Family Style
Parenting Add-Ons That Make Life Easier
You know, when you think about it, you don’t really need much to care for a baby. Just your arms, your boobs or a bottle and formula, and something warm to wrap him in. Well … you also need a car seat (by law!). While you’re at it, a place for him to sleep would be nice, and a mom’s-aesthetics-approved wardrobe.
Probably a stroller, too.
Don’t forget the swing!
And then there’s a whole other layer of products, helpful to the nth degree, that go above and beyond the basics to make even the superflous that much easier on us, like pacifier clips. And hallelujah for pacifier clips, am I right?
After the jump, you’ll find a round up of the most helpful parenting add-ons that make life with babies even sweeter. (Pacifier clips included.) Because it’s the little things in life that can turn a parent’s day around:
Find this helpful tool at Amazon, $12.00
Main photo credit: Giggle
Also on Babble: The 7 most commonly misused baby products
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6 Comments
Rochelle commented on Jan 24 12 at 12:15 pmJust an FYI – I’m a car seat technician and I have to throw this out there – products designed to be added to a car seat (head supports, fancy upholstery covers, etc) or for use with a car seat (toys or blankets that clip to the handle, winter gear with holes between the legs for the seat belt, mirrors for the seats, etc) will void your seat’s warranty and – even more troubling – release the manufacturer from any liability if the seat does not perform the way it should in a crash. The manufacturers argue that the seats were not tested with those products, so they have no way of knowing if it was the seat that was the problem or if the product interfered. And the products really could interfere with the seat – head supports could slip, products may not be fire-retardant, etc. They could also make it more difficult for EMS to access your child. The good news is that manufacturers do test the seats with blankets – rolled receiving blankets for head support or a blanket to keep warm are all perfectly fine. They aren’t physically attached to the seat and will fly out of the way in the event of a crash. So, basically, If a parent decides to use a car seat accessory, they should do so knowing that it may interfere with the seat and will limit their recourse against the company.
Jennifer commented on Jan 25 12 at 4:39 pmI just wanted to say thank you to Rochelle for that infoin the comments section. It’s the first time I have ever read a comment after an article and actually found it helpful. Thank you for that!
Hyman commented on Jan 25 12 at 7:17 pmInteresting info Rochelle! I had my carseat installed at the fire department and they told me I should not use the cover I bought to protect the seat in my car that the carseat goes on.
I have that straw cleaner! It’s good for medicine droppers.
Samira commented on Jan 29 12 at 7:50 amI have the bath duck it was a gift never used it for anything but a toy when baby got big enough for playing in the tub I don’t travel by plane that much and I wonder if the stroller tote would work that way on a bus? If so it would be helpful the breastfeeding gear would have been awesome for me and most of the other things as my daughter never used a pacifier was only rear facing until she was over 30 inches tall which was at 6 months as her legs could no longer fit in if the car seat stayed rear facing we had to upgrade quickly and that sippy cup brush would have been great wish I’d known about it now its too far away for me to get there though it would still be nice thanks for the tips
Meryl Neiman commented on Jan 30 12 at 8:40 amOnce your little one wants some socialization or you want some socialization, you should head over to http://www.PlaydatePlanet.com for easy online playdate scheduling. Connect with your friends (like Facebook) and then you can post and accept playdates in seconds. MUCH easier than the old-fashioned way of sending lots of e-mails or making lots of phone calls. And it’s free so give it a try! Everyone needs a little playtime.
Lesley commented on Jan 30 12 at 10:15 amDon’t bother with the Beaba, just get the Cuisinart hand blender ($29). I’ve made all my babe’s food, which sounds impressive, but really it’s so easy–steam a head of cauliflower, hand blend, freeze. Do this with a few more veggies and fruits and you’ve got food for weeks!
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