One of the most recent Woman To Woman topics was baby essentials. There are a lot of items that are nice to have, but definitely not essential, and for those items that are essential, there are always budget friendly options.
My friends and family are in the midst of a baby boom, so I've spent a fair amount of time in the past few months shopping for baby gifts and there is a lot of new gear that was not available when Johnny was an infant that I've snapped up for Maureen.
Here are a few convenience items that are good and cheap that I love to have:
The First Years Take 'n Toss Toddler Dishes--John calls these "baby gladware" because they are marketed on the premise that you can reuse them if you like, but it's not a big deal to lose one. The sippy cups, while not leakproof, are easy to clean and easy to store, and the small bowls with lids are perfect for snacks. No more ziploc baggies of smashed Cheerios in my purse! I also use them to store leftover yogurt, chicken nuggets, etc. They stand out in the fridge, so I can see which dishes are Johnny's food right away. I bought a package of forks and spoons when Johnny started on solids, and we're still using them.
Pacifier Tether--this is not the exact one we have, but the premise is the same. One end clips to baby's clothes and the other end hooks to the ring on the pacifier. So if baby spits out the paci, it doesn't land on the floor. Not a big deal if the floor is in your own house, but somewhat grosser if it's in the grass by the dog park. I've also used this to anchor rattles for Maureen.
Pampers Bibsters--These are disposable bibs. We use washable bibs at home, but these are nice for when you are on the road or eating out. Just toss the used bibster instead of carrying the dirty one around. Especially great since I had a problem with Johnny's bibs getting moldy if they weren't washed right away.
Huggies Disposable Washcloths With Built-In Baby Wash--Another disposable item for traveling. We use regular baby washcloths at home, but I bought these for a trip to Ocean City once and loved them. Just add water, lather, bathe and toss. Much better than trying to keep track of baby wash and numerous wet washcloths. Probably not cost effective for everyday use, but a great invention for vacations.
Fisher Price Linkadoos--These plastic rings are great for linking together and tethering toys to the crib, the carseat, the stroller, or baby gyms, or just to rattle together and chew on.
Boppy Slipcover--My boppy pillow is one of my must-have items, and a slipcover is extra nice to have. Johnny spit up all my pillow several times as an infant. While the pillow is washable, is came out sort of lumpy, plus I had to make do until it was washed and dried, which took forever. I have two slipcovers now and it's much easier to change the cover.
My friends and family are in the midst of a baby boom, so I've spent a fair amount of time in the past few months shopping for baby gifts and there is a lot of new gear that was not available when Johnny was an infant that I've snapped up for Maureen.
Here are a few convenience items that are good and cheap that I love to have:
The First Years Take 'n Toss Toddler Dishes--John calls these "baby gladware" because they are marketed on the premise that you can reuse them if you like, but it's not a big deal to lose one. The sippy cups, while not leakproof, are easy to clean and easy to store, and the small bowls with lids are perfect for snacks. No more ziploc baggies of smashed Cheerios in my purse! I also use them to store leftover yogurt, chicken nuggets, etc. They stand out in the fridge, so I can see which dishes are Johnny's food right away. I bought a package of forks and spoons when Johnny started on solids, and we're still using them.
Pacifier Tether--this is not the exact one we have, but the premise is the same. One end clips to baby's clothes and the other end hooks to the ring on the pacifier. So if baby spits out the paci, it doesn't land on the floor. Not a big deal if the floor is in your own house, but somewhat grosser if it's in the grass by the dog park. I've also used this to anchor rattles for Maureen.
Pampers Bibsters--These are disposable bibs. We use washable bibs at home, but these are nice for when you are on the road or eating out. Just toss the used bibster instead of carrying the dirty one around. Especially great since I had a problem with Johnny's bibs getting moldy if they weren't washed right away.
Huggies Disposable Washcloths With Built-In Baby Wash--Another disposable item for traveling. We use regular baby washcloths at home, but I bought these for a trip to Ocean City once and loved them. Just add water, lather, bathe and toss. Much better than trying to keep track of baby wash and numerous wet washcloths. Probably not cost effective for everyday use, but a great invention for vacations.
Fisher Price Linkadoos--These plastic rings are great for linking together and tethering toys to the crib, the carseat, the stroller, or baby gyms, or just to rattle together and chew on.
Boppy Slipcover--My boppy pillow is one of my must-have items, and a slipcover is extra nice to have. Johnny spit up all my pillow several times as an infant. While the pillow is washable, is came out sort of lumpy, plus I had to make do until it was washed and dried, which took forever. I have two slipcovers now and it's much easier to change the cover.
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