we have to talk about
The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:
How scientists are calling BS on a report in the AAP's flagship journal, Pediatrics, about the dangers of genetically modified foods. Organic isn't everything.
Two new gov policies that could help families: summer food stamps and a child tax credit that may be expanded. Your move on that last one, Congress.
Why an expert cautions parents about making this one mistake that could lead to helicopter parenting. More happier-ness, less hovering.
How the Alaska Airlines incident revived the debate around lap infants on planes. What nightmares are made of.
Why toddlers love to do the same things on repeat, even if it drives the rest of us crazy. Cue: That book we read 30 times.
ask an expert
Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:
What good or bad ingredients should I be looking for in baby lotion?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Ana Margarita Duarte, MD
Pediatric dermatologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and founder of the Children's Skin Center
“If [your baby’s] skin is dry, I recommend using creams and ointments, as opposed to lotions, which can be more drying. [Look for ones] that contain ceramides, [which] are natural skin oils that are often deficient in infants and children that have dry, sensitive skin. Ceramides help restore… [the] skin’s protective barrier and thereby retain water.
“I usually advise my patients to avoid creams and ointments that contain parabens and lanolin.
“I often recommend CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment. [The] La Roche-Posay line of ceramide-containing moisturizers is also excellent.”
escape
This rec is for you, the real MVP of your family, to relax and de-stress.
An Entertaining and Quick Read: “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”
We know you’re probably thinking: “Who has time to read?” But hear us out — author Gabrielle Zevin, of “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” fame, introduces us to a lovable but down-on-his-luck bookshop owner to weave together a story about grief, becoming an unexpected parent, love, and second chances. It’s heartwarming and real in just 288 pages. Thousands of reviewers have given it 4.3 stars on Amazon.
Here’s what our editorial director Karell Roxas says: "It had everything I love: a grumpy main character, books, and an engaging story that made it a fast read. It was ultimately a story about hope and growth, and no other novel in my recent reading history left me feeling as warm and fuzzy as this one."
PS: If reading isn’t your thing, it’s also a movie, and here are 30 shows the NYT says are worth the watch this winter.
relatable
“I got it.”
– A husband’s note to his wife explaining the dirty dishes piled up in the sink. Talk about a love letter.
Subscribe to Skimm Parenting
Quick, trustworthy, and relatable parenting info — for parents, by parents. We tap experts to break down difficult parenting dilemmas, recommend products that work, and clue you in on big trends. Raising small humans can be hard. We make it a little easier.