Kids' Essentials - Like many of you, I am a busy parent. Busy might actually be an understatement! My husband and I have two little girls, Auden (6) and Isla(4), and the older they get, the busier we get.
As with most growing kids, they are also extremely hard on equipment and we've become quite familiar with "product testing" aka "let's see how long this thing will last". We've learned about what works, what stands the test of time, and the things you just don't need.
As a result of said equipment testing, I've gathered a list of essentials we have and what has stood the test of the toddler and the wrath of the wee ones. These things are what I cannot and will not do without!
Let's get started!
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The Kids' Essentials - Eating and Drinking
The Yeti Rambler Jr.
First up, the kid's yeti rambler. We have used these little gems for years. I have seen my children launch them out of our car and watched these armored bottles bounce down a parking lot and not even have a scratch. These are the only water bottles I buy.
We have had some of ours for almost five years. It's the OG kid's water bottle. If you don't have one, get one!
RE-PLAY Dining Set
I absolutely love RE-PLAY. This kid essential is made in the USA, made from recycled milk jugs, BPA-free, and virtually indestructible. No lie, we have had the same set since my eldest was 4 months old and begin eating solid foods. She'll be 7 years old in a month.
Also, these fantastic sets microwave and are dishwasher safe.
Kids' Essential - Messy Situations
Miss Mouths Messy Eater
Moving on with our list of essentials, if you have kids, you have kids that can make a mess of their clothes. Personally, I believe the more color a food has, the higher the probability that it will get smashed into a t-shirt or a brand new pair of shorts. I'm pretty sure this is proven scientific fact.
That's where Miss Mouths Messy Eater comes in. This stuff is pure magic. There is no scent, no weird texture or stickiness and it gets even the toughest stains out of clothes. I've removed raspberries from a white t-shirt without any issue at all.
Mattress Protectors
Moving into the nitty gritty of parenting, another kids' essential I will not go without is a mattress protector. I have them on every single bed in our house and I keep backups just in case.
If someone spills a glass of chocolate milk, the mattress isn't a loss. And, horrors of all horrors, if someone yacks in bed (it'll happen), once again, the mattress is safe.
Kids' Essentials - Entertainment
Apple IPad
I know, I know. Screen time bad. But, there are days where you just need to get things done. I limit screen time on the IPad for sure, but I do rely on my trusty little buddy from time to time to get some much needed work taken care of.
And, IPads aren't all bad. For example, my eldest uses a tablet in school for various legitimate educational purposes and has homework apps she uses that make this tablet a multi-purpose hero.
Crayola Stow & Go Studio
Next on my list of kids' essentials is this Stow and Go Studio. The case comes with mess free markers and the special paper that only these markers show up on.
We go one further and load it up with crayons and coloring sheets. It opens for easy access, snaps closed, and also functions as a coloring/drawing surface.
We keep ours in the car, they go to church with us, and if we are in an appointment I know will last for awhile, the Stow and Go tags along.
Kids' Essentials - Travel
Car Kick Mats with Storage
Like many of you, we travel a lot in the car with the kids. This kids' essential not only protects the back of your seats from the impending doom that is their kicking feet, but also helps keep all of their travel needs organized.
This particular version even has a spot for and IPad or a tablet!
Kids' Essentials - Dirty Kids with Tangled Hairs
Megababe Space Bar
Kids smell bad. That's just the nature of the beast. And, when they start to get a little older, they smell reallllly bad. This essential is a game changer for kid smell/body odor.
The Megababe Space Bar is so good that I use it myself. You definitely need this in your arsenal - for your kids, for yourself, and for the whole family!
Philips Sonicare for Kids
Brushing teeth in my house can be a battle, especially for my youngest. This kids' essentials toothbrush is so good, but yet so gentle that the battles easily become a non-issue. We've had the current handles for two years and they are still going strong.
We replace the heads every 3 months with these brush heads because they are designed to fit their smaller mouths.
And, let's not forget the cool stickers the brushes come with. Everyone loves a good customization option!
The Famous Wet Brush
If you have children with unruly, tangle-prone hair, you need this brush. The Wet Brush is a non-negotiable essential. The design allows for ease of brushing that is unparalleled to anything I've ever used.
My kids won't let me get near them with anything else, I use them, and we even have a back up supply just in case we break one. Try them now and never use anything else!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! And, as always, if you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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