Silly things
There are a LOT of pregnancy-baby-toddler products out there. After talking to experienced moms, they’ve told me that I really don’t need that much stuff, and I kinda don’t want to go too cray cray. I’d rather spend money on fun experiences than toys/random junk and am not a fan of clutter, anyway. That being said, that doesn’t mean I haven’t looked around. I’ve been trying to figure out what items we definitely need + a tentative list so we can start planning our registry. Along the way, I’ve discovered a lot of really silly things. Some silly things that I think are awesome, and other silly things that are just… silly.
Don’t get me wrong, if you own and live by a product I’m thinking is goofy, please enlighten me as I don’t own any of these products. I’m just talking about first glance and my bun-in-the-oven perspective, without any real life experience (yet) 🙂 So if I’m wrong and they’re actually worth getting, please let me know!
Silly things I think are silly
1. The nursing apron/robe/bib/circus tent.
Like I said, I apologize if you own and love one, but I think these are totally wild. I kind of get the point of not wanting to flash a restaurant your ta-tas, say, during a dinner out, but is it really necessary to cover them in crazy prints and make them as obvious as possible?? I think it draws more attention to what’s going on under there if anything. Of course I haven’t experienced breastfeeding, but I figure if I’m in the company of good family and friends, I can wear a cute, tasteful nursing top and get the baby situated without making a scene, or just step into another room or bedroom for a little while. NBD. But we shall see, I could totally change my mind and eventually own a ta-ta tent in every color.
2. Belly cast kit
A growing belly is a beautiful thing, however, I’m not sure I would like a sculpture of it in my house somewhere.
3. Pee Pee teepee
It even has an airplane on it!
I get the idea of not wanting to be sprayed… but a little decorative ornament to prevent it?
4. Peekaru
I’m all about baby-wearing, but the mock turtleneck takes it over the edge.
Silly things I think are awesome
1. Hooded towels
They obviously work the same as regular towels, but I love them… It’s right up there with hats with the ears on them. I think it’s the cutest thing ever.
2. The Snoogle pillow
I can’t live without it. Once I started sleeping with it, there was no turning back and it made my constant achy hip pain basically disappear.
3. Belly Cradle
It’s beyond strange-looking and right now, my belly is super high so I don’t need it at this point. In case it drops and needs support later on with the classes I teach, I’m thinking this might be a good option?
4. Home alcohol breast milk tester strips
Please don’t judge me for putting these on here, as I’m pretty sure you guys know I’m not an alchy. I have no prob whatsoever giving up alcohol while the little guy is doing his thang and growing strong 🙂 I definitely miss my weekly glass of red wine, though, and I have a feeling during the winter I’ll miss it even more. Many cultures have no prob with a glass or two of wine or a beer during pregnancy, but it’s something I personally don’t feel comfortable with.
A week or so after the little guy is born, I want a glass of red wine (and a spicy tuna roll!!) and having these things will help me make sure that a trace isn’t left in the milk afterwards.
What’s the weirdest baby/pregnancy product you’ve seen? Any *silly* items you ended up loving??
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I would really recommend checking out this youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZOIvMrsbQs
This video is specific to the nursing cover, but they have reviews and information on all kinds of baby products. You can also visit the different moms’ youtube channels and follow them through their pregnancy journeys to get tips and tricks from ladies experiencing the same things as you! Good luck!
LOL @ ta ta tent. They should call it that, lol. So funny.
How do people come up with this stuff?! 🙂
That Belly strap contraption torture device looking thing is effing terrifying!
But not as horrifying as a neon pink ta ta tent!
Peepee tee-pee?????? Hilarious! Those alcohol strips are a great idea : )
Thank god you said no to all these items and as a lactation educator I can say definitely that wearing a nursing apron just is like wearing a flashing neon sign that screams: I am doing something under here like flashing my breasts and you can’t see them but it’s going on b/c I am wearing this TENT! around me!!
What I tell women to do is practice nursing in front of a mirror. You will get so good at nursing that only a tiny bit of breast will show for just a tiny second. In the beginning, it’s a flesh fest. But you’re not nursing in public then anyway. As time goes on, it becomes 2nd nature. And the tent just adds to the “draw attention to yourself” factor. Most lactation consultants I know feel similarly.
And the alcohol testing? If a woman is drinking so much that this is a concern while she’s nursing, then she needs to evaluate both situations! My .02 on both matters but a glass, or two, of wine is not a biggie. Any more than that, yes. Simple rule of thumb, if you feel tipsy, your milk is tipsy. Don’t nurse. This isn’t rocket science 🙂
Oh girl, I don’t think anyone would judge you with the alcohol testing thing. 🙂 They make it for a reason! I think it’s called being responsible and realistic. 🙂
You are right on with all of those. I HATE any sort of nursing wrap. Once you get the swing of things its very easy to do discreetly even in public without any sort of distracting, uncomfortable wrap.
A boppy or snoogle pillow = MUST HAVE!
And I craved a glass of wine and some spicy tuna roll action after my B arrived too. So satisfying. And kind of saddening. I felt it after 1/4 of a glass. LOL
Hahaha…I’ve never seen that Peekaru, but I think it’s kind of cute!!!
The hooded towels are amazing, if you live in a colder climate, it really can keep them warm and cuddled up until they get dressed.
My sister bought a ‘leash’ for the youngest. I thought it was horrible, until I had my first going out experience with her… then I realized the need for it.
I love that you said this about the leash! My sister bought a monkey backpack for my niece (she’s 2) and the monkey’s tail is a long “leash” haha At first I was horrifed at it… until I took her out alone too! Now we don’t go out without it LOL!!
I needed a leash when I was a child. I was constantly wandering away from my parents. ^_^;
I had no idea they still sold leashes for kids! My mom had a few, since she had 3 or 4 kids running around. They later made great stuffed animal leashes 🙂 I still think the whole concept is hilarious, but probably very practical.
Agreed on everything haha. That apron bib THING is ridiculous.
You make me really want a snoogle. I honestly think if I bought one my boyfriend would steal it! Unfortunately I can’t find one in canada 🙁
As for the red wine, that’s awesome that you can test it like that! I would definitely be wanting a glass of wine after having a baby too!
I agree with you 100% on all of these except the nursing cover. I didn’t buy one ‘at first’ until I had a crazy baby who would randomly ‘pull off’ the breast and erratically feed. Let’s just say that exposing yourself to family members and strangers was not up there on my favorite things list. lol. So yes, I see your point, but if you have a ‘crazy nurser’ you will understand:)
Haha! I had a handful of crazy nursers! 😉
i also had a crazy little nurser that pulled off the breast and pulled every blanket off of me too! So this one around my neck helped to keep everything hidden! I also have just a plain black one, more discrete than the colors and patterns that are out there!
I actually picked up a second hand nursing cover and plan to use it in the beginning especially when visiting with family. I don’t want to feel uncomfortable or have to leave the room for 30 minutes at at time when I could be visiting with family. I cover I purchased is actually black and white with a simple pattern. Not too flashy. Since I am still pregnant (23 weeks) I guess I will have to wait and see how much I actually use it! I also feel it is useful for covering up my postpartum belly!
I think this is kinda silly, but I’d seceretly want to try one: http://www.pregnancystore.com/zaky.html
Also, I did have a nursing cover (perhaps not as printy wild), and felt like I was being modest rather than “trying to hide” what was going on. Perhaps my kiddos moved aruond more than others, but I had MANY instances of the ladies popping out and milk just coming out everywhere. (Babies do like to let go and turn their heads around when they so please). Trust me, the nursing cover is a LOT prettier than a milk-squirting boob, ha!!
Oh, and yes, covering the post-partum belly is a nice plus with the nursing covers…
Pashmina scarfs are the greatest nursing accessory! They are big they, are soft and they are cute. Baby is covered and you still look great!
Ooooh, i like this idea, genius!!!!!
Towels with the ears on them are my downfall. As soon as I see a baby in one, I immediately want a baby. It’s insane.
There are so many silly things that have been created for babies! It’s funny, the things I thought were super silly prior to actually having a baby are the things that I love most now! lol I also thought nursing wraps were really ridiculous! I thought if it were really necessary, I could just use a blanket or leave the room. Now, I find that I use it ALL the time! My son gets so distracted when we are out that he is always ‘off and on, off and on’ so my boobs are just hanging out there while he looks around. Thankfully, it’s not against the law or anything but I am just not comfortable being THAT exposed for extended periods! It’s better than using a blanket because he can’t pull it off due to the neck strap, which he tries ALL the time! There are also places that make it impossible to be discreet, don’t have a room for you to escape, or make it hard for the baby to relax……like the zoo! When we went to the zoo this summer, my wrap was our saving grace! I wore my son in a sling the whole day but there was so much daylight and so many things to look at that even when he was super hungry, he just couldn’t focus on the milk. When I put the wrap over us, he was able to settle down, look just at me rather than all the ‘goings on’ and nurse/nap without trouble! It was great and actually really surprised me! 🙂 Also, when I had my first baby (a girl) I was so afraid to get anything too girly because I knew we wanted more kids and what if we had a boy next? (Which we did!) I didn’t want to have to buy all new things, like car seats, diaper bags and such. SO a lot of things we purchased were gender neutral but after having the second baby there are some things that I realized have nothing to do with the sex of the baby….like diaper bags and nursing wraps for instance! I am the one carrying it or wearing it and if that is the only way I can get some pink or purple in my life…then so be it! LOL I have the cutest purple nursing wrap and I bought a super girly wetbag for cloth diapers! 🙂 There are more inconspicuous nursing wraps, but it makes me happy to have a pretty one so that’s why I like the colors! 😉
well said!
you probably already have, but if you haven’t, be sure to register at Zulily!! Daily deals on super sweet baby clothes, gear, momma wear, nursing wear, etc. and they almost always have an organic line on. I have saved boatloads while still feeding my shopping addiction 😉
Apron bib- Depends on the baby. My son never ever not even a single time nursed quietly and snuggled- He screamed and flailed, unlatched and squirmed like nobody’s business. So it was this or hide alone in a room! I chose social living and a nice toile pattern :). But yeah, if you have a calm child who nurses nicely, I think they’re unneccesary! And hooded towels- They are way cute! And my son really LIKES them on his head, which is better than him running from me, sopping wet, with a regular towel. It certainly didn’t become an issue until he was walking though ;). It IS a mess going through all the popular crazy stuff you don’t REALLY need! But you know what, you have yourself and that Ergo, so I think you can work around anything else :). (I missed that deal BTW! One of the downfalls of being on the east coast, I was in bed! Maybe they’ll do it again). Great post!
I love hooded towels! I am totally getting some 🙂 I think the nursing tents are weird. You can be pretty discreet just by… being discreet. just looks like you’re holding your baby. What do you think about nursing in public? I think it’s fine (you are feeding your child!) but it seems so taboo.
All of the comments were so interesting, since I don’t have any kids a lot of these things are very foreign to me.
my co worker did the belly cast and then painted it with a winney the poo design.. it was kinda cute, weird… i dont think i would do it, but who knows.. it does remind u of how much of a belly you got.. haha.
I don’t drink anyway, but I was worried about my kombucha while nursing! Lol! Seems a little alcohol is fine! 🙂
Those hood towels are great, lol, especially in the winter when you want their little wet head covered! Plus, my daughter hates when I towel off her head and the hood makes it easier. Fun post!
Totally agree that the belly cast is ridiculous. What the heck do you do with the stupid thing? Peepee teepee also ridiculous and doesn’t even work. I found that a simple folded baby washcloth worked great at protecting me from flying pee. Also absorbed anything that shot out. Alcohol stips..have to disagree with you there. They are ridiculous. Rule to follow is that if you feel buzzed your milk is spiked. If you feel fine your milk is fine. no need to pump and dump.
There is definitely a lot of useless baby crap on the market.
I bought the nursing apron and had the worst experience with it! It was with my first chld and I felt I had to have every product made for mothers and babies out there. The marketing people said so 🙂 Anyway I was new to bf’ing and my confidence level was very, very low. We were out to a restaurant with friends and my little one wanted to be fed. My friend insisted I nurse at the table but that’s not how I rolled back then so out to the car I went. I had hubby park on the side of the building in a very remote part on purpose in case I had to go feed the baby. So I am sitting there in the most remote, desolate part of the parking lot feeding when all of a sudden a bus pulls up and about a million people get out and all gawk at me. Who can blame them really. Probably wondering what I was doing sitting out there by myself with a stupid “Hey, Diddle, Diddle” printed cape on! I was reduced to tears and whipped it off. No matter that half my ta tas were likely showing since I was clumsy and awkward with the feedings back then. Nursing cape was promptly tossed in the trash and I never bothered trying to cover myself so dramatically after that. I am a discreet bf’er (just my own comfort level) and so I would after that go to a room where I felt more comfortable and eventually got comfortable enough to bf in front of others.
Oh another little tale. I bought one of the backpacks for kids that have a really long tail and are actually a harness but look kind of cute. While I was picking it out a gal about 16 walked by and quipped that if people can’t control their kids they have issues and shouldn’t leash them like dogs. I mustered all my strength not to go choke her. Bought it anyway. We ony used it a few times but I was happy to have used it when I did. Sometimes even the best behaved kids don’t always do what they are supposed to and if you are in a busy parking lot juggling packages and several small children, sometimes a “leash” might save their lives. Rather look like a bad parent than have an injured (or worse) child.
You will learn as you go what products are for you and which ones aren’t. Do what you feel is right and don’t worry about what others think. You guys are going to be great parents! 🙂
the nursing cover is handy for latching on — i take it off when she’s on. i found one for 8 on ebay which is worth it – i would not pay 40! i also think the alcohol strips are worthless. my ped said 1-2 drinks are fine – even drinking 1 while nursing is fine b/c it takes .02% of your bac — virtually nothing. if you can drive, you can nurse. i drink 1-2 times per week end ebf – it’s very safe if you are responsible.
I always just used a blanket rather than the “ta ta tent” – I think a lot depends on how “gifted” the Mom is. For Mom’s who are larger it is more difficult to be discreet. I do think though that the real issue is how weird people still are about breastfeeding in public in this country. I have nursed under a blanket in places like churches and restaurants and had people come up to me and offer the information that there is a bathroom if I would feel more “comfortable” there. Really? You want me to feed my baby in a germy bathroom? BTW – we aren’t talking bathrooms with nursing lounges. All babies over about 4 months turn nursing into some kind of wrestling match and I nursed each of my four kids for about 14-20 months so I have a lot of experience. Some of my kids nursed more quietly when covered and others kicked and wrestled with the cover – you’ll just have to see how it goes.
Hooded towels – too cute to pass up!
Pee Pee Tee Pees are ridiculous. I just bought a stack of baby washcloths and threw them over as I was peeling the diaper off. Works like a charm! The mock turtleneck baby wearer freaks me out a bit – I have an aversion to anything touching my neck. :/
Wow! Lots of opinions here!
I’m not pregnant yet, but I think the nursing covers can be very helpful. In the beginning, everything is new so it’s not a big deal. But after a while, getting up and going into a room by yourself every three hours is isolating. Or having to go out to your car to nurse privately. I think the nursing cover gives you the chance to be with everyone, without putting the girls on display. Your boobs become a lifeline for the baby, but that doesn’t mean that you want other people (like your guy friends, or your father in law) to see them. I don’t think it’s something you use all the time, but if you are somewhere all day, or if you have friends over all day, it might be nice to use!
As for the alcohol strips… I’ve never seen those. But knowledge is power! If they work, and you feel better knowing that your milk doesn’t have any traces of alcohol in it (I would!), then I say go for it!!!!
Hooded towels may seem silly, but they do have a purpose! Newborns cannot regulate their own temperature right away, so when they are bathed they tend to lose heat quickly. Where do they lose it the fastest? Their heads! So the hooded towels help lock in the heat while you are able to dry your sweet mini-Pilot off.
As for the nursing covers, I think they are a personal choice. If you choose to use one, there are plenty that have less cray-cray prints on them. If not, NBD. Some women love them, some women…not so much.
(I have no children, but I learned this while working at a baby store).
Ha ha. Love the list, especially the hooded towel…adorable! One thing that might be sort of silly but is nevertheless something I love including with baby shower gifts is Lamaze’s Mortimer the Moose (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2574128&searchURL=false). Maybe I’m partial because I think he’s so cute, but I have also gotten good feedback from the moms I have gotten him for. 🙂
I had purchased a very cool nursing wrap for a friend:
http://www.amazon.com/Eco-friendly-Maternity-Nursing-Poncho-Grunge/dp/B003JF3YD8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1312472644&sr=8-3
And the cool thing is that it’s fashionable, it doesn’t look like a nursing wrap and she’s still using it. Even though she hasn’t been nursing in 2 years.
The pee pee tee pees are just too light. A little pee flicks it off. Deafeats the purpose.
Here was my all time fav:
http://www.amazon.com/BABYBJ%C3%96RN-Babysitter-Balance-Organic-Walnut/dp/B002Q0Y8V4/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312472802&sr=1-1
It moves with the baby’s movements. We used it FOREVER! And you can just pull off the fabric wicked easily and wash it.
My friend has the tata tent – her’s is called a hooter hider and she loves it! She is able to stay in the room w us as we all visit and chat while her child breast feeds. I would not mind if she did not use the hooter hider as I see breast feeding as a normal way of life, but I know some of our friends are umcomfortable with it. Also, it is probably nice for when you have family over who came to see the new baby and do not want to be left in a room while you are breast feeding. I think the other things are very silly and useless, but you may like the hooter hider!
I think the pee-pee tee-pee is cute! No need for it this around (we’re having a girl) but I’d get it if #2 is a boy. Better safe that sorry!
I love those hooded towels!
Not gonna lie, if I ever have kids, and if they are boys, I will buy those peepee teepees.
OMG! I agree with the ridiculous stuff, especially the cover. I breastfed 2 children. All you need is a blanket or a towel or even a jacket to hide the ta-tas. BUT the alcohol tester is AWESOME! i NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THIS! I will have to get one for my sister who is due this month!
I also consulted my friends to find out what were truly useful things that I needed. Some of my favorite things:
1. Hooded towels were great.
2. We didn’t get the peepeeteepee but used a small washcloth for out little boy. We had many accidents before we realized we need to have a small washcloth on standby to ALWAYS use when changing him. Hubby got the worst of the accidents:)
3. Loved the WHOOZIT! toy. The side with the black and white was what we used as a focus point for Marcus. He would follow it from side to side.
4. I got a bunch of clothes from a garage sale (unisex – as we didn’t find out the sex of the baby) for a great deal and they were in great condition. The first 3 months sleepers were great, especially the ones with zippers. Marcus grew out of them so quickly so I am happy we didn’t spend a lot on them. We also were fortunate and received many as gifts. Sadly, he didn’t get to wear a lot of clothes he got as gifts that were in the 0-3 month size because I didn’t want to put him in anything that was too fussy or that would take too long for a tired mom to take on and off while changing baby.
5. ‘LOOK LOOK’ – a great book with contrasting colours – black, red & white. My little guy loved this book and we must’ve read it to him a hundred times.
Haha! That is so funny! I actually bought the Pee Pee TeePee for my friends. I couldn’t resist. It’s the silliest thing ever!
That belly cast thing is totally bizarre! Who would actually do that!?
Don’t buy the Pee Pee teepee. It’s useless, I tried them haha! My little guy is moving so much, it can’t stay in place. 🙂
Going against the grain, but I’m glad to have a hooter hider/udder cover/whateveryouwanttocallit. I hate using it, but when hanging out with my friends and our husbands, it just makes everyone more comfortable (and I live in a very pro-breastfeeding region with pro-breastfeeding friends). It is a pain in the ass, so when I don’t feel like using it, I will go to another room.
One thing that I thought was ridiculous was the video monitor. But, now that Bronwen is moving all over the place in her sleep, I’m considering getting one. She’s started rolling over in her sleep and I often find her sleeping on her stomach – I will feel more comfortable with that when she’s past the 6 month SIDS mark and when she can more easily roll back to her back. I check on her when she’s sleeping all the time now and it would be so much easier in the middle of the night if I had a video monitor so I wouldn’t have to get out of bed.
The alcohol test strips aren’t really necessary. Nursing after a glass of wine is NBD. The “rule” my LC told me was that if I’m okay to drive, I’m okay to nurse.
that’s so good to know
I thought the Trumpette socks (socks with fake shoes printed on them) were such a waste of money…but having a baby in chilly MN and a baby that is always cold…I grew to adore them! I found a couple 6 packs on Babysteals.com and get so many compliments…totally worth the $
Biggest waste for us was the swing…Baby hated it, wish I would have tested on a friends before getting one.
Haha! You will SO change your mind about the “tata tent.” We call them “Hooter Hiders” in our family. Though I’m totally in agreement that the wild colors and patterns are kind of embarassing. Luckily they’re really easy to make so you can choose your own fabric and maybe get a crafty friend or family member to help you out. But, seriously they make nursing in public so much easier and relaxed.
Belly casts? I don’t think I would have room for such a monstrosity. My belly was HUGE! How weird. And I could not stop laughing at the peekaroo! Too funny.
Most importantly, that bell support thing saved my life. Especially in the last month or two it really helped redistribute my weight and made my back ache a lot less.
I actually did wear the nursing cover. You will be surprised how fast the baby starts wiggling around and pulling off exposing your entire boob so being fully covered was great. Mine was solid black! And someone gave me the “pee pee tee pee” as a joke at a shower and I never used it but it looked cute on the changing table! 🙂
Most of those things I think are silly also, except for the tata tent. Mine is a hooter hider and it is black and not a crazy out there color. Once you start nursing you’ll find that you don’t want to be stuck in another room while everyone else is chatting and having a good time. Also, if your little guy cluster feeds (which boys are known for) you’ll pretty much be banished to the back room forever. It helps most with ventilation for your little one and helps you to help them latch on when there still little. if you use a blanket you’ll find that it gets very hot and sweaty when they feed. I know they look silly, but they are one of my number 1 must haves for a nursing baby!
I agree, most of the things are rediculous except for the “hooter hider.” I agree with Carrie, it’s a must have for a nursing mom! For the first 6 months, I used this all the time when we were out and about. When you are a new mom, you are not completely comfortable (or confident) nursing in public, because you are worried you will give everyone a peep show (or at least I was). Once you are more confident and when your baby starts to pull the cover off (my son thought it was a game of peekaboo having the cover over him), you will find you don’t need it. You can wear clothes that allow for easy nursing without exposing a thing, such as a nursing tank under a t-shirt.
A simple receiving blanket works a lot better than the ta ta tent!!
Speaking of nursing tops, have you heard of Milkface nursing tops? I am currently nursing my 3rd daughter and I literally LIVE in these tops. Check out how you access the boob http://www.milkface.com/detail.aspx?ID=47866 It is one of the few nursing tops that keeps your belly covered. They are stylish and last forever. They also help nurse very discreetly. I bought one with my first kid and within a week bought more-they are that awesome.