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contents BABY AND BEYOND 2019

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Not-So-Great Expectations

Your Ultimate Babymoon Guide

Real moms on the down-and-dirty truth about how your life changes after baby.

Nine of the best babymoon spots from coast to coast, and beyond.

On the cover: Nununu Star Zipped Hooded Overall, $72, nununuworld.com; BabyGap Black High-Top Sneakers, $45, gap.com for similar styles.

This page: Cloud Island Headband, $6 for set of two, target. com; Habitual Girl Olivia Hatchi Jumpsuit Set, $54, bloomingdales.com; Freshly Picked Signature Core Moccasins, $60, saksfifthavenue.com.

Playing Dress-Up Prints! Plaid! Denim!

Leather! Six tots model fall’s trendiest looks.

PHOTOGRAPHY ON COVER AND THIS PAGE BY E.E. BERGER

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modern eco-friendly mama’s favorite

HOUR MEDIA

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Editor’s Note 52 The List

Childcare and education

60 The Last Laugh

Kids’ dreams of the future

9 FIRST WORD 10 Baby Talk A play space for all, California Science Center, shops that go the extra mile, helping kids, tea for toddlers, and a party with sea creatures

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14 Doctor’s Visit

Expert advice on potty training; pelvic physical therapy for pregnancy and post-baby

16 Gear

Cool products to throw into your diaper bag

17 Mom Boss

Lisa Mastela on founding her company with a seven-month-old

18 Play

Exploring the Cayton Children’s Museum’s immersive experiences for families

19 Ideas

Classes that help encourage a love of art and music

45 46 47 48 49 50 51

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A TO Z GUIDE

Pregnancy Infant Toddler Daycare Health & Wellness Education

BABY AND BEYOND

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Welcome

Editor's note

arenting could use a manual.

A handy step-by-step guide to what really happens in the delivery room (and after!), the rainbow of poop colors, keeping it together on mere moments of sleep, surviving the first few weeks, and thriving in the first few years. Not that there isn’t a ton of information out there, but there’s just so much that sometimes it can be hard to filter. With this first issue of Los Angeles Baby and Beyond, we’ve brought you some simple tips, local resources, and Los Angeles–based experts to make bringing up baby here in our city a little easier.

For a little Zen and the art of potty training (page 14), we called on Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician, best-selling author, Today show expert, and mom whose Calabasas practice covers pediatrics, nutrition, sleep training, mommy and me, mental health, parenting, speech, and more.

Whether your child starts preschool as an infant or later, the search for just the right facility can be a daunting one. For our story “How to Find the Right Daycare or Preschool” (page 52), we turned to childcare experts for their tips on how to start the search and what to look for.

And for a hands-on experience, join us on November 23 at the Skirball Cultural Center for the first annual Baby and Beyond Expo—an interactive day of discovery for you and your growing family.

For more details and ticket information, visit babyandbeyondexpo.com/los-angeles.

It’s not exactly a manual, but we hope this issue provides a tip or two that help make parenting just a little bit simpler!

Kathy Nenneker Editor

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Playing Dress-Up Page 22

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Kelcey Lucille Quan Joyce CREATIVE SERVICES ART DIRECTOR Sheila Ramezani

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Potty Training Page 14

INTEGRATED ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Jennifer Kirkley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kathy Nenneker ART DIRECTOR Nancy Duckworth

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | PRESIDENT: John Balardo MARKETING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR: Lauren Mohon MANAGING EDITOR: Lyndsay Green DEPUTY EDITOR: Nicole Frehsée Mazur ART DIRECTOR: Lindsay Emeigh

Education Page 52

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FirstWord

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BABY TALK 10 DOCTOR’S VISIT 14 GEAR 16 MOM BOSS 17 PLAY 18 IDEAS 19

Special Delivery The brainchild of a new mom who spent her first hours out of the hospital stocking up on self-care supplies, Mombox is filled with postpartum essentials. Because moms deserve baby gifts, too.

Mombox kits from $95 at mom-box.com.

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FirstWord

BabyTalk Party with the Sea Creatures L.A. aquariums offer a glimpse into the wide array of sea life that surrounds us. Why not throw a birthday party in this rich environment?

Heal the Bay Aquarium

A birthday party here (best for kids 3–5 years), with 100 species of fish and marine life as a backdrop, supports the worthwhile organization that has been working to protect the animals in the bay for 34 years. Parties can be customized with different rental options, activities, and a wide variety of add-ons. healthebay.org/birthday

Aquarium of the Pacific

Shane’s Inspiration WRITTEN BY MARY JANE HORTON

THERE IS A VERY SPECIAL playground in Griffith Park (4800 Crystal Springs Road) where kids can pretend to be astronauts inside the Lucky Star Chaser spaceship, take over the cockpit controls in an airplane, and a lot more. The playground was inspired by the short life of Shane Alexander Williams, who was born in 1997 with spinal muscular atrophy and only lived for two weeks. In their grief, his parents Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams began searching for a way to honor their son’s life.

At the time, there were no totally accessible playgrounds in the western U.S. In 2000, Shane’s Inspiration Playground, the first accessible playground in the West, was born. To date, the Shane’s Inspiration nonprofit has built 65 inclusive playgrounds throughout the world, with another 75 in development.

Shane’s Inspiration is a fun-filled free, outdoor inclusive play environment that encourages children with disabilities to play along with typically abled kids. There are age-appropriate, state-of-the-art, sensory-rich structures such as “jetways” equipped with talk tube radios; slides with bouncy landing pads; and Ronald’s Ship of Dreams, donated by Ronald McDonald House Charities, where kids enter through the accessible “gangway” and explore this seaworthy vessel. shanesinspiration.org/shanes-inspiration-griffith-park

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PHOTO: TOP, LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES, INC.

Aquarium of the Pacific

PHOTO: TK

A Play Space for All:

A birthday party for kids (all ages) includes an hour-long classroom program that features animal touch time, biofact discovery, and a take-home souvenir craft project.

Sea otters, penguins, seals, and sharks are all here for the kids to see. The party concludes with an additional half hour in the classroom for the birthday celebration and a visit from an Aquarium Costume Character.

You can bring your own birthday cake and food and drink items are available at additional cost. aquariumofpacific.org/education/ info/birthday_parties

Grow Kid Grow

Once Upon a Time Bookstore

The Pump Station & Nurtury

Shops That Go the Extra Mile Some stores just sell merchandise. These L.A. stores also offer valuable resources such as educational programs and community involvement.

The Pump Station & Nurtury

Corky Harvey, RN, started the Pump Station more than 30 years ago when her three children were young. She filled a necessity for parent education, breastfeeding education, and supplies.

Now The Pump Station has grown into a small empire with prenatal classes, classes for new moms, newborn care classes, and more at their Hollywood and Santa Monica locations. The stores also

offer breast pumps, nursing supplies, and baby gear, and an online gift registry is coming soon. pumpstation.com

Grow Kid Grow

This store does good work for the environment by offering gently used kids’ clothing. Grow Kid Grow has used and new children’s clothing (infant to 14–16 years old) from brands such as Petit Bateau, Splendid, Charlie Rocket, Mini Boden,

and Oilily; books; shoes; toys and accessories; and gently used maternity wear.

The store also displays work of local artists and features local kid-friendly music.

Instagram: @growkidgrowLA

Once Upon a Time Bookstore

Once Upon a Time, a Montrose institution since 1966, offers books for all ages. They have story time every Thursday morning at 11 and they often present special story times and activities. For instance, a recent visitor was awardwinning author Mina Javaherbin (My Grandma and Me), who shared her

picture book about the special moments between a grandmother and granddaughter in Iran. shoponceuponatime.com

Lakeshore

A great resource for kids in preschool through sixth grade, Lakeshore has several brick-and-mortar stores around Los Angeles, as well as a large online store. They offer school supplies, craft items, and learning aids.

The stores offer free, drop-in craft sessions for ages 3 and up. Kids learn how to make a craft ice cream cone, Stone Age necklace, saber-tooth tiger mask, and more. lakeshorelearning.com

Our Fave The sleek and stylish crib that has graced the nurseries of celeb moms including Jessica Alba and Khloe Kardashian also has a practical side: seamlessly converting from crib to toddler bed to daybed. The toddler conversion kit is included and four adjustable mattress levels make customizing for security simple.

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib, $379, babyletto.com

PHOTOS: TOP, STEPHANIE PLOMARITY

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FirstWord

BabyTalk IMAX Theater

The imposing seven-story IMAX theater has 3-D films that run under an hour (there is an admission fee), many of which are preschooler-friendly, such as Superpower of Dogs and Backyard Wilderness.

Some of the movies are offered in sensory-sensitive 2-D screenings for younger kids.

California Science Center for Little Ones While the California Science Center certainly has a great deal to discover for older kids, preschoolers also love some of attractions specifically suited to them: This aquarium is truly a feast for the eyes; it’s filled with live kelp, colorful fish, and other marine life.

Touch Tank

Just outside and above the aquarium is a tank full of sea

World of Life Discovery Room

Your child may be lucky enough to see snakes hatching here. Kids also get an up-close look at scorpions, lizards, and more snakes.

Ecosystems Discovery Room

California Science Center Aquarium

Aquarium

stores—a construction company, a hardware store, and a children’s television studio.

creatures—sea cucumbers, sea anemones, and starfish— that kids will love learning about. They can also learn to be a barnacle (there is a chamber with ping-pong balls flying around, and they can see how many they get, just like barnacles catch food).

Kids get to see real mice and cockroaches, pretend to garden, or relax on patio benches and read books. Included within the Discovery Room is an area for toddlers and preschoolers age 7 and under, with a make-believe house filled with puzzles and toys.

Creative World Discovery Room

Young learners get a chance to explore structures, transportation, and technology in Los Angeles with a recreation of city

IMAX Theater

Hurricane Simulator

For a small extra charge, and if your child isn’t timid about Mother Nature, the simulator can be fun. You are enclosed in a cylinder and you feel like you’re experiencing 78-mileper-hour winds. Parental supervision is suggested for kids under age 10. californiasciencecenter.org

Tea for Toddlers

Pretend tea parties in your living room are one thing, but a real, childfriendly tea party is quite another. The Langham’s Imagine Tea, offered a few times a year, was created especially for mini tea drinkers (ages 4–11) and features junior magicians from L.A.’s Magic Castle performing close-up magic while kids savor a special menu of fruit-infused teas, pink lemonade, milk, mini sandwiches, and amazing desserts. langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/ pasadena

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PHOTO: TOP: ROBERT CANFIELD

Imagine Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

Baby2Baby:

Helping Kids Every Day Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that lends a helping hand to children living in poverty, ages 0–12 years, who need diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.

Says Norah Weinsten, copresident, about how the nonprofit was born: “We approached a group who had started a volunteer project and said we wanted to grow it into a full-fledged business.

They agreed to let us take it over. Cut to eight years later and Baby2Baby has distributed over 70 million basic essentials and is serving hundreds of thousands of children across the country.

This year alone in Los Angeles, Baby2Baby is serving 200,000 children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals, and underserved schools.”

There are many ways to help this worthwhile organization.

“While corporations like The

Honest Company and Huggies donate millions of new items to Baby2Baby, people can donate new or like-new children’s items.

They can also volunteer their time at our warehouse. We encourage people to host drives and ask for donations in lieu of gifts at a baby shower or birthday party,” says copresident Kelly Sawyer Patricof.

With ambassadors such as Jessica Alba, Amy Adams, Kristen Bell, Julie Bowen, Ayesha Curry, Kate Hudson, Ellen Pompeo, Nicole Richie, Kelly Rowland, Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington, Rachel Zoe, and more, the organization has a high celebrity quotient.

Visit baby2baby.org/donate for drop-off locations in addition to the Culver City headquarters.

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FirstWord

Doctor's Visit

Potty Time You don’t need to stress about this one—here are six expert tips on easing into ditching diapers.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA CLAYTON

OKAY, FIRST AND foremost: relax.

LAY THE GROUNDWORK. Before

training, discuss bathroom matters with your child. When you’re changing her diaper, simply say, “Oh, you went pee” or “You went poop.” “Make sure whatever you say is appropriate because it will be repeated in public,” warns Altmann. Also allow your child see you or your partner using the toilet.

It’s modeling.

LOOK FOR THE SIGNS. When he starts

to hide, ask for a diaper change, or get uncomfortable with going in a diaper, it’s probably time to start training.

Don’t rush just because you want it, though. Starting too early will simply string out the process.

Dr. Tanya Altmann Pediatrician

Dr. Tanya Altmann is a UCLA-trained pediatrician with an emphasis on integrative medicine and nutrition. She founded Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, a practice providing personalized health care for babies through college. Altmann is the editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics Caring for

Your Baby and Young Child.

SIMPLIFY. Altmann discourages parents from taking a portable potty in the car or having one in every room.

Instead, use a potty insert on a regular toilet and a stool for kids to place their feet (essential for going number two). The more special provisions you add, the harder it is to get to the ultimate goal: a regular toilet.

KEEP THINGS SMOOTH. Ward off constipation by

giving kids extra fluids, prunes, and pitted fruit. You can even mix fruit or prune baby food with yogurt or cereal—healthy any time, but especially important when training.

PANTS OPTIONAL. Whether you want to switch your

child to big-kid underwear or have him hunker down at home pantless while training, either way works.

The adult’s job is to watch closely and swoop the kid to the bathroom when needed. Accidents will happen.

Never make a big deal out of them. If the child is truly ready and an adult can focus on the process for, say, a long weekend or a week, magic will happen, Altmann promises.

ILLUSTRATION BY NAME TK

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PHOTO: TOMSICKOVA TATYANA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Your child will not go to first grade in diapers, says Calabasas pediatrician Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP. “Potty training is like learning to walk or ride a bike. Some kids master it quickly while others take longer, but every child gets there.”

That said, Altmann, author of the bestsellers Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents’ Top 150 Questions and What to Feed Your Baby: A Pediatrician’s Guide to the 11 Essential Foods to Guarantee VeggieLoving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids, offers a few pro tips to move this toilet thing along.

USE REWARDS, AVOID BRIBES. Little kids don’t respond to bribes because they don’t fully understand the concept of doing something now for a perk later. Besides, it may feel like pressure.

But praise in any form—hugs, kisses, stickers, calling Grandma—is amazing

for potty training, says Altmann, who admits that she even used M&M’s during her children’s training. “Again, the trick is you can’t use them as a bribe. I gave them a couple of M&Ms after they went, but I never said, ‘I’ll give you 10 M&M’s if you go.’”

Pelvic Floor Health Physical therapy for your pelvic floor can help with the long and short-term physical issues of childbirth.

RESEARCH IN ACADEMIC publications

PHOTO: ESB PROFESSIONAL/ SHUTTERSTOCK

such as Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, and Urology and say pelvic therapy can help a range of issues from pelvic pain, urinary tract problems, and constipation to low back pain. But far more women need to know about pelvic PT for pregnancy and post-

baby, says Marcy Crouch, PT, DPT, CLT, WCS, owner of Restorative Pelvic Physical Therapy in Redondo Beach.

Crouch points out that whether it’s a vaginal birth or C-section, having a baby is a “pretty major pelvic event.”

Pre-baby, PTs can help by teaching delivery positions and proper use of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

Postpartum, however, is when PT

is essential, says Crouch. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four women has some pelvic dysfunction. Having a baby—or babies—is thought to be the major risk factor.

“The message that most women get around six weeks after a birth is ‘It’s okay, you’re totally fine to do what you’ve always done.’ So some women will start exercising or go back to a high level of activity pretty quickly without full recovery, and that’s when we start to see symptoms,” says Crouch.

Painful intercourse, urine leaks, severe diastasis (abdominal wall separation), pelvic pain, and bladder or uterine prolapse are among the post-baby disorders that Crouch says can be prevented or ameliorated with PT. WHAT DOES PELVIC PT INVOLVE? In

the office, pelvic physical therapists use internal and external manipulations to assess and treat the pelvic floor (a bowl-shaped group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, rectum, and uterus) and abdominal muscles.

They also prescribe at-home exercises.

Some exercises might seem like the familiar Kegel-style squeezes, but even women who think they know that drill usually learn a thing or two. “In my experience, most women aren’t doing those exercises correctly,” says Crouch, who counts many competitive athletes among her patients.

Health insurance covers pelvic PT similar to other physical therapy, but finding a qualified provider might be a challenge. Look for a certified physical therapist with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAAP) or Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS) designations. And for more pelvic insight, follow Crouch on Instagram @thedowntheredoc.

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FirstWord

Gear

Diaper Bag Swag From a germ-minimizing pacifier to a leak-free sippy cup to a teething bracelet adorned with 24K gold, 13 cool products to throw into your diaper bag. Bonus: They’re all made by parents!

STYLED BY GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI

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1. January Moon 100% Non-Toxic Silicone Japanese Stretch Rope and 24K Gold Teething Bracelet in Charcoal, $32, januarymoon.com. 2. EGG New York by Susan 12 Lazar Classic Poppy Hat in denim, $33, egg-baby.com. 3. Evereden Premium Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $19, ever-eden.com. 4. EGG New York by Susan Lazar Gabe Romper in midnight, $44, egg-baby.com. 5. Doddle & Co. The Chew Poppable Teether in Hello, Sunshine, $10, doddleandco.com. 6. Smilo Anti-Colic Bottle in Orange, 3-pack, $25, smilobaby.com. 7. Evereden Soothing Diaper Rash Cream, $15, ever-eden.com. 8. January Moon 100% Non-Toxic Silicone, Japanese Stretch Rope and 24K Gold Teething Pacifier Clip in Charcoal, $24, januarymoon.com. 9. Baby Jives & Co. 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Indigo Watercolor Swaddle, $26, babyjives.com. 10. Wash. It. Later. Grab & Go Emergency Soaking Bags, 3-pack, $15, washitlater.com. 11. Doddle & Co. The Pop Cleaner Pacifier in Navy About You, $10, doddleandco.com. 12. Modern Natural Baby Babiators Toddler Sunglasses, $25, modernnaturalbaby.com. 13. Smilo Leak-Free, Mold-Free Sippy Cup, $12, smilobaby.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ BENNINGER

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FirstWord

0QO %Qh

Lisa Mastela Seven months after she had her baby, Lisa Mastela founded Bumpin Blends.

The Westchester-based entrepreneur tells us how she runs her business while making sure to have plenty of time with 16-month-old Caroline Marie.

WRITTEN BY MARY JANE HORTON

TELL US ABOUT BUMPIN BLENDS.

Bumpin Blends customizes preblended smoothie cubes to support the many challenges that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and new motherhood. Each of our 22 blends helps to lessen pregnancy-related symptoms (morning sickness, low milk supply, fatigue, anxiety, sleeplessness).

Once you subscribe, your nutritionist is available any time to answer questions and customize your blends.

WHY DID YOU START IT? Even as

a registered dietitian, I struggled managing my symptoms and nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum. I thought I’d be so healthy, but the only foods I could eat were mac and cheese and mint chip ice cream. So I turned to smoothies. I’d blend ingredients to prevent vomiting, and add in extra veggies and greens and other things to make it delicious.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE ALL OF YOUR ROLES? It’s a work in progress.

My top priority is my daughter—no matter what—as long as she had a great day and I got time in with her, I consider the day a win. I set rules and

Lis a Mastela with her daughter, Caroline Marie.

schedules strictly [keeping work to certain hours and days, limiting emails at home]. And Thursdays are my day with my daughter. I go to play dates, the park, music class. These strict rules make it easy for me to know what I’m supposed to be doing and when, so I feel balanced.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO WANT TO START A BUSINESS? Take your time and plan it all out before

starting anything. Write a business plan, think of all the things that could go wrong, talk to a lawyer, get the permits, register, look up your state’s business laws, think about how much a nanny will cost while you’re working, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY TO DO HERE IN L.A. WITH YOUR KID(S)? We love taking walks on The Strand in

Manhattan Beach and also on Main Street in El Segundo— which is such a quaint town square. We are constantly finding little pockets of Southern California to explore. Something as close as hiking in Will Rogers Historic State Park in Pacific Palisades or wandering around Los Feliz can feel like a fullblown vacation for us.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA GOLD

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FirstWord

Play

Cayton Children’s Museum was designed to help children (and their parents) find connection to each other, to learning, and to exploration.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA CLAYTON

CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS serve as

unique playgrounds for young, impressionable minds, and the Cayton Museum in Santa Monica has been designed to provide an unforgettable play experience for the whole family.

Featuring immersive experiences in which children are encouraged to

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think, question, imagine, touch, create, and exercise their mental and physical prowess, this brilliantly conceived and beautifully designed wonderland offers 21,000 square feet of participatory opportunities for children ages 0–10.

Young visitors get to play-act as first responders, create masterpieces with their bodies, and quite literally move mountains.

Dedicated to building and developing young minds in a safe, encouraging, inspiring, and communal environment, the Cayton is “a space where children can practice what it means to be human,” says Esther Netter, the museum’s CEO/

founder. “Through immersive play, children can learn in ways that build on imagination, connection, and interaction. They can play and practice being the best version of themselves.”

The Cayton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity, social responsibility, and empathy through arts education and hands-on learning. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers special classes, public programs, party packages, memberships, and seasonal camps for children ages 3–8. The facility is ADA-compliant and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. caytonmuseum.org

PHOTO: MERCIE GHIMIRE

Ultimate Playground

The Cayton Museum encourages immersive play for the whole family.

FirstWord

Creative Kids

Ideas

Meri Cherry (shown here) founded her eponymous art studio for kids in 2016.

It’s never too early to encourage a love of art and music in your child.

PHOTOS: LACMA: BRANT BROGAN; LOVEBUG: QUMARU NISA PHOTOGRAPHY; LADYBUG: MIRANDA CORBELL; PLAYFAMILY CO: ORIT HARPAZ

BOONE CHILDREN'S GALLERY AT LACMA

Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers dropin workshops at their Boone Children’s Gallery (great for spurof-the-moment art activities). You and your child—of any age—can learn about brush painting. Staff members offer friendly tips, and high chairs are available for younger artists. https://unframed .lacma.org/2018/ 10/29/extra-extramore-just-paint

LOVEBUG & ME MUSIC

KIDS ARTISTIC SENSE

LADYBUG MUSIC

LoveBug & Me classes instill babies and toddlers (0–4 years) with an early appreciation for music while enhancing listening, communication, reasoning, social, and motor skills.

The classes each have a special theme to capture kids’ imaginations.

Lovebug and Me operates more than 12 locations throughout the city.

The philosophy at this Westwoodbased studio is “create while U play,” which leads to children expressing their curiosity through art. The studio offers private, group, and drop-in art classes for children age 20 months through 10 years. There are also full- and partial-day art camps during school holidays.

Ladybug Music’s mission is “marrying great music with great education.”

Fundamental music skills are taught using Ladybug’s original music. Scheduled classes as well as drop-in sessions for infants through 4 years of age are available at studios in Studio City, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, and Burbank.

kidsartisticsense.org/ home

ladybugmusic.com

lovebugandme.com

MERI CHERRY

Meri Cherry is a bright, colorful art studio in Encino that offers process art classes for toddlers age 3 and up. According to Cherry, “process art is art that’s all about the making and the doing, rather than the finished product.” So everyone is here to get messy and have fun. Classes or open studio sessions are available Monday through Thursday. mericherry.com/classes

PLAY MUSIC AND ART CLASSES

Art classes for toddlers and music classes for babies and toddlers at their main base in mid-Wilshire (music classes are also held at locations in Silverlake and Pasadena) are on tap here. Art classes—Messy Art and Stories & Art—include scheduled and facilitated drop-in options (2–5 years).

The music classes are mixed age (6 months–4 years) and feature music and movement for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. playfamily.co

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PROMOTION

Saturday, November 23 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

6MKTDCi &WNVWTCN &GPVGT 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles

PROMOTION

Join Los Angeles magazine at our first annual Baby and Beyond event – an interactive day of discovery for your growing family.

Shop and learn from the latest baby and children’s brands and vendors specializing in gear, clothing and accessories. The family-friendly environment will feature childcare programming, a panel discussion with experts, educational opportunities for your future students, and more!

Bright Horizons Preschool

Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier

Bumpin Blends

Scholar Share Investment Board

Echo Horizon School

State Farm

Hollywood Schoolhouse

Stratford School

Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles

The International School of Los Angeles

Lollaland

WeeSleep

March of Dimes

Welk Resorts

Mirman School

Whimsical World

Noobie Box

*Partial list subject to change

brought to you by

Purchase Tickets babyandbeyondexpo.com/los-angeles

playing dress-up

Prints! Plaid! Denim! Leather!

Six tots model fall’s trendiest looks.

MODELS: QUICKBOOKAGENCY.COM

photography by e.e. berger styling by rebecca voigt prop styling by keagan coop & lindsay emeigh

it's easy being green

Opposite page: BabyGap Glitter Heart Sunglasses, $15, and Strappy Ballet Flats, $25, gap.com; Gucci Short-Sleeve Dress, $295, saksďŹ fthavenue.com. This page: Burberry Sedrick Two-Tone Button-Front Cardigan, $180, and Jayce Polka-Dot Collared Shirt, $130, neimanmarcus.com; Joe’s Jeans The Jegging Ultra Slim Fit Jeans, $25, nordstrom.com; See Kai Run Stevie II Brown Leather Sneakers, $48, seekairun.com.

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all dolled up

Left: Appaman Insignia Two-Piece Mod Suit, $166, and Casual Button-Down Shirt, $55, saksfifthavenue.com; BabyGap Performance Sneakers, $40, gap.com. Right: Stella McCartney Kids Christmas Stickers Dress, $172, zappos .com; Gucci Glitter Sneakers, $330, saksfifthavenue.com.

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daycare dress code Top left: Tucker + Tate Floral Headband, $14, nordstrom.com; Moncler Ruffle-Trim Hooded Jacket, $245, neimanmarcus.com; Appaman

Casual Button-Down Shirt, $55, saksďŹ fthavenue.com; BabyGap Superdenim Floral Skinny Jeans, $40, gap.com. Top right: Stem Swoop Raglan Romper, $35, nordstrom.com; Performance Sneakers, $40, gap.com. Bottom left: Nununu Star Zipped Hooded Overall, $72, nununuworld.com; BabyGap Black High-Top Sneakers, $45, gap.com for similar styles. Bottom right: Capelli New York Glitter Crown Head Band, $12, nordstrom.com; Mini Rodini Red Leopard Woven Shirt, $75, minirodini.com.

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check it out

Appaman Shawl Collar Velvet Blazer, saksfifthavenue.com for similar styles; J.Crew Benny Buffalo Jumpsuit, $65, jcrew.com; Gucci Glitter Sneakers, $330, saksfifthavenue.com.

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stripe session

Left: Gucci Short-Sleeve Stripe Embroidered Polo, $265, and Jogging Pants, $185, saksďŹ fthavenue.com. Right: Me & Henry Hand Painted Striped Sweatshirt, $36, Twill Shorts, $26, and Bari Lynn Royal Multicolored Fur Headband, $34, neimanmarcus. com; Cat & Jack Musetta Rainbow Sneakers, $22, target.com.

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PHOTO: ISTOCK

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Not-So-Great

EXPECTATIONS

Real moms on the down-and-dirty truth about how your life changes after baby

I L LUST R AT I O N S BY B R I A N G O S S E T T

Everyone tells you that once you become a mom, your life is going to change. But no one lets on how motherhood affects every facet of your existence, from your sex life (spoiler alert: it tanks) to your kitchen counter, which is never clean anymore.

Motherhood brings joy for sure, but at some point, it has tested the limits of every new mom’s sanity. Thankfully, knowing what to expect takes some of the sting out of the reality. Read on for unfiltered insights from seven moms, each tackling a different aspect of post-baby life. Plus: Experts weigh in to assure you that regardless of what you’re feeling or experiencing, you’re not alone.

YOUR SEX DRIVE WILL VANISH Six weeks after my daughter was born, my OB gave the all clear to have sex.

“Ugh,” I said. “Want me to write a note saying you have to wait a couple more weeks?” she asked. “I do it all the time.”

It’s no wonder my sex drive had gone into reverse. My life had become a swirl of dirty diapers and spit-upcovered clothes. Plus, there was a tiny mouth constantly clamped onto my breast. No aphrodisiacs there.

Initially, my husband, too, was exhausted by all-night crying sessions (mostly the baby’s) and the drudgery of keeping a human alive, but his libido rebounded.

I, however, couldn’t fathom giving any more of myself, much less my actual body, to anyone. With no real physical connection, we both felt tense and frustrated, feelings we regularly channeled into 3 a.m. fights about swaddling techniques.

What ultimately saved our sex life was leaving 12-week-old Maya with my parents and flying to New Orleans.

By the time the ice melted in my first Sazerac, so had my anxiety. Focusing on what I wanted—no worries about naptime here!—felt freeing in a way I hadn’t experienced since my pre-baby days. In other words, a turn-on.

When we returned home, we were so attracted to each other that we couldn’t contain ourselves. Just kidding. But we were having sex regularly again (that is, until I had Baby No. 2 and the whole cycle repeated). At least we’ll always have New Orleans.

–Nicole Frehsée Mazur

THE EXPERT SAYS “It’s super

common to have a low sex drive after birth,” says Dr. Neil Simmerman, an ob-gyn in West Bloomfield, Michigan. “There are lots of reasons, from fatigue to pain with intercourse to decreased estrogen that can lead to vaginal dryness. By three months post-birth, probably 90 percent of women feel back to normal in terms of sex drive. If it goes on for longer than that, talk to your doctor.”

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WORK/LIFE BALANCE IS AN OXYMORON THE EXPERT SAYS “Mothers

are struggling to juggle income earning with caregiving,” says Dr. Caitlyn Collins, the author of Making Motherhood Work: How Women Manage Careers and Caregiving (Princeton Publishing University Press, 2019). “Paid family leave, universal childcare, and flexible work schedules are no-brainers.”

YOUR HOUSE WILL BE A DISASTER The new housekeeping reality that arrives with a baby is often brushed aside as a messy, fun phase that you’ll look back on fondly. But like many parts of new parenthood, it doesn’t feel fun at the time, and it seems like it goes on forever.

During maternity leave, I never napped when the baby napped. (Does anyone do this?) Instead, I’d start to empty the dishwasher, which was always full because baby bottles come in 40 different pieces that you have to wash the instant the baby breathes on them. Inevitably, the baby would wake up for a feeding (more bottle pieces!)

So, you’re back to work from your 12-week maternity leave. Here’s what happens next: Your first day, you forget nursing-bra pads and leak milk. The second day, you discover you need to fully remove your dress to pump. The third day, you drive the entire way to the office without crying. Progress.

There are highs and lows. It’s annoying that someone else—likely a daycare provider—will see your baby do something before you. (If your

and the sink would fill as the washer went un-emptied.

Apply this Sisyphean pattern to laundry and, later on, my two boys’ toys and projects, and I now live in a reality where the second I cross “housework” off my list it pops up again at the bottom. According to my fitness tracker, some days I’ve walked five miles without even leaving the house.

Housework can also bring relationship tension. During maternity leave, my husband would come home from work and ask about my day, and I was angry that he got to interact with the world whereas I was stuck with that half-empty dishwasher. Chores can get personal: Something small, like my husband leaving clean dishes on the counter because he doesn’t remember where they go, can feel like an insult to my value as a human being.

Like most of parenthood, you can’t prep for this reality aside from some honest conversations with your partner (or saving up for a cleaning service).

Otherwise, you have to learn your own coping technique. Mine is called “Lowered Standards.” –Claire Zulkey

THE EXPERT SAYS “Toys have a way of ending up all over the house,” says

Abby Kahn, a professional organizer in Scottsdale, Arizona. “And kids have basically no concept of cleaning up. Go through things monthly and donate toys your kids have outgrown.”

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baby smiles when you’re not around, does happiness even exist?) You’ll also reach a level of tired you never touched during a college all-nighter.

The reality is there’s no such thing as work/life balance as a mother. You have two full-time jobs, and you’ll be attempting to strike that balance as often as your kid’s routine changes.

But every hurdle you get over will make you feel more competent. And there is nothing more balancing than being a mom who’s like: I got this.

—Steph Opitz

Self-Care 101 FOUR SCIENCE-BACKED WAYS TO TREAT YOURSELF

BREAK A SWEAT For new moms, aerobic exercise can ease symptoms of postpartum depression, according to a 2017 study published in the British Journal of General Practice.

SCHEDULE SOLITUDE Research has found that people who spend time alone tend to be happier and less stressed. Snag solo time whenever you can, even if it’s only in the shower.

PRIORITIZE DATE NIGHT Hanging with your significant other fosters communication, commitment, and romance, according to the University of Virginia’s National Marriage Project. No sitter? Put the kids to bed, grab a glass of wine, and catch up.

PHONE A FRIEND Connect with your closest pals, even if it’s just via text. Researchers from Arizona State University found that for new moms, psychological well-being is tied to several friendship-related factors, like having authentic relationships, feeling comforted, and getting “unconditional acceptance” from friends. — NFM

New Normal ... Or Not?

YOU’LL HATE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER After having my first baby, I became one of those moms who posted photos that made my family look charmed, like my husband and me at restaurants where I put our baby’s bottle in the wine chiller with the Sauv Blanc.

In reality, my husband and I were fighting more than ever, mostly because I felt resentful of doing more of the parenting heavy lifting. I bought diapers and formula. I arranged babysitters, scheduled play dates, toured preschools, and went to the doctor. I also freelanced on the side and had zero “me” time. Meanwhile, my husband was often traveling for work and I had to be like, “Have fun!” while a baby pooped on my lap.

Eventually, though, I focused on the stuff my husband did do, like change light bulbs, shovel the driveway, and generally be a decent man and dad.

Plus, to be honest, I prided myself on being the more hands-on parent.

At holiday events, his relatives would point out what a good mom I was and say nothing about his dad skills, which he later told me made him feel bad.

I guess we’re all a little competitive when it comes to parenting.

— Gillian Telling

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’VE GOT THE BABY BLUES THE EXPERT SAYS “A new baby

brings stress along with joy,” says Dr. Erika London Bocknek, a licensed marriage and family therapist at the metro Detroitbased Relationship Institute. “One common conflict is the unfair division of labor after baby, with childcare and household management disproportionately taken on by women.

Consider small behavioral changes, like alternating chores. A weekly meeting can be helpful for hashing out the details of who’s responsible for what.”

THE FIRST WEEKS of motherhood are an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re blissfully cradling your newborn and the next, you’re weeping because you misplaced your phone.

Is this “normal,” or a sign of something more serious?

“Up to 80 percent of new moms experience baby blues,” says Dr. Neil Simmerman, an ob-gyn based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. “They usually start two to three days after delivery and peak a couple days after that.”

Plunging hormone levels that affect brain chemistry are thought to be responsible for the changes in mood.

But other factors play in: sleep deprivation, pain or PTSD from delivery, breastfeeding challenges—not to mention the pressure of sustaining human life.

Thankfully, the baby blues typically lift within two weeks after birth. “By that point, you usually have a bit of a rhythm going,” says Simmerman.

If that glum feeling persists, you may be facing postpartum depression, which is estimated to affect one in eight women. The condition can surface up to several months after delivery and is characterized by feelings of sadness, guilt, and disinterest in the baby.

If you experience any of the above—or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby—don’t wait for your six-week postpartum checkup; seek help immediately.

(Ditto if you experience delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia, which can signal a rare condition called postpartum psychosis.) With professional help, these conditions are treatable. In fact, earlier this year the FDA approved the first-ever drug to specifically treat postpartum depression. —NFM

THERE WILL BE BLOOD (AND OTHER STUFF) THE EXPERT SAYS

“During the course of your pregnancy, your body is going to change in many ways,” says Dr. David Schwartz, an ob-gyn in Cincinnati. “Changes in your skin, posture, breast size, fluid retention, blood volume and, of course, weight are totally normal.”

“You must be expecting,” my manicurist commented, motioning toward my cuticles, which were splotched with blood. Clearly, she knew what I, at 12 weeks pregnant, did not: My body was cranking out 50 percent more plasma (due to the growing circulatory needs of my uterus, breasts, and other parts).

My OB said the blood bath was normal, and not to freak out when other orifices seemed eager to hemorrhage.

Cue the poorly timed nosebleeds and flossing episodes reminiscent of scenes from The Vampire Diaries.

Turns out, there are plenty of wacky bodily reactions during and after pregnancy: the brown line that appears on your stomach (it’s called the linea nigra and is caused by hormonal changes); bigger, darker areolas (the better for baby to see your breasts with); and lightning crotch. This is a real term for a shooting pain that randomly bolts through your vagina. It’s harmless, but, wow, it’ll put a spring in your step.

As I bled and felt the fire down below, I couldn’t help but wonder: When does the “glowing” start? Now, a few weeks postpartum with baby No. 3, I’m still waiting. —Carly Boers 2019

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BREASTFEEDING DOESN’T (ALWAYS) COME NATURALLY

YOU WON’T RECOGNIZE YOUR BODY

I was a classic, wide-eyed first-time mom. Took all the breastfeeding classes, bought the special pillows. Nursing would be hard at first, but I was ready!

Clear eyes, full boobs, can’t lose, right?

For me, not quite. After our first pediatrician’s visit, my son wasn’t gaining weight. Maybe my latch was wrong?

Maybe he hadn’t mastered sucking yet? I saw a lactation consultant named Linda, who checked my son’s latch (“textbook”), asked if I felt pain while nursing (not after the first 10 times) and looked for a blocked duct (I didn’t have one). I wished I could blame our issues on any of these complications. At least it would mean my boobs were working.

After fenugreek supplements to boost milk production and some unsexy home breast massage, Linda told me that despite our efforts, and partly due to my genetics (my mom and grandma both had trouble producing milk), nursing alone wouldn’t be sustainable.

I was gutted: Had my body grown this perfect baby, then betrayed me? But I also felt relief. Linda reminded me that bonding with my son, and the positive hormones it produced, was more important than being militant.

So about two weeks later, we stopped nursing. I felt sad that this brief period was over, but proud of how hard I’d tried. I no longer see feeding as some false binary of success or failure. Fed, no matter what, is best.

–Jeanelle Olson

Everyone knows that pregnancy means looking like you swallowed a basketball. But that the changes will stick around forever, lifelong reminders of those nine months, is a secret that women have kept for generations. Before I got pregnant, I heard my chest would get huge. But I didn’t know that later, my breasts would not just shrink to their former size but keep going, flattening out into some new body part entirely.

Then there’s the baby weight.

That I’m still carrying 10 pregnancy pounds is less surprising to me than the way I carry the weight. My whole life, I never had a tummy. Now, no matter what I do, my belly is there to remind me that it was once a cocoon.

The truth is that I want it to go away.

Still, there are worse reminders than the fact that my belly gave my children shelter for nine months, or that my boobs gave them food. I’m not ready to say I’ve embraced this post-baby version of myself—that’s a level of enlightenment I haven’t hit yet—but parenting is a lesson in patience. I’ll get there.

–Rachel Bertsche

THE EXPERT SAYS “You and

your baby are just figuring things out!” says Wendy Wisner, a board-certified lactation consultant in New York. “If you’re struggling, reach out to a lactation consultant. That said, if you try breastfeeding and it’s not for you, you shouldn’t feel pressured to continue. Go with your gut and do what works best for you.”

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THE EXPERT SAYS “It took nine months to change your body, and it’s important to give yourself permission to allow nine months to take off the extra weight,” says Nance Robson, a licensed professional counselor specializing in women’s issues in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Focus on the joy your baby brings and embrace that your body has gone through changes in order to enter into motherhood.”

e yo B d n a y b Ba

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GUIDE

PHOTO: ISTOCK

BY

NICOLE FREHSÉE MAZUR

Pregnant women of America, you deserve a vacation! Here, the nine best babymoon spots from coast to coast, and beyond 2019

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Beaver Creek, Colorado

EV E R S I N C E K A N Y E whisked a pregnant Kim off to Paris in 2013, the babymoon—a last-hurrah couple’s trip before baby arrives—has gone from celeb luxury to mainstream must-do. It makes sense: No one deserves a break more than a woman who’s battling nausea and fatigue, all while carting around a growing belly, working, making time for family and friends, and, oh yeah, preparing for the tiny human who’s about to change her life forever.

Surveys indicate that U.S. couples take more than 2 million babymoons every year, says Kristen Pike, CEO of Atlanta-based travel firm KK Travels Worldwide, and an estimated 60 percent of parents-to-be have taken a babymoon (defined by an overnight stay away from home). “We have planned a significant number of babymoon trips in the past four years compared to previous years,” Pike says.

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The travel industry has pounced on this niche with a growing number of hotels offering babymoon packages that include perks for expecting parents—everything from pregnancy pillows to 24-hour “craving menus” that offer pickles, cheese, and cookies whenever the urge strikes. (It’s worth calling your intended hotel to check specials before booking.)

Despite the array of options, picking a babymoon destination requires more thought than a regular vacation: You have to consider travel time, health

risks like Zika, and ease of access to everything from pregnancy-friendly food and water to medical facilities. We curated our list with all those factors in mind (for example, every place we picked has a hospital within approximately 20 miles).

Regardless of where you are—both geographically and in your pregnancy— the point of a babymoon is simply to savor those last, pre-baby moments with your partner before life gets crazy.

Here’s our trimester-to-trimester guide to doing just that.

PHOTO: ISTOCK

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The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch

PHOTOS COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH (TOP); KOHLER CO. (TOP RIGHT); WINDSOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL (BOTTOM)

The First Trimester:

For most women, the first trimester brings queasiness, exhaustion, and sore boobs—not exactly the recipe for a dream vacation. In fact, around your seventh or eighth week, when morning sickness typically kicks in (thanks, surging hormones!), you may feel more like taking a nap than packing your bags. If you are up to traveling, run the plan by your doctor, who may first want to examine the pregnancy with an ultrasound. “Ensuring the pregnancy is where it’s supposed to be—in the uterus—is the No. 1 concern in the first trimester,” says Dr. Sarp Aksel, an ob-gyn in New York City.

The fresh mountain air in Beaver Creek, Colorado, a glam ski resort 110 miles west of Denver, is an antidote to that pesky morning sickness. Made up of three interconnected villages (Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead Village), the area is best known for its pristine slopes, but its beauty peaks in summer, when gorgeous mountain views are framed by perennially sunny skies, wildflowers are in bloom, and 1,800 acres of trails are primed for hikers. There are lots of first-trimester-friendly activities to be found: Hit the local spa circuit for some R&R (there are several excellent full-service spas between the villages), take a mountainside yoga class, or pack an al fresco picnic.

Set at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain and surrounded by towering trees, The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is postcard-perfect.

The interior isn’t too shabby, either, with a 21,000-squarefoot spa offering treatments including a facial with diamond-infused cream and a fullbody mud wrap featuring minerals extracted from Colorado’s mines.

Book a guided, private hike with the hotel’s resident naturalist and wind through the mountains at your own pace. (You’ll also get a tutorial on the area’s native plants and wildlife.) Just make sure to return by 4 p.m., when the resort hosts DIY s’more making on the back terrace.

KO H L E R , W I S C O N S I N This quaint village an hour north of Milwaukee is babymoon-approved for its Kohler Waters Spa, one of only 64 worldwide to snag the prestigious Forbes Five-Star award. The spa, located beside the elegant American Club resort, specializes in hydrotherapy treatments and has a pool with an eight-foot waterfall (fitting, as Kohler manufactures plumbing fixtures). The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a full menu of fitness classes (from prenatal yoga to Zumba), and five restaurants serving everything from local cheese to fresh-caught Great Lakes fish.

Kohler Waters Spa

Windsor Boutique Hotel

Beaver Creek Village sits 8,100 feet above sea level, and for pregnant women, whose bodies are already working overtime, the thinner air can lead to dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you’re not used to altitude, plan on spending a couple days at a lower elevation (like Denver, which is at 5,280 feet) to acclimate to the change. Also, minimize strenuous exercise and drink lots of water, which can help ward off altitude sickness.

AS H EVIL L E, NORTH CAROL INA A quick hop from many East Coast and Midwest cities, Asheville draws crowds for its thriving music and art scenes, farm-to-table cuisine, and historic Art Deco buildings—features that have earned it the moniker “Paris of the South.” Tucked between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains two hours northwest of Charlotte, Asheville has a low-key, hippie vibe (catch the Friday night drum circle at Pritchard Park). Book a room at the Parisian-inspired Windsor Boutique Hotel, within walking distance of Asheville’s lively downtown.

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Hotel Wailea

Set on 15 acres overlooking Maui’s famed Wailea Beach, the Hotel Wailea is a posh, adults-only resort that offers activities like sunset sailboat cruises, cooking classes, and gourmet picnics by the ocean. Grab a handcrafted mocktail and enjoy.

Honokalani Beach

The Second Trimester:

Congratulations, you’re in the travel sweet spot! With your nausea likely settled, your energy levels rebounding, and your belly not big enough to slow you down, the second trimester is prime time to hit the road. “The best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks,” Aksel says. “By 14 weeks, a lot of the ‘settling in’ of the pregnancy will be done, plus there’s a lower risk for complications than in the third trimester.”

Still, think twice before jetting across the globe: Sitting for hours, like on an overseas flight, can further increase your risk for potentially serious blood clots, which are already more likely in pregnant women. In any case, drink lots of water in transit and move around often to get your blood flowing; both can help prevent clots.

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Travel time for non-West Coasters aside, there’s a reason Hawaii is a babymoon hot spot (celebs like Hilary Duff and Olivia Wilde vacationed there while pregnant). For one, it’s paradise— hello, dreamy beaches, swaying palm trees, and lush rain forests—but it also offers activities for every type of traveler, whether you’re into exploring the outdoors, cultural experiences (luau time!), or simply lounging by the pool. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a solid bet for a tropical, Zika-free vacation, and you don’t even have to pack your passport.

Hawaii has eight major islands, and each offers something different.

We like Maui for its stunning scenery, more than 30 miles of beaches (don’t miss the black-sand Honokalani Beach), and boho surf towns (check out artsy, super-chill Paia).

One of Maui’s top attractions is the Road to Hana, an approximately 50-mile highway that winds past waterfalls, gardens, and stands selling fresh-baked banana bread. Hire a driver (there are tour companies galore) for the trip, which can take two to four hours one way, although you can turn around at any point. Just FYI: The road is packed with hairpin turns and isn’t for the faint of heart—or stomach.

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Babymoon or Stay-Be-Moon?

Hawaii is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, with volcanoes to hike and waterfalls to dive off. Your inner daredevil may be raring to go, but doctors recommend avoiding activities that involve jolting motions or carry the risk of falling, like ziplining. A good rule of thumb: Keep your activities as simple, and safe, as possible.

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Sedona, Arizona

SE D O NA , ARIZONA

Pregnancy Packing List

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTY STESKY (TOP); ISTOCK (BOTTOM AND RIGHT)

Traveling while pregnant requires some extra baggage— and we’re not just talking about your baby bump. Here, a few must-bring items.

SPF Fluctuating hormones make skin more sensitive, so sunscreen is a must.

Comfy shoes Excess fluid can trigger swollen feet, which means sneakers are essential.

Water bottle Aim for 64 ounces of H²O a day to keep amniotic-fluid levels healthy.

Snacks Pregnancy can make you ravenous; keep nutritious food, like fruit or nuts, handy.

Medical records If unplanned events arise, easy access to your health history is key.

Growing a baby can be stressful, and Sedona is the perfect place to catch some Zen vibes. A small desert town two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona is known for its stunning red-rock formations and New Age-y spirit: It’s thought to be home to “vortex sites” that release healing energy. Soak it in, then check out Sedona’s 80-plus art galleries, many within walking distance of each other. Stay at the tranquil L’Auberge de Sedona, which offers everything from forest bathing sessions (i.e., meditative walks through the trees that have proven stress-busting effects) to maternity massages with essential oils designed especially for pregnancy.

BERM U DA Most Caribbean islands are off limits to pregnant travelers due to Zika concerns, but roughly two hours from the East Coast by plane, Bermuda boasts equally idyllic beaches without the risk. The genteel, 21-square-mile island has no shortage of eye candy, from pink sand and turquoise waters to pastel-hued buildings to natural wonders like the underground Crystal Caves. The newly renovated Hamilton Princess Hotel houses an unparalleled art collection (works by Matisse and Warhol are on display), a restaurant from celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson, and a full-service spa offering barre and yoga classes.

For some moms-to-be, the ideal babymoon involves a trip somewhere far-flung and exotic. We get it: Who wouldn’t want to wake up in an overwater hut in Tahiti? But for a growing number of pregnant women, there’s no place like home.

In 2018, travel researchers identified the “self-care” staycation as one of the year’s top trends—and, indeed, lots of moms-to-be opt to stick close to home, i.e., a “stay-be-moon.” (We can’t take credit for coining the term.) It’s an easy, low-key option, especially toward the end of pregnancy when you can’t, and probably don’t want to, venture too far.

It also opens up options you may feel guilty embracing if you spent big bucks on a blowout vacation—like binge-watching Netflix in bed. That’s not to say your stay-be-moon can’t be action-packed. Try that new restaurant, hit a gallery opening, spend a day at your local spa, whatever strikes your fancy. “We see couples do everything from recreating their first date to simply unplugging their electronics for the weekend and focusing on each other,” says Ashlee Neuman, senior editor of parenting site The Bump.

“The point is just to spend time with your significant other and enjoy the two of you before your family expands.”

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r travel Clear you our y it plans w h er! in ra -b o n — doc

Savannah, Georgia

If you’re tired of shuffling around town, hop on Savannah’s free trolley, called the Dot, which cruises around the city’s historic district and has 37 attractions (from museums to homes built in the 1800s) within steps of its stops.

Hotel Californian

The Third Trimester:

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SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA Opened in 2018, the Perry Lane Hotel is a luxury addition to Savannah’s B&Bheavy scene, with three restaurants, in-room spa treatments, and rooms decorated with works by local artists. Come for the killer views (catch a panorama of the Savannah skyline from the rooftop pool) and stay for the Southern hospitality (cookies await in your room).

Santa Barbara is only about 100 miles from Los Angeles, but it feels like a different world. Known as the “American Riviera” for its Mediterranean climate and resemblance to ritzy European hot spots like Cannes and Portofino, this seaside city is brimming with dazzling natural beauty (ride the elevator up the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clock tower for 360-degree views of the Pacific and Santa Ynez Mountains), world-class art, and more delicious food than your pregnant belly can handle. (Of course, it’s also famous for its wine, which you’ll have to return post-baby to sample.) Stay at the stylish Hotel Californian, which opened in 2017 and sits just steps from the beach.

Hotel Saugatuck

SAUGATUCK , M I C H I GA N Walking tours are popular in Savannah, and there’s one for everyone, from foodies to architecture buffs to supernatural seekers (the city has a rep as America’s most haunted).

There’s no ocean in sight, but Saugatuck is a first-rate beach town. Set on Lake Michigan, this small city 40 minutes southwest of Grand Rapids has been called “Provincetown of the Midwest” for its resemblance to Massachusetts’s party-centric, gay-friendly resort town.

Indeed, Saugatuck comes alive in summer, with bustling cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and, of course, beaches.

If you can, climb the 282 stairs up the Mount Baldhead sand dune for sweeping views of beautiful Oval Beach, then retire to the recently renovated Hotel Saugatuck, where every room features a hydrotherapy tub.

PHOTO: ISTOCK (TOP LEFT); COURTESY OF HOTEL CALIFORNIAN (TOP RIGHT); HOTEL SAUGATUCK (BOTTOM)

In your third trimester, sticking fairly close to home is smart, say doctors, should complications or anything unexpected arise. (Going into labor in your hotel room: not a fun vacation memory.) If you haven’t hit 36 weeks— when most airlines won’t let you fly domestically—consider visiting a city that’s reachable via a short flight or road trip. Past that point? Staycation!

“I’d say no traveling during the last month of your pregnancy,” Aksel says.

“Staying close to your provider and minimizing the number of unexpected events that could happen is key to ensuring a quality birth experience.”

As your due date creeps up, you probably won’t be moving very fast.

And that’s just fine in slow-paced Savannah, Georgia. In fact, a leisurely stroll is the best way to take in the city’s Insta-worthy sights: elaborate antebellum homes, boutique-lined cobblestone streets, the Spanish moss-draped oak trees lining its 22 historic public squares. Despite Savannah’s sleepy Southern charm and reverence for the past (the city is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S.), it’s experiencing a development boom, with buzzy new restaurants and hotels springing up, as well as the Plant Riverside District, a $280 million entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and live music venues slated to debut this summer.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2019 GUIDE TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Marymount High School

INSIDE: PROFILES AND STATS FROM A COLLECTION OF L.A.’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS

2019

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ECHO HORIZON SCHOOL 3430 McManus Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 838-2442 | echohorizon.org Open House: Prospective Parent Night, November 14 at 6 p.m.; weekly small group tours from October through December.

Please register at echohorizon.org/visit.

At Echo Horizon, we prioritize the elementary school experience by creating a safe, inclusive community where children don’t have to grow up too quickly. With 180 students in grades Pre-K–6, our intentionally small community allows us to get to know one another beyond the surface. Echo’s diverse scholars come from 46 different zip codes within Los Angeles County and approximately 50 percent of our students identify as people of color.

THE STATS

As you walk through our school, you’ll see kindergarteners reading with their sixth-grade buddies; Pre-K students exploring how wind works in our STEAMspace; second-graders investigating Chinese

40

Year Founded: 1983 Grades Served: Pre-K–6 Current Enrollment Number: 180 Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1 Pre-K; 10:1 K; 12:1 Grades 1–6 Graduation Rate: 100% Uniforms Required (Yes or No): No Tuition: $24,773 Pre-K; $32,256 Grades K–6

BABY AND BEYOND

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JLSLIYH[PVUZ HUK THRPUN H SPML ZPaL KYHNVU" ÄM[O NYHKLYZ WYLZLU[PUN their family storytelling projects; third-graders creating businesses to learn about economics, and much more. Our curriculum combines the best traditional practices with research-based and evidence-tested innovation. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we encourage young ZJOVSHYZ [V ÄUK ¸SPNO[I\SI¹ TVTLU[Z VM \UKLYZ[HUKPUN HZ [OL` THRL connections among bodies of knowledge and experience. We focus on mastery over performance and motivate kids to stretch and take risks.

Children thrive in our kind, connected community—one where they are free to explore, question, and imagine. Fifteen percent of our students are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Our DHH students use hearing technology and grow up alongside their hearing peers. The advantage of this unique educational model to both hearing and non-hearing students is invaluable: children develop empathy, an appreciation of difference, and essential communication skills.

Above all, education at Echo Horizon is joyful: our students go out PU[V [OL ^VYSK ^P[O L_\ILYHUJL ^P[O JVUÄKLUJL HUK ^P[O YLZPSPLUJL Echo’s graduates go on to the top secondary schools in Los Angeles and our alumni are changemakers, scientists, athletes, and artists. At Echo Horizon, our purpose is to empower children with the empathy, intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and courage they need to change the world for future generations.

Top Awards/Recognitions: We are an Apple Distinguished School.

Our trademarked Inquiry and Innovation program includes Maker and STEAM spaces for grades Pre-K–6. Over 90 percent of our graduates are accepted to the most prestigious secondary schools in the greater Los Angeles area.

Accreditations: California Association of Independent Schools; Western Association of Schools and Colleges

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES 1105 West Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506 (818) 994-2961 | internationalschool.la Open House: October 26, 2019

The International School of Los Angeles (LILA) is an international preschool through 12th grade school that offers an English-French bilingual curriculum. All students study a common English-French bilingual program from preschool through 8th grade, at which point they enter either the "international" or "pre-French baccalaurĂŠat" section.

THE STATS

Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, entering 9th grade students can formally apply to and enroll in the School's international track that spans from 9th to 12th grade. Entering students will no longer be required [V OH]L H JLY[HPU SL]LS VM Ă…\LUJ` PU -YLUJO" [OL` ^PSS ZPTWS` ULLK [V possess a willingness and interest in learning another language.

Year Founded: 1978 Grades Served: Preschool–12th grade Current Enrollment Number: 1103 Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1 Graduation Rate: 100% Uniforms Required (Yes or No): No Tuition: $19,675–$23,600

The International School of Los Angeles is committed to academic excellence in a nurturing and intimate environment that encourages personal initiative, creativity, and curiosity, and to preparing students of all backgrounds to excel in and contribute to a global world. Since 1978, the School has been instilling the love of learning in all its students through small classes and low student-to-teacher ratios. With over 60 nationalities and 39 spoken languages represented on the campuses, students study and live in a diverse global community every day. >P[O Ă„]L 3VZ (UNLSLZ HYLH JHTW\ZLZ )\YIHUR 3VZ -LSPa 6YHUNL County, Pasadena, and West Valley), and over 1,000 students, the School holds triple accreditation from the French Ministry of Education, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The only school in Los Angeles to offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the French baccalaurĂŠat, the International :JOVVS VM 3VZ (UNLSLZ PZ HSZV H\[OVYPaLK I` [OL -YLUJO 4PUPZ[Y` VM Education to offer the full continuum of the section internationale amĂŠricaine from elementary through 12th grade. This makes LILA the only school in the USA to have this triple accreditation!

The International School of Los Angeles has earned an esteemed reputation with the placement of graduates in top universities all over the world, and has been consistently listed by The Washington Post as one of the nation’s most challenging private high schools.

Top Awards/Recognitions: The Washington Post Most Challenging Program in a Private High School (Since 2015) Accreditations: WASC, French Ministry of Education, International BaccalaureateÂŽ Diploma Programme, California Association of Independent Schools

2019

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE 1233 North McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 465-1320 | hshla.org Open House: November 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tours: September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30, November 13, November 30 At Hollywood Schoolhouse, we know, value, and encourage fearless curiosity.

Our diverse community inspires students to be academically strong, artistically proud, physically active, and socially grounded. Our campus is a thriving academic environment where we view the process of learning as a journey—rather than a destination. We work in concert to instill the joy of learning by providing students a safe place to take risks.

Hollywood Schoolhouse is a community that nurtures, supports, and inspires children by blending traditional educational philosophy with innovative and progressive instruction. Our focus on academic excellence through a multifaceted curriculum creates students who thrive—with minds nourished, bodies solid, and voices strong. >L TLHZ\YL Z\JJLZZ UV[ VUS` I` V\Y NYHK\H[LZ» JVUÄKLUJL WVPZL HUK HJHKLTPJ strength, but by the truly exceptional citizens they become.

THE STATS

We invite you to come visit and look at what learning within a community feels like.

Year Founded: 1945 Grades Served: Preschool–6th Grade Current Enrollment Number: 320 Student-Faculty Ratio: PS – 6:1; JK – 7:1; ELE – 10:1 Graduation Rate: 100% Uniforms Required (Yes or No): No

Tuition: ECE – 19,500; Lower Elementary – 24,250; Upper Elementary – 25,950

Accreditations: NAIS/CAIS/WASC

LE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES 3261 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 836-3464 | lyceela.org Open House: October 29, December 5, January 16 Le Lycée (pronounced lee-say) offers a challenging international education that emphasizes collaboration, research, respect, compassion, and leadership. A blend of the sciences and arts, Le Lycée’s dual curricula (International and French section programs) provide each student with the ability to learn, think, and make decisions based on a sound foundation of logic, knowledge, and character. Academics are balanced with art, drama, music, and sports, as well as strong core human values. LyceeLA students become engaged, vibrant, and productive global citizens.

THE STATS

NO NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH TO ENROLL.

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Year Founded: 1964 Grades Served: preschool to 12th grade Current Enrollment Number: 815 Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1 Graduation Rate: 100% Uniforms Required (Yes or No): Yes Tuition: $18,750 – $30,550

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Top Awards/Recognitions: 1 of only 5 schools worldwide with 2 students earning perfect scores on their AP Research Exam; Offer College Board AP Capstone, Classic Baccalaureate (BAC), Franco-American Baccalaureate (FAB) and the US High School Diploma; 6 age-appropriate campuses in West Los Angeles HUK 7HJPÄJ 7HSPZHKLZ" (MÄSPH[LK ^P[O ;OLH[YL 9H`TVUK 2HIIHa [OL JVU[LTWVYHY` WLYMVYTHUJL ZWHJL ZOV^JHZPUN LJSLJ[PJ WSH`Z JVUJLY[Z KHUJL ZOV^Z ÄSTZ Accreditations: WASC, French Ministry of Education, NAIS, AEFE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MIRMAN SCHOOL 16180 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 476-2868 | mirman.org Open House: Learn more and sign up for an admission tour at mirman.org/admission/visit Mirman’s mission is to cultivate the boundless potential of highly gifted children, nurture their passions and talents, and develop a diverse community of creative and constructive lifelong learners. A Mirman education encompasses all dimensions of childhood: creative, kinesthetic, artistic, and academic.

Mirman is one of the only places in the country where these remarkable children can truly be among their peers. Highly gifted is a clinical term applied to people in the top one percent of intelligence norms, so determining if a child is highly gifted requires IQ testing. ;OLZL SLHYULYZ VM[LU OH]L ULLKZ ZWLJPÄJ [V [OLPY [HSLU[Z I\[ [OLYL PZ UV ¸VUL ZPaL Ä[Z HSS¹ approach to our students. Our highly trained teaching faculty work together to help each child thrive.

THE STATS

Mirman aims to create an inclusive and equitable culture. A national leader in tuition HZZPZ[HUJL 4PYTHU PZ JVTTP[[LK [V THRPUN Z\YL P[Z ZWLJPHSPaLK WYVNYHT PZ H]HPSHISL [V HSS who qualify.

Year Founded: 1962 Grades Served: K–8 Current Enrollment Number: 330 Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1 Uniforms Required (Yes or No): Yes Tuition: Lower School: $32,915 Upper School: $36,446

Top Awards/Recognitions: Mirman offers renowned programs in creative and performing arts, sciences, and athletics including our Concert Singers (think performances at Carnegie Hall); our nationally-lauded yearbook staff; and strongly JVTWL[P[P]L HJHKLTPJ [LHTZ PU [OL ÄLSKZ VM ZJPLUJL 3H[PU TH[O HUK TVYL .YHK\H[LZ go on to attend selective secondary schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.

Accreditations: CAIS, WASC, NAIS

STRATFORD SCHOOL 1200 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 962-3075 | stratfordschools.com Open House: Thursday, October 10, 2019, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 2, 2019, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At Stratford School, high expectations lead to extraordinary results. Our advanced, innovative, and intentionally balanced curriculum inspires, challenges, and nurtures the minds and hearts of every student. It also produces impressive results. Stratford students outscore independent ZJOVVS Z[\KLU[Z HYL YLJVNUPaLK MVY HJHKLTPJ HJOPL]LTLU[ HUK JVU[YPI\[L [V [OLPY JVTT\UP[PLZ From preschool to eighth grade, we infuse our broad liberal arts curriculum with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). We combine traditional teaching styles with 21st century learning principles. We integrate technology with careful intention. We provide a variety of extracurricular pursuits, personal development, physical education, and play time.

THE STATS

;OL YLZ\S[ PZ H YPJO ZWLJ[Y\T VM OHUKZ VU SLHYUPUN VWWVY[\UP[PLZ · WYV]PKLK PU HU LULYNPaLK classroom atmosphere where students are mentally focused and highly engaged — that enable students to learn, question, collaborate, and develop the diverse skills and talents they need to ILJVTL JYLH[P]L WYVISLT ZVS]LYZ PTHNPUH[P]L PUUV]H[VYZ HUK PUZPNO[M\S JVUÄKLU[ SLHKLYZ

Year Founded: ÄYZ[ VWLULK PU 5VY[OLYU *HSPMVYUPH Grades Served: 7YLZJOVVS¶ [O .YHKL Current Enrollment Number: 415 in Southern California Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Preschool; 15:1 Kindergarten; 22:1 Elementary/Middle School Graduation Rate: 100% Uniforms Required (Yes or No): Yes Tuition: $12,270 – $24,140; Enrollment Ongoing

Top Awards/Recognitions: :[YH[MVYK ^HZ [OL ÄYZ[ *HSPMVYUPH school to earn the Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for :;,4 PU :[YH[MVYK :JOVVS ^HZ YLJVNUPaLK I` [OL >OP[L House as a leader in early childhood STEM education.

Accreditations: Stratford is a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited school, so you can be JVUÄKLU[ PU V\Y LK\JH[PVUHS TPZZPVU HUK P[Z PTWSLTLU[H[PVU

2019

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PROMOTION

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-69 @6<9 -09:; */03+ )YPHU >HSZO *-7®

Q: >OH[ HYL [OL TVZ[ JVTTVU ÄUHUJPHS TPZ[HRLZ UL^ WHYLU[Z THRL& A: Forgetting about the additional steps

Brian Walsh is a Certified Financial Planner™ and the leader of the financial planning team at SoFi.

needed to protect your expanding family \UKLY HU` JPYJ\TZ[HUJLZ -YVT H ÄUHUJPHS perspective, the joy of being a parent comes with the added responsibility of protecting your child no matter what. The amount you should set aside for emergencies will vary by family, but you could start with three to six months’ worth of your (updated) expenses.

Many new parents overlook the need for life insurance coverage and the amount of coverage that will be appropriate will grow with the size of your family. Parents should also consider a durable power of attorney, living will, healthcare power of attorney, and will with guardianship provisions. The important thing is that you take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Q: /V^ JHU WHYLU[Z IHSHUJL [OL JVZ[Z VM YHPZPUN H MHTPS` ^P[O ZH]PUN MVY [OL M\[\YL& A: There is no simple or easy answer to this question, but the key is planning and prioritizing appropriately. It is critical to make sure you build your budget with enough room [V ZLJ\YL `V\Y ÄUHUJPHS M\[\YL ZPUJL [PTL PZ your best friend for saving for the long term.

We suggest a simple framework—allocate 20% of your take-home towards your goals and spend the rest.

Have more questions? Schedule a complimentary appointment with a SoFi ðQDQFLDO SODQQHU DW VRð FRP VRðQDQFLDO.

)YPHU >HSZO *-7®

Q: >OH[ ÄUHUJPHS HJ[PVUZ JHU UL^ WHYLU[Z [HRL ^OPSL L_WLJ[PUN H JOPSK& A: One place to start is updating your budget to prepare for new expenses and ditching unnecessary expenses to accommodate the increased spending over the next few years. Keep in mind the lost income throughout this transition, especially if one parent will stay at home with the child. Common baby-related expenses you should account for include gear (a car seat and a stroller), furniture, childcare, and feeding. Once you understand your new expenses, start I\PSKPUN HU HWWYVWYPH[L J\ZOPVU [V YLSPL]L ÄUHUJPHS Z[YLZZ HZ `V\ [YHUZP[PVU MYVT ^L [V [OYLL

Brian leads the financial planning team at SoFi and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. As a self-proclaimed financial planning nerd, he leverages research, member feedback, and past experience to deliver advice that is both meaningful and practical.

As a father of two children under two, he has firsthand experience balancing the joys and challenges of parenthood.

+PZJSVZ\YL The information provided is not meant to provide investment or financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s specific financial needs, goals and risk profile. SoFi can’t guarantee future financial performance. Advisory services offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC. SoFi Securities, LLC, member FINRA / SIPC . The opinions and analysis expressed here are those of Brian Walsh as of September 19, 2019, and are for informational purposes only. Views may change as market, economic, and other conditions change. This information isn’t financial advice. Investment decisions should always be based on specific financial needs, goals, and risk appetite.

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A Z Guide to

PREGNANCY 46 INFANT 47 TODDLER 48 DAYCARE 49 HEALTH 50 EDUCATION 51 THE LIST 52

The Big Reveal

PHOTO: ISTOCK

Boy or girl? Expectant parents are opting to find out in ever more festive ways, from slicing into pink or blue cakes to busting open a piñata packed with colored confetti. Need some inspiration for your own gender reveal?

YouTube offers nearly 500,000 videos devoted to the genre.

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B A B Y A N D B E Y O N D 45

AtoZ Guide

Pregnancy

Today, many moms-to-be are seeking guidance from birth doulas. Their mission?

Assist mom during labor from contraction to delivery.

WRITTEN BY CLAIRE ZULKEY

What’s a postpartum doula?

A cross between a nurse and a mother, a postpartum doula can help new moms adjust to life post-baby and keep an eye out for atypical levels of depression. Chicago mom Kelly McNees calls her postpartum doula an “angel” who provided an assist after her C-section.

“She helped me with nursing and babywearing, filled my fridge, and did laundry,” she says. “She was worth every penny.”

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PHOTO: ISTOCK

Mother’s Helper

WHEN RACHEL SKLAR went into labor, she had someone in the delivery room to cheer her on, massage her feet, and even snap the first photos of her daughter, Ruby. That person: Sklar’s birth doula, Maddie.

“She was a real value for my safety, sanity, and comfort,” says Sklar, a New York-based single mom who hired Maddie to have a support system present at the birth. “I felt lucky to have her in that space with me.”

Unlike midwives, who provide clinical and medical assistance with childbirth, doulas offer emotional and physical support for women in labor.

Perhaps their most important role: helping women relax during labor, which tends to progress faster when the body isn’t stressed. Studies have shown that a doula’s presence is associated with everything from shorter labor

times to reduced odds of having a doctor administer Pitocin, the drug that induces labor.

What’s more, research has found that doula-assisted moms are two times less likely to experience a birth complication and also have lower Caesarian-section rates. “Patients who want to give birth with less intervention are more likely to get that outcome if they have an advocate,” says Dr. Larry Leeman, medical director of the Maternal Child Health Program at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Instead of an epidural, for example, the doula may suggest the mom take a soothing bath to help alleviate pain.

Working in tandem with doctors, doulas can help mothers in labor process the information being given to them and navigate the best options.

Regarding labor-speeding methods like starting Pitocin or breaking the water: They’re not necessarily medical requirements, but not all women realize that. “Doulas help explain things to the patient and back to the doctor,” Leeman says. “When you’re in labor, it can be hard to explain yourself.”

The cost of a doula varies by region but can range from $800 to $2,500.

Finding the right person can be a matter of asking other moms for suggestions or using sites like doulamatch.net. You’ll want to hire someone whose philosophy matches your own—if you’re planning to request an epidural the minute you arrive at the hospital, for example, you might not want to hire a natural birth doula. “Make sure that person makes you feel safe,” says Chicago-based doula Hillary Scharmann. “If they annoy you in the interview, it’s likely they’ll annoy you when you’re in labor.”

AtoZ Guide

Infant

Feeding Frenzy Figuring out what your baby should eat, and when, can be as messy as mealtime itself.

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you navigate baby’s first-year diet.

WRITTEN BY JEANELLE OLSON

0-6 MONTHS: LIQUID DIET

Put down the puree! For years, doctors advised introducing solids, like purees and grain cereals, around 4 months.

Recent research, however, has shown that a 4-month-old’s digestive system isn’t ready for solids and that starting them prematurely can cause gas and other health issues, like an increased risk of obesity later in life. “Parents’ biggest motivation to start solids early can be to get baby to sleep better, but studies show that’s a myth,” says Pegah Jalali, M.S., R.D., a pediatric dietician in New York City. Fun fact: Baby is still introduced to different flavors via mom’s breast milk, which takes on the taste of whatever she’s eating.

PHOTO: ISTOCK

6-9 MONTHS: HUNGRY FOR MORE

Baby will still get most of their calories from breast milk or formula at this stage, but around 6 months, watch for cues that they’re ready for something more substantial—like sitting unassisted in their high chair—and offer solids once a day to build familiarity. “Think of it less as a meal and more as practice,” Jalali says. (In other words, don’t worry if baby gets more food on the floor than in their mouth.) As for the menu, pureed fruits and veggies; soft produce like mashed avocado, rice, or oat cereal; and even some meats are fair game.

What Is BabyLed Weaning?

Fingers are the new utensils with baby-led weaning (BLW), an increasingly popular method where babies are offered foods to pick up, chew, and swallow on their own— no spoon-wielding adult required.

Self-feeding builds fine motor skills and lets baby decide when they’re full, which bodes well for future eating habits. Want to try BLW but set on serving puree? Simply load up a spoon and let baby feed themself.

“As long as the food is cooked until very soft and broken up into small pieces, baby can eat whatever the family is eating.” Don’t shy away from herbs and spices, but skip the salt; baby’s kidneys are too immature to handle it. Even introducing common allergens like eggs, wheat, and soy is fine, Jalali says, with one caveat: If anyone in your immediate family has food allergies, have a plan in place in case there is a reaction.

9-12 MONTHS: IT’S ALL ON THE TABLE

Now’s the time to dish out solids at every meal. Serve baby what you’re eating: If it’s taco night, for example, offer ground meat, shredded cheese, and bits of soft tortilla. Not much is off limits during the first year, except cow’s milk—it can irritate the stomach, though cheese and yogurt are OK; fruit juice, which is too sugary; and honey, due to the risk of botulism.

Don’t sweat it if baby doesn’t seem to like something.

This time is about learning flavors and textures; it’s not a lifetime referendum on food preferences. Plus, kids can sense your anxiety, so a relaxed feeding environment is key. “Vocabulary is important, so eliminate ‘You don’t like X,’” Jalali says. “Foods are in three categories: They love it, they like it, or they’re learning to like it.”

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AtoZ Guide

Todd ler

Dr. Paul Rozin, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, studies what repulses humans.

Here, he explains the science behind kids’ nasty habits.

The Yuck Factor From eating boogers to licking shopping cart handles, toddlers are known to have a lot of gross habits. But don’t freak out—it’s a normal part of growing up.

WRITTEN BY SARENE LEEDS

IF YOU’RE THE PARENT of a toddler, chances are your

kid does something that grosses you out. Picks their nose and eats it? Licks a shopping cart at the supermarket?

Slurps dirty bathwater like it’s a chocolate milkshake?

Whatever the quirk, our adorable little angels are predisposed to behaviors that make most sane adults cringe. The good news: It’s perfectly normal.

“Infants and toddlers are at the sensory-motor stage, where they like to learn about things by tasting and

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Baby and Beyond: Why aren’t kids “grossed out” by certain things the way adults are?

Dr. Paul Rozin: [The concept of] disgust isn’t present in very young children, who eat virtually everything that can go into their mouth. They’ll reject something because it tastes bad or because it makes them sick, but they don’t reject things because of what they are.

When does that change?

Somewhere around toilet training, the feces come in as a negative entity. That is the beginning of disgust, because kids understand its relationship to their body, and in an evolutionary sense, its relationship to carrying illness. It may be there’s a predisposition to developing that kind of disgust.

“‘I put my finger up my nose and now I have this thing on the tip of my finger. I wonder what that tastes like.’”

For parents who don’t want to shame their child for doing something that comes naturally, but also don’t want them to become a human petri dish, Parlakian says the first thing to remember is that the habits are fleeting, with most of them petering out by age 3. (“Although I think we all remember the fellow third grader who ate boogers,” she says.) Regardless of your kid’s age, if they attempt to eat nonedible items on the regular, or play with their feces once they’re pottytrained, consult your pediatrician.

In the meantime, parents can put a positive spin on what we consider yucky tendencies by reframing them in the context of their child’s autonomy.

If your kid wipes their nose on their sleeve, for example, offer a tissue and ask if they want to blow their nose.

“It’s telling them what they can do,” Parlakian says, “not what they can’t.”

PHOTO: ISTOCK

Ask “Dr. Disgust”

feeling,” says Ayuko Boomer, a teaching specialist at the Shirley G. Moore Lab School, Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. “So it gets associated with ‘gross’ behavior, but it’s actually developmentally typical.”

“These gross behaviors drive parents nuts, but they signal interesting and exciting leaps forward in how a child is experiencing and understanding the world,” adds Rebecca Parlakian, director of programs at Zero to Three, a Washington, D.C.-based center that is devoted to the well-being of infants and toddlers. “They’re exploring the world primarily through their senses, and a lot of that is ‘Well, I put my finger up my nose and now I have this thing on the tip of my finger. I wonder what that tastes like.’”

AtoZ Guide

Daycare

Is Your Daycare Clean Enough?

What to ask to determine whether a facility’s hygiene is up to snuff

Going Viral With flu season just around the corner, here are ways for cautious parents to keep their children healthy WRITTEN BY JENNON BELL

PHOTO: ISTOCK

LET’S FACE IT: Toddlers aren’t known

for their hygiene. They’re not discriminating about what goes in their mouths (dirty fingers and money don’t faze them), and they aren’t big on doing anything for 20 seconds straight, let alone thoroughly scrubbing their hands.

Unfortunately for parents, when it’s time to start daycare or nursery school, these habits translate into sharing a lot of germs. “The first year your child is in daycare or preschool, they’re going to be sick most of the year,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician in Calabasas, California, and spokesperson for the

American Academy of Pediatrics. Even typically healthy kids can expect to catch eight to 12 illnesses every year. “They might come home every two to three weeks with something.”

Why are little kids so susceptible to illness? Aside from subpar hygiene, their immune systems aren’t especially hardy. That means the new germs they’ll inevitably encounter at daycare (there are 200 different cold viruses alone) can make them sick faster than they can recite their ABCs. “As kids get older,” Altmann says, “they typically end up becoming more resilient to a variety of common organisms.”

It’s impossible to fully prevent your child from getting sick, but you can cut the risk with frequent hand washing, regular laundering of anything that goes to school (like a stuffed animal), and exercising common-sense caution. If your kid’s illness is contagious—think fever, phlegmy cough, or open rash—keep them home until symptoms let up.

And while you may be sick of picking up slimy tissues, there’s an upside to your kid getting sick: It’s helping build immunity-boosting antibodies, which means fewer colds next year—hopefully.

How often do you clean your classroom?

The cleaner a daycare, the fewer germs there are floating around.

To that end, it’s important for daycares to clean, sanitize, and disinfect classrooms on a regular schedule. (Cleaning connotes washing with soap and water, while sanitizing reduces germs and disinfecting destroys them.)

According to standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, certain areas, like food-prep surfaces and changing tables, must be sanitized after every use, while others, like door handles, need daily disinfecting. Make sure your facility follows protocol, and also ask how communal surfaces and objects like toys are cleaned.

Certain methods may not be strong enough to kill pathogens.

What steps are faculty taking to avoid spreading illnesses?

Hand washing is key for preventing the spread of germs, so make sure providers scrub well—and often.

Use common sense: If a place looks unkempt or something doesn’t seem kosher (say, providers don’t use gloves when changing diapers), don’t expect fastidiousness when it comes to promoting good health.

What is your policy regarding sick kids?

A quality facility will have guidelines outlining when to keep your child home, like when they have a fever, diarrhea, or pink eye. Policies vary per daycare, but common practices include requiring kids to be feverfree for 24 hours before returning to school. Most importantly, make sure your daycare mandates up-to-date vaccinations for all attendees.

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AtoZ Guide

PGh Special Practice

Studies show yoga is especially helpful for children with ADHD and autism

Strike a Pose When life gets hectic, many adults de-stress by heading to their yoga mats. Now, a growing body of research suggests that kids may benefit from doing the same.

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA LANDE

THE NEXT TIME your toddler has a major meltdown,

try dropping into downward dog with them, or firing up a meditation app for a dose of positivity. You may be surprised at how quickly they wind down. An increasing amount of evidence highlights the benefits of yoga and meditation for toddlers, with studies showing that practicing both can lead to everything from reduced anxiety to better emotional regulation and increased attention spans for kids as young as 3. “Reports from parents, caretakers, and teachers suggest that children who learn yoga early on are physically healthier and mentally better adjusted,” preeminent yoga scholar Shirley Telles wrote in a 2012

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Research published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2012 found that elementary-age kids with autism showed declines in noncompliant behavior after practicing yoga five days a week for 16 weeks.

Along with schools, hospitals are incorporating yoga into therapy for special-needs patients. Children’s Hospital Colorado, for one, uses it with kids as young as 4.

Yoga may be especially effective for special-needs children because they tend to respond well to modeled behaviors. When an adult displays calmness—say, by taking deep breaths—children typically mirror those emotions. Erin Bracco, who works with special-needs kids at her Chicagobased studio Buddha Belly Kids Yoga, says, “The more grounded adults can be, the [more] energy shifts that way."

article titled “Effect of Yoga on Mental Health in Children.”

Everyone from entrepreneurs to educators has caught on, with kids’ yoga studios springing up nationwide and more preschools weaving yoga and meditation into the curriculum. App developers are jumping onboard, too, rolling out interactive meditation apps geared toward kids, such as Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame developed by Sesame Street. “Yoga gives young kids the tools to recognize an emotion as it’s rising,” says Jill Carey of Chicago’s Mission Propelle, which runs yoga programs in partnership with nearly 90 elementary schools across Illinois.

“They can evaluate it, process it, and have a positive response to it.”

How exactly do yoga and meditation work to calm the brain? Studies have shown how doing certain poses or deep breathing can help to “downregulate” or slow our sympathetic nervous system, which triggers a fight-or-flight response to stressful stimuli. “A big part of yoga is helping kids articulate their emotions,” says Erin Bracco, co-founder of Buddha Belly Kids Yoga in Chicago, which holds classes for kids as young as 18 months.

She uses games—like having children balance a Beanie Baby on their head or stomach—to help them zero in on exactly how individual body parts feel.

“Kids will say things like ‘I feel sad, and I feel it in my stomach.’”

Exercises don’t have to be tricky to be effective: Even basic moves like child’s pose can help keep children grounded.

Likewise, simply instructing kids to take deep breaths when they’re riled up can have a calming effect. “Instead of expecting kids to sit down after recess, we would start with mindfulness and meditation,” recalls Bracco, a former special-education kindergarten teacher.

“It really shifted the classroom culture.”

“With yoga, you don’t need a particular skill set or equipment, and you can engage in it anywhere at any time,” Carey adds. “That means anyone can reap the benefits.”

PHOTO: ISTOCK

Gi +GCNVJ :

AtoZ Guide

Education

Mobile Classroom

Brightwheel offers the inside scoop on your child’s day

Bittersweet Goodbyes Starting school is a huge step. Follow these strategies to minimize drop-off drama.

WRITTEN BY JENNON BELL

PHOTO: ISTOCK

WE’VE ALL WITNESSED the sobbing kid clinging to their

parent’s leg at school drop-off. It might even be your own child! Research reveals that up to age 2, kids show signs of separation anxiety when faced with unfamiliar scenarios.

And though such behavior is common, it’s still distressing.

“It can be challenging to walk away from your child while they’re crying,” says Dr. Caroline Kerns, a child psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University. “Starting school often requires a period of adjustment for parents and children alike.” Here, Kerns’ strategies to minimize drop-off drama.

Ever wonder what your kid does all day at school (besides, you know, learn)?

Thanks to mobile app Brightwheel, you can get the scoop on everything from what they ate for lunch to what times they’ve used the bathroom.

Launched in 2015, the app—which appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and counts Mark Cuban and Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, as investors— allows teachers and caregivers to post real-time updates and share photos of your child throughout the day.

“I think about my baby all day long, so getting up-to-theminute updates is comforting,” says Jenni Schwartz of Boca Raton, Florida, who also uses Brightwheel’s messaging function to chat with her 18-month-old’s teachers. “They let me know if she’s happy, or having a hard day, or if she took a good nap.

It’s game-changing to have that communication.”

1. KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET

It can be tempting to drag out your goodbyes, but sticking around prolongs distress for everyone. Devise a brief farewell routine, like a simple hug or a silly handshake, then make a swift exit.

“If you’re consistent,” Kerns says, “you’ll both have an easier time [adjusting].”

2. TALK ABOUT IT

Tell your child all the exciting things they’ll do in school (color! play! eat snacks!). Even if they can’t talk yet, they’ll pick up on your enthusiasm.

Reading about the transition to school is another way to introduce the topic.

Kerns recommends Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney (Viking Books for Young Readers, 2009).

3. DO A TRIAL SEPARATION

Before school starts, practice spending brief periods away from your kid. Take them to grandma’s house or hire a babysitter. “This allows you both to get accustomed to separating from each other without feeling overwhelmed.”

4. TAKE A TEST RUN

If possible, bring your child to visit their future classroom and meet their teachers before the first day. You’ll both feel more comfortable when school starts.

5. GET A GRIP

If you’re nervous or sad about your kid going to school, chances are, they will be, too. “If you show your child there’s nothing to fear, they’ll take cues from you.” Still, don’t feel bad if you need to bolt to your car for a post-drop-off sob session. “Parents spend a tremendous amount of time and energy on keeping their children safe and healthy. It can be difficult to give up that sense of control.”

6. SEEK HELP

If you or your child is still struggling with separation anxiety after the first month of school, consider enlisting a mental-health professional for help.

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tion

Educa & e r a c d l i h C

TheList

best with my child-rearing philosophy.”

Like most new parents, Jaclyn didn’t actually know her philosophy in the beginning. “But I knew when I visited schools that it either clicked or didn’t,” she says.

Start with Location

The search may feel daunting, but these tips will help you find the best place for you and your child.

BY NICOLE GREGORY

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FOR SHERMAN OAKS resident Jaclyn Clifford and her husband (both working parents), finding the right preschool for their daughter was a twofold process.

“The first was a logistical search, meaning finding schools that fit with my requirements for location, duration of program, days of the week, and price,” says Jaclyn. “The second was an ideological search—going to the schools and seeing which philosophies worked

Identify Quality Care TO BE LICENSED by the state means that a daycare or preschool has met basic health and safety standards.

Most parents want more than those basics. They want a place where their baby or toddler will thrive; in other

PHOTO: NADYAEUGENE/SHUTTERSTOCK

How to Find the Right Daycare or Preschool

FINDING A PLACE that is close to home or work is critical for most parents, so begin by asking friends, neighbors, and other nearby parents about their choices. For daycare listings throughout California organized by zip code, check out the Child Care Resource Center website (ccrcca.org), which also provides tips and guides for parents.

“Some people may want a location close to home, which could allow for parents to trade off drop-off and pickup of their child,” says Sonia Madix, Resource and Referral Supervisor at Los Angeles-based nonprofit Connections for Children (connections forchildren.org). “Other people may want to have their child close to work so they can spend time together on the commute and have the child closer in case of an emergency,” she says.

Another filter to add to your search process: how old your baby or toddler will be when he or she starts the program.

“Preschools begin taking children at two to three years,” says Madix, “and some require toilet training.” Call around to find out age requirements for children starting at each preschool or daycare.

From this information, parents can make a list of places to visit and tour.

Here’s what to look for.

childcare & education words, high-quality care—and child development experts now know what that means.

“Researchers in the last thirty years have built consensus on how to define quality care,” says Allison Sidle Fuligni, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Child and Family Study at California State University, Los Angeles.

One factor is training of caregivers and teachers. “Their training focus should be on supporting language development, as well as the child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development—meaning relationships, emotion regulation, and thinking and learning,” says Fuligni.

Accreditations are important, too, but Fuligni points out that many very good daycares and preschools just don’t have the time or resources to attain those accreditations. Years of experience can sometimes also be meaningful in terms of quality, she says.

Another indicator of quality care is workplace stability. A constant turnover of caregivers or teachers is not good for the children or the parents. “You want caregivers who will develop a relationship with your child,” says Fuligni. “Parents should not worry when a child becomes attached to a caregiver—in fact, you want that relationship in which the child feels very safe and secure with a caregiver.”

A Plus: Parent Support

PHOTO: MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK

PARENT SUPPORT—parenting classes

or one-on-one help—can be a great benefit for new parents who want expert guidance with their young children. Jaclyn and her husband toured seven preschools, then narrowed their list to two and attended toddler programs at both before finally choosing The Maggy Haves School— and they have been thrilled. Jaclyn explains, “The teachers and director showed me through the toddler class that they truly cared about my child and her development.”

TheList

CENTRAL/MID-TOWN 53 DOWNTOWN 54 EAST L.A. 55 SOUTH L.A. 56 VALLEY 57 WEST L.A./SANTA MONICA 58

Childcare & Education

When you need childcare or early education, there’s a wide range of options in Los Angeles. Our list is just a sampling and takes into consideration educational philosophy and location. Some of these schools provide additional programs; however, the list is tailored to include information up to kindergarten age. Because costs can vary depending upon multiple factors, they have not been included.

CENTRAL/ MID-TOWN ABC LITTLE SCHOOL WEST HOLLYWOOD 927 N. FAIRFAX AVE., WEST HOLLYWOOD*, 323-654-9920, ABCLITTLESCHOOLS.COM/ WEST-HOLLYWOOD

Founded: ABC Little Schools were started 35-plus years ago Ages: 18 months–6 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 to 12:1, depending on age Nourishment: Morning snack/breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack provided daily Special features/ programs: Toddlers, Twos, Threes, Fours/ Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Summer Camp programs Philosophy/approach:

The school employs a “whole child” approach that blends play, academics, nutrition, open communication, and cultural diversity in a family-like environment. *Four other locations in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, and North Hills

CREATIVE MIND PRESCHOOL 5262 FOUNTAIN AVE., EAST HOLLYWOOD, 323-660-7529, CREATIVE MINDPRESCHOOL.COM

Founded: 2015 Ages: 2–6 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 Nourishment: Snacks provided daily Special features/ programs: Soccer once a week, yoga twice a week

Philosophy/approach: The school focuses on character education and play-based learning.

The goal is for children to leave the school with emotional intelligence and a curiosity to learn more.

DELANEY WRIGHT ACADEMY 6125 CARLOS AVE., HOLLYWOOD, 323-871-2470, DELANEYWRIGHTFINEARTS PRESCHOOL.ORG

Founded: 2004 Ages: 18 months–6 years Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (early drop-off 8 a.m.)

Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 to 8:1, depending on age Nourishment: Two snacks provided daily Philosophy/approach: Through the arts, children grow at their own pace

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childcare & education

KIDS TOWN 1140 CRENSHAW BLVD., KOREATOWN, 323-2970038 OR 213-365-7400, KIDSTOWNLA.ORG

Founded: 2004 Ages: 2.5–5 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Nourishment: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided Special features/ programs: Multilingual immersion, dual language (Korean/English) and trilingual (Korean/English/ Spanish) programs; all teachers bilingual Philosophy/approach: The school has designed an emergent curriculum in which teacher-directed and child-initiated activities such as sand and water exploration, listening stations, art, music, movement, and more promote creative exploration, independent learning, friendships, and self-esteem.

MAPLE TREE ACADEMY 1519 N. KENMORE AVE., HOLLYWOOD*, 323-999-6930, MTACADEMY.COM

Founded: 2013 Ages: 3 months–6 years Hours: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (year-round)

Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 for infants, 8:1 for preschool Nourishment: Snacks provided for ages 2 and above Special programs: Yoga, music, dramatic play, culinary, gardening, recycling projects Philosophy/approach: This early education center applies Emilio Reggio, RIE, and Soka philosophies to provide a nurturing environment for children to learn, play, and grow. There is a strong focus on parent-teacher partnerships to enable optimal development of the children, and a commitment to fostering a strong community and lifelong learning and friendships. *Also has Los Angeles and Santa Monica campuses

SHIR HASHIRIM 151 N. BERENDO ST., LOS ANGELES*, 213-380-2100, MONTESSORIHOLLYWOOD. ORG

Founded: 1985 Ages: 2–6 years Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with half-day option Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 Nourishment: Snacks provided daily Special features/ programs: Art, music appreciation, musical theatre, violin, choir, dance, karate, drama,

yoga, French, Mandarin, Spanish; Parent and Me and Summer programs Philosophy/approach: The school uses a Montessori-based pedagogy in which mixed-age groups of children are encouraged to interact as they engage in creative and practical life activities that allow them to absorb information at their own pace.

The facility’s three research-based and expert-led programs are designed to provide children with learning opportunities across all areas of development.

The Wonder Preschool employs a child-centered and evidence-based approach that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.

*Second location on Carlton Way in Los Angeles

653 N. CAHUENGA BLVD., HANCOCK PARK*, 323-469-8994, WAGONWHEELSCHOOL.ORG

SMILE + WONDER (KIDS LEARNING ADVENTURE) 3031 BEVERLY BLVD., 1ST FL., STE. B, KOREATOWN, 323-644-9380, SMILEANDWONDER.COM

Founded: Preschool 2017 Ages: Preschool 2–5 years Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (full-day, morning, and afternoon programs available), extended care 5–6 p.m.

Nourishment: Nutritionist- and chefled snacks and lunch provided daily; children help to maintain organic garden from which they harvest ingredients Special features/ programs: Wonder Preschool & Learning Center, Wonder Zone Child Enrichment Center and Smile Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostics Center Philosophy/approach:

WAGON WHEEL SCHOOL

Founded: 1977 (in former Hollywood location) Ages: 2–5 years Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., in different increments depending on age; early drop-off starting at 7:30 a.m., after-school program until 4:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 to 12:1, depending on age Nourishment: Snacks provided daily; hot lunch program Special features/ programs: Monthly themes that guide activities, books, artwork, and events; outdoor green space for play and gardening; weekly music, dance, and art classes Philosophy/approach: The school emphasizes creativity, independent thinking, and problemsolving skills to establish

a foundation for selfesteem. It takes a wholechild approach, seeking to foster growth socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. *New location in Malibu

DOWNTOWN HOPE STREET FRIENDS MANAGED BY BRIGHT HORIZONS 330 S. HOPE ST., LOS ANGELES, 213-787-2006, CHILD-CARE-PRESCHOOL. BRIGHTHORIZONS. COM/CA/LOSANGELES/ HOPESTREETFRIENDS

Ages: Infancy– kindergarten age Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Nourishment: Snacks provided twice daily; hot lunch plan available for additional fee Special features/ programs: Accredited by NAEYC; outdoor learning area, gardening boxes, and rooftop playground; infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten prep programs Philosophy/approach: Bright Horizons has developed The World at Their Fingertips, a unique curriculum that is designed to prepare children for their school years with active learning in language, science, math, art, culture, and more. The approach encourages socialemotional development as children to tap into their own potential and sense of community.

JOHN TRACY CENTER/ DICKINSON C. ROSS PRESCHOOL 2160 ADAMS BLVD., LOS ANGELES, 213-863-9944 OR 9948, JTC.ORG

Founded: 1943 Ages: 3.5–5 years Hours: Mon.–Thu. 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 Nourishment: Two snacks provided daily Special features/ programs: On-site library with weekly visits;

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gardening and movement classes; social skills groups; speech and language therapy offered at additional cost; parent classes at no additional cost Philosophy/approach: At this school, hearing loss and typically hearing children learn language and social skills together in a loving environment with a highly educated and trained staff.

LA PETITE ACADEMY, INC. OF LOS ANGELES 750 N. ALAMEDA, LOS ANGELES*, 888-330-3479, LAPETITE.COM

Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Hours: 6 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Special features/ programs: NAEYC accredited; Infants, Toddlers, Twos, Early Preschool, Preschool, Pre-K, Junior Kindergarten, and Private Kindergarten programs; yoga, music, soccer, STEM-based classes; Grow Fit® Program; Story Time Philosophy/approach: La Petite Academy, Inc. partners with Pathways Learning Academy to offer a preschool-level 21stcentury, STEM learning approach *Le Petite Academy, Inc. is an educational daycare company with more than 450 schools nationwide, and is part of the Learning Care Group.

Preschools are developed via Pathways Learning Academy (pathwayslearningacademy. com).

METRO GATEWAY CHILDCARE CENTER 1 GATEWAY 99-PL-7, LOS ANGELES, 213-922-4453, METROGATEWAYCDC.COM

Founded: 2012 Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years Hours: 6 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 (infants), 4:1 (toddler) Nourishment: Hot meal program for children above 1 year of age Special features/ programs: Infant and preschool programs divided into six rooms according to age; hot

PHOTO: EVGENY ATAMANENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK

and blossom intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically while gaining a lifelong love of learning.

childcare & education

PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM/SHUTTERSTOCK

lunch program; summer/ holiday experiences; seasonal guests; secured building Philosophy/approach: Managed by Korner Child Care, the center promotes learning, discovery, exploration, and socialization within a happy, stimulating, and nurturing environment.

Emphasis is on fostering self-esteem and independence while building on problem solving, language development, and social skills.

EAST L.A. CAMELOT KIDS/LITTLE KNIGHTS 2880 ROWENA AVE., SILVER LAKE, 323-662-2663, CAMELOTKIDS.ORG

Founded: 2008 Ages: 5 months–2.5 years at Little Knights Parent + Me Center; 2–5 years

at Camelot Kids Child Development Center Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6–9:1 Nourishment: Parents provide lunches and “voluntary snacks”; school provides snacks when needed Special features/ programs: Sign language, Spanish, Sci-Wiz-A-Lot, Jam-A-Lot; enrichment programs in gardening, cooking, ballet, soccer Philosophy/approach: Camelot Kids Child Development Center and Little Knights Parent + Me Center provides a safe and nurturing environment where kids thrive and parents connect. It is a community whose aim is to create a foundational education for children, and an exceptional experience for families is remembered and cherished for years to come.

FOOTHILL PROGRESSIVE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL

social skills, memory and concentration powers, and good habits.

827 HOUSEMAN ST., LA CANADA, 818-952-7232, MONTESSORILACANADA.COM

HASTINGS RANCH NURSERY SCHOOL

Founded: 1984, in current location since 1994 Ages: 2–5 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 to 9:1, depending on age (always three teachers per classroom) Nourishment: Two snacks provided daily; optional hot lunch program Special features/ programs: Beautiful outdoor space; three class groups by age; dancing, Spanish, gymnastics, and computer extracurricular options Philosophy/approach: Using classic Montessori activities in areas such as language, cooking, science and nature, and practical life exercises, the school encourages independent learning,

3740 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., PASADENA, 626-351-9171, HRNS.ORG

Founded: 1953 Ages: 2–5 years Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 Nourishment: Parents provide lunches and rotate snack provisions for class Special features/ programs: Toddler Twos (not potty trained), Pre-K, STEAM enrichment, art and science docent program Philosophy/approach: The school’s mission is to help children develop a love of learning through play, foster a commitment to explore and value differences, build a foundation for independence, cultivate social and emotional

development, and enable academic growth through its cooperative family of families. The Creative Curriculum platform offers a wealth of family-focused resources that are devoted to helping teachers build connections between a child’s two most important worlds: school and home.

PLAYFUL LEARNING AMONGST YOUTH 2828 GLENDALE BLVD., SILVER LAKE, 323-664-8494, PLAYPRESCHOOLS.COM

Founded: 2008 Ages: 3 months–5 years Hours: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 to 10-12:1 depending on age Nourishment: Two snacks provided daily for preschool Special features/ programs: Parenting classes, Parent and Me Infant classes, monthly open house

Philosophy/approach: The school creates an environment in which children build connections as they explore their world through organic, scaffolded learning, in a safe and loving environment. It uses a play-based, childemergent curriculum with a strong emphasis on providing children rich opportunities to explore STEAM activities.

RIVER EAST SCHOOL 4316 LA CLEDE AVE., 818-945-5666, RIVEREASTSCHOOL.ORG

Founded: 2017 Ages: 2–6 years Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., extended care to 5:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 Nourishment: Organic, plant-based breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided daily Special features/ programs: Outdoor art studio; food/cooking

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childcare & education

*Second location in Mid-City/ West Adams

MAPLE VILLAGE WALDORF SCHOOL

program; four resident chickens that provide fresh, local eggs; enrichment program of rotating visitors who specialize in guitar, dance, gymnastics, rhythm, drums, and soccer.

Philosophy/approach: The school’s core belief is that children make meaning of the world based on how they feel internally and through safe but varied external stimuli. Learning is therefore directed by the children and their inherent natural curiosity, and guided by engaged and aware teachers.

SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA ACADEMY PRESCHOOL 1500 BRIDGE ST., BOYLE HEIGHTS, 323-226-0227, SANANTONIOACADEMY PRESCHOOL.COM

Founded: 2008 Ages: 2.9–5 years Hours: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., early drop-off 7 a.m., extended care 2:45–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 9:1 Nourishment: Parents provide snacks and lunch Special features/ programs: New stateof-the-art preschool classroom, healthcare programs, tuition assistance program, Art

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of Parenting nurturing skills program; English language program Philosophy/approach: This parochial Catholic preschool serving four local parishes was built by anonymous donors.

STRATFORD SCHOOL* 2046 ALLEN AVE., ALTADENA, 626-794-1000, STRATFORDSCHOOLS.COM/ ALTADENA

Founded: 1999 Ages: Preschool 2–5 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: Varies depending on program Nourishment: Snacks provided daily; optional lunch program Special features/ programs: Bilingual Mandarin preschool program; Creative & Performing Arts and academic camps; Spanish and computer science class Philosophy/approach: The school fuses a strong liberal arts curriculum with STEAM-inspired, 21st-century learning to provide a balanced education that inspires children to be creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. *Altadena Allen campus, preschool/elementary

and foreign language programs

SOUTH L.A. CAROUSEL PRESCHOOL & INFANT CENTER 7899 LA TIJERA BLVD., WESTCHESTER, 310-216-6641, CAROUSELSCHOOL.COM

Founded: 1984 Ages: Birth–5 years Hours: 6:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Special features/ programs: Reading readiness, math readiness, language arts, science, social science, music, creative arts,

FUTURE STARS ACADEMY PRESCHOOL & INFANT CENTER 2320 PACIFIC COAST HWY., LOMITA*, 310-530-0256, FUTURESTARSPRESCHOOL. COM

Founded: 2003 Ages: 2 months–6 years Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 to 12:1, depending on age Nourishment: Snacks and milk provided daily; optional lunch program Special features/

4017 E. 6TH ST., LONG BEACH, 562-434-8200, MAPLEVILLAGEWALDORF.ORG

Founded: 2008 Ages: 6 months–8th grade Hours: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 1:1+ (baby, toddler, and preschool programs include parents) Nourishment: Snacks provided by both school and parents Special features/ programs: Accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and WECAN; Parent/Baby and Parent/ Toddler classes; three-day

preschool and five-day kindergarten Philosophy/approach: In keeping with Waldorf tradition, the school focuses on providing a “living education” that is relevant to children’s inner lives as well as the world around them, integrating academia, the arts, and communal awareness.

WPNS COOPERATIVE LEARNING CENTER 8619 AVIATION BLVD., INGLEWOOD, 310-670-5522, WPNS.ORG

Founded: 1950 Ages: 2–6 years.

Hours: 8 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 Nourishment: Parents provide food Special features/ programs: Music, soccer, yoga, and cooking enrichment classes; parent education for school families and greater community Philosophy/approach: The school fully embraces a play-based philosophy that allows children to explore their interests and follow their imaginations, thus developing a lifelong curiosity and genuine love for learning.

YAK ACADEMY (PRESCHOOL) 553 N. PACIFIC COAST HWY., STE. C, REDONDO PHOTO: OKSANA SHUFRYCH/SHUTTERSTOCK. BOTTOM: IAM_ANUPONG/SHUTTERSTOCK

programs: Infant, Toddler, Twos, Threes, Junior pre-K and pre-K classes; cozy infant room; hands-on STEM stations; Zoophonics©, Spanish, and STEAM programs; multicultural activities Philosophy/approach: The school seeks to ensure that infants and children are constantly provided learning, socialization, and stimulation, and that staff turnover is kept to a minimum to protect important child-teacher and parent-teacher bonds.

childcare & education BEACH, 310-379-1045, RBYAKACADEMY.COM

SCHOOL.COM

Ages: 9 months–10 years Special features/ programs: Language immersion in Spanish, French, Mandarin/ Chinese; Spanish preschool; homeschool program; summer and holiday break camps Philosophy/approach: The school integrates fun, play-based, worldlanguage immersion with maximum sensory and intellectual activities in a unique learning environment to create a powerful experience and build little world citizens.

Founded: 1975 Ages: 2.9–6 years Hours: 9 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (extended hours to 4:15 p.m. Mon.–Thu.) Special features/ programs: Sliding-scale tuition; toddler program; expansive outside play area with play house, sandbox, swings, tricycles, and climbing structures Philosophy/approach: Based on the idea that young children learn best by playing, the school’s approach is to provide a wide variety of ageappropriate activities and materials in an inviting, safe, and child-oriented space.

THE MAGGY HAVES SCHOOL

THE VALLEY CHILDREN’S CIRCLE NURSERY SCHOOL 6328 WOODMAN AVE., VAN NUYS, 818-782-9060, CHILDRENSCIRCLENURSERY

6100 COLDWATER CANYON AVE., NORTH HOLLYWOOD, 818-763-8359, MAGGYHAVES. COM

Founded: 1976 Ages: 18 months–5 years

Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 Nourishment: Organic, healthy snack prepared fresh daily Special programs: Toddler and Me, Preschool Philosophy/approach: The school is a childcentered community in which children learn that they can exert an influence on their circumstances, and they begin to feel responsible for their actions. Each child is an important member of the group who learns to care for others and the environment, and through hands-on learning and communication, understand what it means to be fully engaged in the world.

THE NURTURY PRESCHOOL 14401 DICKENS ST., SHERMAN OAKS, 818-9908352, NURTURYPRESCHOOL. COM

Founded: 1974 Ages: 2–5 years Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 to 8:1, depending on age Nourishment: Provides two healthy snacks daily, hot lunch on Fridays Special features/ programs: Music, art studio, revolving outdoor play structures, story circles Philosophy/approach: The school’s playbased approach allows children to choose from various age-appropriate materials and activities while they naturally develop manipulative and language skills and learn how to integrate into a social group.

Hours: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (extended morning care 8 a.m.)

Special features/ programs: Music program twice a month, librarian story time once a month; a full-time art teacher on staff.

Philosophy/approach: The school subscribes to the Emilio Reggio educational approach that emphasizes the individual child’s learning style to discern the most suitable learning environment to maximum that child’s growth.

OAK PARK NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL

Founded: 1963 (in current location since 1988) Ages: 14 months–5 years (nursery school starts at 2.9 years) Hours: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1 p.m.–4 p.m.

1010 KANAN RD., OAK PARK, 818-707-7742, OAKPARKUSD. ORG/OPNS

Ages: 2.9–5 years

THE SHERMAN OAKS NURSERY SCHOOL 14435 KILLION ST., SHERMAN OAKS, 818-787-6481, TSONS. ORG

Special features/ programs: Parent & Me and Transition classes, then nursery, pre-K, and optional Developmental Pre-K program; themed units, seasons, and holidays that guide curriculum for language, math, science, art, music, and cooking; music and farm programs Philosophy/approach: The school’s philosophy is to recognize and accept the uniqueness of each child and create an initial school experience where children can comfortably and freely explore their environment to permit development in ways that are natural for every child.

SUNSET MONTESSORI 4212 TUJUNGA AVENUE, STUDIO CITY*, 818-623-0913, SUNSETMONTESSORI.COM

Founded: 2002 Ages: 2–5 years Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1

modern . eco-friendly . mama’s favorite

Stage 1: Crib

Stage 2: Toddler Bed

Stage 3: Daybed

Convertible cribs that grow with your babe.

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childcare & education Nourishment: Two snacks provided daily Special features/ programs: Enrichment classes in music, ballet, dance, yoga, French Philosophy/approach: Montessori *Second location in West Hollywood

UNITED CHILDREN’S LEARNING ACADEMY 5949 LANKERSHIM BLVD., NORTH HOLLYWOOD, 818-655-9600, UNITEDCHILDRENLA.COM

Ages: 18 months–6 years Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., extended care 8–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 (toddler) to 12:1 Nourishment: Parents provide snacks and lunch Special features/ programs: Science lab with microscopes; computer lab with smartboards; gardening, dance, yoga, music, art, and dramatic play; spring,

summer, and winter camps with enrichment classes Philosophy/approach: The school has designed a program that encourages curiosity, exploration, and creativity, and it creates developmentally appropriate academics and social learning opportunities.

children can explore themes at numerous learning stations, including drama/dress-up, blocks, manipulatives, art, and more, and employs a kindness program to help build empathy and strong communication skills. *Four other SoCal locations in Sherman Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and Lake Forest (OC).

WOODCREST PRESCHOOL 6043 TAMPA AVE., TARZANA*, 888-788-9491, WOODCRESTPRESCHOOL.COM

Founded: 50-plus years ago Ages: 18 months–5 years Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (includes extended drop-off and pick-up) Special features/ programs: Accredited

by NAEYC; enrichment classes in art and music, gardening, yoga, cooking Philosophy/approach: The school offers a playbased curriculum in which

GET L.A.

WEST L.A./SANTA MONICA 10TH STREET PRESCHOOL 1444 10TH ST., SANTA MONICA, 310-458-4088, 10THSTREETPRESCHOOL.COM

Founded: 1992 (est.)

Ages: 11 months–6 years Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (4-, 5-, and 7-hour days) for preschool Special features/ programs: Toddler-Parent

School, Little School, Preschool, Junior Pre-K, and Pre-K; enrichment classes Handwriting Without Tears, Soccer, and Social Skills Group; girls’ and boys’ clubs; eightweek summer camp; parenting discussion groups Philosophy/approach: The school seeks to meet each child and their family’s changing social and emotional needs while employing classic positive proven pedagogies to facilitate growth. Through meaningful, mixed-age play, children achieve cognitive, physical, and psychosocial well-being, and a readiness for elementary school.

A KID’S PLACE PRESCHOOL 12306 VENICE BLVD., MAR VISTA, 310-390-0401, AKIDSPLACELA.COM

Founded: 2003

Ages: 2–6 years Hours: 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with morning-only and extended morning options Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 to 7:1, depending on age group Nourishment: Two fruit or healthful crunchy snacks provided Special programs/ features: Weekly toddler group and semi-weekly transition program for pre-toddlers; enrichment classes in art, movement, yoga, fairytale theater, dance, phonics, cooking, Spanish, Judaica Philosophy/approach: The school reinforces children’s innate curiosity and drive to learn by providing a stimulating and challenging environment that allows them to discover and experience the world via all of their senses.

Growth happens naturally as children explore and

experiment at their own pace and guided by their own interests.

A-LIST MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL 4812 SAWTELLE BLVD., CULVER CITY, 424-500-2960, ALISTMONTESSORI.COM

Founded: 2016 Ages: 18 months–4 years Hours: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. or 3 p.m., extended care 7–8 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 Nourishment: Organic snacks provided Special programs/ features: Homelike school setting; playground with climbing structures, sand play, water play, painting, tricycles, gardens Philosophy/approach: Based on Maria Montessori’s teaching, the school focuses on practical life materials and sensorial activities to enhance motor skills and develop the senses.

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childcare & education Children are grouped by three-year age spans to mimic a sibling dynamic: the younger learn from the older, who then develop leadership skills.

BAREFOOT ATELIER 1620 S. BUNDY DR., LOS ANGELES, 424-293-2197, BAREFOOTATELIER.COM

Founded: 2009 Ages: 2–6 years Hours: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

(4 p.m. on Fridays), fulland half-day options Nourishment: Fresh, healthy kosher lunch and snacks prepared daily onsite using vegetable and herbs from campus garden Special features/ programs: Accredited by the California Early Childhood Mentor program; daily yoga/ mindfulness practice, healthy nutrition, barefoot walking for health, music, movement, and communing with nature;

exposure to Hebrew and Spanish languages Philosophy/approach: The school combines the Emilio Reggio philosophy and RIE approach with the tenets of Judaism.

There is an emphasis on collaboration among teachers and families to provide a positive and comforting environment for children that encourages their natural curiosity and sense of wonder while supporting their self-esteem.

THE NEST 103 N. ANITA AVE., LOS ANGELES, 424-256-2731, THENESTSCHOOL.ORG

Founded: 2017 Ages: 2.9–6 years Hours: 8:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 maximum Nourishment: Provided by parent Special features/ programs: Yoga, music,

physical education, art Philosophy/approach: The school is a nonprofit Montessori early childhood program provided in an intimate setting. Emphasis is on the individual spirit of the child and a loving, secure, and consistent culture in which children are respected, affirmed, encouraged, and inspired to do their best.

communication within their families Philosophy/approach: The school provides a play-based, child-directed, nonauthoritarian educational environment where children discover the joys of learning through their own interests, at their own pace, all while being supported with the deepest respect for their dignity and worth.

RIE-inspired approach to facilitate children’s social and emotional growth. It views the educational process as one of discovery in which a love of learning and appreciation of different points of view are encouraged.

VOYAGES

Founded: 1989 Ages: 2.9–6 years; toddler-parent program starts at 3 months Hours: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., extended care to 4 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 Nourishment: Snacks are prepared and shared together Special features/ programs: Full member of WECAN; Parent-Child programs; watercolor painting, movement

PLAY MOUNTAIN PLACE 6063 HARGIS ST., PALMS, 323-870-4381, PLAYMOUNTAIN.ORG

Founded: 1949 Ages: 3–11 years Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., extended care 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Child/teacher ratio: 4:1–7:1 depending on age group Nourishment: Healthful morning snack provided Special programs/ features: Provides parents with tools to build respectful

11836 N. PARK AVE., MAR VISTA, 310-915-1691, VOYAGESPRESCHOOL.COM

Founded: 2015 Ages: 9 months–5 years Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (morning/full-day, 3-, 4-, or 5-day options) Special features/ programs: Infant Atelier, Toddler Atelier, Toddler School, and Preschool Philosophy/approach: The school applies an Emilio Reggio and

WALDORF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1439–41 15TH ST., SANTA MONICA, 310-260-2708, WSWALDORF.ORG

class, bread baking, music, storytelling, hikes, and gardening Philosophy/approach: The center’s physical environment is integral to its educational goals, as is working consciously with the rhythms of time and seasons. Activities are chosen with these rhythms as guideposts, imbuing in children with a sense of security and predictability that helps them relax and grow with confidence.

KEY: NAEYC: National Association for the Education of Young Children STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math WECAN: Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America

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Last Laugh

The

When I Grow Up With the new school year underway, toddlers share their aspirations.

“A dinosaur inside of a shark’s tummy.” —Leo, 4, Los Angeles “A fire engine.” (Says Mom: “Not a firefighter, the actual truck.”) —Xavier, 2, New York City “A doctor, a hairstylist, and a gentleman.” —Asher, 2, Huntington Woods, Michigan “A backup dancer for Drake or Cardi B.” —Eli, 6, Cincinnati “I want to be 5 and in a booster seat.” —Ayden, 3, Huntington, New York “An army guy.” —Cooper, 5, Bethesda, Maryland “Cheese.” —Emery, 2, Chicago “Just a mom.” —Lexi, 4, Atlanta

“

An astronaut … and a mom.

”

— Maya, 4, Birmingham, Michigan

ILLUSTRATION BY BUNKY HURTER

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