Let’s face it, there are a TON of baby products out there. People are constantly coming out with new ways to help parents take care of their kids – and they are getting pretty creative… and borderline creepy. From pee-pee teepees all the way to contraptions that you have to use your mouth to suck out boogers (gross or genius? I can’t decide). Did you know there are even fake arms to put in the crib to make your baby think you’re holding them?? That’s the creepiness I’m talking about, folks.
A lot of these, while innovative and possibly helpful, aren’t always worth the $$$ you have to shell out for them. So I’ve compiled a list of baby products that not only have I found very useful, but are super affordable!
1. Dishwasher Basket – I have the Munchkin Deluxe Dishwasher Basket. There are plenty of options out there, but this one is the cheapest and is fantastic. It’s received great reviews, and so far I love it. It doesn’t take up a ton of room in your dishwasher, but you can fit a lot in there! It holds up to 10 nipples on top, and has a place to put straws on the side that you can flip down when not in use. I bought this for bottle accessories, but I put all kinds of things in there. Medicine droppers, small toys, binkies, etc. Definitely worth the money.
2. Formula/Snack Dispenser {only at Walmart} – I found that a lot of formula dispensers end up spilling formula, or the compartments spill into one another, messing up the measurements. I like this dispenser because it’s sturdy and nothing ever spills. The cap pops off and the spout fits right into the bottle so you can dump in the formula easily. When I go out, I usually bring 2 of the levels – one with formula and one with cheerios.
3. Mam Night time Pacifiers – THIS IS POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE BABY PRODUCT EVER! I recommend these to everyone and love them so much (I’m sure you couldn’t tell…) They glow in the dark just enough so when I peek into Owen’s crib in the middle of the night, I can see the binky right away. No more searching around in the dark at night, while your baby is screaming! Amazing. Genius. I want to hug whoever invented these.
4. Reusable Food Pouches – I’m sure you’ve all seen the little squeeze-pouches of baby food. They are great on the go, and super easy. They’re also expensive. And did anyone see this video of a mom who found maggots in hers?? I think of that every time I see them. Yikes. I have the Nourish With Style brand, but there are many different brands out there to fit your needs. I fill them with homemade baby food, smoothies, applesauce, etc. They are great for on the go!
5. Pouch Spoons – These attachable pouch spoons go with those food pouches I mentioned. They attach to most brands of food pouches – reusable OR disposable. These are great for wee babes who haven’t mastered the art of the “gentle squeeze” and squirt pureed carrots all over themselves at church. Not that I’m speaking from experience, or anything…
6. Mesh Feeder – This is a great little invention. You put a chunk of food in the mesh bag, snap it closed, and let your little monkey go to town! The mesh prevents large pieces of food from getting through, which makes it nice and safe. It’s a great way to introduce new foods without any worry of choking. Fill them with all kinds of fruits and veggies – or even cold/frozen foods to help soothe sore gums!
7. Outlet Cover – These universal outlet covers are awesome. I used to use the little plastic plugs, but they are such a pain to pull out. These covers replace old covers (took me under a minute to install) and prevent kids from sticking their fingers in the sockets. When you go to plug something in, just slide the cover to the side. When you’re done, the cover will slide right back into place when you pull the plug out. Love these!
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Congrats on the first post. Pinned for future use 😉
P.s Love your graphics. What program did you use to create it?
Thanks, Michelle! I used Picmonkey. I love it! I pay for the royal version (which is a few dollars a month) which has more options than the free version, but even the free version is great!
Your blog is the cutest!! And what a great post. We have the mesh feeder and Grey loves it! 🙂
Thanks Chels! Owen loves it too 🙂
I love our dishwasher basket! We have the same one and I’m crazy about it! Thanks for all the great tips! I’m putting the mesh feeder on my list! And a glow in the dark pacifier!!!!?? Where has that been all my life!!
I know, right?! Such a genius invention!