One glimpse at those two pink lines on the stick and suddenly parents are exchanging a once hopping nightlife for evenings home in front of the tv. It's not surprising, but still it can be a tough transition from booty shaking to bottle shaking.

 

It's with this realization that new mom and former dancer Heather Murphy Monteith created Baby Loves Disco, a literal mom-and-pop company that takes over hot local dance clubs, babyproofs them, and turns them into the best alternative to the playground that I've ever seen. Her partner is Brooklyn-based music producer and father of two, Andy Blackman Hurwitz, who she met a year after planning her first family-friendly party in Philadelphia.

 

"As a new mom, I first swore off all the mommy-centered activities, likening it to a bad high school clique," said Heather, echoing a sentiment that many of us have expressed. "However my defenses quickly dissolved the first time I met a new mom and I realized I needed other mamas."

 

Heather and Andy have worked tirelessly to provide this experience to as many families as possible, now throwing Baby Loves Disco parties in over fourteen cities nationwide. They split the duties based on their expertise; Heather takes care of the artistic and aesthetic aspect of the clubs while Andy handles the marketing and booking. The events are held one Sunday each month, in the post-naptime hours of the afternoon.

The popular dance clubs that host the venues are made complete (and far more appealing) with healthy snacks, chill out rooms, diaper changing stations, a variety of free services courtesy of some generous sponsors. There are even drinks -- real drinks!--for the non-driving parents.

 

But truly the success of the events hinges on the music: Nothing kid-oriented here. Instead, A-list dj's spin real live 70's-80's tunes while bubble machines complete the ambiance.

 

"On a personal level," Andy says, "I love bringing my kids every month and having them feel like they're a part of it. Plus, it's also great to catch a dance or two with my wife, something that rarely happens outside of Baby Loves Disco." 

 

Attend one event and you won't be surprised that the monthly events almost always sell out. "Most parents love it and are just so happy to have a family activity that actually serves the whole family." Andy adds, honestly, "kids can have fun anywhere but this is meant to bring some fun back to the parents."  

 

And like many parents I know, fun these days is highly underrated.

To see if booty shaking is in your near future, click here.

With my second baby due any second, it's hard to feel good in anything. But the gorgeous scarves, handmade by a Rwandan cooperative and sold at  Lucina? No problem. Plus, one size fits all. You can't beat that at 9.5 months!  -Kristen

I love the practical and stylish Baby Skooch diaper bags. It's the perfect thing to carry my toddler's accessories in when we're traveling and it doesn't scream "I'm carrying diapers in here." -Nancy

My favorite pick for this month is definitely the Speak Clothing line. Shirts with sign language graphics are not only clever and in this case, compassionate as well. -Izzy

There is something to be said about bringing the shower gift that gets the biggest oohs and aahs of all. That's why the minimink wrap from Pink Olive is going to the top of my shopping list for all my friends expecting winter babies. Too bad my own is due in May. -Liz

Elizabeth Street's album "Different" has been the perfect addition to our music collection. There's enough silliness to keep my kids laughing, paired with a grown-up musical sound that's (literally) music to my ears. -Amy

I'm still giggling and snorting over the Modern Child-Unfriendly Alphabet Tees. They are going to make great baby gifts for all my friends. Too bad they don't make them for toddlers. Yet.  -Julie

National Soup Month

January 10: Peculiar People Day

January 15: National Hat Day

January 17: Ditch New Year's Resolution Day (aren't they all?!)

January 26: Spouse's Day

January 29: National Corn Chip Day

Now get shopping!