There is one item in particular that inspired me to put together this list- but, rather than dedicate an ode to it- I thought- well, there are-a few other items that have made the everyday -way more manageable so, in the spirit of motherhood – a list is in order !
1. When my son was a few months old – he’d go through phases of wanting to be held- continuously. I tried all manner of slings and wraps but – found – that, there wasn’t much ease in putting it on and taking it off. And – my son would immediately struggle to get out of it – specifically, the wrap.
I was given a side sling and found the buckle that sits near the shoulder bothersome and – not as comfortable as I had imagined. So, for a time Id reach a point in the day where my lower back would tense up and-Id be in pain. Making the time my son and I shared- typically when reaching late afternoon-strained and unpleasant.
Desperate – I did some research one evening and came across the Tush baby ie the mom tool belt. Up to that point I had purchased many baby items which failed to meet my perceived expectations-in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. Needless to say, I was skeptical-but, the reviews were great and their return policy was said to be pretty flexible and easy.
In the end – It turned out to be – one of the best investments Ive made. Each morning -I strap this on before we head downstairs for breakfast. It comes equipped with a net to hold your water bottle, a separate compartment for phone and a larger zippered area under the seat. I use it for a quick grocery store visit – the post office , library – and- anywhere else I won’t be staying too long.
I am grateful to the tushbaby and never fail to get another mom to comment “wish they’d made those when my kids were little”.
#good reason to make another list
2. I mostly nurse – and, rarely need to pump but – there are times when having a bottle is necessary- specifically , when traveling long distances by car or – I’ve found – it’s the most convenient way with air travel. During which- I have employed the use of the Baby’s Brew.
It is a little handheld device that heats up a bottle to a specific temperature. My last airport trip- I brought along a bottle nestled on an ice pack within a lunchbox. After checking in with security- I pulled out the Baby’s Brew and bottle- positioned it in the back pocket of the stroller- and , let it do its thing.
It alerted me once it was to temperature – right as I was approaching the gate. There we sat comfortably – and I gave him the bottle . Despite not being part of my everyday -per se – I value this little object for the many times it’s helped us out.
3. Last time I went home to visit family – my grandmother gifted me a food processor. I prefer having less -especially, kitchen appliances. When it comes to cooking I’ve always preferred to do things manually.
Therefore- a food processor is something I never thought I’d want or own but- it has allowed me to expand my sons menu to include items he would’ve previously spit out- eggs being one of them. He would not eat eggs in any form – be it scrambled – boiled – whatever . I added a bit of lemon to it – put it in the food processor and -voila ! – he now eats eggs !
Lately -I’ve combined all sorts of nutritious ingredients to make a spread for his toast. With a side of avocado and -for desert- throw some apples into the processor -occasionally adding cucumbers -to make simple homemade apple (cucumber) sauce. A Whole balanced meal -in large part, made possible by the food processor.
Oh ! Plus – its easy to clean and -barely takes up any room at all.
4. My son has always been prone to skin irritations and rashes – especially , in the nether regions . I know most babies have sensitive skin and I’ve heard many parents describe cycling through diaper brands and creams until they find the right ones. We too went through all of that and still, every so often -he’d start to develop a rash.
Consequently – I became a little manic about constantly changing his diapers. The conclusion I came to was -excess moisture being the culprit. He’s an active boy with a tendency to get warm.
Yet -keeping him on the changing table long enough for him to properly dry was another monumental endeavor . Until -my mother suggested a little handheld fan she had been using. After each diaper change – I thoroughly dry the area using the fan.
Happy to report that I no longer use a barrier cream and- have not had any problems since.
5. This last item – I’m sure , most every mom will inevitably get -irregardless of a list. Nevertheless-I was one who naively said I would not need the services of a baby gate. That was then – now , I see a gate as affording freedom more than it restricts.
When I first began looking for one- I realized it wasn’t such a straight-forward purchase. Besides making sure the measurements align with one’s space – a lot of them didn’t seem sturdy at all – and -for a boy who makes a living out of figuring stuff out – he’d easily crack the safe -with most.
Finally- I settled on one that automatically shuts in either direction – sturdy and -with great reviews . It has not failed me yet.
We each have our own particular circumstances and-systems in place- to manage it all. I’ve cobbled mine together via experience -in addition to, helpful tips and suggestions I’ve garnered from others. Hopefully something said here may be of use to you. 🤍
