When I was a kid and would spend the night with friends, my mother would always say, "It's so fun to see how other people do things!" Back then I thought that was a little goofy. Now I agree. I love play dates at other people's houses to watch Eli have fun and to have an adult conversation with the other mom, but also to see how other parents do things. I learn a lot of good tips that way -- everything from snack ideas to favorite toys to effectively organizing a child's room.
In the spirit of sharing, here are a few things I love...
1. Parts Storage Boxes
I kept looking around for a decent storage box for a compact first aid kit and for Eli's illness supplies. Tackle boxes fall over backwards and it is hard to see what is stored in the bottom. Other boxes had too many dividers or not enough. Then I found the Parts Storage box (large size) at Joann Fabrics. It was more than I wanted to spend at $24, so I waited until one of their periodic 40% off sales. That's still expensive, yet the boxes are very well made and fit the bill.
I love that I can just grab the handle and go -- anywhere in the house or yard, to the park, or on a camping trip. And now our babysitters have everything they need in one place.
There's a tray in the top for the most-needed items. Movable dividers let me organize the Band-Aids so I'm not struggling to find the right size in a chaotic moment.
The tray lifts out to give access for larger storage below. I talked to my brother (EMT and firefighter) and brother-in-law (family practice doctor) to figure out what I needed. It feels really good to have the basics all stocked.
2. Boon Grass Drying Rack
Is it just me or does having a kid fill your life with small items that rattle around in the dishwasher? In Target's baby section, I found that the Boon company makes a drying rack that looks like grass. Not only does it look cute in a kitchen, but it also provides an easy spot for drying everything from baby bottles and sippy cup straws to medicine droppers. The rigid but flexible "blades" push aside to grip items while allowing a lot of air to circulate.
The "grass" lifts out so you can thoroughly clean it and the tray. Perfect! I'm guessing when Eli is older I won't need it as much, but I'm going to stow it under the sink for cooking sprees when I have to clean and dry lots of cookie cutters, pastry bag tips, and the like.
3. Ball Plastic Freezer Containers
I kept looking for reusable on-the-go snack containers that fit nicely in a cup holder. Seems like an easy order, right? But everything was too short or too wide to fit a holder. Or too narrow to slide your hand in. I wanted something clear so I could see at a glance what was inside, but also something that could handle wet or dry foods well. One day at the grocery store I happened to glance over at the canning supplies. Ball brand is now making BPA-free eight ounce containers with a screw-on lid that sell for around $3.50 for a set of five.
The containers stack. The lids snap together and stack as well. That means clutter control.
And you can even stack the containers once they are filled. They snap together so you can carry two or three in a tower.
Those are three of my happy little finds for life with a tot. What about you? What are your favorite finds? Please do share!