The Top of Mind Newsletter by New Modern Mom is your guide to a fulfilling life, packed with wisdom on motherhood, travel, career, style and self care. Get the latest resources, news and musings right to your inbox.

Read the Post

Finding out you’re going to have a baby is one of life’s thrilling moments, and your first thought is likely, “How do I tell him I’m pregnant?” quickly followed by panic on how your body is about to change dramatically. Sharing such big news can be an overwhelming task, especially when you want it to […]

Motherhood

How do I tell him I'm pregnant
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you heard about the concept of a ‘Yes Day’? I’ve wondered what exactly all the hype is about?  Jason and I are in constant discussion about whether we “give in” to Caden too easily. Truth be told, we have differing opinions. For example, he’s okay with Caden wearing his rain boots on a sunny […]

What Is a Yes Day for Kids
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finding the best breastfeeding snacks that are not only tasty but also promote good health and milk production can be a bit daunting. After all, when you’re juggling the responsibilities of a new baby, you crave convenience as much as nutrition. Meal prep can certainly help here, but there are tons of easy to grab […]

Best breastfeeding snacks

As moms, we’re always on the lookout for the safest, most effective ways to take care of our little ones’ boo-boos, right? From scraped knees in the park to those mysterious little cuts they somehow always seem to get, it’s like a never-ending cycle of ‘ouchies’ and ‘uh-ohs’. I’ve always preferred to take a natural, […]

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sick season is upon us, which means you’ll likely be battling your toddler to take medication sometime soon. There is nothing worse than your child having a fever, but refusing medication to help ease the temperature. They are upset, you are upset, it’s all around a frustrating experience. I want to help you understand how […]

Caden demonstrating how easy it is to get a toddler to take medicine
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve got some exciting news for you! Lalo, a beloved brand among modern parents including me, just dropped their newest product, The Play Box, for babies and toddlers starting from newborn to 2 years old. And it’s giving Lovevery, the OG of subscription play boxes, a run for its money. So I decided to put […]

lalo play box vs. lovevery play box

Read the Post

You’ve recently given birth and are wondering when your body’s going to start its cycle again. It’s a common question that many new moms have, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Ovulation signs after giving birth vary from woman to woman and depend on various factors such as whether you’re breastfeeding, your overall health, and […]

Motherhood

Woman holding a thermometer
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whether you are actively trying to conceive or using a natural form of birth control to actively not get pregnant, knowing the signs of ovulation and recognizing when ovulation is over is key to success. So I tapped into an expert, Dr. Nicole Tod of North Texas Women’s Healthcare, to walk us through the subtle […]

Woman looking at a digital thermometer
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Deciding which is the best breast pump for work is one part of the complicated journey of returning from maternity leave. Pumping at work, and finding the right equipment, setup and routine are tasks that can seem daunting, but we’re here to help you through it. This guide is designed to help you navigate the […]

Woman using silver laptop

You’re in the postpartum period, and it seems like your body has taken on a life of its own. From healing from childbirth to adjusting to the demands of breastfeeding, it can feel like you’re on an emotional and physical roller coaster. Essential oils are a wonderful way to ease some of the discomforts that […]

An amber essential oil dropper sits in front of a twig of cotton
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s face the truth: motherhood isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. Sometimes, it feels like an endless cycle of sleepless nights, tantrums, and never-ending laundry. And in those moments, you might catch yourself thinking, “I hate being a mom.” I hate to admit it, but I often… like multiple times a week don’t feel like “moming.” […]

Mom screaming while children are playing
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When it comes to my diaper bag, I have two rules: 1) always restock it after the kids go to bed and 2) pack minimally. This allows for a less chaotic exit out the door in the morning, and ensures I don’t have permanent back damage from schlepping a little one, and all the stuff […]

diaper bag essentials

Read the Post

You’re expecting a baby girl and considering giving her a name that stands the test of time. As someone with a vintage name myself with a bit of Southern vibes, Barbara Gail, I definitely support your decision. Vintage, old fashioned girl names, those that were popular a century or so ago, are making quite a […]

Motherhood

vintage girl names
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’re expecting a baby boy and want to call him something that’s a bit out of the ordinary, something with a connection to the past – a vintage boy name. It’s time to take a nostalgic journey back in time to explore some charming and lesser-known names for boys. From the strong and stoic, embodying […]

vintage boy names
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While there are countless options when it comes to gifts for new moms, I recommend prioritizing items that will make their journey into motherhood a little less daunting and a lot more comfortable. Plus some splurgy treats they may not have otherwise bought for themselves are sure to be a hit. In this list, I’ve […]

Pregnant woman standing by a crib in a nursery

I have to admit, there are a lot of premium products I purchase for my baby, but expensive wipes had never been one of them. In the search for baby wipes safe for sensitive skin, I landed on Water Wipes, Pampers Aqua Pure and Coterie. I ended up using Pampers Aqua Pure with Caden after […]

Expensive Baby Wipes Showdown
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve spent HOURS researching skincare for myself. Little did I know I’d end up doing the same for my baby. When my daughter developed a red splotchy rash all over her face and neck, I knew I had to find a solution. I needed a cream made for baby’s sensitive skin in mind that would […]

ellaola review
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alright, the final countdown is on to order those last minute holiday gifts for that special toddler in your life. Here’s what Caden asked for this year. Best part, I checked and they all are available on Amazon Prime to arrive before Christmas (for now). Happy holidays! 15 Last Minute Holiday Toddler Gifts from Amazon […]

15 Last Minute Toddler Holiday Gifts from Amazon

Read the Post

When my newborn started breaking out in a scary red rash, I discovered those baby products I was using weren’t actually developed with sensitive skin in mind.  Motherhood is full of surprises. The number of google searches for “is this normal” in the first few months of my baby’s life has exceeded my total years […]

Motherhood

Baby Lotion Review: EllaOla vs. Aveeno vs. Cetaphil
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a guest post from my good friend and talented writer, Amanda Gregolunas, mama of two under two. As I approach the final days of my pregnancy, I’ve found myself getting more and more nervous for the days soon to come, trying to balance being Caden’s mama along with being mama to a brand […]

advice for second time mom
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tested and approved by an actual 18 month old toddler Picking out gifts for a toddler is hard. They have short attention spans, are very opinionated, love something one day and have zero interest the next. That’s why I’ve put together a quick list of “approved” gifts from my 18 month old that he frequently […]

Gifts for 18 month old

The Premium Diaper Showdown I’m a busy mom. As the CEO on NMM, owner of three pilates studios, and a repeat offender of over-scheduling our social lives, I never thought I’d be a parent to have time (or care) to obsess over a diaper brand… but here I am being that parent spending her time […]

Coterie vs. Dyper vs. Pampers Pure
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to design an Instagram-worthy first birthday party on a budget. We finally got to celebrate Caden. Since the pandemic started, all the typical moments I expected to experience as a first time mom were just canceled. No big baby shower, no friends coming over to meet the baby, no mommy and me classes, no […]

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s Caden’s first birthday – how!? – and I’m taking a moment to reflect on the last year.  I’d say I’m still in denial, but the tears kicked in this past Sunday as it finally hit me that Caden is turning one.  I want to take a moment to reflect on this past year – […]

12 Lessons Learned as a First Time Mom

Read the Post

Expert advice from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Megan Craig, DPT  There are many things to think about in those final days of pregnancy. I had lists on top of lists of final to-dos: hospital bag, birth plan, birth playlist. I was also recommended to research pelvic floor physical therapy options. Why? Medical care and pregnancy […]

Motherhood

pelvic floor therapy
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Introducing solids is a big milestone, one that comes with lots of questions.  Here’s advice straight from a Pediatrician. When Caden began eating solid food, it felt oddly sentimental.  My little baby suddenly didn’t seem so little anymore.  While I just about died over how cute he was sitting up in his highchair, I was […]

Introducing Solids
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What’s in my diaper bag at all times for a quick exit out the door As a new mom, you’ll quickly learn that it now takes an extra 20 minutes to get out of the house.  Between squeezing time in to get yourself ready (here’s my 10 minute routine), getting baby dressed, packing baby’s diaper […]

Diaper Bag Essentials 0 to 6 Months

Fatherhood is not rocket science, but it’s also not the simplest thing in the world. This is a guest post by my husband, Jason. Edited by Josh Perlow. When Barbara and I started trying to have our first kid, it was a lot of fun and felt more like a dreamy haze. Was I ready […]

first time dad
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These products were voted clear must haves by new moms  In my final weeks of pregnancy, I was pretty stressed about still having a ton of items left on my baby registry.  I didn’t really know what products I needed to have stocked immediately and what things could wait. Aside from the obvious infant car […]

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s be honest about postpartum recovery after pregnancy Over the past 4 months there have been so many moments where I’ve thought “why does no one talk about this” or “why did I not know this.” As prepared as I felt throughout my pregnancy with a stocked nursery, my “postpartum recovery kit,” childcare lined up […]

5 Unexpected Postpartum Experiences