When Do Babies Smile? A Guide to Baby Facial Expressions

As you watch your infant sleeping, they contort their face. First, they grimace and cry, then they smile. Does this count as your baby's first smile? The true answer about when infants smile for th...

A Montessori Teacher on How to Use a Helper Tower Safely

Young children love to help in the kitchen. A helper tower makes it easy to involve your child, offering a safe standing platform that prevents falls. As a Montessori teacher and mom of three, I've...

Is a Cheap Baby Play Mat (Foam) Actually a Bargain?

Foam tile play mats are everywhere. From daycares to the gym's childcare space, and maybe even in your home. Baby play mats made of foam are affordable and attractive. You can make a play space sof...

The 6 Best Toothpaste for Kids and Babies: Non-toxic Picks

Seeing your baby's first tooth is an exciting milestone that also means it's time to start good oral health habits. What do you need to know? Learn everything you need to know about the best baby t...

Does My Infant Need a Baby Helmet? What Parents Need to Know

Babies in helmets to correct head shape are now a common sight, leading many parents to wonder if their baby needs one. The little bald spot on the back of an infant's head is so common it's almost...

Which Diaper Changing Pad is Most Practical?

A quality diaper-changing pad is all that stands between you and hours of cleaning (ask me how I know!). Wondering which option is the most practical and functional? Discover my top picks for the b...

The True Costs of Fast Furniture: Plus, Alternative Options

Purchasing furniture is a costly endeavor no matter where you look, making low-cost options enticing. While buying affordable furniture may save you in the short term, there are impacts that can ha...

Top 9 Baby Bibs to Help You Say Goodbye to Messy Meals

From drool to messy first meals, a bib is a parent's best friend. I can't count how many loads of laundry and outfits I've saved while raising my three children…all thanks to bibs. Which is the bes...

The Best Non Toxic Crib Mattresses Parents Can Trust

Many consumer products, including baby and toddler mattresses, may contain dangerous chemicals like fire retardants. As parents become more aware, some are turning to non toxic crib mattresses to p...

The Top 5 Best Organic, Non Toxic Play Mats

When you buy a non-toxic play mat, you provide your baby with a soft, safe space for tummy time, play time, and more. When my oldest was practicing sitting up, he would often jerk backward, bumping...

Top 10 Most Loved Montessori Toys for 1 Year Olds

Babies are always observing everything around them and learning as much as they can. Help your baby build hand eye coordination, a sense of curiosity, and gross motor skills with these Montessori b...

The Best Baby Nail Clippers for Safe Trims

Nail care with infants is essential, but sometimes stressful. In the newborn stage, babies often scratch their faces, unaware of how sharp their tiny nails are. I remember dreading clipping my baby...

When Do Babies Get Their First Tooth?

Are you wondering when to expect your baby's first tooth? While baby teeth don't come in on a strict schedule, knowing the pattern and general timeline can help. This way, you can support your baby...

Best Nursing Bras for Comfort and Easy Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is beautiful, but not always comfortable. A quality maternity and breastfeeding bra can make all the difference. Not only can a nice nursing bra make it easier and more comfortable to...

The Crunchy Moms Phenomenon Explained

Also known as a "granola mom," crunchy moms are famous for living a natural lifestyle. From avoiding toxins to cooking from scratch, some may go as far as to eschew traditional medicine. These moms...

6 Ways the Montessori Method Will Change Your Parenting

Becoming a Montessori teacher had the most impact on my parenting journey, aside from my own upbringing. Much more than an educational approach, the Montessori method goes beyond the classroom. The...

At Home with Oksana Silchuk: Creating Lifelong Memories with Piccalio

“Creating a calm retreat, one corner at a time,” is how San Diego mother, Oksana Silchuk describes her journey of styling her home. Silchuk has four children and she shares her family’s adventures ...

8 Best Baby Shampoo and Wash Options for Sensitive Skin

Protect your baby’s soft sensitive skin with the best baby shampoo and wash on the market. As a mom of three, I’ve used many kinds of baby shampoo and learned a few lessons. My daughter had extreme...

The Most Effective Baby Sound Machine for Sleep

No matter how quiet you try to be at bedtime, a variety of sounds may easily wake up your baby. For me, my cracking knees as I stood up were often the culprit with my youngest son. His eyes would f...

Our Favorite Holiday Gift Memories

Part of the magic of the holidays is watching children open a much-awaited gift. At Piccalio, we try to keep our inner child at the forefront so we can connect to the children who use our products....

The Best Teething Toys for Baby (Safe and Fun!)

Babies chew on everything, especially when their teeth are coming in. Good teethers are life savers when your baby needs something to gnaw on. Soothe sore gums and entertain baby with chillable, wo...

Holiday Activities to Enjoy At Home with Piccalio

Holiday-themed activities are the perfect way to make memories with your little one. From holiday crafts to family photos, and writing a letter to Santa, there are many opportunities. We happen to ...

Our Favorite Christmas Books for Kids

Snuggling up with beautiful Christmas picture books can help the whole family get in the holiday spirit. This list of favorite Christmas books includes a multitude of options including books about ...

When Do Babies Hold Their Head Up?

Delicate and tiny, infants have droopy heads that unpredictably flop from side to side. In other moments, your baby shows amazing strength by lifting or turning their head while resting on your sho...

The Best Burp Cloths for Newborns and Beyond

Spit-up, leaking milk, drool, and other messes abound with babies. That's why high quality burp cloths are a must. While caring for my three children as infants, I loved soft, super absorbent cloth...

20 Fun Montessori-Inspired Holiday Activities for Toddlers

During the holiday season, you can create wonderful memories and connections as a family. Aside from watching favorite holiday movies and putting up the tree, here are some fun Montessori-inspired ...

How to Handle Holiday Toddler Meltdowns the Montessori Way

You're just sitting down to a nice meal with extended family when your toddler starts to lose it. They spotted the dessert table and no longer want to try any of the regular food on their plate. Wh...

The Best Baby Bottle Warmer for Hassle-Free Feeds

Having a bottle ready quickly when your infant needs one is a top concern for parents. When your baby is screaming, but all you have is frozen breast milk or cold water, you need a speedy way to he...