This week on Bottle Service, Sarah braces for a major winter storm and discusses survival techniques for the winter months inside with rambunctuous little ones. She also discusses the "mother son" wedding dance heard round the world & the clothing selections at Costco before diving into a very REAL parenting issue no one warns you about: parental preference. Does your baby only want Mommy… or Daddy? And why does it somehow feel like the most personal rejection of your life? Let’s talk about it.

Got a situation you need an unbiased (but honest) opinion on? Email sarah@bigkidproblems.com and we’ll discuss it on the pod.

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Laundry Sauce - Get 20% off with promo code BOTTLESERVICE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we're diving into the wild, wonderful (and sometimes stressful) world of Baby Naming! Sophie Kihm, the Editor-in-Chief of Nameberry is joining us today to help us out. Nameberry is a go-to resource for parents trying to find the perfect name for their little one (which, let’s be honest, is way harder than it sounds).

In this episode, Sophie joins us to break down the biggest baby name trends for 2026, the do’s and don’ts of choosing a name, what to do if you’re dealing with name regret, and her best advice for parents who are struggling to land on the one

Want more from our guest this week?

• Sophie Kihm's Website
• Nameberry Instagram
• Nameberry Website

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

Laundry Sauce - Get 20% off with promo code BOTTLESERVICE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a new year, baby! We’re welcoming 2026 with an episode designed to help us get organized, gain clarity around what we truly want, and feel ready to manifest what’s next. As moms, it’s easy to feel a little lost when it comes to setting New Year intentions. We pour so much of our time and energy into our kids that future planning often takes a backseat while we’re simply trying to survive. Whether you’re entering a “maintenance year,” feeling the pull to reignite your career, or just ready to reconnect with what you want, this episode is here to help you reset, refocus, and move forward with intention.

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

More Labs - Try Morning Recovery, the drink for when you drink, for 25% off with code THEBIGKID!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

Little Spoon - Make mealtime easy with 30% off with code BOTTLESERVICE30

Pique Life - Get 20% off your order at Piquelife.com/bottleservice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We did it team! The holiday season is officially in the books—sanity mostly intact and vibration plates somehow acquired (seriously… how did we all end up with one?). Sarah recaps Christmas, gives moms their well-deserved flowers for making the magic happen, and invites all moms to go absolutely feral between now and New Years

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

More Labs - Try Morning Recovery, the drink for when you drink, for 25% off with code THEBIGKID!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Greenlight - Don’t wait to teach your kids real-world money skills. Free trial at greenlight.com/bottleservice

Uncommon Goods - Find the right gift for everyone on your list! Get 15% off at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/bottleservice

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are deep in the holiday season and moms are BUSY. Between trying to create magical memories and not completely losing our minds, December can feel like an extreme sport. This week, Sarah shares fun, easy, low-effort ways to sprinkle extra holiday magic into your month — no burnout required. Plus, we’re tackling the great Elf-on-the-Shelf divide (Elf Moms vs. Non-Elf Moms), hating on The Little Drummer Boy, and so much more. Let’s survive December together. 🎄

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

More Labs - Try Morning Recovery, the drink for when you drink, for 25% off with code THEBIGKID!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Greenlight - Don’t wait to teach your kids real-world money skills. Free trial at greenlight.com/bottleservice

Uncommon Goods - Find the right gift for everyone on your list! Get 15% off at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/bottleservice

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are officially in the thick of the holiday season... blink twice if you’re OK! This week, Sarah sits down with Developmental Scientist, Leading Child Psychologist and Co-Author of Einstein Never Used Flashcards, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek! After 40 YEARS of developmental research, she is on a mission to bring back PLAY and make parenting more joyful, fun and a whole lot less stressful. YES PLEASE!

We chat:

🎁 The pressures of modern parenting, and why we’re making things way harder than they need to be

🧸 What kids actually need to learn & grow, + Toys to Buy or Skip this season!

📱 The pros and cons of screen time and how to approach it without guilt

✨ How to step away from rigid, achievement-focused parenting and into something more fun, flexible, and human

This episode is the perfect reset for overwhelmed parents, especially right now. So grab a coffee, take a breath, and let’s get into it!

Want More from our Guest?

• Grab the Book! Einstein Never Used Flashcards
• Check out the Instagram HERE @DrKathyandDrRo

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

More Labs - Try Morning Recovery, the drink for when you drink, for 25% off with code THEBIGKID!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Greenlight - Don’t wait to teach your kids real-world money skills. Free trial at greenlight.com/bottleservice

Uncommon Goods - Find the right gift for everyone on your list! Get 15% off at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/bottleservice

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holiday season is officially here! 🎄✨ Sarah dives into the wild evolution from blacking out on Thanksgiving Eve to suddenly being the keeper of your family’s core childhood memories. She shares her best hosting hacks, sanity-saving shortcuts for navigating the holidays with little ones, and a much-needed pep talk as we head into the Super Bowl of parenting: holiday season. LETS GO!

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

More Labs - Try Morning Recovery, the drink for when you drink, for 25% off with code THEBIGKID!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better!

Greenlight - Don’t wait to teach your kids real-world money skills. Free trial at greenlight.com/bottleservice

Uncommon Goods - Find the right gift for everyone on your list! Get 15% off at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/bottleservice

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Relationships shift dramatically once a baby enters the chat. Honestly, it might be the biggest transition your partnership will ever face! Our guests this week are the incredible Tarah and EJ Kerwin — a married couple, both mental health practitioners, who run the Relationship Renovation Counseling Center and host the Relationship Renovation Podcast, where they tackle marriage, intimacy, and communication head-on.

What makes them especially unique? They don’t just teach this stuff… they’ve lived it. After having children, their marriage hit a breaking point and nearly ended. Now, they’re sharing what pulled them back from the edge — and the tools they now use to help thousands of couples do the same. We discuss the effects of resentment, rage, intimacy issues and sleep deprivation on our relationships AND how to get back on the same team as your partner. Buckle up, it's a good one!

Want more from our guests?

Check out the Relationship Renovation Center HERE

Listen to the Relationship Renovation Podcast HERE

Want more from Sarah?

• Personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahMerrill_Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Share some Laughs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bigkidproblems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out our new Show IG! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bottleserviceBKP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bottle Service MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Big thank you to our episode sponsors!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - From quick dinners to slow simmers, Quince has the cookware to make it all better! Quince.com/BOTTLESERVICE

⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Therapy⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Find the right therapist for you today! GrowTherapy.com/BOTTLESERVICE

Greenlight - Don’t wait to teach your kids real-world money skills. Free trial at greenlight.com/bottleservice

Uncommon Goods - Find the right gift for everyone on your list! Get 15% off at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/bottleservice

Ritual - Get 40% off your first month at ritual.com/bottleservice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.