Category Archive

Families

Our sister site Offbeat Mama launched in 2009, became Offbeat Families in 2012, and was merged into Offbeat Home & Life in 2015. This archive contains all the posts ever published on those sites! We believe that while children change your life forever, being around kids doesn’t necessitate abandoning your identity. We believe in supporting and inspiring parents and caregivers who are moving beyond mainstream visions of parenting. We welcome anyone who’s interested in families, whether you’re pre-parental, in the process of becoming a parent, or choosing to live childfree.

Contemplating non-traditional routes to motherhood

In recent months, ever since I hit the big 2-5, my biological clock has started to tick a little bit louder. It is strange and frankly, it makes me feel a bit icky from time to time.

Dealing with fears while roadtripping with a baby

Taking a road trip with a baby was a great experience. In part because it felt like it set a good precedent for family adventures — and in part because at times I was terrified.

Can babies tell right from wrong?

The Infant Cognition Center at Yale University is attempting to uncover whether or not babies can tell right from wrong.

Learning not to worry during pregnancy

My new doctor, the chill one, was all like, “Why’d you have so many ultrasounds?” when I saw him for the first time. Um, because I’m nuts?

Thirteen hours of water birthing

I practically ran back into the bedroom and woke up my partner Joe, feverishly excited I beamed, “My water broke!”

How to make your own nursing necklace (with video!)

I’ve seen Booby Beads and nursing necklaces for sale for as much as 20 dollars. Luckily, they are easy to make, even for the chronically craft-impaired–like me.

How I turned an IKEA changing table into a co-sleeper

Turning an IKEA Snigler changing table into the perfect co-sleeper for a low platform bed.

Amazing maternity and family photography from Tricia Davidge

Doesn’t this photo make you want to jump back into your pregnancy, paint your belly like a watermelon, and dye your hair pink?