Custom built crib handmade by my husband, Dan Hayes. Converted to toddler bed with plexiglass half rails.
About a year ago, I sorted through my toddler’s room and collected an array of baby clothes, toys and gadgets…and I must say, I was a little shocked. It wasn’t the amount of clothes and toys I was shocked with but rather how little I used some of them (if at all). It seemed like such a waste to me. A waste of space, a waste of money and a waste of time because then I had to figure out what to do with all that stuff. Fortunately, I was able to sell a good chunk of it on Craig’s List and give away the rest to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. But if I had to do it over again, I would have rather not gotten half the things I ended up getting rid of.
That being said, I did however, purchase and receive a few baby products that were definitely worth the money…some of which I still use today. I discovered that the gifts and gadgets I appreciated the most were ones that either served a dual purpose, simplified my life, or lasted longer than a year. Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely loved, loved, loved all the cute baby clothes (especially since I didn’t have to buy clothes for my daughter for almost a year). It’s just that there were certain items I thought “I just had to have” that I really didn’t (like radio monitor, Bumbo seat, snuggly wraps, baby harness/leash, sling, travel diaper changing pad, toys with too many pieces, toys that were too loud, or the elevendymillion towels, burp cloths, bottles, beanie hats, receiving blankets and pacifiers). So, if you are a new parent or know someone who is going to have a baby soon (like my sister…due on the 4th of July!), I offer this list of my favorite baby gadgets. Perhaps you’ll see something you never thought of for you and your child or maybe you’ll get an idea for a baby shower gift. Of course, to me the best gift is one that doesn’t cause clutter and allows the parent to make the choice of what’s best for them…cash or a gift certificate!!!
$50 or less:
Portable/reusable placemat: Why? Simplicity and multi-use. I loved having a soft plastic placemat to use on my table at home that I could also roll up, put in my diaper bag and use at a restaurant. This came in extremely handy for clean up plus mine had a little tray that caught some (not all) of the spills.
Long-sleeve UV shirts: Why? Long-time use, simplicity and protection. Putting lotion on a fast-moving little toddler isn’t fun. A UV shirt helps cover the spots you miss and is wonderful at protecting your child from the sun. I bought a $20 shirt that was two sizes too big for my daughter but she’s been able to wear it for two years now. A UV hat is also great!
Portable booster chair from Eddie Bauer. Why? Dual-purpose and long-time use. It doubled as our booster chair in the home as well as on the road at restaurants or in family and friends’ homes. It folded flat, so I used to keep in in the stroller even when the stroller was folded down flat. We used it for about two years and for less than $25 it was worth every penny.
Mini Diaper Bag. Why? Simplicity and long-time use. I had a large diaper bag but rarely used it because it was so big and bulky (I needed a sherpa to haul it around !). This was a baby shower gift and I used it up until about 6 months ago when my daughter started potty training.
Small portable DVD player. Why? Simplicity (for my life), multi-purpose and long-time use. Yes…my daughter loved Baby Einstein and so did I (it was my “easy button” for when I needed a break). I’d mount it to the back of the passenger seat for my daughter to watch on road trips and put it in my carry-on for airline travel. It was also compatible with my iPod so I could download kid videos from iTunes for my daughter to watch. Talk about a life-saver! I think we spent $90 for it two years ago and we’re still using it today when we travel.
Safety gadgets. Why? Practicality, simplicity, safety and long-time use. The cabinet and drawer safety clasps are one thing. Even better…the bi-fold safety lock that prevents my daughter from opening the pantry and bathroom doors! Talk about simplifying my life…no more chasing toilets paper rolls or picking up the chips she dumped out from the pantry. A must-have for when little babies start crawling and exploring.
Portable crayon caddy. Why? Simplicity and long-time use. It’s a small hand-sewn wallet that stores about 8 crayons and a pad of paper. I got this as a gift and it is one of my favorites! I still carry it in my purse and pull it out for my daughter to keep her occupied when we’re out shopping or eating at a restaurant. I actually made the one below as a gift.
Wagon. Every child should have a wagon…and every parent too! I was a little reluctant to get this as a gift because I didn’t think it was worth the space it would take up in the garage and I didn’t think my daughter would ever sit in it because she’s so active. Well, turns out it was a great gift. I actually use it more than my daughter to haul groceries from my truck to the house every time I go grocery shopping.
$100 or less:
Bouncy chair. Why? Portability (around the house) and multi-use. It was nice to put her in the chair and watch her bounce back and forth. I also used it to feed her and prop her up to watch videos on the portable DVD player. And since it had a safety strap, I would move her from place to place as I did chores around the house so she was safe, entertained, and happy that she could see me. Although it was a great item, I’d recommend getting a gently used one…I don’t think it’s worth paying full price.
Baby backpack carrier. Why? Multi-purpose, simplicity and long-time use. I started using this when my daughter was 6 months old (when she could easily hold her head up) and have been using it ever since. As a matter of fact, I used it four days ago when I mowed the lawn. You should see the looks I get! My daughter loves it because she is able to see everything at an adult eye level…and I love it because I don’t have to chase her around! I’ve also used it grocery shopping, at flea markets, fun parks and traveling through the airport.
$200+:
Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System Stroller and Carseat. Why? Quality, multi-purpose, and long time use. I chose this one because it was reasonably priced, came with the easy snap-in infant carrier/carseat and the seat folded completely flat, essentially turning it into a mini bassinet. It was much more convenient to take this stroller that did double-duty as a bed rather than cart around a heavy pack-n-play. There are tons of great strollers out there but the bottom line is quality. This stroller lasted us over two years and I hated to see it go.
Total “splurge” but with no regrets:
Baby Jogger Stroller. I’m an avid runner and this was a must have. I wanted a jogging stroller that was sturdy and could handle plenty of mileage. This stroller was definitely worth the price tag. It’s easy to push and control during my runs.
Custom Crib made by my husband: We just couldn’t find a bed that met our specific modern taste…so my husband made one. It has plexiglass railings that come in three sizes: half-height rails for infants (bassinet-style), full-height rails for when baby can pull self up and half-rails for toddler bed. Not only is it beautiful, multi-purpose and practical…it’s also easy to clean and dust!
Luca Glider and Ottoman by Monte: We knew we wanted a glider to rock our little girl to sleep but we were not thrilled with the standard gliders in department stores. We found this online and although it was 3-4 times the price it was totally worth it! It is so well made. We have since moved it out of the baby’s room and into our living room…where my husband uses it as his home office!
2010 Honda Pilot SUV Touring Model: Ok…I don’t expect you to go out and buy a brand new car. It’s always a little nerve-racking making such a big purchase (especially when you’ve worked so hard to get out of debt), but I’ve been extremely happy with it. With its built-in navigation, USB and AC outlets a third row seat, built in sunshades, storage compartment, cargo net and DVD player with wireless headphones…what more could a mom…ehem..future soccer mom ask for? Let’s just hope I keep this one till it dies. I hate car payments!
Whew! What a list! I know it’s not your standard list of baby gadgets but these are the first things I think of when someone asks what my favorite gifts and products are. The bottom line: spend wisely and purchase items that are useful and durable.
