17 Easy Potluck Recipes To Impress Your Friends

‘Tis the season for warm weather, outdoor activities, and gathering with your best buds to eat, drink, and be merry. Yup — it’s officially potluck season. And that means you need a list of easy potluck recipes ready to go the next time you get invited to a friend’s house for a pool party.

The thing about a potluck party is that everything somehow just goes together. If someone’s making chicken or hot dogs or burgers as an entree, every kind of pasta salad, dip, and side goes together with those. If someone just wants a table of heavy apps and desserts, then you can’t go wrong with literally any of these potluck recipes. And if someone’s throwing a potluck that has zero rhyme or reason and is just a mixture of entrees and sides and appetizers, well, you guessed it: these easy potluck recipes will work.

Some of these potluck recipes require a little more work than others, and some are super easy to throw together, but all of them will look super impressive and have you winning the potluck. (Oh, you don’t cook to win?) And if you somehow end up with leftovers, you’ll be happy to bring your Tupperware back home and eat the dip or potatoes or chicken bites the next day. (Unlike bringing home half-melted JELL-O or something.) Just pick your favorite potluck recipe on this list and get ready to enjoy eating with those you love.

The Crunchiest Salad

Every potluck needs a crunchy salad, and that’s where this crunchy ramen noodle salad comes in. Veggies, ramen noodles, edamame, and a delicious dressing made with pantry staples makes for a super easy potluck salad.

The Perfect Pasta Salad

There are so many pasta salads out there, but this Italian pasta salad is my go-to for any potluck, birthday party, or gathering. With mozzarella balls, salami, and lots of veggies, it makes for a super filling pasta salad, and is packed with flavor thanks to the Italian dressing poured on top.

The Dip Everyone Loves

This crack dip from Yummly is one of those potluck recipes that everyone knows. Cream cheese, bacon, green chilies, ranch, and so much more — it is just the most flavorful, delicious dip you can imagine. Serve it up with Ritz crackers or tortilla chips.

The Best Meatball Ever

I’ve made these baked chicken meatballs from Pinch of Yum countless times, and they are just so good. Throw them together and bring a bunch of dipping sauces as a potluck recipe, bring some hoagie rolls and toppings for meatball subs, or just have them all in a bowl for however someone wants to eat them.

The Perfect Potato

Sometimes a pot luck is a big entree with a bunch of sides and sometimes it’s a bunch of snacky dishes. The good thing about these loaded smashed potatoes from Damn Delicious? They can be both. So much flavor in these and they’re really easy to put together, but look extra fancy and like they took you all day.

A Fancy Chex Mix

OK, take Chex Mix and give it a dill pickle flavor. I know — perfect, right? This dill pickle Chex Mix only takes five minutes to pull together and is going to be gone in a snap at your next pot luck.

Handheld Beef Rolls

I love anything Thai or a dish with basil, and these beef rolls from Half-Baked Harvest hit both categories. They do require a bit of work to prep, but the good thing is you could make one wrap into three appetizer-sized wraps if you wanted for a fun potluck choice.

A Tangy Salad

I made this watermelon feta salad from Yummly last year at a neighborhood potluck and people still talk about it. It couldn’t be easier to throw together, and the flavors are unreal — it’s summer in a bowl.

A Super Flavorful Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring. Win the potluck with this Mexican street corn salad recipe from Yummly, which takes everything you love about Mexican corn and turns it into a salad instead. So delicious, and goes great with any kind of meat or entree.

A Dip-Take On A Traditional Dish

Jalapeño poppers are always a great potluck choice, but this jalapeño popper dip from Yummly takes all of those flavors and makes them much easier to travel with to your friend’s or family member’s place. A dip is much easier to pull together, and you can double or triple the recipe, too.

Handheld Cheesy Chicken

Chicken that fits in your hand? Perfect for a potluck when everyone wants to hang out by the pool and not worry about a plate. These cheesy chicken fritters from Averie Cooks are so unique and delicious. With tons of seasonings (including dill!) and two cheeses, these are such a great little bite (or you can add buns and toppings to make little chicken sandwiches).

A Fancy Deviled Egg

Deviled eggs are always a potluck classic, but let’s kick it up a notch with these smoked deviled eggs from Yummly. Everything in here is probably already in your kitchen, and it’s going to make for some super easy, show-stopping potluck deviled eggs.

An Upgraded Chicken Nugget

OK, there are always chicken nuggets, but these parmesan chicken bites are an upgraded, fancy version for a potluck that everyone will still love, including kids. Eat them alone, toss them with a salad, add them on the side of pasta — they go with everything and are so easy.

A Classic Summer Treat

Is there anything more perfect for a potluck than lemon bars? I’m obsessed with these Meyer lemon bars featured on Yummly, and they’re not only delicious, but so pretty. Everybody loves a lemon bar, and you can make these in advance and just pop them in your car when you’re ready to go.

A Sweet Cherry Bite

Want to bring something other than cookies? Try these chocolate cherry dessert bites featured on Yummly. Made with raw almonds, old-fashioned oats, and maple syrup, these are a great pantry-staple recipe with a lot of texture.

The Perfect Pinwheel

I love how pinwheels look on a plate, and they are always a crowd pleaser. Featured on Yummly, these rainbow veggie pinwheels are loaded with crunchy veggies like carrots and bell peppers, and there’s a nice spicy, creamy spread inside the tortillas to really pack in the flavor.

Bite-Sized Bacon Snackies

OK, lil smokies are a classic potluck dish, but these maple bacon-wrapped smokies from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs really up the ante. They’re so easy to pull together and extra delicious — these are the potluck snackies that people keep picking at all night long.

Whether you bring a sweet potluck recipe or a savory one, everyone’s going to ask you for a copy of the recipe. Just pick your favorite and get ready to be the star of the party.

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Stock Up For Summer With These Beautiful Cloth & Swim Diapers Before They're Gone

Summer is so close, and your LO is going to have a blast under the sun — why not do it in style and sustainably? Aussie brand EcoNaps’s fan-fave cloth diapers make switching to reusable diapers easy — if you haven’t already. The award-winning brand focuses on environmentally-friendly diaper products that look as good as they function, and the EcoNaps and Plastic Free Mermaid limited edition collaboration is one you don’t want to miss. This adorable collection with ocean-inspired designs in sweet hues features the reusable diapers, and you can stock up on matching swim diapers and wet bags, too. (Trust me — the wet bag is the go-bag you absolutely need in your diaper bag (or beach bag).

Australia’s Fave Cloth Diaper — Now Available In The U.S. In Adorable Ocean-Inspired Prints

Shop The EcoNaps x Plastic Free Mermaid Collection

EcoNaps

Most babies go through 2,500 disposable diapers in just their first year — which is why EcoNaps set out to make a reusable cloth diaper that was effective, comfortable, and looked good, too. The resulting EcoNaps cloth diaper is the recipient of various awards, including the best reusable diaper by The Organic Baby Awards, and it is certified plastic neutral by Plastic Bank. The brand has since expanded to offering other baby necessities, like swim gear and changing accessories, in its signature beautiful designs and sturdy, recycled materials.

The EcoNaps x Plastic Free Mermaid Limited Edition Collaboration

EcoNaps x Plastic Free Mermaid Limited Edition Collaboration

EcoNaps

As part of this limited-edition collaboration, EcoNaps’s teamed up with Kathryn Nelson, an environmental activist and author known as the Plastic Free Mermaid, who left single-use plastic behind in 2009. With over 100,000 Instsagram followers, Nelson is comitted to reminding us to make sustainable choices that help protect our oceans. And that idea is definitely pulled through in the sweet sea creature designs — created by Victoria McGrane in collaboration with Nelson — that adorn these beautiful, reusable diapers and accessories. Each reusable cloth diaper helps reduce plastic waste, a significant contributor to ocean pollution.

Here’s a quick look at our favorite products from the EcoNaps x Plastic Free Mermaid collaboration.

1. The Reusable Cloth Diaper

Humpback 2.0 Cloth Diaper

EcoNaps

The EcoNaps cloth diaper is made from recycled plastic bottles, bamboo, and cotton, resulting in a highly-absorbent diaper that’s leakproof, soft, and machine washable. Each cloth diaper prevents the equivalent of five plastic bottles from polluting the ocean, according to the brand.

The snap fastenings make these easy to get on and off, and the diaper comes with two bamboo inserts. One of our favorite features is the one-size design that grows with baby from newborn to toddler — yep, one size — so these diapers are with your little one for the long-run.

Cloth diapers do cost more upfront, so consider a bundling deal: buy six diapers and save 15% or buy 12 diapers and save 25%.

2. The Cute & Comfy Swim Diaper

Mermaids Swim Diaper

EcoNaps

This lightweight swim diaper features an elastic waistband with snap buttons on the side and an inner mesh layer that’ll keep things contained while your little one splashes away in the ocean (or pool). Each fade-resistant diaper also features two sets of waist snaps for an adjustable fit.

And like the cloth diaper, the EcoNaps swim diaper is certified plastic neutral and made from recycled materials. Available in three sizes, these swim diapers suit up your baby or toddler comfortably for those warm-weather days.

3. The Wet Bag You Don’t Want To Leave Home Without

Day Tripper Wet Bag

EcoNaps

The EcoNaps Day Tripper wet bag is a must-have for stowing soiled cloth diapers on the go because it contains everything leak-free and odor-free until you can toss it all into a washing machine. The odor-resistant bag fits up to 10 cloth diapers, features a separate compartment for dry items, and conveniently folds flat for storage — or stands up thanks to the flat bottom. It’s also a great beach bag accessory for storing wet suits until you can sort them later.

4. A Soft, Waterproof Changing Mat

Travel Bamboo Change Mat

EcoNaps

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this travel change mat fits standard changing tables and is super-soft thanks to bamboo velour on one side. The waterproof mat rolls up with a snap-lock clasp to fit easily into a diaper bag, and it’s conveniently machine washable.

The EcoNaps x Plastic Free Mermaid Limited Edition Collection

Humpback 2.0 Cloth Diaper

EcoNaps

Mermaids Swim Diaper

EcoNaps

Day Tripper Wet Bag

EcoNaps

Travel Bamboo Change Mat

EcoNaps

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'Are You There God? Its Me Margaret' Is A Spiritual Quest

This might be the only essay about Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret that does not start with a declaration of how much the book meant to me when I was 11 years old. I read it then and I liked it — it’s a quick little gulp of a book — but it didn’t reverberate in my sixth-grade psyche the way some other books did. Partly that’s because the heroine didn’t wear petticoats or face the risk of an early death. But it’s also because I found the book just a touch mortifying.

It’s not the subject of puberty that disconcerted me — getting boobs and my period never embarrassed me (though referring to breasts as a bust has always made me cringe). I was self-conscious, sure, but only because having a human body is so inherently weird and puberty is the first time you realize that. No, what embarrassed me about the book was Margaret’s earnest search for meaning, her questions for God.

Watching the new movie version of Are You There God, which is in theaters this weekend, I suddenly realized how much my adolescent self had wanted to hide her existential yearning. By the time I was Margaret’s age, I had absorbed a host of cultural messages that I should be boy crazy, makeup obsessed, and interested in clothes and the politics of girl cliques. Or I could be a tomboy, wearing oversized T-shirts and dribbling my soccer ball down the hallway. But preoccupied with the nature of life and the universe? That was going to be tough to draw in bubble letters on a school binder.

The bigness of my questions spurred me to action though. In seventh grade, I told my surprised parents that I wanted to be confirmed in the Episcopalian church where we attended the Christmas Eve caroling service (“for the lovely music”), and so, for a year, we became a church family. I went to service and class every Sunday, and dutifully memorized the Nicene Creed. I also learned that organized religion is uniquely bad at answering the ambitious, openhearted questions of a deeply-feeling girl.

I should have trusted in Judy Blume all along.

Margaret’s search for a relationship with God is at the forefront of screenwriter and director Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation of Are You There God. Margaret Simon is not just navigating sixth grade at a new school, a move from her family’s Manhattan apartment to a house in the New Jersey suburbs, new friends, and (yes) puberty, but she is wrestling with whether she is Jewish (like one side of her family) or Christian (like the other) — or a non-practicing agnostic like her parents, who found in each other what their backgrounds could never give them. She dabbles a bit in Catholicism by going to mass with a friend, but mostly Margaret’s ongoing conversation with God is about who she is and whether a deity will have anything to do with who she is becoming. The primacy of this spiritual search is one of the wonderful ways that Fremon Craig expands Blume’s slim novel to fit the scope and runtime of a movie. (She could very well have leaned into Margaret’s budding crush on Moose Freed, for example. Thank God she didn’t.)

“It gets tiring, trying so hard all the time, doesn’t it?”

Perhaps the movie’s biggest deviation from the book is the expanded role of Margaret’s mother, Barbara, played by Rachel McAdams. Barbara was primmer in the book; McAdams has a lovely open quality. She is also on a deep quest of her own, to find her voice as a painter and teacher and her role as a parent to an adolescent who no longer needs to be fed and bathed, but requires as much mothering as ever. Barbara sees all the hard work Margaret is putting into becoming; she too is trying hard to please not just her neighbors and friends and husband and daughter, but herself as well. “It gets tiring, trying so hard all the time, doesn’t it?” she says softly to Margaret.

“Barbara's story is widened, and that definitely comes from my own experience trying to balance motherhood with career and dealing with all my crushing guilt about how much I work and stuff like that,” Fremon Craig told me. “I wanted to be that mom that's in the PTA and doing all those things, but I'm not built like that. I've had a lot of guilt about that for a long time.”

Lest the topic of “spiritual quest” put you off, let me reassure you that Are You There God is as funny and light as it is moving. Moose is there, mowing the lawn, and Margaret and her friends do chant about increasing their busts. Kathy Bates as Margaret’s grandmother Sylvia is a comic delight. Fremon Craig told me that some of Bates’ best lines were improvised. I had somehow assumed that Blume only approved Fremon Craig’s script after it was finalized and ironclad. Blume had resisted making Are You There God into a film for 50 years, and the fact that she entrusted it to someone open to improv delights me.

I don’t know if I’ve asked my daughter whether she talks to God. I can’t wait to hear the answer.

Not that Fremon Craig took her adaptation responsibilities lightly. “When I first sat down to write it, I was a nervous wreck,” she said. “I was paralyzed with fear that I was going to screw it up because I did feel like I was adapting the Bible. Then I realized that my job is to deliver the feeling of the book. The way the book made you feel, that's the way the movie has to make you feel. When I talked to women who had read it when they were young, most of them did not remember much from it. They remembered a couple details. They always remembered, ‘I must, I must increase my bust,’ and maybe two or three other details, but mostly they remembered how it made them feel.”

My younger self might have felt reticent or embarrassed about Are You There God, but my big-feeling 40-something self has no qualms about falling hard for Margaret this time around. I cried watching this movie, for the girl that thought she’d find answers in Sunday school, and for lovely Barbara and grieving, fierce, funny Sylvia; for my mother, who I can no longer call up and ask about what it was like to parent a teenager. And for my own 11-year-old daughter. I can’t wait to take her to see it in a theater. We don’t need this movie to help us start a conversation about puberty or being a good friend — we talk about those things all the time — but I don’t know if I’ve asked about whether she talks to God. I can’t wait to hear the answer.

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The Best Bath Toy Storage

Toys are a necessity for keeping little ones happy during bath time, but without proper storage, you can be left with a pile of wet, soapy playthings that make a mess and create a slipping hazard. In addition to keeping your bathroom tidy, the best bath toy storage solutions give toys a ventilated place to dry out between baths, which can help prevent mildew and odors. They come in multiple styles, including buckets, trays, and mesh bags, so you can find the option that works best for your space.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Bath Toy Storage

Style Of Organizer

Depending on the layout of your bath and the amount of space you have, you might prefer one style of bathtub toy organizer over another. For example, some options affix to the walls of your shower using suction cups and hooks, and others can be hung over a towel rod. (Note that suction cups may become detached if tugged, so you’ll want to use caution.) Also, if your bath has tiling that’s rough, porous, or small, suction cups are unlikely to work. In this case, adhesive-based mounting or hanging options offer a good alternative.

Other bath toy organizers — like buckets — are freestanding and portable, and can be stowed in a cupboard for out-of-sight storage when not in use. You may also want to consider some out-of-the-box ideas, like a tray that extends over the width of your tub, or an elbow and knee pad set with built-in pockets for just a few of the best bath toys.

Drainage & Cleaning

Bathtub storage solutions tend to be made of hard plastic or mesh fabric, but in any case, make sure your pick has proper drainage to allow toys to drip dry, which can help fend off mold and mildew growth. The best toy storage options can also be easily cleaned, whether that means putting them in the machine with your laundry, or giving them a good scrub with soapy water. In any case, keeping things clean will make your pick less likely to get grimy over time.

Capacity

Whether your child has amassed an impressive bath toy collection or just a few favorite items, there are a wide range of storage sizes available. Some organizers are quite large and even have separate compartments for supplies like bubble bath, soap, and shampoo, while others offer space for just a few items. In any case, you’ll want to consider how much room you have to dedicate to the organizer so that it doesn’t get in the way when it isn’t bath night.

If you want a less cluttered bathroom, the best bath toy storage will corral your kid’s favorite playthings, so they can have fun while you keep your space neat.

Shop The Best Bath Toy Storage

In a hurry? These are the best bath toy storage solutions:

1. A Corner Organizer That Looks Like A Friendly Whale: Skip Hop Moby Toy Organizer
2. A Hanging Caddy With Multiple Organizing Pockets: Tub Cubby Bath Toy Holder
3. A Bucket That Has A Removable Drainage Tray: Skip Hop Moby Stowaway Bucket
4. A Cross-Tub Basket With An Extendable Design: KidCo Bath Storage Basket
5. A Foam Bath Kneeler Set With Pockets For Toys: Benicci Bath Kneeler and Elbow Pad with Pockets
6. A Toy Storage Tote With 3 Hanging Options: Muchfun Bath Toy Organizer
7. A Budget-Friendly Hammock That Gets The Job Done: Slonser Corner Bath Toy Organizer

1. A Corner Organizer That Looks Like A Friendly Whale

Skip Hop Moby Corner Toy Organizer

Amazon

This bath toy organizer nestles snugly into a corner, keeping it out of the way of other bathers or people using the shower. It affixes to your shower’s walls using four large suction cups that can be adjusted so you can work around tiling and grout. With a soft neoprene body and mesh base, it cleans easily in the washing machine and allows wet toys to drain between uses. Plus, the smiling whale face just might get kids excited for bath time.

A reviewer wrote: “Great suction, it hasn’t budged even as more toys have been added. It’s cute and keeps all the toys contained while also letting them dry and not get moldy. Not huge, but holds a full set of foam letters and numbers, set of toy buckets, and some rubber duckies.”

Material: Neoprene foam, mesh | Dimensions: 9 x 11.75 x 16.5 inches | Cleaning: Machine washable

2. A Hanging Caddy With Multiple Organizing Pockets

Tub Cubby Bath Toy Holder

Amazon

If you want on-the-wall storage, this hanging mesh toy holder from Tub Cubby is a solid pick that’s racked up more than 21,000 fans on Amazon. The organizer features one large bottom pouch for toys and three upper pouches to hold smaller items or washing supplies. The three suction cups and adhesive mounts let you choose the most secure hanging method for your tub area, while the breathable mesh design promotes airflow to reduce mildew, and allows kids to see their favorite toys. It has double-stitched seams for durability and is machine-washable for easy care.

This pick is available in several styles, including options that come pre-loaded with toys for your kid (think: boats, foam letters, and fishing poles).

A reviewer wrote: “Absolutely love these for bathtub storage! They stay up on the wall and they hold SO many toys! We’ve had them up for a couple months now and they’ve never fallen. Love that they’re machine washable too!”

Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 2 x 14 x 20 inches | Cleaning: Machine washable

3. A Bucket That Has A Removable Drainage Tray

Skip Hop Moby Stowaway Bucket

Amazon

This whale bucket from Skip Hop can hold all of your kid’s favorite toys, and it has perforated holes at the bottom and a drainage tray to capture excess water. A large fold-down handle makes it easy to move in and out of the bath, and kids can have fun filling it with water, or using it to rinse off shampoo and soap. The drainage tray helps prevent puddles on the floor, while allowing toys to drip dry. The whole thing cleans easily by hand with warm soapy water.

A reviewer wrote: “Love this. Toys get dried nicely and no mold! Easy to dump out bottom when toys are dry, and toys stay clean. I bought a second for a baby shower gift and filled it with other bathtime stuff. Turned out so cute!!!”

Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 13.8 inches | Cleaning: Hand wash

4. A Cross-Tub Basket With An Extendable Design

KidCo Bath Storage Basket

Amazon

This adjustable bath storage basket is designed to fit across most tubs, so kids have easy access to their favorite toys while washing up. The sides and bottom are perforated to allow water and soap to drain, and two dividers allow you customize the basket’s configuration. Made from plastic, the basket’s flat bottom lets you store bottles of shampoo and soap upright, and there are two spots for a bar of soap or sponge. When it’s not in use, the dishwasher-safe basket can be stashed at the far end of your shower.

A reviewer wrote: “I like the design of this bath organizer. Holds a lot of toys, but is compact and easy to move around. I like that you don’t have to attach it to the wall, just set it over the sides of the tub. Highly recommend!”

Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 6.4 x 5 x 19 inches (extends to 32 inches) | Cleaning: Dishwasher safe

5. A Foam Bath Kneeler Set With Pockets For Toys

Benicci Bath Kneeler and Elbow Pad with Pockets (2 Pieces)

Amazon

This two-piece foam kneeling set will give you a place to stash your child’s toys and washing supplies, while keeping your elbows and knees comfortable and supported during bath time. The elbow piece has a flexible design that drapes over the edge of your bathtub, and it stays in place with suction cups and a grippy backing. The two mesh pockets offer storage for a few small toys — but note that it won’t accommodate a large collection. The knee cushion rests on the floor and also also offers a soft, slip-free spot for kids to step on after washing up. The pieces fold up for storage and can be wiped down or cleaned in the washing machine.

A reviewer wrote: “I’ve used this every time I’ve bathed my son and never regret it. It’s compact it’s convenient it’s comfortable. Your knees and elbows will thank you. I’m so glad someone came up with this. It has spots to hold toys, washcloths etc and the suction power is great too!”

Material: Foam, mesh | Dimensions: ‎15.9 x 12.9 x 4.8 inches | Cleaning: Machine washable

6. A Toy Storage Tote With 3 Hanging Options

Muchfun Bath Toy Organizer

Amazon

If you don’t want to commit to one type of mounting option, this simple bathtub storage organizer comes with two suction cups and adhesive hooks, and it can also be hung from a towel rack using snap-on tabs. The breathable mesh holder has a wide-open design with a zipping bottom, so kids can empty the contents right into the bath. Two end pockets are perfect for holding shampoo and body wash, and the top snaps shut to give it a slim profile between uses. It is not machine washable, however it can be cleaned with warm soapy water and hung to dry.

A reviewer wrote: “This thing is HUGE! We love that it holds all of our daughter’s bath toys without any issue. Bonus that it has a zipper at the bottom so we can put all the toys in the tub at once. We would absolutely buy this again for any of our parent friends!”

Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 6 inches | Cleaning: Hand washing recommended

7. A Budget-Friendly Hammock That Gets The Job Done

Slonser Corner Bath Toy Organizer

Amazon

If you’re looking for something with a low price tag, this bathtub toy organizer is a solid option that mounts to the corner. The hammock-style organizer promotes drainage, and it attaches to the wall via three suction cups or adhesive hooks. It’s machine washable and has thick stitched borders for reinforcement. While it may not be as durable as some other options, it does the trick at a wallet-friendly price.

A reviewer wrote: “Love this toy organizer! It’s very roomy, durable and the quality is great. Came with extra hooks and installation instructions. I cleaned the wall with alcohol before installing, and I think it helped, because it never fell. I totally recommend it! But make sure to follow the instructions and clean the wall well first.”

Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 14 inches | Cleaning: Machine washable

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Is Zyrtec Safe During Pregnancy? OB-GYNs Recommend It Often

Sick of feeling stuffy and snotty? Yeah, seasonal allergies will do that to you. And when you’re pregnant during the spring — or you’re exposed to any allergens while you happen to be pregnant — the symptoms can feel even worse than usual. So naturally you’re curious about the best antihistamine to take while pregnant, or wondering if the Zyrtec in your medicine cabinet is safe to take right now. Here, two OB-GYNs answer all your burning questions about treating your allergy symptoms while also trying to grow a whole new person.

Is Zyrtec safe during pregnancy?

Doctors agree that Zyrtec (generic name: cetirizine) is a safe, effective medicine to take for allergy relief during any trimester of your pregnancy. “Similar to Claritin, it is one of our first line go-tos for allergies in pregnancy,” says Dr. Clayton Alfonso, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN at Duke Health. “There are no documented pregnancy risks with Zyrtec.”

That said, you should be mindful of what other medications you’re taking at the same time as Zyrtec, says Dr. Sarah Ziebarth, M.D., OB-GYN at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

“Zyrtec is one of the most well-studied classes of medicines in pregnancy, and it’s very commonly used in pregnancy. We actually have some data with human studies using Zyrtec, even in the first trimester that are very reassuring,” she says. “We need to know what other medications you’re on because a lot of the medications we commonly use in pregnancy are also in the same class as Zyrtec — they’re antihistamines — and we need to make sure you’re not doubling up on them.”

Two such medications would be Phenergan (generic name: promethazine) and doxylamine, both of which are used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, Ziebarth says. “Taken in addition to Zyrtec, you may get more pronounced side effects,” she notes.

Can you take Zyrtec-D while pregnant?

Zyrtec-D combines cetirizine with a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine. In animal trials, pseudoephedrine has been linked with birth defects, especially when used in the first trimester, according to the National Library of Medicine. Because of this, OB-GYNs want pregnant people to avoid taking any medication containing the compound.

“Pseudoephedrine we would definitely try to avoid in pregnancy if at all possible,” Alfonso says.

Ziebarth agrees that medications containing pseudoephedrine aren’t ideal for pregnant people, but in the event taking one was necessary, your OB-GYN would likely monitor you more closely during that time.

“I won’t do a blanket statement that there’s never an indication for a pregnant person to take that, but pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications that can cause vasoconstriction (shrinking of the blood vessels). The thought is that that may also be occurring in the placenta, decreasing blood flow to the fetus,” she says.

So, before you take Zyrtec-D, be sure to run it by your OB-GYN first.

Which antihistamine is best in pregnancy?

If you’re trying to choose between a few different allergy medicines, know that there’s not one top dog — just a bunch of safe, OB-approved options.

“The three most common ones that people probably use are Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra,” Alfonso says. “They’re all pretty equal in getting the job done from an allergic rhinitis standpoint. Those medications tend to be non-sedating compared to the first generation antihistamines like Benadryl, which is safe in pregnancy but tends to cause drowsiness. People tend to stay away from that, especially if they have to like work or drive.”

Which antihistamine is “best” comes down to personal preference, Ziebarth says. “As far as the safety profile, all of the antihistamines would be acceptable. When you’re looking for the best fit for a particular patient, we’re looking at the duration of the medication and the side effects. Zyrtec is formulated to cause less drowsiness, so that’s one benefit of the longer acting antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin.”

How much Zyrtec should you take while pregnant?

You might think you should take less Zyrtec than usual when you’re expecting, but doctors say to just stick to the dosage on the box. The guidance will vary based on which formulation you have (like tablets versus chewables or liquid gels).

“There aren’t any dose adjustments for pregnancy, so you can follow the standard manufacturer guidelines on the bottle,” says Ziebarth.

When to take Zyrtec while pregnant

Feeling your nose start to run or your eyes starting to itch? Whatever your usual allergy symptoms are, those are still a sign it’s time for an antihistamine. “Zyrtec is most commonly used for allergy symptoms, like runny nose or congestion associated with environmental allergies. There’s also some benefit to using it for patients with asthma, because it helps with inflammation in the respiratory system,” says Ziebarth.

If an antihistamine alone isn’t doing the trick, ask your OB-GYN what you can try next.

“The next step up if you don’t feel like you're getting relief with Claritin or Zyrtec, instead of going to like Claritin D where we don't really like the pseudoephedrine, would be using like a saline or a steroid nasal spray like Flonase. Flonase is available over the counter, and as a nasal spray is also incredibly safe,” Alfonso says.

So, if you need to take something for some relief from your allergies, just know Zyrtec should get the job done — and it’ll do it safely.

Studies referenced:

Głowacka, K., & Wiela-Hojeńska, A. (2021). Pseudoephedrine—benefits and risks. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(10), 5146. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22105146

Sources:

Dr. Sarah Ziebarth, M.D., OB-GYN at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Dr. Clayton Alfonso, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN at Duke Health

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22 Mother's Day Brunch Recipes, From Sweet To Savory

Some holidays just call for brunch plans and Mother’s Day is one of those holidays. Fingers crossed you aren’t having to make a whole brunch for yourself, but maybe you’re hosting your own mom, or your extended family is having a collective Mother’s Day celebration. Either way, you’ll need some Mother’s Day brunch recipes and, luckily, there are tons.

A good brunch is a mixture of savory foods and sweet foods, if you ask me. You want something hearty and filling — maybe an egg casserole or lots of bacon and sausage — but you also want to load the table up with things like coffee cake, pastries, cinnamon rolls, all of the baked goods. Of course, the best thing about brunch is that it’s just a combination of breakfast and lunch in regards to time — you can literally make your Mother’s Day brunch menu look like whatever you want. But if you need a starting point, these 22 Mother’s Day brunch recipes are a great place to start.

Several of these dishes can be pre-made, which is super helpful if you’d like to actually relax on your Mother’s Day, and a bunch just need warming up right before it’s time to eat. Even better, some can just hang out at room temperature, and there are also a couple of drink recipes included so you can stay caffeinated and hydrated while you wait for your Mother’s Day brunch to start. So get ready to celebrate a mama in your life or being one yourself — these Mother’s Day brunch recipes are just what you need.

The Perfect Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a standard brunch dish, but this cinnamon crumb coffee cake featured on Yummly really ups the ante. It’s a super easy recipe, filled with ingredients you probably already have in your house, so need to run to the grocery store. And it’s one of those coffee cakes with the perfect sweet, crunchy top that you just can’t get enough of.

A One-Handed Breakfast Burrito

I love the idea of these avocado bacon breakfast burritos from Half Baked Harvest being on your brunch menu if you’re hosting outdoors or adding fun activities to the brunch lineup. You can prep them the night before, get them all ready to go, and just warm them up the morning of your Mother’s Day brunch. And honestly, who can resist pesto and cheese mixed in with avocado and bacon in a burrito?

A Frittata Loaded With Veggies

Spinach and tomatoes are always a great addition to eggs, but this spinach tomato frittata featured on Yummly is especially good. I love that this recipe includes Swiss cheese, which is a nice change from some of the cheddar or gruyere cheeses so many other frittatas call for.

An Extra Flavorful Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a must at brunch, but you can make it a little different with this fruit salad with lime-honey dressing from Yummly. I’m obsessed with this, and it really gives your normal, everyday fruit a total zing of flavor.

A Lemon Treat

Lemon is such a perfect springtime dessert companion, and these little lemon cheesecake mousse parfaits from Yummly are a great brunch dish. I really love that you can make them in individual servings, so you can prep them way ahead of time for people to enjoy whenever they’re ready.

A Savory Side Dish

If you’re looking for savory Mother’s Day brunch recipes, you definitely need to keep an eye on this cheesy grits with seared mushrooms dish from Food Heaven Made Easy. It’s literally making my mouth water to think of those creamy, cheesy grits with garlicky mushrooms and a perfect egg on top.

An Overnight French Toast

So this overnight creme brulée french toast casserole from Yummly is a great one that just needs to be popped into the oven first thing in the morning, but it does also require a little work the night before with making the custard and getting all of the items prepared. But oh gosh, it is so worth it.

The Perfect Mother’s Day Punch

For a bright touch to your Mother’s Day spread, try this ruby red grapefruit punch from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. Not only does it look pretty, but it has a great, flavorful zing to it, and you can whip it up in no time. Bonus: it could easily be spiked if you’re into that kind of brunch.

A Sweet, Fruity Bar

Oatmeal can be hard to keep warm and appetizing during a brunch (it gets real gloopy real fast), but these peach oatmeal bars from Yummly are so good and a great way to get everyone’s favorite high-fiber breakfast on the brunch table. This recipe is also loaded with fresh peaches, so it’s extra delicious and perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch.

Instant Pot Oats

OK, now remember what I just said about oatmeal, but this recipe for banana bread steel cut oats from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe is made in the Instant Pot. Talk about an easy meal to whip up, and it has tons of delicious, nutty flavors.

The Perfect Iced Coffee

There will be OJ, hot coffee, and plenty of other drinks available at your Mother’s Day brunch, but this iced coffee recipe from Yummly is a must to try, too. With only four ingredients, it’s really easy to pull together for each guest who’d like a glass or if you want to make a big pitcher instead.

The Most Savory Jam

Having bacon at brunch is one thing, but what about this bacon jam from Yummly? It’s a bit time intensive to make and requires a lot of ingredients, but it’s so worth it. Spread it on biscuits, add it to brie with crackers, or just serve it on the side of all your other brunch dishes. You can’t go wrong.

A Spicy Swirl Bread

Talk about a pastry for brunch. This chocolate cardamom swirl bread from Love, Cake is so packed with flavor, it’ll be the star of your Mother’s Day brunch. It definitely requires some work to get it going and made, but is moist, delicious, and just sweet enough.

A Savory Little Muffin

Egg cups are a popular choice for any breakfast or brunch get-together, and I love the flavor in these ham and cheese egg muffins featured on Yummly. The ham’s a nice choice when bacon and sausage are usually so popular, and you can quickly pull together tons of these for a Mother’s Day brunch.

A Classic Quiche

Is it even a brunch if there’s not a quiche? This sun-dried tomato quiche from Simply Lakita is not only delicious, but look at how pretty it looks! Everyone will want a slice of this quiche, and it’s a great addition to a brunch table, especially if you have a lot of sweet things or baked goods already in the spread.

A Mini Hashbrown Dish

For another egg recipe that changes things up a bit, try these hash brown egg nests from Yummly. With avocado and bacon sprinkled on top, they are loaded with flavor and so easy to put out on a plate for everyone to serve themselves at a Mother’s Day brunch.

Traditional Crepes

Crepes are just the fanciest, most delicious brunch recipe, and you can easily pull them together with this classic crepes recipe from Averie Cooks. A fun way to serve them is to put out tons of toppings, from sweet to savory, so that you can really make the crepes your own.

The Best Breakfast Potatoes

Mmmm any version of potatoes is great for brunch, but these easy breakfast potatoes from Damn Delicious are the best. With sausage, bell peppers, and tons of spices, this recipe is so packed with flavor, and all you need is a sheet pan to pull it all together.

Indulgent Churro Waffles

Waffles are one thing, but churro waffles? Holy. This churro waffles recipe featured on Yummly is so decadent and hits so many must-haves on your Mother’s Day brunch menu: it’s sweet, it’s filling, and it’s versatile.

A Fruity Bread

For an easy bread loaf that you can enjoy warm or cool, try this blueberry lemon bread from Pinch of Yum. It’s so soft and moist, but has tons of flavor thanks to the lemon and blueberries inside. Just add butter for a perfect brunch recipe.

A Super Flavorful Biscuit

I am drooling over these fig, goat cheese, and honey biscuits from Two Red Bowls. So delicious, so easy to pull together, and you won’t get enough of all that crumbly salt and sweet flavor.

A Giant Cinnamon Roll

Don’t waste any time making small cinnamon rolls. Just go for it and make this giant cinnamon roll from Gimme Some Oven. The dough is so soft and delicious, and there is so much cinnamon in here, it’ll make your head spin. The icing includes cream cheese, too, so it’s really a total flavor bomb.

These Mother’s Day brunch recipes cover all of the things you look for in a brunch dish. There are savory recipes, sweet recipes, some you can pull together quickly the morning of, and some you can prep the night before. Just pick your favorite Mother’s Day brunch recipe and enjoy.

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