I am always amazed, grateful and, honestly, a bit envious when I discover a truly useful, ingenious or time-saving invention. Here are a few of just such items that made/make life a little easier as I raise my kids. Some are things I truly wish I knew about when I really, really needed them. Perhaps they'll solve a pesky problem or two for you, too.
It's all too easy to say No to, well, virtually everything your kid asks. But when it comes to Band-Aids, why say No? One of the things I decided early on with the boys was that if a Band-Aid makes them feel better and helps them stop crying, it's well worth the 9¢ I'll spend on the bandage. Plus, it's so fun to choose from the wide variety of designs offered not only by Band-Aid, but also the generics at Target and other retailers. So, say Yes! to Band-Aids.
Mac & Cool Quick-Cooling Dish
I love this handy little cooling dish. I use it for all kinds of hot food, not just mac & cheese. I usually put the bowl or plate of food on top of the cooling dish so I don't have to wash it (simply pop it back into the freezer). But when I really want it to cool down fast, food goes right on it. It really works!
Sling BookshelfThis gem is a great alternative to bookshelves that only show the spine of the book. It really inspires kids to pick up new books and explore, and the drawers are great for board books. We have two and they hold A LOT. Need a book? Just ask me! The real bonus is that it saves you from reading the same five books over and over...and over again! And, when the kids are long gone, it'll make a really nifty magazine stand for me.
I was thrilled to find this travel potty. My boys are nearly five years old and we still use it. I had a smaller one that used plastic grocery bags, but I left it on the bottom of my cart at Target and no one ever turned it in. It was a blessing in disguise, though, as this one is so much more sturdy and it has great storage on the sides for wipes, hand sanitizer and gallon-size storage bags (try to find the generic ones with only one zip close at the top...the smaller the better for getting it to fit around the opening). It folds up like a little briefcase, so no one's the wiser
I really wish I'd known about this chair when I was deciding on high chairs for my boys. You can use it with your baby (there's an optional feeding tray), then it becomes a booster seat and, finally, it can be used as a standard chair until the child is fully grown (or 150 pounds, whichever comes first!). Instead, we had stand-alone high chairs that we had to find a place for in the breakfast room, which they used until they were about 2-1/2 years old, then booster seats, which they used for about another year. They're now using little chairs I bought for their little table. That's a lot of furniture that could have been eliminated with a single piece!
It's hard to find kid-sized furniture that doesn't look like it belongs in a preschool. The boys love these chairs for watching TV, playing video games and just hanging out (okay, they don't really sit still that long, but I can dream, can't I?). I love that they blend in nicely with our decor, they're moderately priced and don't take up a lot of space like some of those overstuffed chairs do (I like them, I just don't have anywhere to put them). Plus, they match the Sling Bookshelf above.
Chewable JewelsI think this is just the coolest idea! Chewable jewelry to entertain your baby or to safely soothe the pain of teething...why didn't I think of it first? And a lot of it is really cute. If I had seen this when the boys were little, I could have kept them happy and occupied...all the while looking like I actually had time to put myself together. There are a number of companies that sell this kind of dual-purpose jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets and keychains. There's even a company that makes ties for men with a squeaker and a rattle to entertain baby...why should you have to do all the work?
Sure would have liked to have had these nifty spill-proof bowls when the boys were, shall we say, less skilled at keeping their snacks where they belonged (namely, not on the floor). Honestly, the boys aren't that great at avoiding spills even now, so I may still get them! It's advertised as 'kid-proof' and it sure does look like it can defeat even the most determined toddler.
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