How old was your child when you first started leaving her with babysitters who weren't relatives? How long would you leave them for?
posted by gerryblog on Oct 3, 2012 - 31 answers

I am 30, happily married, and in the middle of next year will be eligible for a year of paid maternity leave. Around the time I become eligible, I am also starting grad school (MLIS at U Wisconsin, Madison). I feel like I could probably manage any two things: work + school (part-time), work+baby, or baby+school.; but not all three. I am attending graduate school part time via distance education, and my work is supportive.. For those of you who've had kids in graduate school - to what extent do these two mix? What worked and what didn't? I feel like if I go to school part time (3 years or so) and then start trying for the kid, I'm pushing the age thing (I'd be about 34 - and I have mild endometriosis). If I have a year of paid maternity leave, could I use that time to attend school full time? Or just part time? This would be tricky in person, but I would have at least some additional flexibility due to it being distance education. My husband, for what it's worth, pulls his weight around the house (he's actually neater than I am) and is pretty domestic/clucky.
posted by jrobin276 on Sep 25, 2012 - 16 answers

AdviceFilter: What life experiences (or fun things) should my partner and I make time for, before having a baby? [more inside]
posted by amoeba on Sep 19, 2012 - 19 answers

What are some great ways to spellbind 2- or 3-year-olds over Skype/videochat? Really simple magic tricks? Other cool things?
posted by shivohum on May 30, 2012 - 11 answers

Six months ago, I posted about learning to take pictures of my three-month-old baby. I got some great advice and have left auto mode behind (for the most part). However, I think it might be time to move on from my trusty D40 and would love some recommendations. Or am I jumping the gun too quickly? [more inside]
posted by CrazyGabby on May 15, 2012 - 16 answers

Is kids vs. no kids always a dealbreaker? [more inside]
posted by queens86 on Jan 31, 2012 - 57 answers

What's a good picture book to help a toddler understand pregnancy and/or get ready for a new baby sibling? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog on Aug 26, 2010 - 10 answers

How did kids under 2 travel in cars before car seats were the norm, particularly on long trips? My mom recalls tots in the lap and something called a 'car bed' (got any pictures?). Would little ones get lap-belted in to prevent them from falling off the seat on corner-turns?
posted by xo on Jun 23, 2010 - 56 answers

Tell me about your good experiences with a pickup truck and a LATCH car seat. [more inside]
posted by willpie on May 21, 2010 - 5 answers

Is a large port-a-crate a good idea for a portable bed for our 11-month old human baby? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow on May 23, 2009 - 24 answers

I work in a library. We have storytime and baby's rhymes for toddlers and infants. Unfortunately I hate singing. But I have a good attitude and I'm willing to get in there. Please, librarians and parents everywhere - what are your best rhymes/songs that require a minimum of singing!? Other ideas for interactive things to add to my storytimes would be good too! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 31, 2009 - 12 answers

My partner wants kids, but I've always been opposed to the idea. He's making me question that, though. How do I know if it's a real change of heart? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 2, 2009 - 31 answers

Can anyone recommend baby videos for nine-month olds (and up)? [more inside]
posted by zarq on Nov 17, 2008 - 26 answers

Are there any online services that will allow me to print custom books that can withstand the awesome destructive force of a small child? [more inside]
posted by larsks on Sep 21, 2008 - 3 answers

What are your recommendations for good baby and toddler books in English? [more inside]
posted by k8t on May 17, 2008 - 22 answers

What do you do once you have a kid and family problem stakes seem higher, i.e. you're concerned about exposing your child things that go against what you believe? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 6, 2008 - 27 answers

I'm helping a friend with her baby room this weekend and am looking for tips about working with a limited space and organizing it for two kids! [more inside]
posted by amanda on Feb 2, 2008 - 11 answers

Pat-a-cake; The Itsy Bitsy Spider ... and ....? Can you suggest some traditional rhymes/games with motions like the two above that I can play with my 16 month old son. Preferably things that can be done lying down (so Head Shoulder Knees and Toes won't work well).
posted by anastasiav on Nov 20, 2007 - 29 answers

I have a 7 month old son. We love him to death, but he's currently driving us crazy with his wildly inconsistent sleeping habits. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2006 - 26 answers

MixCDFilter: Any minute now, I'll be an aunt. I'd like to make a lullaby mix CD for my hipster niece/nephew-to-be. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by donnagirl on Jul 30, 2005 - 42 answers

How much do you pay your nanny? I'm in the process of hiring a regular babysitter for my kids. I've found someone I like, a college student with tons of experience who's really great with my little ones. She'll just be here two mornings a week-- one morning with just my infant and the other morning with my toddler as well. How much should I offer her? What about tips? What else do I need to know? This is in Chicago, but I'm also curious if the going rate varies in different parts of the country/world.
posted by bonheur on Jan 12, 2005 - 8 answers