From motherboard to motherhood
A doctor named Zhang Qifeng created his own tech company (Kaiwa Technology) to develop the world's first pregnancy robot.

With funding from the Chinese government, Kaiwa Technology is designing a robot with an artificial womb, which will be able to carry a fetus for up to 10 months before giving birth. How does a robot give birth, you ask?

The important bits
We have no idea. They left out those very important details. They also didn't say if these robots will have strange cravings, hot flashes, morning sickness and acne.

The core innovation making this bizarre idea possible is artificial womb technology, in which embryos grow in lab-made fluid and get nutrients through a hose. Dr. Zhang says it’s already working in a lab setting, and the next step is putting it into a robot body to carry a real pregnancy.

The company hopes to have the prototype make its debut in 2026, and it'll reportedly cost 100,000 yuan, which equals out to around $14,000. That's MUCH cheaper than hiring a human surrogate, which can set you back $100,000+ in the United States.

What's it all mean?
Governments are clearly growing increasingly concerned over declining global fertility rates, prompting a variety of policies and innovations aimed at encouraging more births.

Alternate interpretation: The end is near. Did you see the robot buying a hot dog in Manhattan?

🫘 You've got to be kidney me!
For the past few years, the amount of children being diagnosed with kidney stones has gone up significantly, and doctors believe they now know why. While kidney stones can have a genetic quality to them, most experts believe it comes down to our diet. Pediatric urologist John S. Wiener blames sodium intake, noting that more than 90 percent of children consume 3,300 milligrams of sodium daily. The recommended daily amount? 2,300. How does excess sodium cause kidney stones? Read all about it here.

😴 Back-to-school sleeping tips
Summer is coming to an end, which means your little ones need to get on a regular sleep schedule again. According to sleep experts, preschoolers need close to 13 hours of sleep, and tweens need between 9 and 12 hours. To get that much sleep every night and wake up in time for school, kids need to have early bedtimes. If you're thinking, "Easier said than done," read this for all the tips and tricks. 

🏆 2025 Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards
For the sixth year in a row, the fine folks at Good Housekeeping have put together their list of the best parenting products. Some of our favorites? This Infant-to-Toddler Electric Toothbrush, this Skip Hop Activity Center/Play Table, and these delicious (+nutritious) Little Spoon Rice-Free Puffs.

🚸 Who is going to take care of our children?
Childcare centers are struggling more than ever before. In North Carolina, 158 childcare programs have shut down this year, leaving just one infant or toddler slot available for every five families seeking care. Similar numbers are being seen across the country, and experts are worried the problem is only going to get worse. 

👶👶👶👶👶👶👶👶👶👶👶 This family has 11 children
Can you guess how much their grocery bill is?

Ever told your kid to “use your words” during a meltdown? Me too! Although it's not the most effective strategy in the moment, it turns out that helping our kids learn to use their words actually has real value.

You can support this skill at the dinner table by giving kids vocabulary for what they’re tasting. This skill will ultimately help your kids build vocabulary, process feelings, and even strengthen identity. Here are some descriptive words you can start using tonight at dinner!

This mom says she was shamed for bringing her fussy/teething baby to a restaurant, and the internet is divided on if the shame was justified. 

Last week, we asked if you thought singer Maluma was right to call out a mom for bringing her baby to his concert. 55% of you said, "Absolutely, what was she thinking?" while a close 45% said, "Yeah, but he could have been nicer!"

In this episode: Kiyah digs into how mealtime talk builds resilience, strengthens connection, and helps kids express themselves.

Dive in as we explore the surprising impact of everyday conversations at the dinner table and turning “I don’t like this” into real feedback.

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