, or even a coloring book.

• Take yourself out: The thought of eating alone or going to the movies solo might feel awkward at first, but many people find that doing things without your kids is actually lovely, says Dr. Lakshmin. Think how nice it’d be to enjoy dinner: no rushing, diaper changes, or mess. Yes, please. 

Sensitive Skin Care for Newborns to 90-Year-Olds

In 2014, Tubby Todd was created by a husband and wife duo who couldn’t find a product on the market that was gentle enough for their kids’ sensitive skin. “Everything we do is with sensitive skin in mind. Most sensitive skin issues start with dry, itchy skin, so hydration is the key to our products,” says Andrea Faulkner-Williams, the co-founder of Tubby Todd. She says that, plus their loyal community of parents, sets them apart.

Now they have a full line of body care products (including diaper paste, sunscreen, and face wash) made from natural ingredients.

Tubby Todd is safe for everyone from newborn to 90 and comes with the option of fragrance or fragrance-free. They have thousands of positive reviews, with one mom calling the all over ointment “magic” and others saying it helped with their kid’s eczema, acne, or rashes.

We recommend starting with the regulars bundle, which features some of their best sellers: The bath wash, everyday lotion, and all over ointment. Pro tip: Use them in that order to lock in hydration, and remember, a little goes a long way.

Bonus: If you don’t like what you ordered, you can get your money back, no questions asked.