Author: Mona S

  • 🗨️ My Honest Review of the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller 👶

    As a parent, I’ve spent a lot of time researching baby gear- and the stroller is one item I didn’t want to compromise on. After using the UPPAbaby Vista V2 myself, I can honestly say it’s one of those purchases I’ve never regretted.

    I see why this stroller is so popular among parents worldwide. It’s not just about the look (although it does look beautiful), but about how practical and comfortable it is for everyday life with a baby.

    Why I Chose the UPPAbaby Vista V2

    When I was choosing a stroller, I wanted something that:

    😊 Would last beyond the newborn stage

    😊 Was comfortable for my baby

    😊 Was easy to push and handle daily

    😊 Could grow with our family

    The Vista V2 checked all those boxes.

    Using It Day to Day

    Newborn-Friendly From the Start

    One thing I really loved from the beginning was how newborn-ready this stroller is. With the bassinet and car seat compatibility, I felt confident using it right from day one. The bassinet feels spacious and secure, and my baby slept comfortably during walks.

    Smooth Ride (Even on Bumpy Roads)

    I quickly noticed how smooth the ride is. Whether I’m walking on sidewalks, in parks, or over uneven paths, the suspension and large wheels make a real difference. My baby stays comfortable and pushing the stroller never feels like hard work.

    Easy to Push and Steer

    Even with one hand, the Vista V2 is easy to maneuver. Turning corners, navigating stores, or walking through tighter spaces feels surprisingly effortless for a full-size stroller.

    Design That Feels Premium

    I’ll admit- design mattered to me. The leather-accented handlebar, clean lines, and high-quality fabrics make this stroller feel truly premium. It doesn’t feel like a bulky baby item; it feels well-designed and thoughtful.

    The extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy has been especially useful on sunny days, and the fabrics have held up well to everyday use.

    Practical Features I Appreciate

    These are the little things that make a big difference:

    ❣️ Huge under-seat basket – I use it all the time for shopping and baby essentials

    ❣️ Adjustable handlebar – comfortable for different heights

    ❣️ Stands on its own when folded – very convenient at home or in the car

    Pros and Cons (From My Experience)


    ❤️ What I Love ❤️

    🦋 Excellent build quality

    🦋 Comfortable for my baby

    🦋 Smooth, stable ride

    🦋 Can grow with one or more children

    💭 Things to Consider 💭

    🦋 It’s definitely an investment

    🦋 Heavier than compact or travel strollers

    🦋 Some accessories are sold separately

    Is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Worth It?

    For me, absolutely yes. While it’s not the cheapest stroller on the market, the quality, comfort, and long-term usability make it worth the price. I wanted a stroller I could rely on every day- and this one delivers.

    You can check it out here: https://amzn.to/3Nnw2aD


    🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

    If you’re looking for a stroller that combines comfort, durability, and thoughtful design, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is one I genuinely recommend based on my own experience.

  • 👶Caring for Your Baby at Home: A Small Guide for New Parents 🍼

    Welcoming a new baby into your home is one of life’s most beautiful and sometimes overwhelming experiences. Between sleepless nights, endless feeding sessions, and decoding tiny cries, it can feel like you’re constantly learning on the go. The good news? You are learning, and you’re doing better than you think.

    Below is a simple, warm, and practical guide to caring for your baby at home, especially in those early months.

    1. Creating a Calm and Safe Environment

    💛 Start with a peaceful space where your baby can sleep, feed, and play. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect, just safe and cozy.

    💛 Keep the baby’s sleep area clutter-free.

    💛 Ensure the room temperature stays comfortable (around 20–22°C / 68–72°F).

    💛 Use soft, warm lighting during the evening to encourage relaxation.

    2. Feeding: Follow Your Baby’s Cues

    💛 Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or a combination of both, pay attention to your baby’s hunger signs:

    👶 Rooting or turning their head

    👶 Sucking on hands

    👶 Fussiness

    Every baby is different — some feed every two hours, others stretch longer. Trust your rhythm and your baby’s signals.

    3. Bathing and Hygiene

    💛 Bath time doesn’t need to happen every day. Two to three times a week is usually enough for young babies.

    Tips for stress-free baby baths:

    💛 Prepare everything before starting (towel, clean clothes, cotton pads).

    👶 Keep the water warm but not hot.

    👶 Support your baby’s head and neck securely.

    For daily hygiene, gentle face cleaning, diaper changes, and keeping the skin moisturized are usually all your baby needs.

    4. Sleep Routines: Gentle Consistency

    💛 Babies don’t follow strict schedules at first, but they do appreciate consistency.

    Try creating small sleep cues:

    👶 Dim the lights

    👶 Lower household noise

    👶 Soft music or white noise

    👶 A simple bedtime phrase like “It’s time to sleep now”

    Even if sleep is unpredictable, these rituals slowly help your baby understand what happens next.

    5. Playtime and Development

    💛 Play is important, even for tiny babies! Simple activities help your little one explore the world, strengthen muscles, and bond with you.

    Try:

    👶 Tummy time several times a day

    👶 High-contrast toys or books

    👶 Talking or singing

    👶 Gentle massages

    Small moments of connection support emotional and physical development in beautiful ways.

    6. Caring for Yourself Matters Too

    💛 One thing new parents often forget: you also need care.

    💛 Rest whenever possible

    💛 Eat nourishing meals

    💛 Ask for help when you need it

    💛 Be kind to yourself! This phase is intense but temporary

    💛 Your baby benefits most when you feel supported and balanced.



    Caring for a baby at home is a journey filled with learning, surprises, and love. There is no perfect way to do it, there is only what works for you and your little one. Trust your instincts, celebrate the small victories, and remember that every day you’re growing together.

  • 🧡 Essential Postpartum Tips for New Moms (That I Wish Someone Told Me Earlier) 🙏

    Becoming a mom is one of the most beautiful and overwhelming experiences in life. The postpartum period – also called the fourth trimester – can be a rollercoaster of emotions, hormones, sleepless nights, and rapid physical recovery.


    Here are 10 essential postpartum tips to help new moms feel supported, confident, and a little more in control.

    1. Rest whenever you can

    Sleep deprivation is real. Nap when the baby naps, even if it’s just 20 minutes. Ignore the dishes and laundry — recovery comes first.

    2. Accept help (you’ll need it!)

    Whether it’s a friend bringing food or a partner taking over diaper duty, let people help. You don’t have to do everything yourself.

    3. Nourish your body with healing foods

    Postpartum recovery requires nutrients:

    warm soups

    oats

    eggs

    berries

    healthy fats

    Hydration is also crucial, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

    4. Focus on pelvic floor recovery

    Pelvic floor exercises can help with:

    core strength

    bladder control

    lower back pain

    Start gently and consider seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

    5. Prepare a breastfeeding or formula-feeding station

    Keep everything in one place:

    water bottle

    snacks

    burp cloths

    nipple cream

    formula & bottles (if formula-feeding)

    This saves energy and stress during those frequent feeds.

    6. Don’t ignore your mental health

    Baby blues are common, but if you feel persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability, talk to your doctor or midwife.
    Postpartum depression is treatable — and you are not alone.

    7. Use postpartum products that actually help

    When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!


    Some items can make a huge difference:

    peri bottle and
    ice pads
    .  (https://amzn.to/49ET6sM)



    comfortable nursing bras.  (https://amzn.to/4bzKmH0)


    postpartum underwear.   (https://amzn.to/49IsGXi)

    breast pump  (https://amzn.to/4jE8ytQ)

    8. Keep visitors limited

    It’s okay to set boundaries.
    Your recovery and bonding time with the baby come first.

    9. Track feeding and sleep (but don’t obsess)

    Tracking apps help you understand patterns, but don’t stress if things don’t follow a schedule. Every baby is different.

    10. Remember: You’re doing an amazing job

    The postpartum period is temporary, even if the days feel long.
    Celebrate small wins. Be kind to yourself. Your body just did something incredible.

    ❣️.     ❣️.     ❣️

    Postpartum life is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and unforgettable.
    Take it day by day – you’re stronger than you think! ❤️

  • 🎁 10 Gift Ideas for Babies (6–18 Months)💝


    Looking for the best gifts for babies 6–18 months? This age is full of rapid development – babies are learning to sit, crawl, stand, and explore textures, sounds, and movement. Choosing a gift that’s both fun and developmental can make every day more special.

    Below are 10 highly recommended, parent-approved baby gift ideas, all suitable for 6- to 18-month-olds – with personal opinions included to help you decide.

    When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!

    🎧 1. Toniebox 2 Starter Set

    The Toniebox 2 is a soft, kid-friendly, screen-free audio player for babies and toddlers. It features a light ring, sleep timer, sunrise alarm, and USB-C charging. Babies can place different Tonies on top to hear stories, music, and calming sounds.
    Personal opinion: This is one of the best long-lasting gifts for babies. It grows with the child and becomes a beloved part of bedtime and quiet playtime.

    You can check it out here:

    https://amzn.to/49l4HhS



    🎁 2. Lovevery Play Kit

    Lovevery offers beautiful Montessori-inspired toys tailored to each baby’s exact age. The play kits include wooden toys, sensory objects, and activities designed to support developmental milestones.
    Personal opinion: The quality is outstanding, and babies naturally love these toys. It feels like giving a gift that is educational, stylish, and genuinely engaging.

    Check it out here:

    https://amzn.to/4pHO98H

    🚶‍♂️ 3. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

    A bestselling baby push walker that helps little ones learn to stand and walk. The removable activity panel includes lights, music, and buttons that entertain babies who aren’t walking yet.
    Personal opinion: A must-have for active babies. It’s sturdy, exciting, and a great way to support early walking skills.

    Please find it here:

    https://amzn.to/49mkyN8

    🎨 4. Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Activity Table & Easel

    This versatile activity center for babies transitions from a floor play board to a standing table and eventually an art easel.
    Personal opinion: I love the long lifespan of this toy. It’s a smart purchase because babies use it in new ways as they grow.

    It can be found here:

    https://amzn.to/49Bp9tF

    🐶 5. GUND “Peeki the Puppy” Animated Plush

    A soft, interactive plush that plays peek-a-boo, sings, and moves.
    Personal opinion: This is one of the cutest interactive gifts for babies. Babies respond immediately to the peek-a-boo game.

    Please grab it here:

    https://amzn.to/3ZfQWek

    🎹 6. Hape Pixel Piano

    A baby-friendly piano with colorful lights and gentle sounds that encourage musical exploration.
    Personal opinion: Pleasant for adults to listen to – which is a big bonus! Babies love the lights and the simple, rewarding sound feedback.

    It can be found here:

    https://amzn.to/3Lgl2eD

    🧱 7. Malarkey Kids Stack n Chew Silicone Blocks

    Food-grade silicone blocks that work as both stacking toys and teethers.
    Personal opinion: These are practical and fun. Babies chew on everything anyway, so blocks designed for teething make playtime safer and more soothing.

    Please check it out here:

    https://amzn.to/4jHqdkd

    🌈 8. Tiny Love Gymini Play Mat

    A popular baby activity gym with textured toys, rattles, mirrors, and bright colors for tummy time and early sensory play.
    Personal opinion: A great everyday play essential. It makes tummy time easier and keeps babies entertained longer.

    Please grab it here:

    https://amzn.to/3YGoz98

    🦒 9. Sophie the Giraffe Teether

    A classic natural rubber teether loved by babies all over the world.
    Personal opinion: Lightweight, squeaky, and easy to grip — Sophie almost always becomes a baby’s favorite teething toy.

    Please check it out here:

    https://amzn.to/4jE1pcS

    🌀 10. Classic Stacking Rings

    A timeless toy that encourages fine motor skills, color recognition, and early problem-solving.
    Personal opinion: You really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s durable, simple, and endlessly engaging.

    You can find it here:

    https://amzn.to/3LO2JgS


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  • 🥣 Healthy Baby Recipes (6–12 Months) — With a Side of Mom Humor


    Because feeding a baby is a bit like being a chef, a comedian, and a mind reader… all at once.

    🥕 1. Carrot & Sweet Potato Purée

    For the baby who eats anything orange.

    Suitable for: 6+ months

    Ingredients:

    • 1 carrot
    • 1/2 sweet potato
    • Water or breastmilk/formula

    Instructions:


    Peel, chop, and cook until everything is mushy enough to squish between two fingers. Blend until smooth and creamy — like a tiny gourmet soup. Add extra liquid if your baby prefers “fine dining” textures.

    Mom tip: Your baby will probably smear this all over their face. Take pictures. You’ll need the laughs later.

    🥑 2. Avocado & Banana Mash

    Also known as: the 30-second miracle meal.

    Suitable for: 6+ months

    Ingredients:

    1/2 ripe avocado

    1/2 ripe banana

    Instructions:

    Mash everything together with a fork. That’s it. No cooking. No waiting.

    Perfect for days when you haven’t slept… since 2019.

    Mom tip: This also tastes great for adults. Don’t ask how I know.

    🥦 3. Broccoli & Potato Purée

    Because we all want our babies to love broccoli before they turn two and start refusing green things.

    Suitable for: 6+ months

    Ingredients:

    1 potato

    A handful of broccoli florets

    Water

    Instructions:

    Cook until soft enough to mash with minimal effort (because you have no energy left anyway). Purée smooth, or leave slightly chunky for brave babies 8+ months.

    🍎 4. Apple Oatmeal

    Warm, comforting, and surprisingly fancy for something made in 5 minutes.

    Suitable for: 6+ months

    Ingredients:

    3 tbsp oats

    1/2 grated apple

    Water or breastmilk/formula

    Instructions:

    Add everything to a small pot, simmer until soft and creamy. Purée for tiny beginners or keep it thick for older babies.

    Mom tip: If your baby throws it on the floor, just remind yourself: breakfast is a sensory experience.

    🍗 5. Chicken & Vegetable Stew

    For when you want to feel like a Michelin-star baby chef.

    Suitable for: 8+ months

    Ingredients:

    Small piece of chicken breast

    Carrot

    Zucchini

    Potato

    Instructions:

    Chop, boil, and blend. You can also offer it finely chopped if your baby is ready for texture.

    Mom tip: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil for healthy fats – and because it makes you feel like you’re on a cooking show.

  • 🦋 The Beautiful Chaos of Motherhood: A Journey of Love 💕, Lessons, and Lost Socks

    If someone had told me before I became a mother that my life would be a beautiful mix of heart-melting moments and complete chaos, I would’ve smiled politely and thought they were exaggerating. Now?Now I can confidently say: they were under-exaggerating.Motherhood is an emotional roller coaster- sometimes thrilling, sometimes terrifying, but always worth the ride. It’s a journey that reshapes us from the inside out, teaching us love, patience, resilience, and the mysterious ability to function while sleep-deprived.

    So grab a cup of coffee (the one you’ll probably reheat four times today), and let’s talk about the real, raw, complicated beauty of being a mom.

    The Heart-Melting Moments That Keep Us Going

    Motherhood has a magic to it that’s hard to explain. It’s in the way your baby’s sleepy head rests on your shoulder, or how tiny fingers wrap around yours like they’re holding on for life. It’s in the early-morning cuddles, the giggles that light up the whole room, and the first time your child says “mama” – even if it’s whispered during a diaper change. There is no love quite like this. It’s deeper, purer, and somehow gets bigger every day. Seeing your child discover the world – from the feeling of grass under their feet to the taste of mashed banana – makes you see everything with new, softer eyes.

    The Parts We Don’t Post on Instagram

    Let’s be honest: motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect. Some days are basically a survival game:

    Level 1: Keep the baby alive.

    Level 2: Keep yourself alive.

    Bonus level: Shower before noon (rarely achieved).

    The exhaustion is real. The mess is real. The mental load is VERY real.

    And the guilt? Always lurking — whether it’s about screen time, healthy meals, not playing enough, or just wanting five minutes of silence (the audacity!). Some days you feel like a superhero. Other days you feel like you’re falling apart. And both are completely okay.

    The Identity Shift Nobody Warns You About

    Motherhood doesn’t just change your schedule – it changes you. Suddenly, you’re not just a person; you’re someone’s whole world. You lose pieces of your old self at times: quiet mornings, hobbies, spontaneous outings, the ability to eat warm food. But you gain something else: a deeper strength, softer compassion, and a heart expanded beyond anything you ever imagined.

    You become someone you didn’t know you could be – someone stronger, wiser, and infinitely more exhausted… but in a beautiful way.

    Yes, Motherhood Is Hard — But It’s Also Extraordinary

    It’s a strange, emotional paradox: You can be completely overwhelmed and completely in love at the same time. You can crave a break but miss your child five minutes after they fall asleep. You can feel like you’re not doing enough, while quietly being your child’s entire universe. And one day, surprisingly soon, you’ll look back and realize that the moments that felt the hardest were also the ones that made your heart grow the most.

    A Gentle Reminder to Every Mother Reading This

    You are doing enough.

    You are giving enough.

    You are enough.

    Motherhood is not a test.It’s a love story – messy, magical, imperfect, and unforgettable.

    So here’s to the moms: the brave, the tired, the strong, the emotional, the endlessly loving. You are raising tiny humans while somehow holding yourself together (mostly). That is something extraordinary.

    And even on the days when everything feels like a storm, your love is the calm at the center of it all.

  • 📖FREE e-book for children 👧👦

    Oplus_16908288

    Hi all 👋 I’m super happy and excited to introduce my first children’s book 😊🎡🐻

    Adventure awaits!

    Join Tim, Tom & Tam for a magical day at the amusement park in my brand new children’s e-book “The Bear Family’s Day at the Amusement Park”!

    ✨ Warm story

    ✨ Cute bears

    ✨ Colorful illustrations

    ✨ Perfect for bedtime or story time

    💛📚 Please check it out, any reviews will be appreciated ❤️

    ▶️ https://monashabbir.gumroad.com/l/vvfyc

  • 🔝Top 10 Toys That Support Your Baby’s 👶 Development

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    Stimulating play ideas for newborns and babies up to 12 months

    Choosing toys for your baby can feel overwhelming – there are so many options! As a mom of two, I’ve learned that the best toys are simple, safe, and help your baby develop new skills while having fun. Here are my favorite development-boosting toys for the first year of life.

    1. Soft Rattles

    Rattles are perfect for newborns learning to grasp and explore sound. They help develop hand-eye coordination and sensory awareness.

    2. Black & White Contrast Cards

    High-contrast images stimulate a newborn’s vision and encourage focus. Both my babies loved staring at these during tummy time.

    3. Activity Gym / Play Mat

    A play gym is a must-have for encouraging movement, reaching, and rolling. It kept my babies entertained and helped build core strength.

    4. Soft Plush Toys

    A small, soft toy gives comfort and emotional security. Choose one that’s safe to sleep next to and easy to wash.

    5. Teething Toys

    Safe silicone or rubber toys help soothe sore gums and encourage chewing motions. Great for babies starting around 3–4 months.

    6. Baby Mirror

    Babies love looking at faces, including their own! A baby-safe mirror supports visual tracking and self-recognition.

    7. Soft Books

    Crinkle books or fabric books are perfect for early reading time. They encourage bonding, language development, and sensory play.

    8. Stacking Cups

    Simple and open-ended, stacking cups teach size awareness, problem-solving, and hand skills. My toddlers still play with them — definitely a long-lasting toy!

    9. Rolling Balls or Soft Sensory Balls

    Rolling toys encourage crawling and movement. Great for building gross motor skills.

    10. Musical Toys

    Simple instruments like shakers or xylophones introduce rhythm and cause-and-effect learning. Perfect for babies who love sound and movement.

    You don’t need a huge toy box, just a few development-boosting toys your baby truly engages with. Rotate toys weekly to keep play exciting and support new skills.

  • 👶Most Essential Items for Your Baby 🐣

    Becoming a parent is exciting, overwhelming, and full of new decisions, especially when it comes to choosing what your baby really needs.

    As a mom of two, I’ve learned that you don’t need everything, just the right things.

    Here are the most essential items that made our everyday life easier, more comfortable, and calmer with a newborn.

    1. A Safe and Comfortable Baby Bed / Bassinet

    A cozy and safe sleep space is one of the most important things for a newborn. Look for a firm mattress, breathable sides, and a design that fits your room.This helped both my babies sleep better and gave me peace of mind during the night.

    2. Swaddle or Sleep Sacks

    Swaddles make babies feel safe and secure by mimicking the womb. If your baby doesn’t like being swaddled, sleep sacks are a great alternative.They were a lifesaver during the first months – better sleep for baby and for me!

    3. High-Quality Baby Diapers & Wipes

    Whether you prefer disposable or cloth diapers, having a good supply is essential. Soft, gentle wipes are also a must for those endless diaper changes. With two kids, I learned that choosing the right diapers reduces leaks and stress.

    4. Baby Bottles & Formula (if bottle-feeding)

    Even if you breastfeed, it’s helpful to have a couple of bottles at home. Choose easy-to-clean bottles with anti-colic features.Both of my babies used bottles, and finding the right shape and nipple size made feeding much smoother.

    5. Baby Clothes — Simple & Comfortable

    You don’t need a huge wardrobe! Focus on soft, easy-to-open clothes.

    Must-haves:

    5–7 onesies

    3–5 sleepers

    Soft hats and socks

    A warm overall for going outside

    6. Baby Bath Essentials

    A small baby bathtub or bath support makes bath time safe and fun. Add a gentle baby wash and a soft towel. Bath time became one of our favorite bonding moments.

    7. A Good Stroller

    A sturdy, comfortable stroller makes everyday walks so much easier. Choose one with good wheels, an adjustable seat, and a large basket underneath. I used my stroller every single day – truly one of the best investments.

    8. Baby Monitor

    This is optional, but very helpful, especially if you have a bigger home or older children. It gave me freedom to cook, clean, or rest while still keeping an eye on the baby.

    9. Baby Carrier or Wrap

    Perfect for keeping your baby close while freeing your hands. Babywearing helped me a lot when I needed to multitask.

    10. Basic Health & Care Kit

    A small kit with essentials like:

    baby nail scissors

    thermometer

    nasal aspirator

    baby brush

    Trust me – you will need these at some point!

    You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and add more as you learn what works best for your baby. Every family is different – find what fits your daily routine and lifestyle. If you found this list helpful, check out my other posts for more baby product recommendations and tips for new parents!