Hayley Chalkley

Hayley is a freelance writer, blogger, and grateful mama of four young people.

 

Previously a social worker, children’s services inspector, and college lecturer, Hayley runs local and online parenting classes offering support for families who want more peace and kindness in their lives 😍

 

A passionate advocate for children’s rights and a long-time home edder, Hayley writes about respectful parenting, natural learning, and intentional living at takingakinderpath.com.

 

You might also find her eating carrots, wearing odd socks, and dreaming of life in a van, usually with a giant cup of tea in hand ☕

Hayley Chalkley
Little boy 1 year playing in the kindergarten.

Sensory Activities

What Is Sensory Soft Play?

Sensory soft play delights the senses but did you know it also helps develop your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills, find out more.

This girl cuts her hair at her home.

Behavior

Tips for Successful Sensory-Friendly Haircuts

Grab this list of top tips for a successful sensory friendly haircut, designed to help you and your child relax, let go of stress, and have fun.

Little cute newborn baby in diapers on a white bed in the bedroom.

Product Reviews

9 Best Non-Toxic, All-Natural Diapers of 2023

Non-toxic diapers are kinder to your baby’s skin and the planet. Check out our favorite disposable diapers to find the safest products for your baby.

Woman belly with a scar from a cesarean section with her baby's legs on white background.

Product Reviews

The 7 Best C-Section Underwear Picks of 2023

You deserve c-section underwear that’s soft, soothing, and supportive. Check out our round-up of the best picks so you can find the right choice for you.

Baby lying on bassinet getting love and attention from mom mother parent.

Product Reviews

What’s the Age and Weight Limit for a Pack ‘N Play?

What is a pack ‘n play’s weight limit, and why does it matter? Find out if it’s worth buying a pack ‘n play for your child and when to stop...

Cute mother and daughter playing together, reading first book.

Development

18 Cognitive Activities for Infants to Help Development

Check out our list of the best cognitive activities for infants you can use to boost your baby’s brain power and jumpstart their learning journey.

Three years old child crying in bed because of nightmare.

Sleep

Do Babies Have Nightmares?

When your baby cries out while asleep, you might wonder, do babies have nightmares? Learn more about what might be going on and what you can do about it.

Peaceful kid lying on a pack n play while sleeping.

Sleep

Can a Baby Sleep in a Pack N Play?

Can a baby sleep in a pack ‘n play? The simple answer is yes. Learn all you need to know to make sure it’s safe for your baby right here.

New compact electric breast pump to increase milk.

Breastfeeding

How to Donate Your Breast Pump When You No Longer Need It

Looking to donate your breast pump? If it’s a closed system pump, suitable for multiple users, and is working well with spare parts available, here’s how.

Asian little Chinese girls playing with water and foam.

Parenting

How Often Should Kids Bathe?

Your child doesn’t always need a bath to get clean. For some kids, too many baths can do more harm than good. So, how often should kids bathe?

Adorable baby girl eating from fork vegetables and pasta.

Development

Toddler Growth Spurts: When and What to Expect

Toddler growth spurts occur between one and three years of age. While not as dramatic as some other stages, there’s still a lot going on for your toddler.

Sleeping baby boy waking up in the bed hugging toy and wipe eyes.

Sleep

Wake Windows & How to Optimize Your Baby’s Sleep by Age

The basic principle behind wake windows is simple. Given the right amount of awake time your baby will sleep better.

Happy family playing and baby learning to walk at home.

Development

How to Encourage Your Baby to Walk

Given a safe space to practice and lots of loving attention, learning to walk comes naturally for most babies.

Mom changes a reusable diaper to a baby on a changing table.

Parenting

Are Cloth Diapers Worth It?

Given the initial cost and ongoing energy use, you might be wondering are cloth diapers worth it? We’ve rounded up all the info you need to help you decide.

Happy infant baby boy using training Bumbo seat to sit up.

Parenting

What Ages Are Safe for a Bumbo Seat?

While the suggested Bumbo seat age is between 3 and 12 months, we dig a little deeper into why it might be better to wait until your baby is a...