12 Random Items That Make Mama’s Life Easier

Since having kids, my house is filling up with stuff.  The worst part is, many of the items are easily broken, not so great, or rarely used.  This got me thinking about the more unusual items that I find really useful that probably not everyone has.  I asked the ICMB writers what their FAVORITE, not-so-common, actually useful products are.  And here is the list…(with links to Amazon so you can see what we’re talking about! Please note: this post is not sponsored and these items may all be found at other stores as well.)

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1.   Juice Box Holder – Everytime I pull out this juice box holder, someone always ask, “Where did you get that?”  Actually, it was a gift from a friend who had one and loved it.  It works really well once your little one is old enough to hold onto the handles.  You’ll be happy with less messes from squeezed juice boxes.

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2.  Sippy Cup Strap – This sippy cup strap attaches to a cup and your stroller or highchair.  It is perfect for that age when they throw everything on the floor.  This will fix that game!

3.  Umbrella Stroller Organizer – My umbrella stroller has no where to put anything.  I was so excited when I found a little caddy that velcros onto the handle bars.  It gives you a place to put your keys, phone, water bottle, etc.  (I just discovered that the one I have has been discontinued, which is probably why I found it at T.J. Maxx. So if you need an organizer, check out umbrella stroller organizer for some other options!)

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4.  Travel Storage Containers –  Michele “LOVED” the Innobaby Five Tier Packin’ Smart Storage System when her girls were babies.  She said it was perfect for formula powder, Cheerios and little snacks.

5.  Popsicle Holders – Ashley has some called Dripstick.  It holds a popsicle stick on one side and an ice cream cone on the other.  She says, “They catch all the drips and keep messes to a minimum.”

6.  Pacifier Clip – Elizabeth loves the Chu Berries pacifier clip that is also a teether.  She said, “This one doesn’t get wet and nasty like the cloth pacifier holders.”

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7.  Table Mat – Melissa loved the Summer Infant Tiny Diner Table Mat.  She said, “We used it ALL of the time when we would go out to eat.”  It folds in and rolls up to fit perfectly in the bottom of your diaper bag.   She ran it through the dishwasher and put it back in the diaper bag.

8.  Drawer organizers – Jessi says she is “obsessed” with the Ikea drawer organizers because, “They work perfectly for organizing tiny clothes in big dresser drawers!”

9.  Portable Highchair – Jessi also loves her Ciao! Baby Portable Highchair.  She said, “We use our portable high chair A TON, especially during the warmer months when we are out and about a lot. It folds down like a lawn chair and it easily fits in the trunk, so we always have it when we need it. It’s great for picnics in the park, family reunions, or just popping it up at a friend’s house or on your own patio. Plus, if/when it gets dirty, you can totally just hose it down and let it dry outside!”

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10.  Post-It Notes – Becky recommends carrying a pad of Post-It Notes to use in public restrooms with automatic flushers.  She says this is an “Easy way to cover up those sensors that are flush (no pun intended) with the wall.”

11.  Ziploc gallon-size bag – Lianna says, “Carrying around a Ziploc gallon-size bag in the diaper bag has saved me on so many occasions!”  She uses them to put dirty cloth diapers in or for anytime clothes get messy or wet.

Did you notice the theme going on here?  Items that make mama’s life easier either:

  • hold things
  • organize things
  • or help contain messes!

One more important item on the list…

12.  Wine – We can thank Sherri for this suggestion! After a challenging day with the kids, poor a glass and relax!  I’m pretty sure my husband understands that I’ve had a long day when he comes home from work and I pour myself a glass of Moscato at dinner.  (If wine is not your thing, chocolate and/or coffee make great substitutes for #12!)  Cheers to making mama’s life easier!

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What products would you add to the list?  We would love to know, so please leave a comment!
Shari
Shari is a stay-at-home mom who lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband Mark, 2 boys and a pug named Yoda. Her toddler and preschool age boys keep her very busy. She loves warm Iowa days for playing outside with her family. In her "spare time" Shari enjoys quiet activities like crafting, browsing Pinterest, learning photography, creating family photo books and watching favorite shows with her husband. She also loves Iowa City Moms Blog and her MOPS group for the connections with other mommies!

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