Product Opinions- Thumbs Down

Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago in my first Product Opinions post, there are some baby and toddler products I loved and others that I didn't. Again, I want to say that this is just my opinion as a first time parent and I don't think any of these items are un-safe, I just didn't care for them or didn't use them. Again, these are in no certain order.

Chicco High Chair. That is one of the most difficult items for me to give a thumbs down. Chicco has some great products and I loved the stroller and car seat but the high chair was another story. Like I said, it was safe and did the job but unless you want to get toothpicks and Q-tips out to clean this chair I wouldn't recommend adding this to your wish list. I agree that all high chairs have some level of difficulty to clean but the padding in the the corners, the logo on the front strap, the crevice between your child's legs are all places that could be designed better. If you disagree and loved this chair, feel free to comment.

The Piddle Pad. Have you seen these odd shaped car seat pads? They fold and fit into your car seat to prevent a possible diaper leak from soaking the car seat. I'll be honest, it's still in the package in my daughters closet. We did travel by car with an infant (our longest trip was 9 hours) and never had a diaper problem. I think this was something that previous generations would have used since I don't think diapers were designed so well but I can't say if this product works or not, I never used it.

Baby Bjorn body carrier. I have a feeling that this item goes both ways with new parents. I see parents using them and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that love them but, for the value, we didn't use it much at all. Twice I think? I did have a Playtex Hip Hammock that I really liked and used but the Baby Bjorn was something I always had in the car and always thought I'd use more than I did. Before adding this to your wish list I'd think about how you spend your free time now and remember, you could always go out and buy one later or hang on to some of those gift cards.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This is another one of those common items that everyone seems to be beeping with their scanners. I got half a dozen small tubs and a container that looks like something ice cream could come in and in the first year and a half we haven't used more than a couple ounces. When my daughter has a diaper rash, which is rare thankfully, I use corn starch. That's right, 89 cents in the baking goods isle and a box lasts a long time. I'm NOT a doctor but a family member recommended it to me after saying that's what she used a long time ago and I can see a difference in just a couple hours. Now, if she's got a diaper rash that's a problem I may use the butt paste overnight but during the day, when she's getting frequent diaper changes, I use corn starch. There is also a Johnson's powder (blue cap) that has corn starch added and I keep that in my diaper bag, just in case!

Those are the items that first come to mind but I'm sure I'll add more later, feel free to add your own or comment on any of the items that I've listed here! Thanks for stopping by!

Product Opinions- Thumbs Up

Like I said in my first Product Opinions post, there area some products I loved and here is the first list with my comments, in no certain order.

Dark colored bibs. I ended up with lots of pink, yellow, even white bibs but once my daughter was eating baby food, those carrots and peas meant I was always scrubbing bibs so I picked up a 5 pack of dark bibs and they are still great for spaghetti nights!

The Miracle Blanket. We had lots of great blankets for swaddling and both my husband and I learned how to swaddle at the hospital but by the time she was a couple months old she was wiggling out. During a pediatrician trip a mom mentioned them to me and we immediately bought The Miracle Blanket online. The first night she slept longer than before and didn't wiggle out. We used it for MONTHS and she was sleeping through the night, safe and warm.

Diaper Champ. I was someone that didn't register for, or want, a diaper contraption but a friend at work gave me the Diaper Champ since she loved it and swore that I didn't need filters, special bags, etc. I was hesitant at first but have loved it since the beginning and the the odor is never a problem.

A glider. I started out with a normal rocking chair in her room but within the first month by back and legs ached so we watched for coupons and waited for a sale and got a great glider/foot stool combo from Babies R Us for less than $100. It made all the difference some nights, especially while nursing.

Cloth Diapers. I used these as burp cloths and loved them, they were easy to wash, didn't stain and once our kid days are over, I can use them as dust rags! I admire anyone that opts to use cloth diapers instead of disposable but that wasn't for me. BUT when she did get a couple bad diaper rashes I use the cloth diapers with large safety pins to give her bottom some "breathing time" without worrying about accidents all over the place.

Tabletoppers by Neat Solutions. These disposable table mats are great for young ones that eat off the table instead of out of a bowl. They have four sticky strips that peel off and stick to a restaurant table for a clean eating surface for your child and they have fun designs and colors on them to keep them entertained. I've found them at Target and Babies/Toys R Us and always carry a couple in my diaper bag. They are also Eco-Friendly! I have disposable bibs too, I don't use them as often but I do keep a couple in my diaper bag, just in case!

Those are the first products that come to mind but I'll post more soon, especially those crucial items like our car seat, stroller and other "gotta have" items. Thanks for stopping by!

Product Opinions

I was going through my daughters baby book and came across my registry list from when we were expecting. As I scanned page after page I realized that there were items I loved and couldn't live without and others that were barely used at all. I also remember the trip after trip to add new items and the fact that the only real guidance I had on what to register for was from the store. Something doesn't seem right about that, at all! Sure, I asked friends and family but most had second kids so they were re-using items.

So if you have young kids or are expecting, over the next couple weeks I'll post some lists of items I loved, didn't, and other items that I didn't register for at all but really came in handy! Of course, all of this is my opinion and it doesn't profit me whether you buy or suggest any of these items and, by all means, if you have items to add, feel free to comment!