How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? And What To Do if You Have Kids Who Can’t Sleep!

A warm bath, a bedtime story, and a squeezable elephant just might make the perfect bedtime routine for your little one.

How much sleep do kids need? Sometimes it feels like they'll never go to sleep. And then a new phase hits, and it seems like all they do is sleep. (This is mostly babies and teens.)

For sleep-deprived parents, hearing stories of babies sleeping through the night can be frustrating. It's hard not to compare or wonder if you're doing something "wrong." But I'm here to tell you, all kids' sleep patterns are not created equal! While there are kids who conk right out at bedtime, many have trouble falling and staying asleep.

Read on to find out just how much sleep kids actually need, plus some popular suggestions on how to help kids sleep—from bedtime routines to sleep aids and more. Keep in mind that, just like a baby's developmental milestones, there are no magic numbers. But eventually, everyone will catch their ZZZZZZZZs.

23 Secret NYC Spots Kids Love

Susan Gardner’s Mosaic House in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn has been covered with tiles, jewels, stones, glass, and other mosaic materials.

While New York City is home to some of the world's most popular tourist attractions for kids, it's also full of secret spots and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. That's part of the charm and fun of living in a city like New York. We've rounded up 25 secret spots in NYC that kids will love. From secret gardens to waterfall tunnels, kids get a kick out of discovering these under-the-radar attractions.

Looking for more off-the-beaten path attractions to explore? Check out our roundups of the coolest secret gardens in NYC and our top picks for underrated parks you must visit this season. Of course, we've got to picks for popular tourist spots in our NYC Visitors Guide for Families, too.

Deinfluencing Your Baby Registry: Baby Products You Totally Don’t Need

Adorable? Yes. Useful? No way. Babies don't need shoes.

Congratulations, you're expecting... and now you're being spammed with influencer ads telling you about all the baby products you need to have. Sure, influencers can be super helpful in showing you the coolest new baby products to add to your registry. But they can also make you end up with a house full of trendy baby gear and cutesy items that—trust us—you won't actually use. So we're here to rescue you by deinfluencing your baby registry.

That's right—we're sharing 12 baby products you don't actually need. We've been there, done that, and wasted our money so that you don't have to! By deinfluencing your baby registry, we're helping you make room for the baby products you actually will use—from the best baby sleep aids to space-saving baby gear—and helping to keep unnecessary items out of landfills. That's a win for you and the planet!

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants at the Jersey Shore

Families can gather around the fondue at the Melting Pot.

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants on the Jersey Shore? Read on for more than a dozen eateries you and your kids will love. 

With the unofficial summer season approaching, many of us will be heading to the Jersey Shore soon. After a day of sun and fun, you’ll need to find food for your kiddos before they become “hangry” – luckily, Mommy Poppins can help! Read on for the Jersey Shore's best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

And be sure to check out our list of frozen treats and quick eats in South Jersey, as well as all the other yummy options in our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

The compact, mild Le Carrousel in Bryant Park is ideal for preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Bryant Park

A ride on one of these carousels in NYC makes for a wonderfully nostalgic outing. It's the simplest of amusement park attractions, and there are more than a dozen merry-go-rounds in New York City alone. It's easy to stumble upon them on your next park outing if you know where to look.

Each of these New York City carousels offers a unique spin on this traditional kiddie ride, from harbor views to a ride inside an iridescent fish. We've rounded up the best merry-go-rounds in all five boroughs. Find more rides, games, and entertainment in our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks in NYC

50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want

Moms want alone time, quiet, and the chance to relax. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Moms deserve the world, so shouldn't they get the Mother's Day gifts they really want? No scented candles, please. No scented bath soaps. (What is it with scented gifts, anyway?) And—say it with us—no robes.

So, what do moms really want for Mother's Day? We asked, and our readers answered—loud and clear. Yes, we all want a tasty Mother's Day brunch and homemade Mother's day cards. But as for Mother's Day gifts? Hold the flowers, please.

Here’s what moms really want for Mother’s Day 2024. May this list of 50 Mother's Day gift ideas provide some much-needed inspiration!

Best Places for Kids Haircuts on Long Island for Baby or Toddler's First Cut

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids has a colorful and inviting interior for little ones. Photo courtesy of Cookie Cutters

Looking for the best spots on Long Island for your baby or toddler's first haircut? Read on for terrific options in Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

You've probably conquered many of the firsts already: the first birthday and a visit to a spot or two on our baby bucket list. Now it's time for the first haircut, and choosing the right salon is important.

Hair stylists and barbers need to have patience and experience dealing with babies and toddlers. Our list below includes both salons that specialize in haircuts for kids as well as family salons. 

Don't forget to check out our Long Island Baby Guide for more stories like this. 

Best Playgrounds in Philadelphia for All Day Play

Go beyond the standard playground fun at Franklin Square. Photo by J. Fusco

When it comes to playgrounds and play spaces, Philadelphia families are pretty lucky— with more than 10,000 acres of park and playground space in the city, getting to a playground from most urban locations isn't too much of a challenge. From carousels to playhouses and mini golf to fantasy castles, these playgrounds in the Philadelphia area are so spectacular, you can easily play at any one of them for the whole day.

Looking for more playground fun? Check out our guide to Philly Playgrounds and Parks, where we've got everything from the Top Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers to the Best Splash Pads in Philadelphia where kids can keep cool.

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