Recent studies have shown that excessive weight gain during pregnancy can result in larger-than-average babies who are �prenatally programmed to become overweight children,� and more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, and cancer later in life, according to a recent article in the New York Times.

A few months ago I wrote a just-for-fun, much-discussed round-up of ridiculous parenting products, from the insanely expensive to the useless to the just plain weird. The product that caused the most furor in the comments? The kid leash.

No Screaming Children Allowed at NC Restaurant September 9, 2010 2 by Kate at Parenting.com Enlarge Photo � Stephanie Rausser Share In July I wrote about whether or not child-free spaces were okay with parents. There were great comments on both sides of the debate, but one Carolina Beach, NC, restaurant has firmly taken a side. The Olde Salty's restaurant, along with lettering advertising "Steaks, Chops, Chicken & BBQ", has a glaring sign in the window: "Screaming Children Will NOT Be Tolerated!"

Many kids head back to school today�if they haven�t already�so as a reward for getting them out the door, read Jenny Rosenstrach�s brilliantly funny letter to her husband (served by �attorneys� Almuerzo & Snaks) to ensure that he will be packing lunches and snacks exactly HALF of the time this school year.

27 costumes that are cheap and easy to make

Want the homemade look for your kid's costume, but don't have time to DIY? Pick one of these beautiful costumes, made by Etsy artists. by Lauren Passell

Now, new research has surfaced that indicates children as young as preschool-age -- 2 and 3 -- are being diagnosed with depression, according to The New York Times magazine in the article "Can Preschoolers Be Depressed?" Instead of viewing depression as an illness that appears in the teen or adult years, it's now being seen as something people have their whole lives.

�Reflections of Motherhood,� produced by Nummies maternity bras. The company asked moms what they would tell themselves if they could go back to right before they had their first baby. The video shows real moms and their responses -- which range from to funny (�Google doesn�t have children� and �Real men change diapers�) to smart and supportive (�Take time to fall in love with your baby,� �It�s okay to want a break,� and �You will make mistakes�).

From potties and seat covers to books and rewards, here are our favorite toilet training aids

For Shirley Sirivong, being pregnant has been anything but easy. After being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, complete placenta previa, and incompetent cervix, she was put on bed rest and a strict special diet. In the early months of bed rest, Shirley�s �dull� breakfasts were limited to egg whites, wheat bread, peanut butter, and a few fruits and veggies. To liven up Shirley�s bland meals, her husband Gat began to create funny faces out of boiled eggs and toast. �After a few days of that,� Shirley told us, �they started to become more elaborate scenes.�

You sacrifice a lot for your kids, but how far is too far? Are you willing to give up your style, too?

These fad toys have inspired store sell-outs, parent pandemonium and crazy resale values over the years. Is your kid's fave -- or your childhood obsession -- on the list?

A guide to handling (unsolicited) parenting advice from your mother or mother-in-law, from rice cereal in the bottle to whiskey as a teething remedy

Cribs, chairs, baskets, rockers, and more nursery furniture that will make going girly super cool

Good for baby and the planet! Check out these adorable little clothes made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, soy and recycled cashmere.

When it's time to introduce your baby to finger foods, here are some simple and vitamin-packed choices

Missed an alert? Bought a used item? Check out our complete listing recall alerts, starting with 2005.

Most of us think of the iPad as Apple's latest, coolest gadget to add to our tech arsenals. For the parents of some autistic children, however, the iPad is a near-miracle.

How to stay involved with your kid's TV, phone and computer time -- and help them see the good and bad

According to The New York Times, a little-known researcher at the International Aids Conference shared news last month that circumcisions in the U.S. were down to an all-time low of 32.5 percent in 2009.