(And Is My 6-Month-Old Already a Tiny Emotional Manipulator?)

Let’s set the scene: You gently put your baby down for just a moment so you can, say, pee or retrieve the coffee you’ve reheated three times. They instantly erupt into a dramatic wail — no tears, no actual distress, but an Oscar-worthy performance nonetheless.

Ah, baby food. That little jar (or squeeze pouch, depending on your era) of mysterious, slightly pastel-colored mush that somehow smells like both nostalgia and regret. But how did we get here? How did pureed peas and mashed bananas go from homemade spoon-fed delights to an industrialized, billion-dollar industry?

Let’s take a little time-traveling adventure into the history of baby food—because, believe it or not, there was a time before Gerber. 👶

Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful, bonding experience between parent and baby. But can that bond become something more complex? Can someone actually be addicted to breastfeeding? Let’s explore the fascinating science behind what happens in the brain and body during breastfeeding, and whether it shares any similarities with addictive behaviors.

You just birthed a miracle. You were expecting a plump, rosy-cheeked cherub straight out of a diaper commercial. And instead, what you’ve got is a wrinkly little prune with furrowed brows, skinny limbs, and the vibe of a tiny retired librarian who has seen some things. Sound familiar? Don’t worry — you are not a bad parent for thinking your newborn looks like a 90-year-old man in a onesie. In fact, it’s wildly common. There are biological, physiological, and evolutionary reasons why babies look a little ancient at first. Let’s dive into the science behind that Benjamin Button energy.

The Surprising Science Behind Infant Attention Spans, Stimulation & That Thousand-Yard Stare

Your baby is just lying there. Staring into the distance. No blinking. No smiling. No response to the five different toys you waved in front of their face. You try a silly voice. You shake a rattle. You even make jazz hands. Nothing. So… is your baby bored? Or are they just… vibing? Let’s dig into the science — because the answer is actually way more fascinating than you'd think.

When it comes to pregnancy, childbirth, and even everyday activities like sneezing without fear, the pelvic floor deserves a standing ovation. But unless you’re deep into postpartum recovery or a Pilates class, you might not even know what it is. So, let’s break it down: what is the pelvic floor, where is it hiding, and why should you care? (Spoiler: it matters to everyone—yes, even dudes.)

A new baby has entered the scene. The parents? They’re surviving on caffeine, adrenaline, and the occasional handful of Goldfish crackers. Cooking is about as likely as them getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep (spoiler: it’s not happening). Enter the hero of postpartum survival: the meal train.