Finger foods are the gateway to self-feeding and the first step toward independence at the dinner table. Kiddie chef extraordinaire Annabel Karmel cooks up all kinds of yummy, family-friendly meals, but the first step is easing your child's transition to solid foods. Here, Karmel provides us with tips and tricks for introducing finger foods to hungry (and grabby) tots.
Top 10 Cities to Trick-or-Treat: Did Yours Make the Cut?
Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! Trick-or-treating is the highlight of Halloween for most kids, but will yours be getting some awesome treats in their goodie bags this Halloween? Zillow recently ranked the top 20 cities to trick-or-treat — and the top five neighborhoods in each — based on median home value, walkability, population density, and safety. We're giving a shout-out to the top 10! Did your city make the cut?
20 Beautifully Handmade Halloween Costumes For Kids
Nothing beats handmade! The search for the perfect Halloween costume for baby and tot can sometimes end up in disappointment — but that's only if you're sticking to big-box stores. Step out of your comfort zone and get ready to be dazzled by these unique handmade costumes from creative folks who sell their wares on Etsy. They just might cast a spell on mama and make her opt for handmade this Halloween!
How Much Do You Know About Down Syndrome?
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and although this genetic condition is more common than you may realize, it's also surrounded by misconceptions. There are plenty of ways to get informed about Down syndrome, whether you're directly affected by it or not — starting with this quiz!
Ghosts of Halloweens Past: A Look Back at Celeb Tots' Best Halloween Costumes
Celeb tots are used to seeing costumes — they've witnessed Mom and Dad wear some pretty strange outfits on the set or stage — so we're not surprised that they take their Halloween costumes to the extreme! Give these tots an opportunity to dress as their favorite characters and they go all out! But kids and babies aren't the only ones strutting their stuff on Halloween night: plenty of celeb parents get in on the action with costumes that complement or coordinate with their adorable tots.
Take a trip down memory lane, and check out some of the cutest celebrity kids' costumes from over the years.
20 Not-So-Spooky Halloween Books For Tots
All Hallows' Eve is fast approaching. How are you getting your little munchkins ready for the spookiest night of the year? Get your kiddos into the Halloween spirit with these 10 not-so-spooky books that will help babies and tots get in the mood for the big day without scaring them altogether! Check them out!
Five Unusual Ways to Show Off Your Ultrasound
An ultrasound provides an exciting glimpse of your growing baby and while some parents-to-be stow the image away for safekeeping, others opt to do something a little more creative with their baby's first picture. If you're ready to go beyond the classic frame route, check out a few unusual and modern gifts and ideas for showing off your ultrasound.
Baby's First Halloween: 15 Cute Costume Ideas
10 Halloween Totes That Are More Treat Than Trick!
Leave the pillowcase in the bedroom: trick-or-treat bags have gotten an upgrade! From the spooky to the sweet, these hefty goodie bags will make roaming the neighborhood even easier and more stylish for your little munchkins. We found 10 candy totes for Halloween to fill with treats, not tricks.
Hot Mama! Our 9 Favorites From Jessica Simpson's New Maternity Line
On the heels of baby Maxwell, Jessica Simpson gives us another special delivery: a new collection of clothes for hot mamas-to-be now available at Destination Maternity. Just as stylish as her clothing and shoe designs, the maternity collection proves that Simpson simply gets women. With the needs of the expectant mother in mind, each piece is flattering, affordable, and even machine-washable. Although we wouldn't mind mixing and matching the entire collection, here are our favorite pieces, so versatile that we might just wear them well after baby!
Take Our Survey and Enter to Win $1,000 and 3 Months of POPSUGAR Must Have
We want to learn more about you — our readers! So help us by taking our short survey; we promise it won't take long. To sweeten the deal, at the end of the survey, enter your email for a chance to win $1,000 and three months of POPSUGAR Must Have. So what are you waiting for? Take our survey now!

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8 Shut-Eye Mats For Your Little Napper
Sweet, sweet nap time — that very short moment of peace and quiet in your day. Nap mats are perfect for preschools (or a day at Grandma's!) to ensure your tot gets to recharge with some supercozy shut-eye. From fun patterns to personalized themes, these cushy mats are easy to wash, travel, and store. We've rounded up a few adorable favorites that will make your preschooler just as excited for nap time as her mama is!
Say My Name! Guess the Most Popular Baby Names From Around the World
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." That line might have worked for Romeo, but for most parents, choosing a name for their baby is pretty important. Of the many things that parents-to-be obsess over, baby naming is always at the top of the list. Some parents merely have to find a name that they like the sound of and hope not to offend any family members; others have to worry about the legality of their pick. In this globally interconnected world, names aren't necessarily region or country specific. Take this quiz to see the most popular monikers from around the globe.
13 Ways to Make Pancakes Playful
From faces to food coloring, it's easy to jazz up breakfast using pancakes as your platform! Your kiddo's favorite dish can be elevated to new heights (literally) and packed with nutrition the next time you pull out the breakfast griddle. Get the kids involved, and have fun experimenting with swaps and shapes that will leave any little diner wanting more.
Shutterbug: 15 Must-Take Back-to-School Pictures
The time has come! Back-to-school season is in full swing and both moms and tots are ready for the big day. School supplies are bought, tees and socks are in good supply, and Mama's even prepared a few special surprises for lil one's first day at school. Now's the time to get the cameras ready to capture the special occasion for memory books, grandparents, and (of course) Mom's Facebook page. Check out these 15 creative ideas to make your back-to-school photo session a memorable one.
5 Ways Moms Can Fit in Fitness
Finding time away from the kids to exercise can sometimes feel more daunting than the actual workout. With that crazy, superhuman schedule of yours, your fitness routine doesn't have to fall to the wayside. Check out our suggestions for squeezing in a workout and burning a few extra calories without hitting the gym. There's no reason your workout (aka "me time") has to be cut from your "to-do" list again.

- At sports practices: School is starting back up and so do afterschool sports. While your little players are breaking a sweat, you can too. Instead of hovering in the stands or running errands, take that hour to yourself. Go for a run around the field's perimeter or take a walk through the neighborhood. Let's get real: an hour isn't enough time to accomplish many errands, but it is enough time to get up and get going!
- Between errands: The next time you're on carpool duty or running to the store (no pun intended), take note of local gyms, studios, and parks on your usual path. Choosing a convenient option that easily fits into your routine will make your workout feel seamless. A quick run or workout in the park won't waste any extra travel time.
- During vacation: We know your vacations probably aren't spent leisurely lying on the beach. Take advantage of time off with your kids by planning active activities the whole family will enjoy. Wherever you are, explore hiking trails or spend the day playing in the pool together. Kids will love the adventure, and you will be happy to sweat without any scheduling or extra effort.
- During downtime: Use those rare moments of peace and tranquility for a cardio burst. While your kids are napping, pop in a workout DVD or cue up a 10-minute Class FitSugar video. Or during TV time, fit in a quick total body workout that can be done right beside the couch!
- Exercise with the kids: Spend time with your tykes by working out together. Go on walks together or, if you have littler ones, invest in a jogging stroller like this Phil & Teds Dot Buggy ($450). If your children are a bit older, take the bikes out and explore your town. You'll find their energy makes them the best workout partners a mom could ask for.
Copycat Kicks: 9 Mommy-and-Me Shoe Styles
The mommy-and-me look doesn't have to be cheesy or floral! Skip the matching dresses and slip into a pair of shoes that both you and your little one can equally enjoy. Your favorite brands like Toms, Converse, and even Hunter are shrinking, so your toddler can be just as stylish as her mama. Fair warning: you may pass down your shoe obsession.
Back-to-School Finds For Budding Fashionistas
If you live with a little fashionista, you already know that back-to-school shopping is anything but basic. School supplies have to be stylish, and backpacks must be glam. Kick up the essentials like notebooks and lunch totes and shop for pieces inspired by this season's trends. Add metallics, prints, and colorful accents to your back-to-school list and let the classroom be her runway.
10 Memorable Movie Character Kids
There are lots of cute child actors, but it takes an incredible talent to create an amazing lil movie character. Young kiddos who showcase the rare quality often enjoy a long stint in Tinseltown. From youngsters who made us belly laugh to those who had us in tears, we've rounded up some of our favorite lil ones we wish we could steal right off the big screen. Tell us which characters you would add to the list!
Totally Unique Baby Gifts Under $20
It's always special to find out a friend is expecting, but when you have a lot of friends having babies, and you're on a budget or saving up for your own family, then finding the perfect gift for the little newborn can get expensive! But showing you care and giving a truly personal and standout gift doesn't have to break the bank. With a little searching and a few clicks, we gathered up totally unique baby shower gifts that any expectant mama would be thrilled to receive. Did we mention they are all under $20?















