Rub a dub dub: Best Bath Toys

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My daughter loves the water but bath time can sometimes be a little boring for her. Check out these really bath time toys!

The first thing I ever bought was, you guessed it, rubber duckies and their moldy friends. About 2-3 baths in, they became gross, and not that fun.

TIP: For new rubber bath toys, hot glue the holes and they stay mold free.

We soon discovered tons of other types of bath toys that do not mold and provide a lot more fun.

Gone fishing! There are many but I love this particular brand. They do not mold and easier to catch since they have magnets: http://amzn.to/2amtPHW

Doodling - bath crayons: For the little artist like our girl, bath crayons are so much fun and doodles rinse with water: http://amzn.to/2aj2xyy

Letters and Numbers - Bath time can be a good time for the educational time including learning letters and numbers as well as spelling. We love these and have used them since she was one: http://amzn.to/2amtKUv

Puzzles: We have animal and letter puzzles they stick with water to tiles and are loads of fun: http://amzn.to/2aj4IlC

Bath books: We bought a variety. She loves to “wash” the animals on every page and flip the pages to learn different sea and land animals and objects: http://amzn.to/2aj563n and http://amzn.to/2aAxlPk

Build a scene water toy - I love these different sets by Alex Toys. Fuels the imagination and gives our toddler plenty to do while we wash and comb her hair: http://amzn.to/2amwtgL and http://amzn.to/2anukyE

Don’t forget storage for all these toys. On our wall, we have this storage which also lets water drain: http://amzn.to/2a5tivd

In the tub, we have a divider with easy access to toys chosen for the bath: http://amzn.to/2awIhwi

What toys does your little one absolutely love? Share with us in comments.


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Working Mama - Tips and Products

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I came across a really good article about returning to work – read more here: http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/2674/ and started reflecting about when I returned to work. It was a very nerve racking experience. Being away from the baby, pumping (aka lugging huge amounts of supplies), needing a lot more coordination both at work and at home to make sure I have everything each day. It was hard but it is doable with the right products and services.

Breastfeeding Mom’s Work Kit (If you are not breastfeeding, skip down to Working Mom’s Sanity Services)

• Hand Pump – they are not expensive, keep one at the office just in case you forget a piece or the whole electric pump at home
• http://amzn.to/2asbECy

• Medela Double Pump (be sure to check with your insurance to see if its covered) – if buying used, always buy new parts (tubes too) Pumping Bra – I didn’t use one but I can totally see how comfy this would be!
• http://amzn.to/2ab6oxA
• http://amzn.to/2a26dVC

• Milk Bottles ( I’ve taken the pump and forgotten the bottles on several occasions: hack – keep some Ziplocks at work and tape - in case you forget bottles to pump into)
• http://amzn.to/2aqUbsU

• Small Cooler
• We have this one: http://amzn.to/2a26ibK

• Nipple Cream
• http://amzn.to/2ai2bN9
• http://amzn.to/2ab6S6V

• Photo of your baby! It helps milk production
• Breast pads – keep a stash at your desk as well
• http://amzn.to/2aHANFw

• Snacks! If your office doesn’t provide, bring snacks for pumping. Almonds, oatmeal, cereal bars, and coconut water really help. You can get them shipped to your office too to drag less
• http://amzn.to/29X19GF
• http://amzn.to/2asdF1y

• Sanitizing Paci Wipes – I did not feel comfortable washing my pumping parts at work so I brought wipes – you can buy several types. I used the Medela wipes and Pacifier Wipes (whatever I had) - if you have space at work to wash, I used Dapple
• http://amzn.to/2ac58NJ
• http://amzn.to/2ac57cZ
• http://amzn.to/2ac5nZk

• Buy two sets of Shields so you always have a clean set (if you are really pressed for time, get a gallon zip lock, put your used pump parts and put it in the fridge/freezer so that they are not collecting as much bacteria until you can wash them) - Make sure you get fitted correctly for the valve!
• http://amzn.to/2aHANVT
• http://amzn.to/2ab7qtc
• http://amzn.to/2ai3Im2

Working Mom’s Sanity Tools and Services:

• Nest Cam – our baby stayed home with a caretaker and before returning to work, we purchased several of these and watched (still do!) cameras all day. Nest cams are one of the best on the market. I love that you can zoom the in, hear audio well and set timers for them to turn on and off. You can also record for an extra fee.
• This is a great deal! http://amzn.to/2asd9kg
• Amazon Family/Prime – this was my true lifesaver. Everything that was time sensitive I subscribed to and was able to check to ensure we have enough (Diapers, Wipes, Diaper Cream, Medicine, Formula (when we needed supplementation), Pouches and Puffs (when we hit the solids stage). They also give you deeper discounts than others - for example, diapers are 20% off! fiIt really kept me sane. We never had time to go to the store between working full time and laundry, cleaning and other errands. Same day delivery means if we don’t have enough bottles, blankets, whatever else, it’s there faster than most other delivery services. I’ve found that Diapers.com and Walmart still can’t beat out most Amazon prices, and continue to use it.
• http://amzn.to/2aqVI21
• Food Delivery Service – if you can afford it. Do it, at least for the first 3 months until you get into a good groove. Yes, it is more expensive than a local store, but on par with Whole Foods/Trader Joe. Not to mention, everything is delivered to your door. We like Fresh direct but Amazon Fresh is starting to look promising. We ordered a lot of Heat and Eat types of dishes to avoid unhealthy pizza deliveries.

Whatever your reason for returning to work, stay strong, it does get easier with time. Let us know – what’s in your Mommy Workbag? What keeps you sane?


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Diaper Bag Essentials

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Did you ever have that one day that you thought you have everything you need in your diaper bag and then realized that ONE thing missing that would have been so helpful?

Broken out into three categories: Infant, Toddler and Preschooler are what I’ve had in my diaper bag throughout the years.

Newborn/Infant Diaper Bag:

• Wipes
• Diapers (1 for every 2 hrs)
• Diaper Rash cream: http://amzn.to/29hGM1A
• Changing pad/clutch: http://amzn.to/29ummGP
• Muslin Blanket: http://amzn.to/29hGDLA
• super versatile - use it for covering the stroller from the sun, as a swaddle, breastfeeding cover
• Extra baby bottle
• Bibs/Burp cloth: http://amzn.to/29OGrFA
• best coverage and ultra soft! my favorite
• Hand sanitizer: http://amzn.to/29OGf9h
• Change of clothes (include extra socks, mittens, hat, shirt, onsie, footsie)
• Fleece blanket: http://amzn.to/29hHGej
• love this brand!
• 2 extra pacifiers (if used): http://amzn.to/29hI1Oa and http://amzn.to/29hHtrJ
• Mam and Avent are the most preferred by moms I polled
• Pacifier holder: http://amzn.to/29hHtrJ
• Bottle of water - just in case you cant find running water to rinse off a paci or bottle
• Formula (powder or ready feed)
• Ice pack: http://amzn.to/29wQUcJ
• Cooler or Backpack with Cooler which is what we always used: http://amzn.to/29qFvZH

1+ Toddler Diaper Bag:

• Sippy Cup: http://amzn.to/29OHLIw
• Change of clothes
• Disposable Bibs http://amzn.to/29OHUM4
• Disposable place mats: http://amzn.to/29hJiVr
• Pouch handles: http://amzn.to/29OJOfm
• Bibs (soft): http://amzn.to/29OGrFA
• Bibs (solids): http://amzn.to/29OJEF7
• at this age, I brought two types in case we ate something super mess
• Happybabby puffs: http://amzn.to/29upuCu
• Organic Yogurt Melts: http://amzn.to/29hKtnP
• Pack of tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Phone stand: http://amzn.to/29idKE0
• for meltdowns at restaurants we guiltily admit putting a phone in front of our kid
• Diapers/Pull Ups
• Wipes
• Changing pad
• Coloring Book and Triangular Crayons: http://amzn.to/29hLzA8
• We had one in our back since she turned 1. It keeps her occupied and rectangular crayons don’t roll off the table. Win Win
• Backpack for a beginning walker with harness: http://amzn.to/29hL8pr
• We loved our Brica - its a regular back pack with a “leash” which we used at amusement parks, aquariums, airports - its piece of mind in case your child doesn’t want to hold your hand

2+ Preschooler Diaper Bag:

Everything in the toddler bag +

• Wet bag or zip locks for accidents: http://amzn.to/29OLoOJ
• Extra Underwear if potty training - because accidents will happen
• Change of clothes for said accidents
• Toilet seat covers: http://amzn.to/29ies47
• Travel Potty: http://amzn.to/29hMyAb
• Travel Toilet Adapter: http://amzn.to/29wU1kL
• its bulky but it doesn’t pinch or slide around. Worth the extra tote bag!
• On the Go WOW - color with water: http://amzn.to/29qIkdr
• This is such a brilliant idea. You fill the pen with water so there’s no mess, water makes color appear. Then it dries black and white and you start all over again.
• Grab and Go activity pack: http://amzn.to/295wGpm
• I always have at least 1 in my diaper bag. Not every place gives a child crayons and a coloring book so I always keep this handy to occupy my little one. Doctor visit, restaurant, anywhere really.

For more On The Go toys - check out our next post - coming soon!


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Trikes, Bikes and Cars!

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It's fun to move away from the typical stroller and get a push trike, bike or car.

Below are our top pics:

Best Trike: 1yr+ http://amzn.to/294YicG
- Grows with your child and is super comfy! A huge hit at our local park

Best Bike: 2yr+ http://amzn.to/28Y5iVr
- Amazing for a child learning. Everything is adjustable and the parent can help steer

Best Push Car: 1yr+ http://amzn.to/2a35EMB
- Another huge hit! Comes with a cup holder and a little storage bin for toys

Best Scooter: 2yr+ http://amzn.to/298Fzzc
- Best scooter on the market! Easy to use, lightweight

Best Scooter: 4yr+ http://amzn.to/2918l00
- Same brand but taller and higher weight requirement

It's very important that your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Below are some of our favorites:

Helmet: http://amzn.to/29kTQoF
- This brand is truly the best. Durable, lightweight and cushioned helmet.

Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Pads: http://amzn.to/2953YDB

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