How to Teach Digital Media Literacy to Your Young Child

Saying "I saw it on YouTube, must be true," sarcastically is a joke my children recently learned from their uncle. While it sounds silly, learning not to trust everything they see online is an esse...

Your Guide to Montessori Toy Rotation and Quality Playtime

As a Montessori teacher, I saw the benefits of toy rotation firsthand. Now, at home with my three children, I use many of the same toy storage and organization ideas. While it hasn't completely eli...

38 Screen Free Activities for Kids to Enjoy at Home

How do you say no to screen time when you're frazzled and trying to make it through the day? As tempting as it is to hand over your phone or turn on the TV, too much screen time isn't good. What ca...

Nature Deficit Disorder: Risks of Too Little Time Outdoors

Could spending more time outdoors make your child happier and healthier? Journalist and author Richard Louv argues that people, especially children, need to spend less time indoors and more time in...

Myopia in Children: Why this Eye Condition is On the Rise?

"Myopia is progressive, irreversible and on the rise," says Sabrina Gaan, Doctor of Optometry. In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans were nearsighted, or had myopia. By 2017, that number rose to nea...

The Best Rated Diaper Pails: Odors Neutralized

Diapers are a parenting reality, but the smell doesn't have to be. The best diaper pails not only trap odors, but are also easy to use and may even match your nursery. Which diaper pail can you tru...

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 ...