What The Heck Is A Labubu?

TOP OF MIND

Are these dolls super creepy or super cute?
Have you heard of Labubu Dolls? These viral creatures are all over the place right now, and it's not just children carrying them around. They're all the rage in Hollywood as well.

But where on earth did they come from? The doll first appeared in The Monsters Trilogy book by an artist named Kasing Lung. In 2019, Lung landed a licensing deal with Pop Mart to bring his little creatures to life.

The plush monster toys frequently come in unmarked boxes, which means you don't know which character you're going to get, adding to the mystique.

The important bits
Unfortunately, if your kid (or yourself) wants one, they're not exactly easy to hunt down. They're officially sold on Pop Mart, but they sell out quickly! The good news is they restock them every Thursday at 9 p.m. So, you know, set a reminder or something.

You'll also find a bunch of people reselling them online, but don't be fooled by an imposter Labubu. The official dolls have nine teeth, so if you see a doll with more or less, it's a fake. Or it's come to life. Neither option is great.

Experts say they don't see the Labubu fame dying down anytime soon. In fact, the viral fame is heating up. Some Gen-Zers are getting their dolls insured while Hollywood experts say an animated Labubu movie is already in the works.

What's it all mean?
Honestly, we're not sure. We just wanted you to be prepared when your kid starts demanding you buy them something called a Labubu.

DID YOU HEAR

☀️ Keep your family safe from the heat
We don't need to remind you that summer is here. We saw our first widespread heatwave last week, with temperatures soaring into the mid-to-upper 90s in places like Washington D.C. and New York City. And while you might be able to handle the heat, your baby can't. Babies heat up more quickly than adults and don't sweat nearly as much, which means overheating can happen in minutes. Here's what you can do to protect them, including knowing the signs of heat exhaustion: listlessness, vomiting, fast/weak pulse and cool, pale, clammy skin.

♹ Microplastics, macro problems
Opening plastic-wrapped food or drink containers might be adding tiny plastic particles to what you eat and drink. A new study found that things like unwrapping deli meat, steeping tea bags, or twisting bottle caps can release micro- and nanoplastics. The more you open and use these packages, the more plastic gets released. This is bad news because microplastics and other food-processing chemicals have been linked to cancer, genetic mutations and reproductive issues. Read all about it here.

💸 Child care continues to be depressingly expensive
In 2024, the average cost of child care in the U.S. was $13,128, a nearly 30% increase since 2020. According to new research, the average married couple spends around 10% of their earnings on child care. Meanwhile, a single parent drops 35% of their income. You want more alarming numbers? According to Child Care Aware, the cost of center-based infant care exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition in 41 states. Here's how you can save.

🤸‍♀️ Exercise makes kids happier
New research suggests regular exercise can ease mood disorders in children and teens, and in some cases, offer similar results to medications like antidepressants. More here.

🧑‍🍳 The Tiny Chef has a big heart
Nickelodeon just canceled the super popular animated series The Tiny Chef Show, and the internet is not happy, especially after the creators released this heartbreaking TikTok video.

DOSE OF GOOD

@duoofjoy

And he meant that. Let me stop playing with this grown man 😂😭 #babiesoftiktok #fypシ #toddlersoftiktok #momlife #medicine

BITES WITH KIYAH

Which cereals are the good ones?
That morning bowl of cereal might not be the breakfast win you think it is. A new study shows kids’ cereals have quietly added more sugar, fat, and sodium over the last decade — while losing protein and fiber.

But that doesn’t mean cereal shouldn’t be on your breakfast menu!

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-partisan nonprofit group, has created this handy list of cereals to help you make the right choice for your family. 

HERE’S A QUESTION

Last week, we asked you if it was ever acceptable to discipline someone else's child, and around 65% of you said, "Yes, but only in certain situations!" while 20% said, "I wouldn't feel comfortable, but not against it."