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21 Weird But Genius Things Moms Are Buying For Their Kids On Amazon
Weird can be very good — especially when talking about weird but genius things moms are buying for their kids on Amazon. These products, gadgets, and tools may look or seem unusual, but they also solve problems faced by many parents and help overcome common challenges and dilemmas that might seem familiar.
When you have young children, you never know when it's going to be helpful to dig into your bag of tricks and find innovative ways to encourage them to finish their veggies, use the potty, sit still for five minutes so that you can use the bathroom, or take the nap they so desperately need (but will never admit they need). There's no shame in asking for a little help, and these products were designed because you aren't alone — we all benefit from parenting help from time to time.
Embrace the weirdness of these products and you might just find bath time, mealtime, and every other time of the day much less stressful experiences. You'll love the ease and convenience they provide and your baby or toddler will even get a kick out them, too. And that alone means there's no better reason that these weird, genius products are worth a try.
1. A Food Grade Silicone Feeder That Teaches Babies To Eat By Themselves
Boon PULP Silicone Feeder, $6, Amazon
Babies and toddlers can learn to self-feed — and parents won't worry that they'll take in too much food at a time with the help of these silicone feeders. Insert veggies, fruits, and even frozen foods into the feeder and the interior stem forces the food up through feeder holes for your baby to eat. A baby-sized handle is perfect for little ones to grip and encourages independence, all while freeing up your hands to get more done. It's BPA-free and safe for the dishwasher as well.
2. A Bank That Eats Change And Helps Teach Toddlers About Saving Money
Onerbank Novelty Face Bank, $17, Amazon
If your toddler has suddenly taken an interest in collecting every penny they find around the house, you can use this as an opportunity to teach them about saving money — and this super weird, but fun coin-eating bank will help. Insert change into the bank's mouth and a heat sensor detects movement and prompts the bank to gobble it right up. The bank comes in four shades of blue and pink and operates on batteries. One reviewer writes: "I bought this for my 6 y.o. and he loves it!"
3. A Toddler Booster Seat That Turns Any 4-Legged Chair Into A Safe Booster
Kaboost Booster Seat, $40, Amazon
Never again worry about whether a booster seat will fit a particular chair. This portable booster seat alternative goes under any four-legged chair, from a kitchen chair to a dining room chair to a desk seat. This booster snaps onto chair legs and the rubberized legs keep the chair secure. When you're ready to take it to a restaurant or grandma's house, simply fold it in half. It's lightweight and compact, but so solid it can hold up to 300 pounds. The booster even adjusts to two heights and grows with your child.
One mom reviewer writes: "This is one of the best purchases I made when my kids were little ... My three Kaboosts are still in use today with my kids ranging from ages 3-10."
4. These Gentle Wipes Made Specifically For Your Baby's Sniffly Nose
Boogie Wipes, $10, Amazon
The next time your baby or toddler needs a tissue for their "boogers," know there's a better solution than irritating toilet paper and even many brands of tissues which can be harsh on sensitive skin. These gentle Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline and soothing aloe vera and chamomile. Just one wipe dissolves hard and soft mucus but also hydrates and nourishes skin so your baby's nose and cheeks won't become red and painful from all of that hard wiping.
5. These Kiddie Knee Pads For Crawlers Practicing On Hard Floors
HaloVa Baby Knee Pads (2 Pack), $7, Amazon
Before they really get a handle on walking, babies spend a lot of time crawling – and falling — on their knees. Make the experience a whole lot more comfortable, especially if you have hardwood floors or tile, with these cute baby knee pads, which are breathable, absorb sweat, and should fit babies up to 36 months old. They're made from high elastic sponge and you'll get two knee pads in one package.
"The knee pads are wonderful," one reviewer writes. "My baby is at the point where he crawls everywhere and I'm always worried he might [get] hurt ... these are perfect."
6. A Cruelty-Free Baby Brush And Chemical-Free Styling Balm For Fine Hairs
Hip Peas Wooden Baby Brush & Hair Styling Serum, $17, Amazon
"Babies don't actually need hair styling tools, right?" Consider those famous last words from a parent who has yet to try this wooden baby brush and hair styling serum. The brush has cruelty-free bristles and is ideal for sensitive scalps and fine hair. The styling balm holds braids, barrettes, and ponytails in place — or helps create adorable spiked styles. It also contains no parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, or phthalates. One reviewer writes: "This was perfect for our newborn's hair. It helped remove some of the crusties from birth and our newborn doesn't seem to even notice we are brushing her hair."
7. A Plush Whale That Plays 'Spa-Like' Ambient Noise
Gund Baby Sleepy Seas Lights and Soothing Sounds Whale Toy, $22, Amazon
Winner of both the 2014 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award and the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, this plush whale is so much more than a comforting stuffed animal: it's a relaxing spa for kids. This cuddly whale plays 30 minutes of soothing ambient sounds — perfect for getting children to sleep — and features a soft glowing night light in its belly. A touch-and-close fabric loop makes it easy to hang the toy outside of cribs as a safety precaution.
8. An Entire Blanket That Can Be Used For Teething
The First Years Star Teething Blanket, $8, Amazon
Since your baby is going to chew on everything anyway — including blankets — why not provide them with an entire teething blanket that's safe and soothing? This lightweight blanket is colorful, fun, and features a variety of textures to make inflamed gums feel a lot better. It has an attached loop that makes it simple to transport from place to place, and it can be washed by hand or in your machine.
One mom reviewer writes: "This teething blanket is great! My 7 month old teething son loves it. The different textured corners are perfect for little hands and mouths. My son loves the crinkly sounds it makes and it also has a horn/squeaker in one corner. It can be hung but I just give it to my son as is and he holds it and stuffs it in his mouth and face. Great purchase and would recommend to other moms!"
9. A Hooded Infant Towel With Silicone Tabs That Keep It In Place
Puj Hug Hands Free Hooded Infant Towel, $47, Amazon
All towels, even hooded towels for infants, aren't exactly known for staying in place, especially when you have a wiggly baby. But this hands-free hooded towel is genius: it has interlocking silicone tabs that secure around a baby's neck to keep them dry (and safe) while you attend to their after-bath needs. The thick towel is made from 100 percent cotton and the BPA- and PVC-free silicone part is machine washable. It's designed for newborns up to 2-year-old babies and most parents reviewing the product agree: it makes bathing that much easier.
10. A Shirt That Lets You Bond With Your Infant And Nurse In Private
Lalabu Soothe Shirt (XS-XXL), $75, Amazon
Taking baby-wearing to the next level, this soothe shirt is a comfy blend of spandex, polyester, and rayon, but you don't strap it on — you wear it. This shirt comes in six sizes and three colors, and features a cozy pouch that expands to comfortable carry your newborn without the fuss associated with straps and buckles. And here's the best part: while you're bonding with your baby, you can also breastfeed discreetly while wearing this shirt. You needn't wear a bra underneath the Soothe Shirt, and two fabric layers and a soft elastic band offer extra comfort and support. It's perfect for babies who weigh between 7 and 15 pounds.
11. A Monkey That Keeps Your Baby's Pacifier From Getting Lost
PullyPalz Pacifier Holder, $20, Amazon
Featured on Shark Tank, MoMo the Monkey is a pacifier holder that keeps your baby's pacifier within reach and prevents it from getting lost under the couch or in their toy box. It's compatible with most pacifier brands and can be attached to baby carriers, bouncers, strollers, and other devices. One mom reviewer says these toys are made from quality materials and that they keep her infant occupied on car trips.
"This toy has saved our car rides with my 6-month old!" she writes. "This offers a great distraction from being away from mom in the back seat. We use the Nuk pacifiers with the handles and they stay in securely."
12. A Hands-Free Bottle Feeding Solution That Frees You Up While You're Feeding Your Baby
The Beebo Free Hand Baby Bottle Holder, $30, Amazon
Another Shark Tank favorite, the Beebo finally provides a fool-proof, no-hands way for you to bottle feed your baby while reading a book, eating your own dinner, or checking email. This pediatrician-approved bottle holder — which is BPA-free — is worn over your shoulder, fits any bottle, and helps keep your baby in an upright feeding position.
One mom reviewer says it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right position for feeding, but that this is one amazing device for busy families: "This has been such a handy tool for not just me, but my family too. I can more easily join the table when feeding my son when the family eats dinner. My husband has liked a hand free for reading to my son and even something as simple as fielding the occasional phone call while still seamlessly continuing the feeding under his watchful eye."
13. A Bling Ring Teether That Keeps Your Baby Out Of Your Jewelry Box
Fred & Friends Baby Bling Teether, $12, Amazon
Babies love jewelry — especially when they're teething and every pretty item they put in their mouths is used to soothe aching gums. This baby bling teether isn't just adorable, it's also super practical. BPA-free and made from non-toxic plastic, it can be stored in the freezer and taken out whenever your little one needs relief from teething. It has an easy-to-hold handle and is top rack dishwasher safe. The next time your baby reaches for your necklace or ring, this baby bling teether will act as the perfect jewelry alternative.
14. Panda Bear Head Support That Keeps Your Toddler's Head In Place While Napping In The Car
NoBob Panda Car Seat Head Support, $30, Amazon
Countless parents can say they've caught their toddlers practically face down while napping on car trips. Worrying about your child's neck and back is no way to get safely from point A to point B, but this panda bear car seat head support will help keep toddlers comfy and ease your worries.
The soft, breathable strap fits over convertible car seats or high back booster seats. It has been crash-tested by a facility contracted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and each comes with a video that demonstrates how to install and adjust them.
One parent writes: "This thing is a lifesaver. My 2-year-old used to take 25-minute car naps and wake up really unhappy. We used the NoBob on our two-day drive and his naps were two hours each day. It's SO soft and I don't have to worry about it slipping down over his face, like some of the other options out there. Totally worth the investment!"
15. A Food Dispensing Tool For Babies Who Eat Puréed Meals On The Go
Munchkin Squeeze Baby Food Dispensing Spoon, $7, Amazon
One of the worst things about feeding your baby on the go is figuring out what to do with their food-soiled spoon after a meal. If your baby is eating puréed meals, this squeeze baby food dispensing spoon is the best solution possible — the portable BPA-free silicone feeding spoon holds 5 ounces of baby food and allows you to dispense every last drop, without dealing with the mess that usually follows. A cap keeps the spoon dry and sanitary in your purse or diaper bag and the feeding tip easily twists off for cleaning and adding more food.
16. This Stainless Steel Baby Bottle That's Eco-Friendly
thinkbaby Stainless Steel Baby Bottle, $10, Amazon
Believe it or not, stainless steel baby bottles are a thing — and are becoming more and more desirable. As we gain greater insight into some of the harmful chemicals and toxins present in plastics and other materials, a product like this 9-ounce stainless steel bottle — which comes with an anti-colic nipple and features measurement markings — is a refreshing change. It's BPA-, nitrosamines-, PVC-, lead-, and PET-free, so you can feel good about what your baby is ingesting and what you're putting back into the environment.
17. A Safe Stainless Steel Training Utensil Set That Includes A Knife
Vital Baby First Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, $13, Amazon
You bet it'll seem bizarre at first, but if you want to train your little one to use every utensil, this is one of the best toddler training cutlery sets around. This BPA-free stainless steel set includes a dishwasher and sterilizer-safe spoon, fork, and knife. Each is about six inches long and easy for small hands to grip.
One parent says she finds these a lot more useful than "dull" plastic utensils and that even the knife is surprisingly easy to use: "The handles are nice & big, so they're easy to hold on to. I started using these when the kids were each 18 mo or so. We've had this set in the drawer & in continual use for the past 2 1/2 years & they've held up well - washed in the dishwasher almost every time. We've introduced the knife to my son slowly & with supervision, but he is good with it & uses it appropriately."
18. An LED Bedside Lamp Designed So That It Won't Hurt Your Baby's Eyes
Fitiger Mini LED Night Light, $11, Amazon
This battery-powered LED night light has a cool cocoon-like design and a translucent lampshade that protects your baby's eyes from harsh light. Reviewers say they love how this lamp is portable, puts out enough light to allow you to see the room, but is never "overpowering." It has three light modes, a 360-degree rotating hood, and runs on a 18650 lithium battery. It's perfect for all of those late-night diaper changes when you fear too much bright light will stimulate your infant.
19. A Travel Baby Bottle Warmer That Heats Up Bottles In Seconds
Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer, $15, Amazon
Traveling in a car is not going to prove a viable excuse when your baby is demanding a warm bottle of breast milk or formula. And that's why this travel baby bottle warmer is such a lifesaver — it features a flexible heating band that conforms to bottles and heats them up seconds after you plug it into a car adapter outlet. It's designed to fit most bottles and car cup holders, and comes with a timer you can use to ensure your bottle is being properly and evenly heated.
20. Just Add Hot Water And This Bowl Keeps Baby Food Warm
Mozzbi Feeding Bowls, $10, Amazon
It can take babies a long time to finish one meal — and in that time, you may find yourself having to heat up their food repeatedly. This feeding bowl keeps baby food warm by simply pouring hot water into the plate's water chamber. The BPA- and phthalate-free bowl holds a good amount of food and has a wide base and no-slip design to keep toddlers from flipping it over. It's dishwasher safe, comes with a spoon, and can be purchased in blue or hot pink.
One parent says this bowl "serves its purpose perfectly." She adds: "I use it for feeding my daughter her baby cereal. She is just learning to eat so she takes a little while to get all the food down and this keeps the cereal warm for the entire feeding!"
21. A Play Mat So Sturdy It Can Withstand An Egg Dropping From 10 Feet In The Air
Baby Care Play Mat, $150, Amazon
This two-sided play mat is the size of a queen mattress and a place where babies and toddlers can safely play with toys and enjoy tummy time. Not only is it waterproof, but it's been tested in a unique way: an egg dropped from 10 feet above the mat failed to break upon contact. This makes it incredibly safe for a baby or toddler — it protects them from hard surfaces, and keeps their wrists and knees safe from crawling or falling injuries. This is the product you may think you don't need, but that more than 1,000 parents say was a great investment.
One mom reviewer writes: "Very supportive and comfortable for being on hands and knees playing with a baby. Better than the tile mats, which collect spit-up in the crevices (yuck!) and tempt curious babies to peel off and eat. The soft, mushy texture so far has not attracted my naughty cat's claws, unlike the harder texture of the foam tiles. We keep the soft polka-dot pattern up for the aesthetics but love being able to flip it over for playtime with cars on the road. A big winner!"
Romper may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Romper's editorial and sales departments.
