11 Unnecessary Baby Gear Items: Save Money & Space

Together with

"She does not know what the future holds, but she is grateful for slow and steady growth."

-Morgan Harper Nichols

Well hello, Mommy! It's Monday, and we're all surprisingly still standing. We've got the latest scoop for you, so grab a lukewarm coffee (we know you're busy), and let's get into it.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• The great 11-item skipathon

• Homemade monster-be-gone spray

• Pizza stuffed potatoes

• DIY drawer liner

Tired of lugging baby gear on trips? Try a better way.

Budget Diapers & College Dreams

Baby Gear: 11 Things You Can (Happily) Skip Buying

Having a new baby?

It's easy to be tempted by all the cute and fancy gear out there. But let's be real - a lot of it can end up as expensive paperweights.

Today, we're spilling the beans on baby gear you don't need.

1) Endless Baby Outfits: Picture this - your little bundle of joy, wailing like a banshee every time you change their adorable outfits. Stick with sleepsuits and onesies! There are only so many fashion shows before the age of 1.

2) Fancy Bedding Accessories: Dreamy Instagram nurseries don't equal safer sleep. Your baby needs less bedding, not more. Stick to a fitted crib sheet and save on both cash and worry.

3) Multiple Soothing Baby Chairs: Don't clutter your living room with every type of 'baby holder'. A swing or a rocker should do the trick. Your peace of mind (and floor space) is important too.

4) Overzealous Bottle Bundles: Your newborn is going to be picky, believe it or not. Wait and see which bottle they prefer before buying an entire set.

5) Trendy (Yet Useless) Gadgets: Wipe warmer? Bottle sterilizer? Baby food blender? More like space takers! Feel free to trust your hands and a pot of boiling water to get these jobs done.

6) Bulky Furniture Pieces: A changing table, a rocking chair, multiple baby beds - so not necessary! Save space and money by being minimalist with furniture.

7) Non-Lifestyle Friendly Items: Got an aversion to running but considering a jogging stroller? Rethink that. Buy baby gear that fits your lifestyle, not someone else's.

8) Unneeded Baby Tub: No baby tub? No problem! Your kitchen sink or your own bath can be just as good for baby's bath time.

9) Overflowing Toy Boxes: Keep it simple with toys. Remember, your baby is going to be showered with stuffed animals by everyone you know.

10) Expensive Diaper Bags: Don't be lured in by the designer diaper bags. A practical diaper bag or even your current roomy tote or backpack will work just as well.

11) Unnecessary Baby Grooming Products: Baby cologne? Really? Stick to the basics and save your money.

Keep reading here.

Together with BabyQuip

Ditch the Gear, Keep the Adventure: Insured, Clean, Convenient.

Ever been in a crowded airport, struggling to manage your bouncing baby, their enormous gear, and your precious sanity?

Wouldn't you love to leave all that behind?

Well, meet BabyQuip.

It's more than just a rental service, they’re a community ready to help you enjoy your travels, offering thousands of insured, clean items. 

And my favorite thing at BabyQuip isn't even the traditional service - it's their oh-so-convenient party rentals.

So, next trip, ditch the gear, not the fun.

Mom Hack

Make your own monster spray

Mom Hack

Try making a 'monster spray' to help soothe your child's fears.

Mix a teaspoon of lavender oil with water in a spritz bottle, and let your little one spray their room before bedtime to ward off any spooky creatures 😉

Mom’s Menu

DIY Pizza Stuffed Potatoes

it Friday yet? Because we've got a fun twist to shake up your typical pizza night and it's as delightful as it sounds – Pizza Stuffed Potatoes!

Summary:

Welcome to your newest foodie adventure. These Pizza Stuffed Potatoes combine everything you love about these two comfort foods, with a bonus – you and your kiddos can make them just the way you like!

Ingredients

• 4 Russet potatoes

• 1/2 cup of pizza sauce or marinara sauce

• 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese

• Your favorite pizza toppings: Get creative! How about mini pepperonis, olives, peppers, mushrooms, basil, or cooked sausage?

Instructions

1. Bake 'Em: Clean your potatoes and poke some holes in them with a fork. Bake them at 400°F for an hour.

2. Prep 'Em: Pull those taters out, slice them down the middle, and give the insides a good mash with a fork.

3. Top 'Em: Spread out that sauce, sprinkle that cheese, and load up your favorite toppings!

4. Bake Again: Pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is all melty and irresistible.

Pro Tips: Fancy a different kind of potato? Sure thing! Russet potatoes are a classic, but sweet potatoes would add a unique twist!

You could also try this recipe with vegan cheese or leave the cheese out entirely for a dairy-free option.

Wrap-up

So next time you're faced with that eternal struggle – pizza or baked potatoes?

Remember, you can have your pizza and eat your potato too!

Here's to delicious decisions made easy. Happy cooking!

Keep reading here.

Together with Bold

Invest in Your Child's Dreams

Make Their Dreams a Reality

Bold.org helps fight student debt with targeted scholarships. Support your child's dream career without financial stress.

Daily DIY (Mom Edition)

Line Drawers

Line your drawers and shelves to protect against stains and spills.

Today, you can choose from fabric, plastic, foam, or vinyl liners, each with its own advantages. 

Fabric liners: Perfect for long-term use as they're washable.

Plastic liners: Ideal for wire shelves to prevent imbalance or items falling through.

Foam liners: They provide a cushioning effect, great for delicate items.

Vinyl liners: Budget-friendly with a wide array of colors and patterns. However, those with adhesive backing may leave a sticky residue when removed.

Consider your needs and preferences before deciding. Good luck! 😄 

Mom’s Choice

This cleaner is a game-changer because it keeps the shower clean with minimal effort, freeing up time for my busy mom days!

It's a favorite because it's efficient, tackling soap scum and mildew, and only needs to be applied weekly.

Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner

Game

Parenting Quiz

When should children start learning to dress themselves? (Answer below)

A) 1 year old

B) 2 years old

C) 3 years old

D) 4 years old

E) When they're ready for their first fashion show

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

C) 3 years old