You are the expert on your baby, and I don’t think you NEED to read any books to be a phenomenal parent. However, if you, like me, really love to read, here are some resources that I like. Remember, if anything in any of these books doesn’t ring true for your child or won’t work for your family, disregard it.

Many lactating parents will be able to breastfeed or chestfeed without ever using any products or supplies. But others will need to pump to establish or maintain a milk supply. Or they may need something to deal with sore nipples in the early days. Here are some pumps and other lactation supplies that I like.

Our babies and toddlers are meant to be worn and carried. And babywearing helps with their development and keeps them safe. Just as each person will have their favorite style and brand of jeans, you will also find the carrier that works best for you and your child. These are some of the ones I like.

Generally I believe that we have way too much “stuff” marketed to us as parents. A multibillion-dollar baby product industry tries to convince us that we need more and more stuff to raise healthy, happy kids, when we really need very little. That being said, there are some products out there that are pretty great. And you know I’m a fan of anything that makes your life easier!

When you are a parent, it is so easy to get in a spiral of shame, guilt, and worry. Part of my mission is to help you let go of the things you can. To urge you to stop worrying and putting so much pressure on yourself, and to stop letting in the stuff that is ratcheting up your anxiety. To that end, here are some suggestions for things to read/watch/consume instead of obsessing about your child’s nap schedule, getting back in your pre-pregnancy jeans, or whether your kiddo will get in to Stanford! Parenting is hard! So do things that bring you some peace and joy. Here are some of my favorites.