Being a new mom can get expensive and I have realized that you don’t need half the stuff the baby stores get you to register for when you are pregnant. Some things I have laying around the house actually do the trick better! Here are a few everyday items that dub as baby gear:
1. Olive oil. This has so many amazing uses, but my favorite is using as moisturizer for the face and scalp to get rid of dry skin. I’ve found many baby lotions only irritate sensitive skin more and olive oil is a much gentler, natural alternative with better results. And if you need an alternative to diaper rash cream, try Coconut Oil!
2. Water Bottles. Who would have thought that a water bottle can make a great baby toy? Well, it does! Put in marbles, colorful beads, coffee beans, you name it and it makes a great rattle to help with sensory development.
3. Laundry Basket. This makes for a great baby bath once they are old enough to take a dip in the bathtub. It is a third of the cost of the store bought baby tubs and gives your little one plenty of room to play with bath toys in a confined space.
4. Parchment paper. This was a genius idea passed along to me by a friend to make late night diaper blowouts easier to clean up. At night, line the changing pad with a small piece of parchment paper and you won’t have to worry about changing the pad in the middle of the night when you have a messy diaper. If you find the paper annoying (it can be noisy) washcloths or old hand towels serve as a great alternative. Just put down a washcloth on top of your changing pad where you will lay the diaper and you will save yourself from having to worry about changing the pad in the middle of the night.
5. Stacking cups and bowls. These make great toys that help with development and coordination and seem to engage little ones more than fancy toys that serve the same purpose in the store.
What are your favorite household items you use for baby? Post a comment to share your secrets with us and other moms!
I TOTALLY agree on the olive oil! It also is perfect for removing permanent marker from skin and/or the dining room table!