Having a very small birthday party at our apartment for my 3 year old in November. Guests will be mostly family with only 3 other little 3 year old friends because I have a newborn and want to minimize germs.

Any ideas on an activity could I set up for these toddler so they aren't bored and dont all squabble over our toys? I'm having trouble picturing what the kids will do since our apt is small and the party will be mostly adults. Theme is 'butterflies'. I could set up an art activity but 3 year olds are so hit or miss ?! Any ideas appreciated!

I’m interested in hearing about the experiences of families who enroll in Gantry View School in LIC.
Thank you!

We are thinking of sending our 8 month old to Vivvi in Gramercy two days a week once she turns 1. This space used to be preschool of the arts location and it seems Vivvi rehired the preschool of the arts staff. Just looking for feedback and if anyone has experience with this location!

Hi! Does anyone have any recommendations of a pediatrician they love in the Greenwich Village area? I was looking at NYU Langone Medical Associates - Washington Square but the reviews look mixed.

Hi everyone,

My name is Aaron and I am a tutor in the city, that's been teaching test prep for over 15 years. I previously worked in the video game industry and wanted to create a learning experience that is both interactive and engaging.

With about a month left of the SHSAT, your children are probably studying really hard and stressing. It's also likely that you are using a bunch of materials across different places, and that it can be hard to have your child focus and motivated with the prep. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you all a resource I think you'll find helpful...

https://shsat.loftygrove.com/

It has:

• 23 full length tests (a mix of official DOE modern tests, older paper tests, and new curated ones)
• ~1400ish questions for additional practice
• even has lessons for every skill one needs to know for both Math and ELA, complete with animations and examples
• has a mode called Quickfire for practicing under time pressure (!! feel like a lot of students would find this useful)
• uses thoughtful design centered on keeping students focused and motivated

You can even set up a study plan around the test date and schedule, and track progress over time.

Additionally, it's got this cute gamification component where, as you answer questions, you grow your own garden/grove. I just feel like it just makes the studying more fun and engaging. As mentioned, it uses delightful UX and incorporates features like streaks, focus ambient music, etc. for motivation.

One thing I'll say is that the practice tests aren't adaptive, so it won't fully recreate the real test, but you can still obviously use them for practice and simulate the test environment.

Again, its completely free. No credit card and no trial.

Still new, and a wip, but I'd love to hear what you think. I will be adding more content to it and fresh questions over time.

If something is confusing or broken you can message me directly or comment, or you can report it in the site.

Good luck to your child with all the studying. I know this period leading up to test day can be stressful for you and your child, so I encourage everyone to take care and to stay grounded in the prep.

Reach out to me if you have any additional inquiries.

I’m expecting and lift heavy weights 5x week and I’m hoping to continue to lift heavy throughout pregnancy. I’m hoping to find a registered dietitian to help me keep my macros and caloric intake on track to fuel both of these things. Does anyone have a suggestion for one who has special knowledge of both pregnancy and strength training? Any borough or virtual works if they’re a good fit. Thanks!

Hey parents, I'm a Brooklyn dad of 2 and I recently created a YouTube channel for kids featuring puppets exploring NYC. It's a lo-fi puppet adventure-comedy show built around fun, curiosity, and highlighting great spots across the city.

I'd love for you and your kids to check it out and let me know what you think!

Also, if you run or know of a great local business, play space, or kid-friendly spot around the city that would be fun to feature in future adventures, let me know!

I’m currently pregnant with my first baby and in search of a part time nanny and light house help for 3 times a week.
If anyone has any recommendations or knows anyone or what websites I should look into please let me know!

Hi everyone

Before giving birth, I spent quite some time looking for reviews and information about the hospital but couldn’t find much, so I wanted to share my recent experience here in case other moms have similar questions.

I gave birth at Mount Sinai East in August 2026. They’ve recently expanded the maternity wing.

Overall, I had a really great experience - the delivery staff was wonderful, and the medical team was excellent. The nurses in the post partum care were also great, an improvement apparently from what I’ve heard from people that delivered there a few years ago

1. Private postpartum rooms: With the refurbished wing, they now have many more private rooms. From what I understood, you’re very likely to be placed in a private room straight away. They didn’t even ask me whether I wanted a private room and no additional payment was requested. It seemed to be the standard arrangement now rather than something you specifically request and pay extra for. + Central Park views: Many of the postpartum rooms have Central Park views

2. L&D rooms/area: The birthing rooms are well equipped but a little on the small side. I’d say they comfortably fit four people (mom, partner, midwife/doctor, and nurse). If you’re planning to bring a second support person, things might get a bit tight.

3. Labor and delivery nurses: if you don’t have a doctor yet, consider getting a midwife. Things will be a lot smoother and more personal. Midwife and nurses were genuinely concerned about my comfort and made sure I wasn’t suffering unnecessarily

4. Postpartum / toiletries supplies: They provide pretty much everything you need - pads, cooling pads, witch hazel pads, disposable underwear, peri bottle, Dermoplast spray, heating pads, toiletries, socks, etc. You can ask for more whenever you need. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother spending money on the Frida Mom postpartum recovery kit. I had everything I needed at the hospital and you will take the extra stuff home

5. Nursery: The nursery is on the same floor as the postpartum rooms, so if your baby needs to go there for any reason, they’re not far away. It also has glass walls, so you can see inside.

6. Rooms/bed for partner: Not all rooms are particularly spacious, but they’re modern, and the bathrooms have been refurbished. Your partner gets a reclining sofa/chair that goes completely flat

7. Food: The food is ok. Pretty good by US hospital standards, I’d say. You get to choose your meals from a menu

8. Nursing assistants: My only minor complaint regarding staff was that some of the nursing assistants (those who came to check vitals every few hours) seemed a little confused or clumsy at times. Nothing major, just a noticeable difference compared with the nurses and medical team.

9. Lactation consultants: You’ll likely see a lactation consultant more than once during your stay. However, I found that different LCs sometimes gave contradictory advice, and the nurses would occasionally give breastfeeding recommendations that contradicted what the LCs had said. My advice would be to ask for a LC whenever you have breastfeeding questions rather than relying on the nurses for BF advice.

Of course, this is just my personal experience but I hope this helps :)

I have both and am finding I just use the minu more. The vista feels clunky, and I can maneuver the minu so much better. I can even lift it (with baby in it) to walk up stairs which makes subway so much easier. I’m thinking of selling my vista and just using minu as main stroller. Will I regret that down the line? Baby is 4 months old and seems to prefer the minu as well. And yes planning on having more kids but I think I’d just buy the minu double.

Experienced Babysitter in Greenpoint — T1D Experienced 💕

Hi everyone!
I’m 30 years old, based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and looking for babysitting opportunities in the area!
I have experience caring for children of different ages, including spending the summer looking after a 12-year-old and two 5-year-olds with Type 1 diabetes. I still watch them!
I also have Type 1 diabetes myself, so I’m very comfortable with blood sugar monitoring, finger pricks, insulin administration, recognizing and treating lows, and all the extra care that comes with managing diabetes. I know how reassuring it can be for parents to leave their children with someone who truly understands the condition firsthand!
I have a degree in Musical Theatre, so I absolutely love bringing creativity and fun into childcare! Whether it’s singing, dancing, Disney movies, imaginative play, or arts and crafts, I love keeping kids entertained and engaged.
I’m also a huge animal lover with plenty of pet-sitting experience, so households with furry family members are more than welcome!
I drive, am responsible and reliable, and have a flexible schedule.
If you’re looking for a fun, caring, and experienced babysitter, please feel free to message me! I’d love to chat and see if I’d be a good fit for your family. 💕

We are first time parents, expecting in May. We live in a one bedroom apartment and are not planning on moving right away. We figured we can probably avoid having to move until September, maybe October.

Anyways, in a small one bedroom apartment is it even feasible to have a nighttime postpartum doula for the first month? If you’re just looking for 9 hours at night, they don’t live with you, right? What do they do while the baby sleeps, do they just hangout in the living room area? Or do they sleep as well and wake up when baby wakes up?

Some of these questions may be stupid, but I truly have no idea what is normal or not.

looking to take my 2 yr old on a weekday. Both locations would be easy to get to, wondering which one they’ll have more fun at. thanks!

edit: I meant garden city Long Island but thanks for the brooklyn recs, I’m in queens so manhattan or Long Island is easier

Hello! Please see details for an event that will be held on the UWS to reflect/discuss school integration- November 9 at 6:30pm at PS 145 located on w. 105th between Columbus and Amsterdam. Bring your thoughts, questions, and discomforts!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbfwhxoyJAApZ_NdTqJV12UBc67r_5JP--n74dR4wWrpdudg/viewform?usp=send_form

Hello all,

My husband and I recently moved to the UES from out of state and very sadly I am experiencing a miscarriage on my first pregnancy. I got lucky with a wonderful OB at WC, and she says I will need to have a surgical D&C given the circumstances.

The frustrating thing is the WC office that performs them is so busy the earliest I can be seen is more than a week away. The other clinics my OB recommended are out of network with my insurance and could not give a full price estimate inclusive of general anesthesia as this will need to be performed in a surgery center.

Does anyone have experience with the above and would be willing to DM me? I may need to just wait for the WC appointment booked out, but it is emotionally and physically painful to wait.

If anyone has had a D&C with the WC family planning group as a result of miscarriage I would love to hear your experience.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and compassionate responses 💔

My husband and I welcomed our first child in August, and my husband has since returned to work. I have a generous maternity leave and am off until early January, when our child will be 5 months old. We’re a bit overwhelmed by the options available to us and would love to hear others’ perspectives on nanny vs nanny share vs daycare. We live on the Upper West Side. TIA!

I’m still in my first trimester and starting to consider what hospital I want to deliver at. I figure it’s better to switch sooner rather than later. I’ve been reading a lot of posts here to wrap my head around everything!

I’ve been an established patient at Mount Sinai for ten years. I’ve always experienced great care from all my doctors. The OB I see now is a ten minute walk from my workplace in Manhattan which is ideal for appointments (I don’t get a lot of time off from work, being a teacher). I really like my OB and the nurses there and I will also be going to the MFM unit for more advanced scans. I’ve read both good and bad experiences about delivering at MSW. It’s about a 45 minute drive away from home.

I’m wondering though, the later on I get in my pregnancy, the closer to home I’ll want my doctor and hospital to be. I’m a ten minute walk from NYP (Methodist I believe) in Park Slope. I don’t know if it’s worth switching my doctor (plus I don’t know who takes my insurance and has availability) just to be closer to the hospital.

Hi all, this is my first pregnancy and I’m starting a bit late in the game (12 weeks pregnant) , I have been reading all threads on Reddit regarding delivery. Overall I see good reviews about NY Presbyterian, however I have seen not one recent review about Coney Island Hospital? I’m in between those 2. If anyone has any insight, much appreciated.

Hi everyone!

I’m a mom to a five-year-old currently in kindergarten, and I’m looking for recommendations for a great math program outside of school.

My son absolutely LOVES math. He recently took a placement test at Kumon and tested into their second-grade math level, which I’m really proud of! I want to continue nurturing his interest and challenging him, but I also want to make sure he genuinely enjoys the learning process and doesn’t eventually lose that curiosity.

One of my biggest priorities is finding a program that teaches the why behind math, not just the how. I want him to develop strong number sense, mental math skills, logical reasoning, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than simply memorizing procedures or learning to work through worksheets as quickly as possible.

With how dependent we’ve become on calculators and technology, I really want him to develop the ability to think through problems independently and understand the underlying concepts. Ideally, I’m looking for something that challenges him while still being engaging and appropriate for his age.

We currently use Kumon, and I do see the value in building consistency and reinforcing foundational skills. However, I’m wondering whether there are other programs that might offer a stronger emphasis on mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding.

I’ve been looking into Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) and have read some great things about it. I’d love to hear from parents whose children have attended, particularly those who started in kindergarten or the early elementary grades.

I’m also open to other programs, whether they’re in-person math centers, enrichment classes, or other approaches you’ve found effective.

I’m in NYC, so recommendations in Manhattan or the Bronx would be especially helpful, but I’m open to hearing about programs elsewhere, too.

I’d really appreciate any honest feedback. I want to give my son a strong mathematical foundation while making sure he continues to love learning.

Thank you so much!

Hello all.

We aren’t at the stage of admissions yet but I am confused on the process.

There are the specialized high schools that require the SHSAT.

There are screened schools.

And then there are zoned schools?

If someone doesn’t get into the SHSAT schools (which I don’t know if are even a good fit), the only way to get into a relatively good school would be a screened school?

But to be considered for a screened school, you need to be in tier 1 which is 95+ average. But, if you do accomplish that in 7th grade, you still need to have a good enough lottery number to get into the school?

And if you get a crappy lotto number, that lotto number applies to any and all screened schools you put on your list?

So if you don’t get into any screened school that you worked to get a 95+ average for, you go to…your zoned school?

I’m probably missing a lot but that’s all I know so far.

Thank you.

We have an appointment at Mt. Sinai next week. Kiddo fell off their growth curve. Before I keep the appointment which is quite far from us I wanted to ask the hive mind if they have recs for good pediatric endocrinologists. I’m in Kensington in Brooklyn.

Hi! I’m a SAHM with two toddlers and about to have my third baby. My husband works late most evenings, and we’ve been discussing hiring part-time help for the afternoon and evening stretch.

I’m managing during the day, but evenings are when my energy drops and everyone starts getting fussy. Adding a newborn while trying to get dinner, laundry, and cleanup done feels like it could bring me to my knees!

My hope is to hire someone to come every weekday afternoon and stay until around bedtime, primarily to help with cooking, laundry, and light cleaning, with some childcare as needed. My goal is to free myself up to be with my kids more peacefully in the evenings. Ideally this person would help me get the house reset so when my kids go down I can do things for myself/work on projects.

Occasionally, it would also be helpful to have this person accompany us to the park so we have an extra pair of hands with the toddlers while I wear the newborn.

Has anyone had a similar arrangement? What did you call the role, how did you find someone, and what worked well for your family?

I’d love to hear your experiences!

Hello,

We are trying to make space in our NYC apartment, and have baby/toddler clothes, baby bassinet (with a mattress, and footwear to donate… It’s easier to find places for the clothes and shoes but what about the bedding? I feel like I’ve called almost everywhere I can think of and a lot of the places by me (East Harlem) are not accepting donations :/

Any suggestions?

I keep posting things up on FB market for free but I need these things GONE.

Thank you