Every superhero has their kryptonite. For our mom hero, Joanna, it was postpartum depression and anxiety.
For International Women’s month and UK mother’s day, our team at Cubo wants to share our Mom Hero, our Co-Founder, and CMO, Joanna Lin. What did our mom hero do to battle her kryptonite? Turn that force into something good for moms all around the world.
Our mom hero is a woman who looks at adversity in the eye and says “not today,” one that can be equally there for her children as a nurturing presence and defend them against the world with an unstoppable attitude.
If you ever met Joanna, you would never call her “intimidating” despite being a decisive and effective leader. She is sweet and welcoming, often smiling and making what we would say are “mom jokes,” basically family-friendly silly jokes that her kids are probably very used to. You’d never guess that not that long ago, she had to face the battle not just of infertility, but also, after finally giving birth, of postpartum depression and anxiety. Perhaps what we admire most about her is how she faced it head-on and thought not just of her own peace of mind, but that of every mother she could reach. She wanted not just the safety of her babies, but of every child that she could help.
Joanna has led an awe-inspiring life long before she had children. She’s always believed chasing dreams and talking about them constantly with a twinkle in one’s eye wasn’t a thing solely for kids. Adults should rave about the projects that they chase and the achievements that they make too.
Before Co-founding Cubo Ai, Joanna was had founded and marketed tech-related businesses, from e-commerce to a pet camera. It wasn’t until she had children though that she found her calling.
Joanna is now a mom of two kids under 5, but before she achieved two successful pregnancies, she had several failed IVF attempts. After meeting her miracle baby and battling her anxiety to keep him safe, Cubo was born! You can read more about that story here.
She’s our mom hero because she’s an inspiration and a mother to everyone on the team. She’s present, analytical, hands-on, and a good listener. We suspect she got to be that way thanks to her own mother and the support system that allows her, and often her kids, to be in the office with the team on a daily basis.
Joanna is surrounded by a community of people who support her as a daughter, a mom, an entrepreneur, and as a friend. Caring for her children is evenly split with her husband, and the inspiration her mother provides her gives her strength to be a better mom and businesswoman.
“My mother is a very brave woman. Once she makes a decision, she never gives up. She taught me that as long as I don't give up, there will always be another window.” She often talks about how motherhood changes a woman and realigns priorities. All of a sudden we become more compassionate and full of empathy. It changes us as people.
Here at Cubo, we can attest to the fact that this is her mentality about bringing peace of mind to mothers all over the world. In her eyes, no mother should have to face the anxiety of losing their child alone and we should do everything in our power to ease that anxiety and provide a safe world for babies.
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Now that her first miracle baby is older and another came to be, Joanna believes that not only the experience of motherhood makes a person a natural entrepreneur, but also being a child and innovating is all and the same. Children take with them creative energy that is hard to tune out and the Cubo team is familiar with little Noah’s collaboration as “Chief Baby Officer”.
A life in the presence of technology and Artificial Intelligence has done little Noah well. He’s informed and educated on the use of these tools, now much better suited for his 8-month-old brother’s room than his own. Joanna believes Ai continues to bring new opportunities to family relationships and we think she’s right. While it’s easy to fall into the trap that AI is new and scary, Noah knows that it can serve humans to soothe mothers’ worries, aid in their children’s caretaking, and so much more.
4 years ago, it allowed Joanna to be a mother to Noah without anxiety in the middle. In the future, it could help him be a better version of himself too!
Cubo Ai
Smart Baby Monitor, bird, techie, baby guru, and sleep-safety enthusiast. Cubo has a keen eye for detail, loves baby photography, and never sleeps on the job. You can find Cubo in thousands of nurseries around the world and here on the blog helping parents learn more about the topics they care about.
With a growing number of sources talking about the Coronavirus outbreak, we felt it was important to break down Coronavirus and Pregnancy and debunk the Top 10 COVID-19 myths about moms and babies.
With the Coronavirus spreading and news outlets blasting possible outcomes, it’s important to take a look at what this COVID-19 outbreak means for Coronavirus and pregnancy. Specifically, the myths that are now held by many families regarding the COVID-19 virus and its effect on women and babies. This disease is new and studies about it are still in development so as we find out more about it, here are the things you might still be confused about: the Top 10 Coronavirus myths debunked (specifically for pregnancy and babies).
If you’d like to check out our sources or download our infographic, scroll to the bottom of this post.
Note: We are not medical experts and do not give medical advice. All the myths in this article have been taken from reputable medical sources. For any concerns, please visit the CDC or call your physician.
Why is this a Coronavirus and pregnancy myth? Well, it’s a partial myth. While getting Coronavirus during your pregnancy is NOT LIKELY to cause a fatality of either mom or baby, pregnant women have weaker immune systems, so they might be more at risk of catching any contagious disease, including COVID-19. According to Roger Shapiro, professor of immunology and infectious diseases at Harvard Medical School, “There’s some illnesses that pregnant women are more susceptible to and we do not know right now if COVID-19 is going to be one of those.”
Your immune system is slightly suppressed thanks to the fact that you're growing a human, but if you do get this particular illness, it's very unlikely that it will severely compromise your health or your pregnancy.
This type of transmission is called “vertical transmission” and as to whether or not it happens inevitably for moms and fetuses with Coronavirus (before, during or after delivery) is, as you might expect this early in the stage of the disease, still mostly unknown.
Don’t get frustrated yet though!
According to our sources, preliminary testing on infants born to mothers with COVID-19, none tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. So, despite it not being off the table that vertical transmission can happen, especially after a baby was already born with Coronavirus. Let’s remember though that the baby recovered within a couple of weeks without treatment, so as far as vertical transmission being a reason to panic, we’re going to say not quite yet.
This means that so far, coronavirus and pregnancy is still safe in the realm of possibilities for illness and pregnancies and not a reason to panic whatsoever.
Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and you want to breastfeed your baby, breast milk hasn’t been proven to carry the disease, nor has amniotic fluid. That’s great news! In fact, if they’re sick in general (Corona-related or not) sick moms should still breastfeed because the milk is full of exactly the nutrients and antibodies that baby will need to stay healthy.
Where’s the catch?
Despite the fact that you should still breastfeed your baby, the way that you do it may have important effects. If the infected parent decides to breastfeed directly (not pumping) the CDC recommends that she wear a mask and take other precautions to not cough or sneeze on the baby and wash before and after feeding. If pumping, the washing should occur before touching any bottle parts or the pump itself, using the recommendations for cleaning the pump after each use. If possible, a mother can allow a family member who is not infected to feed the baby.
Despite the peak in purchases of surgical masks happening all over the world, the CDC actually doesn’t recommend healthy people to wear face masks to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses (including the novel Coronavirus). If specifically told by a physician or healthcare professional, wear a mask. Otherwise its use should be limited to those who have the novel Coronavirus or are showing symptoms. This protects others from getting it. Others who should wear the mask include health workers and those caring for patients at home or in facilities. Coronavirus and pregnancy isn't more more less likely depending on whether or not you wear a face mask.
To this day, you’re much more likely to get the flu than get the new coronavirus. This means, as precautions to staying healthy during pregnancy during the Coronavirus outbreak, get a flu shot. The flu is actually proven to pose a danger to pregnant women and babies. Your baby can get a flu shot as young as 6 months old.
More than wearing surgical masks, washing your hands with soap and water (roughly as long as it takes to sing your ABC’s) and avoiding touching your face can make a big difference.
Finally, keeping a healthy routine, eating well, getting exercise, and sleeping enough will all help keep your immune system healthy and keep you protected.
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Despite a province in China being the origin of the disease, the country’s link to the disease gets more and more distanced as the outbreak spreads to other major cities. Since the outbreak, many operations including manufacturing have paused in China until there is more control of the disease. Still, even for factories that continue to work, there is absolutely no evidence at this point that imported goods, packaging, etc. can transmit the disease.
So far, the transmission of COVID-19 has been mainly through respiratory droplets so when it comes to the novel coronavirus, your packages from any country are still safe for you to open. So if you’re pregnant and worried about the Coronavirus making its way to your home via your newly-ordered baby products, rest easy, you can still deck out your baby’s nursery.
“a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case
– or –
b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)”
So, if you’re not a health care worker dealing directly with infected patients or in the same small room with someone who has been infected for an extended period of time, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to get it from someone who just crossed the street in the opposite direction as you at the same time.
So, who is the most vulnerable population?
Well, the myth is right about one thing. Those over 70 carry a much higher risk of getting infected and suffer more severe, and possibly fatal symptoms. Other criteria that put you at risk of getting fatally ill due to Coronavirus regardless of your age include underlying conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or anything that would cause you to have a weakened immune system.
This means that even if you do get sick, your chances of it being fatal are really small.
They might not show symptoms at all! In addition to being less vulnerable to get the disease, children are also less likely to show symptoms if they are infected. This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means your child is almost certainly going to be fine, even if infected. On the other, it means if they’re infected you might not know it for a long time and they’ll continue to be contagious and cause possible infection to other people around them who could be more vulnerable to the disease.
If people around your baby suddenly start being diagnosed, it's time to talk to your physician about the possibilities of getting your baby tested.
WRONG!
If you’re worried about Coronavirus and pregnancy, there’s one question you must have the answer to. What are the Coronavirus symptoms? First ones that will show up are fever and a dry cough, no runny nose nor a wet cough. Despite the virus showing “flu-like” symptoms, watch out especially for the high fever and cough after which you can take action. The best thing to do this time around won’t be go to the E.R. for a variety of reasons.
What should you do if you think you have Coronavirus?
Caroline Chen from Propublica suggests that, if you think you’re pregnant with Coronavirus, or if your baby might have it, you call your doctor or your primary care physician. If you don’t have one, call a local clinic or hospital. They’ll ask you some relevant questions so they can help you figure out if you’re a likely candidate for the virus. It’s flu season and with the outbreak and panic of the Coronavirus so the emergency rooms are full as it is.
According to Chen, your doctor might:
Nope.
Despite the talk about a variety of cures, best practices, super foods and anti-virus measures to take, none of the following can “kill” or “prevent” the novel Coronavirus:
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Cubo Ai
Smart Baby Monitor, bird, techie, baby guru, and sleep-safety enthusiast. Cubo has a keen eye for detail, loves baby photography, and never sleeps on the job. You can find Cubo in thousands of nurseries around the world and here on the blog helping parents learn more about the topics they care about.
Influential moms in history have some very strong traits in common, today we're choosing our favorite traits and Cubo's favorite influential moms who personify those traits!
WithInternational Women's Day coming up , we thought we’d celebrate the women we cater to most here at Cubo, moms, by celebrating the top 10 traits influential moms in history have in common. While not all women parent the same, moms tend to have that little something extra; that superpower that makes them a little more capable, a little more knowledgeable, and overall superhumans.
Whether you’re a mom, your sister’s a mom, or you just really love your own, we know you’ll find at least one of these traits in a mom in your life and be reminded of the hard work they do.
Say “happy international women’s day” to her by sharing this article with them.
Have you ever known a mom to say no because they’ve got “too much work”? No! They’re much more likely to take on more work than others think they’re capable of. Moms have a way of doing it all and still having time to give their children affection, support, and everything they need to be healthy children and, eventually, successful adults. Influential moms in history worked hard to become what they are and they make it look effortless!
Cubo’s #1 Hard-working mom in history: Marie Curie
Marie Curie raised two daughters alone after she lost her husband in an accident. She was a mom, a scientist, a Nobel Prize recipient. She did it all while raising amazing children, one of which went on to win a Nobel Prize of her own. She taught her children “one must do some work seriously must be independent and not merely amuse oneself in life.”
We hear you Marie Curie, and we all strive to be the mom that you were.
Photo: Wikipedia
Whether they’re mothers of girls or not, moms support other women because they know that when women are supported and raised up by their peers, their family, their government, they achieve more and live up to their potential. Influential moms in history know that there is no success without a support system to help you when things get hard, when your children are young, when they get sick or when the weight seems too heavy. Women who receive support give other women the same treatment.
Cubo’s #1 Supportive mom in history: Abigail_Adams
Abigail Adams was the wife of the second president of the United States and First Lady. She spent a lot of time at their farm alone, running it on her own. Though the farm is full-time work, she still found the time to write letters supporting equal rights for women in a time when this wasn’t a popular conversation. She also supported the abolition of slavery and educated five children, including future president John Quincy Adams who said the following about her: "My mother was an angel upon earth. She was a minister of blessing to all human beings within her sphere of action. Her heart was the abode of heavenly purity… She was the real personification of female virtue, of piety, of charity, of ever active and never intermitting benevolence."
Not only did she support her family who made it big in Washington (not long after Washington himself,) she also did her best to support fellow women all while running her household.
Influential moms know that it’s not easy to stand up for yourself and your family when the going gets rough. It takes a lot of courage to do what’s right and get your loved ones’ needs met. Who best to stand up for us than our mom? Moms can’t see a child in danger. A suffering child anywhere is a weight on mothers everywhere, even if their own children are fine.
Cubo’s #1 Courageous mom in history: Irena Sendler
Irena was a Polish Employee at the Warsaw Social Welfare Department during the Holocaust who smuggled almost 2500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw ghetto, saving their lives! Even after she was caught by Nazi authorities, she never gave away the location of the children. Her own three children grew up with few difficulties, and she later received Poland’s Order of the White Eagle award in 2003.
Photo of Sendler below: Wikipedia
A mother’s job is never over and we know that even when the lights are off and the master bedroom is closed, mom is still working on something for her kids. The amount of service that moms give tirelessly and without complaints is astonishing! This extends to their community, their church, their extended family, their friends, and even those in other countries.
Cubo’s #1 Helpful mom in history: Kathy Headlee
This influential mom in history, mother of 7, including an adopted child from Romania, started Mothers Without Borders to help orphaned children in countries such as Bolivia, Bosnia, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Nepal. Mothers Without Borders sends Trained Volunteers to all of these countries to help children and distribute supplies to those who lack them. We’re not saying dads wouldn’t do this, but if it’s up to someone to create a foundation to help orphans all over the world, you best believe there’s a mom behind it.
“No,” doesn’t mean “no” for a mother fighting for her kids. Imagine Erin Brockovich but for anything child-related and Julia Roberts is every mom ever. Have you ever called to tell your mom to tell her the world is being hard on you? Then you’ll know she will take it very seriously and you’re going to have to protect the world from her. Once a mom takes up a cause, she’s not likely to abandon it.
Cubo #1 Persevering mom: J.K. Rowling
Though J.K. Rowling’s life now may not be one of struggle and failure, back when was first writing her now world-famous Harry Potter series, she was having a hard time. She was a single mother, received state benefits, and was rejected so many times she lost count. Luckily, she persevered and she though everyone told her children wouldn’t read long chapter books, she knew better and her intuition led her to become literary royalty.
For Mother’s Day 2016 in the UK, she tweeted: “Today's Mother's Day in the UK. If your mum isn't here to treat, do something nice for yourself because she's part of you. Take a hug, too.”
Some people are just born responsible. They’re the kind of kids who never forget their school supplies at home and have their homework done the night it’s assigned. They’re the adults who chose their career path years ahead of graduation and are very successful as a result. Moms, however, whether they were born with it or not, seem to gain a sense of responsibility immediately upon the birth of their first child. Suddenly they think ahead, they’re ready, they’re calm when necessary and alert when the time suggests that it’s necessary.
Cubo #1 Responsible Influential Mom: Indira Gandhi
She was the first female Prime Minister of India. She instituted a “green revolution” which made the country self-sufficient. She believed in education as a liberating and democratizing force. She was dead-set on equalizing a society riddled with underprivileged children to give them a boost and smooth out the inequalities they had no control over. She taught her two sons this sense of country and responsibility and they moved on to become politicians after her untimely death.
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A mom that wants more gets more. That’s why ambitious moms make a difference. What can make you strive for more if not your own child? Ambitious, influential moms make the world bend to the needs of children, they educate others on the best practices for raising them, and they educate themselves.
Cubo’s #1 Ambitious Influential Mom in History: Dr. Dana Suskind
Another founder here, Dana Suskind is a widowed mother of three children as well as a pediatric surgeon at the University of Chicago. Anyone else getting Grey’s Anatomy vibes? Just like any of the boss moms on the hit show, this influential mom in history founded the Thirty Million Words initiative which encourages parents to talk to their babies. She developed research which showed the importance of parents interacting with and speaking to their children during the first three years of their life.
Influential moms in history are able to show vulnerability and talk to other moms about how it’s not always perfect. When moms show that they also have flaws, bad days, difficult times, it makes it more rewarding to watch those successes happen.
Cubo’s #1 Relatable Influential Mom in History: Diana, Princess of Wales
Lady Di needs no introduction. She was a humanitarian, she supported children’s hospitals, raised awareness and fought landmines in Africa, among many other causes. She spoke out often about how difficult it was to be in the public eye and she still used heer privilege for good every chance she got. #relatable She taught her children well and her legacy continues to this day.
Photo: Wikipedia
The self definitely stops being #1 when you have a child. In fact, all moms sacrifice so much more than they let on. They’re not likely to give you a laundry list of all the things they’ve had to give up, give away, go without for their children. Why? They do it out of love. This selflessness comes from the purest place in a mother’s heart.
Cubo’s #1 Selfless Influential Mom in History: Angelina Jolie
Jolie’s life of privilege with a famous family and upbringing in show business didn’t blind her from the fact that most of the world lives without it. She’s now well known for her philanthropy and humanitarian work for refugees and displaced people. She adopted a child in Cambodia, several children from Ethiopia, and Vietnam. She had three children of her own and has raised them all to be healthy kids. The Wall Street Journal cited Brad Pitt saying that when she has a day off, “the first thing she does is get up and take the kids out. This is the most important ‘to do’ of the day. No matter how tired she might be, she plans outings for each and all.” The epitome of selflessness.
We couldn’t finish this list without being a little redundant. What is the #10 Top trait influential moms in history have in common? Influence. They know what they have (the other 9 traits) and they use it to teach others about how to be a good human. Moms are the best humans, right? We should all listen to moms more.
Cubo’s #1 Influential mom in history: Mary Maxwell Gates
Mother of Bill Gates and an extremely successful leader, she served on the board of directors for organization sand corporations in Seattle. She convinced I.B.M to hire Microsoft to create their operating system, which probably led to the massive fortune her son has today. She encouraged Bill Gates to have a spirit of philanthropy that influenced his and his wife’s impact on a variety of issues all over the world.
Photo above: Wikipedia
Can you think of other influential moms in history and traits that fit on this list? Share it and tell us on Facebook or Instagram!
Cubo Ai
Smart Baby Monitor, bird, techie, baby guru, and sleep-safety enthusiast. Cubo has a keen eye for detail, loves baby photography, and never sleeps on the job. You can find Cubo in thousands of nurseries around the world and here on the blog helping parents learn more about the topics they care about.
We're celebrating National Dr. Seuss Day at Cubo Ai by listing the Top 10 Dr. Seuss Books for Babies. Books with rhymes, illustrations, and reminders to your baby about how special they are.
Are you looking for the best Dr.Seuss Books For Babies? If Dr. Seuss’s books take you back to your childhood and you want to share that with your kids, get ready because here at Cubo Ai we’re celebrating National Dr. Seuss Day!
“Pretty much all the stuff you need to know is in Dr. Seuss." -President Barack Obama
Today, in 1904, a baby was born in Springfield, Massachusetts that would go on to open the minds and the world of millions of people all over the world. His name? Theodor Seuss Geisel, most commonly known as Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss was not a physician nor a PhD., but rather a children's author, illustrator, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker. His iconic works made him a staple in any school library and most storytime events included his funny, witty, and always touching books.
A childhood well-lived always had a touch of Dr. Seuss in it and that's why on his birthday we celebrate a day in his honor, National Dr. Seuss Day.
To also honor childhood and the innocence of beautiful, deep storytelling for the youngest fans of this brilliant author, we put together a list of the Top 10 Dr. Seuss Books for babies. Whether it’s a birthday book, a book about being yourself, or one that talks entirely about the bright future ahead of your child, these books will be treasures in your home and your memories forever.
If this isn’t the clearest Seuss-related metaphor for babies, we don’t know what is. Dr. Seuss’s book was published in 1940 and has aged beautifully. It tells the story of Horton the elephant who we’ve seen in other stories and movies of Seuss’s. Horton gets tricked into sitting on a bird’s egg to “sit in” for the mom who leaves on a “permanent vacation”. Despite the number of hardships that he faces as the egg’s sit-in (get it?) mother, he pushes through, saying “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent!” He’s rewarded in the end with a half-bird, half-elephant hatching from the egg with a blend of both features. On top of being a fun story with catchy phrases and cute imagery, it’s also full of important messages for children like perseverance and its rewards.
Another clear necessary book for babies from Dr. Seuss’s many. You might get this during pregnancy and read it on your baby’s very first day on earth or wait for one of their birthdays. The storyline goes a little something like this: In the land of Katroo, the birthday bird is throwing the reader, the birthday baby in this case, a party to celebrate. The narrative of this celebration is narrated in the second “you” voice, as in “you do this.” and “you do that.” The celebration goes, in book time, from dawn to dusk and beyond. In fact, the imaginary party is so elaborate and long that by the time you’re done reading it to your baby they’ll be fast asleep.
Our favorite part of this book is the emblematic quote:
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." A message we feel deeply towards all of our children.
If you’ve been following our Sleep Training series on the blog, maybe you’re looking for a perfect sleep book. Well, Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book may not be the best Dr. Seuss Book for baby sleep perse, but it is great to read to them and try to get them drowsy. Here’s the plot: Van Vleck, a bug starts out yawning, as we all do from time, especially when we have a new baby, (shout out to the real parents out there going through sleep deprivation.) The problem is that the yawn becomes contagious, more than normal, and we see it take over the whole town from creature to creature. The final line- spoiler- reads “good night.” and we think after reading this book both you and your baby might have one.
From sleep to primary education there are so many Dr. Seuss Books for Babies that they’re sure to become a staple of the colorful way they see the world. The book was published in 1963 and isn’t your typical alphabet book. It’s a book of poems telling stories about several characters. With each of these stories, Dr. Seuss introduces basic alphabet concepts to children. Read it to your baby, toddler, or even young child. After all, it never hurts to review the basics.
5. My book About Me by Me Myself
This book, number five on our list of best Dr. Seuss books for babies is all about teaching your little one all about themselves and their own identity was published in 1969. Read this to toddlers when they can answer the questions or answer them for your children as they grow up and change. This one is special because it’s allows your kids to do what they’ll probably do anyway, draw on the pages. The questions include simple things like “how tall are you?” and “how many teeth do you have?” All the “you”s in the book are capitalized so children know this book is for them specifically because they are unique and special. We especially like that your child is going to feel like the author of the book since all the facts are filled in by them personally. On top of that, it’ll be great keepsake!
Are you in the wonderful stage of raising your baby when they start making the most adorable sounds? Show them the sounds of the world with this book. It was published by Random House in 1970 and follows a man named, Mr. Brown who has the talent of making a variety of sounds, imitating animals and things in the world. Luckily, we suspect a lot of parents have this talent as well. The narrator (you) recites items and animals that Mr. Brown can imitate. Of course, the book has the corresponding image and “sound” written out for baby to see and hear. Get ready to “moo,” “buzz,” and “pop!” for a while reading this one. Maybe one not suited for bedtime, but when they’re awake and active.
Sure, we want to say this, loudly, to our screaming toddler when he’s upset about not being able to push the chair any farther into the wall, but Dr. Seuss found the perfect way to say it to children. We think this makes the list for Dr. Seuss Books for Babies because it’s told by a wise old man and narrates the unfortunate story of some relatable characters but whom, in comparison, are doing much much worse than anyone reading it. Read it when your baby is in a good mood, read it when they’re in a bad mood, regardless, this one is a whimsical story reminding your children to stay humble and grateful.
A great book for your child to fill their world with new vocabulary. Dr. Seuss published this one in 1973 and in it encouraged those who read it (and those who listen to mom or dad read it) imagine shapes they’ve never seen or thought. The illustrations are silhouetted and in his usual style and the narration is full of rhymes and memorable lines. Whether your little one is learning shapes, wanting to imagine new worlds or looking for a mental challenge between nap time and bedtime, this is a great book to get your child ready for preschool way ahead of time.
The Lorax isn’t just a movie it’s a world. Before they moved it to the big screen, Dr. Seuss had written several books about the character, who if we’re being honest he clearly favorited. What we like about this book that your baby will start taking in from the moment they first hear and see you read it to them is that it gives children (and adults) a reminder that we can make big changes in the world. "UNLESS someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It's not." Way ahead of its time, this mid-20th-century book was already telling us that it was up to each and every one of us to save the environment. Basically, the Lorax was the Greta Thunberg of the 60s and 70s. The Lorax warned against progress with no conscience and how the earth was in real danger as a result. If you’re looking to raise a child with a lot of awareness, independence and the will to change the world, don’t forget to introduce him to The Lorax whether it’s in book form, movie, or both!
You thought we were going to finish this list of Dr. Seuss Books for Babies without mentioning this one, didn’t you? Of course not! This is the staple Dr. Seuss book, published in 1990, that Millennials heard over and over. Maybe that’s why they’re all travelers, entrepreneurs, and different. From a young age, they were told about the journey of life, its challenges and its inevitable rewards for hard work. This is another book written in the second person “you” and in the future tense. The narrator tells the story of you leaving town and traveling through all sorts of beautiful and strange places. Exploring, You discover the places you’ll visit in your future, the things you’ll see. The book has no ending, leaving the ending up to your baby when they grow up and see the places the see and go the places they’ll go!
Ready to get reading? These Dr. Seuss Books for Babies will teach your child basic lessons to be a good, smart person. It will also help celebrate National Dr. Seuss Day and continue his legacy!
With these 2020 baby horoscopes, know what kind of baby personality traits to look forward to, weaknesses to help your child strengthen, and what to encourage!
Hey parents, if you thought the Millennial interest in astrology wouldn’t extend to baby horoscopes, you’d be wrong. Turns out, we are just as interested in what type of personality we’re going to have on our hands as mothers as we are in how we’re going to keep them safe and happy. So, if you’re a believer that your Western astrological sign, AKA your zodiac sign influences what type of personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses you’ll have, you’ll want to know what’s in store for your baby. That's why we’ve put together a comprehensive 2020 list of baby horoscopes so you can get an idea for what’s coming!
Capricorn babies are known to be determined, hard-working and opinionated with a BIG heart,
Capricorn babies thrive with consistent and predictable parenting, so prepare your little one well ahead for any changes, such as moving into their own room or even introducing a new addition to the family!
Capricorns LOVE new challenges! Stimulate your baby with new games and tasks to keep them happy and curious. Sorry Moms and Dads, prepare yourself for baby's favorite word: “No!” Capricorn babies are decisive but stubborn.
The good news? This baby horoscope reads: independent and adaptable! If your little one’s showing frustration, just step away for a few minutes. Often, your baby can figure things out themselves!
How many Capricorn traits does your baby show?
John Legend, Michelle Obama or Betty White!
Hello Aquarius babies!
Your little Aquarius is a natural born people person! Don’t be shy in introducing your baby to family members, friends and playdates - they’ll charm the socks off anyone they meet.
Adventurous in all aspects, your Aquarius LOVES variety and new experiences. You’ll see there’ll be no struggle in getting them to try new and unusual foods.
Constantly curious, prepare yourself for a lot of “why’s”. Their inquisitiveness makes them want to know the ins-and-outs of, well, everything!
There’s no middle ground with an Aquarius baby. If you’re lucky, you'll have a wonderful sleeper on your hands, if not, prepare yourself for a challenge of patience.
Abraham Lincoln, Ed Sheeran or Oprah Winfrey!
Welcome to the world Pisces Babies!
Your baby might be clingy with mom and dad and require extra special cuddle attention as their emotional sense of well-being demands to be frequently nurtured. They take great comfort in being held - hard time self-soothing.
With siblings, they will attempt to give their parents a break when their siblings seem more demanding than normal. If you notice that your baby's mood often mirrors your own, it's your Pisces baby showing off their intuitive emotions.
Natural storytellers, so encourage creativity (even while trying to sort fact from fibs).
Pisceans are gentle souls who often only see the best in people = trusting nature. Give your Pisces room to grow, but even if they're sure everything is great, trust your intuition if you think somebody is trying to pull one over on him.
Rihanna, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs.
Happy birthday Spring babies!
Aries babies like a lot of attention and can be impatient and noisy in their requests for your eyes and ears. Even before they have the words they’ll be goo goo-gaga-ing “mommy look at me!”
They rarely have a hard time sharing toys or snacks and lead the pack in lots of developmental milestones! Your little one might be the first of his peers to crawl, walk, and talk; Aries like to take the lead.
Give that kid a baseball bat! They love sports and competition, they want to be the first to try new things and love a challenge.
According to this baby horoscope: your baby will want to get a taste and peek of everything, so don’t be surprised if they’re easily distracted by whatever's going on around them. They love interactive games like Patty Cake and Row the Boat. Don’t forget to baby-proof and prepare for rolling, crawling and walking, they’ll be up and around just as soon as their bodies allow.
Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Robert Downey Jr.
Hey there little Bull!
Taurus babies have very strong likes and dislikes. Taureans tend to get set in their ways and their ideas. You won't win a challenge against one!
Generally, Taurus babies are the most emotionally stable of the 12 signs. They tend to be very calm, cheerful, positive, and loyal personalities. Their actions are predictable and they're always balanced and fair in their play.
This is a baby you want to triple check is physically comfortable. They’re particularly in tune with physical discomforts and comforts. Teach them with their hands, their skin, their feet. Your Taurus baby likes to be swaddled tightly, and snuggled close. They also tend to be quite musical, so offer toy instruments or even just pots and pans to bang on.
Adele, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, John Cena
Twin souls in one baby, welcome to life!
Will your gemini baby be an artist? A scientist? A mix of both? Brightest of the zodiac, with some leaning toward genius. Musical instruments and science kits also utilize these fast learners' quick brains.
The communication planet Mercury rules Gemini, which explains why little ones born under this sign are such verbal powerhouses. Read your baby books from birth and consider introducing a second language; they might show a surprising ability to pick up another tongue.
They Love interaction! A Gemini baby is highly alert and loves attention and interaction from his parents. They don't like to be left alone and prefer that someone talk to them. Ready to debate? the'll likely vocalize back earlier than other little ones his age, and also be early talkers.
You get two for one babies with Geminis! They don’t have an easy time with decisions and may flip back and forth until they’re comfortable with one. Try to have patience! They’ll test you with their own lack of it. They tend to be impatient and easily influenced by their friends, good luck to you in the teenage years! Your Gemini child will need strong parental guidance to make a decision and stick to it.
Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, Shia LaBeouf
Hi Baby Cancer!
Read: moody. Cancerian babies may cry more than babies born under other signs, but have no fear: they'll repay those tears with plenty of snuggly adoration and sweetness.
Home and family are extremely important to tiny crabs, who tend to be extra attached to their parents and especially their mothers. They may be quiet and shy outside of their family and have a hard time adjusting to new people and places.
They are highly sensitive to others' feelings, they’re emphatic, and affectionate. They love to love and be loved. Help your child by encouraging them as they grow to explore their environment and get involved in the activities they find interesting; they’ll need a gentle push and support to join into groups and events.
Ariana Grande, Meryl Steep, Elon Musk
Hey future superstar, happy birthday to you!
Leo babies love and crave attention, and they'll quickly find a way to get it. Prepare for the pouting when they don’t! Tiny cubs are very vocal in their demands for their mamas' time and affection. Don’t worry too much though, they're more likely to use charm than fussiness to get the love they require. They have a tendency to brag and show off. Keep in mind: it's better to gently chide them about their boasting privately than to call them out for it in public, which will wound your little cub's feelings.
Mommy’s favorite baby horoscope truth! Your baby is always up for fun and laughter. Consider signing them up for a dance, drama, or gymnastics class when they're small to provide a good outlet for all that energy and outgoingness.
Leo children are the leaders of their pack. As this dominance can come off as bossiness, encourage your little one to let others have a turn at the top sometimes. This will be a muscle they’ll have to exercise as they grow to be the best leaders they can!
They love being daring and having adventures but can be reckless, so it's important to keep a close eye on the little Leo to keep him safe.
Barack Obama, Meghan Markle, J.K. Rowling
Hello, future CEO!
Born leaders and have take-charge attitudes. With friends and siblings this can turn into bossiness and criticism, teach & guide early on to listen to the opinions of others—you'll need to make sure they're being a friend and not a dictator.
A Virgo baby excels in intellectual areas. Virgos are often early talkers and are quick to pick up reading and writing. look into preschool programs to help support and stimulate their already advanced skills.
Virgo holds the capacity to notice the minute details will be to their benefit during games like Memory or Hide and Seek. They'll also have fun making discoveries and showing them off to people who would have otherwise walked right by.
While on the outside, Virgo is strong and confident, their feelings are easily hurt, so take extra care to help them develop a strong self-esteem early on.
Beyonce, Stephen King, Michael Buble
Mommy, meet your new advisor.
Born under the sign of the scales, Libras are known for weighing all options. Be supportive of her indecisiveness; it will take longer for them to make a decision, but they'll only know they're doing the right thing if they aren't rushed.
Libra baby has an innate sense of humor and a desire to be sociable, their shining personality will make them a fun child to be around. Your job as the parent of a little Libra is to help them realize when they needs to reign in their bubbliness.
Their ability to weigh both sides of an argument without choosing sides makes them the perfect playground peacekeeper. Libra baby is easily able to see the right and wrong on each side. This makes them extremely uncomfortable around real conflict.
Libra harvests a deep desire to see everyone safe and happy they'll quickly give anything and everything they can to make it so. Don't discourage their generous nature, just guide them toward not being so giving that they're left with nothing.
Serena Williams, Simon Cowell, Cardi B
New-found high-intensity and joy for your family!
Scorpios are secretive but loyal. They crave privacy and need a lot of alone time! You won’t become unnecessary though. Scorpio babies are very aware of you, they always know why something is awry.
Although they can be brave and bold, Scorpio children also tend to harbor many fears and insecurities, and they need to feel reassurance from you that everything is ok. Offer hugs and affection, but in their own way—for a toddler this might mean cuddling as long as they will tolerate and then releasing.
They're extremely loyal to the close friends and family they do allow in. To strangers, a Scorpio child can seem impolite, indifferent, and even cruel, particularly if they think they are "weaker" than them. Look for signs that you’ll have to teach them to be considerate of others' feelings.
They'll challenge all rules and boundaries, and as a highly competitive sign, they'll play to win. Whatever they do, they are the best at it. Be very stern yet gentle when disciplining a Scorpio child. These little ones have fantastic memories and a tendency to have a vindictive streak; they can hold a grudge and plot revenge like nobody's business. Now that you know, you can have that knowledge in your back pocket.
Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates
A new subtle life of the party!
Sagittarius babies love to be on the move. your little Sag will be off just as soon as their little legs figure out crawling, and even before that they'll be moving anytime he's not sleeping. For attached mommies, this may hit hard, but you can prepare by pre-walking, take your baby out frequently in the stroller and for trips in the car to feed their adventurous spirit. They’ll thank you for it later.
According to these baby horoscopes, it's likely that your little babe will thrive when surrounded by peers, who will love their feisty spirit and friendly, open charm. Sag babies don't like to be left alone for long and they love to hear familiar voices, which might even help them sleep better. But although they often want to be with people, they don't enjoy being smothered with love and attention. Take it as it comes, and cherish it when they’re off to the next thing.
Little Sagittarius loves to laugh and make others crack up. The sheer sound of their giggle will likely make you join in, it's so joyful. Your Sagittarius child will one day be the class clown, beloved by his peers for his great sense of humor.
Sagittarius kids are always playing in the dirt, abandoning a messy room to tackle a more interesting project, or acting out in order to be allowed to try new things. They love to learn, but if it's not something that quickly engages them, all bets are off and they're soon bored and unable to sit still.
Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen, Steven Spielberg
What did you think of Cubo's Baby Horoscopes? How many of these traits, strengths, and weaknesses are you seeing in your baby? Share with someone who'd love to take a peek at what their baby horoscope has for them!
What is the babymoon fad about and why is it trending among couples? The babymoon explained, lots of recommendations, and more!
The growing babymoon fad has a lot of mommies-to-be scratching their heads. With all the traditions that come with pregnancy, the 3-month safety zone when you tell people, the gender-reveal, the baby shower, it’s hard to imagine why we’d need another one. However, moms this day and age have raised the babymoon fad and in this post, we’ll break down what is a babymoon, why it’s popular, and whether you should consider one.
Recently, we read an article on Culture Trip that said: “If you really want to celebrate before the arrival of your baby there is no better way to do it than by going on a babymoon!” Sure, that’s probably just blog-y talk to encourage people to join the trend, but we had to stop and ask ourselves “where is this trend coming from?” and “should we all be taking them?”
Note: if you disagree, and you think there is certainly a better way to celebrate before the arrival of your baby, take a look at our “How to Throw a Meaningful Baby Shower” post instead.
Just like your honeymoon was a welcome into your marriage, a babymoon is a kind of rite of passage into parenthood. The difference is that here the rite takes place before the passage, before the arrival of your new full-time job and love of your life, a.k.a. the baby! Babymoon options and possibilities include going as a couple, going with a friend, or even a family member. The point is to acknowledge the time before your life changes forever, show gratitude to your body and your mind, take a pause from the stress, and continue the journey.
Every rite has an origin. Usually, that origin is tied to a need, whether it be for connection, for preparation, for convenience, you name it. So what need gave rise to the babymoon? It makes sense that our mothers and grandmothers had to worry about “disconnecting” a whole lot less than we do. Social media fasts weren’t exactly hashtag trending then, so now that things have changed a little bit and it’s more difficult to unwind and get away, it makes sense a new tradition that acknowledges that comes up.
If you want to fly:
If you’re flying away for your last hurrah before the big joyous duty that awaits, travel around the second trimester after the 12-week scan. Still, always check with your doctor about the state of your specific pregnancy and circumstances, get their recommendations, and a possible list of destinations to stay away from during pregnancy, just to be safe. You can also check the availability and quality of healthcare where you’re going.
If you want a staycation:
Feel like staying at home? You can still babymoon in your own town. Since flying before 12 weeks of pregnancy isn’t great, and there are airlines that won’t let you fly after a certain time, a staycation is a great babymoon too. Whether it’s a day at a local spa, or even at a hotel stay right in your city or town! Set a goal for what you want out of this babymoon, what you’re feeling like you want to replenish or fill at this time.
Note on logistics: Don’t forget to plan the other parts like what travel insurance to take and plans with your midwife if you have one.
Still not sure whether you want to travel pregnant. Here are some tips from WebMD:
Like we said before, Check air carrier policies and insurance carrier policies
Get cleared by your doctor, especially if you have certain conditions or problems with breathing.
Prepare for the actual flying part. Diet, hydration, walking on the plane, and of course, getting the best seat (which is now, thankfully, a lot easier with most airlines)
While some women’s idea of a babymoon is week-long hikes and food vacations in Italy, others prefer to fly to a beach, sit at a pool and get some z’s next to the book they brought for “supposed reading”. Neither is wrong! Do what your body and future mommy you will thank you for later. You’re the boss.
Not your first rodeo? No worries, this is a great opportunity to spend time with your other babe, your partner or someone else that comes along to help. Visit somewhere with a kid’s club, activities, children’s swimming pools, anything that will have their interests sorted, as well as yours.
Side note: praise the hotels, spas, and vacation spots that think of families!
Maybe it’ll be the biggest year for the growing trend or it will fizzle out! Regardless, it’s another reason to celebrate the joy and miracle of parenthood! That, ladies and gentlemen, is a beautiful thing.
Happy parenting!
Looking to break norm and do something true to you? Throw a meaningful baby shower with Priya Parker's 3 Steps from her book "The Art of Gathering."
Today, we’re going to skip your typical “how to throw a baby shower” blog post and encourage throwing a meaningful baby shower instead.
We’re inspired by Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, which talks about a variety of topics regarding gatherings. No, we’re not breaking down how to fold napkins or find the right caterer, but rather how to make gatherings more meaningful. How to overcome the elements of gathering, like which traditions to follow and which ones you don’t have to, among other things. Are you planning your own meaningful baby shower? Planning one for a friend? Regardless, this is going to really make it something you'll tell your kids and grandkids about.
Let’s look at some examples of meaningful gatherings that veered away from norms and traditions. When talking about her book, Parker mentions the Harry-Megan royal wedding that blew people’s minds by reminding them that even something as strict and traditional as royal nuptials could have room for change. Not to mention the fact that #Megxit has everyone thinking “are traditions over?” No, traditions from both the British and African-American weddings were implemented into the wedding to make it truly feel like a unifying of two families from across the pond.
To add, history from Harry's mother's struggle with the British media and their current situation have pushed them to act upon what their family history has proven to be the best. Now, as they implement new ways to interact with the media and the royal family, they’ll include the elements that are essential and meaningful and opt out of the rest.
Just the same, the meaningful baby shower that you’re planning can truly be representative of the people involved.
So let's look at these steps to a meaningful gathering.
What is the purpose of a baby shower? Does this suit your needs? Does this suit the needs of your partner? For instance, a typical baby shower is to bring together the mom and other women to bond and laugh. You play games, you open gifts, etc. If that is exactly what works for you, great! If not, ask yourself what it is that you need right now.
Do you need to bond with your partner about how to transition to parenting? Do you need to remember what it was like to be a child, and could you do that by maybe involving your parents and other people? Decide what needs are going to be addressed with this gathering and the ways to do that will open up.
Priya Parker’s example: A mother that fears the pain of labor, so her friends gather to remind of the attributes they admire about her: her strength, generosity, perseverance and for each of these traits they have a bead that they add to a necklace that they assemble together. Then, the mother remembers these traits during labor as she’s wearing the necklace! Easy and meaningful!
An angry gathering can, believe it or not, be just as terrible as a boring one. According to Parker: “The best gatherings learn to cultivate a good controversy by creating the conditions for it because human connection is as threatened by an unhealthy peace as by unhealthy conflict.” This isn’t encouragement to ask whether or not moms endorse vaccination, we don’t want a high-risk baby shower. Instead, Parker says we should ask for experiences, not opinions about the large topic underneath a conflict.
For instance, are you thinking about taking extra time off work after your baby is born or maybe not taking much time at all? Instead of asking for opinions, ask everyone to come with a story about the time they spent with their parents as children and now with their children as parents. Perhaps you can go even bigger and ask everyone to bring their first memory from childhood. Sparking a good conversation and sharing experiences will make everyone bond on the spot and create meaningful memories for everyone.
This way, you can talk about big-picture moments that influence your decision, not opinions that won't have much of a positive impact on the party at all. Think of ways people can connect with each other and the purpose of your meaningful baby shower.
Is it a party if it has rules? Yes! More and more gatherings currently implement rules as a way to make a shared etiquette a given. According to Parker, sharing etiquette, rules, and unspoken norms aren’t a given anymore. Pop-up rules allow us to connect and gather purposely and meaningfully. Think about the group you’re inviting and what rules may not be understood by all. Parker’s example is several generations who for one night alone are not allowed to look at their phone. First one to pick up their phone pays the tab. What could apply to your baby shower? Consider the people coming it don’t forget to make it fun.
Hint: Maybe you’re inviting a lot of work friends and some friends from outside of work. Tie work-related topics to a “punishment” like take a shot of milk or revealing a secret.
The point is to take away the topics, devices, etc. that will make some feel alienated to allow room for connection.
While traditions have a way of bringing people together, these rules can make gatherings actually meaningful. That way, once you’re already there and gathered, the exchanges and activities that happen actually mean something and become a story you tell over and over again for years to come.
So there we have it, three things to implement to make your baby shower much more meaningful. After these three tips, how do you think you’ll plan your meaningful gathering? Share this with a friend and plan together!
In the meantime, check out Priya Parker's TED talk on meaningful gatherings!