It has been more than a decade since I had my first child, and here I am, starting all over again. This time around, there are more baby gadgets than ever. And forget the bells and whistles, instead everything blinks, vibrates, plays music, and teaches numbers. In Spanish.
Some gadgets are admittedly a bit much. After all, we made it to adulthood without pee-pee tee-pees and anti-bacterial pacifier wipes. But in restocking the nursery this time around, I discovered some products that are just plain handy. These clever designs solve so many little problems; I cannot believe I didn’t think of them myself.
Skip-Hop Pronto Changing Pad — Perfect when you don’t want to haul the whole diaper bag. The clip-on pouch unfolds to a full changing pad (detachable), zipper pocket with wipe container and mesh pocket for carrying four diapers. Black or chic prints. • $35 | Available at Itty Bitty Bella
Boone Grass Counter-top Drying Rack — The “grass” blades are rigid plastic but flexible. We love that everything fits here, no matter the shape; and it looks mod-deco sitting on your kitchen counter. Extra flower and tree attachments available. • $15 | Available at Target
RaZbaby Keep-It-Kleen Pacifier — When it hits the ground, a plastic shield clamps around the nipple to keep from getting dirty. It also locks closed for storage. Made of BPA free plastic and vented orthodontic silicone. • $5 | Available at Once Upon a Child
Padalily Car Seat Handle Cushion — Lugging around baby in the car seat really exercises those mommy muscles. A cushioned cover for the infant carrier handle makes the load much more bearable. Lots of chic, reversible prints with rings for hanging toys. $28 | Available at Spoiled Sweet
Chewbeads — Fashionable, non-toxic jewelry safe for baby to tug, toss, and chew. Soft shapes in bold colors laced on a bungee cord with a break-away clasp. Bangles are also a good way to remember which side baby last nursed. Dishwasher safe. • $36, Basic Jane necklace. $26, set of 3 Skinny Bangles | Available at Cotton Tails