You gals do not need me tell you moms are a creative bunch; moms see a problem and come up with a solution, and often those solutions are ones that we can all benefit from. For example, the other day I used one of my T-shirts and a Chip Clip as pants for my son after his diaper exploded, which I think we can agree is the height of creative, necessary innovation.
So, I rounded up six of my favorite inventions by moms, all designed to make your life as a mom a little less painful, and which are hopefully a bit more applicable to your everyday life than my T-shirt pants.
The Problem:
Sippy cups pretty much suck. They’re bulky and plastic-y and take up enormous amounts of space, and somehow, no matter how many hours of organization you put into your sippy-cup drawer, there are NEVER matching cups and tops. Not to mention the fact that Ariel is always in the dishwasher when you need her because MILK OUT OF ELSA DOESN’T TASTE THE SAME. Shall I go on?
The Solution:
Siliskin Straw Tops, which are silicone tops that stretch over almost any size glass for an airtight sippy cup. They’re also non-toxic and dishwasher safe, so basically your day just got a whole lot better.
The Problem:
You have to pump at work, but the last thing you want is Joe from down the hall accidentally walking in on a session.
The Solution:
A Back to Work Breastfeeding Kit from Milk It for new moms who are planning on pumping at work. It contains a door sign telling people the room’s in use, stickers so nobody gets your baby’s milk mixed up with the half and half, and two desk signs that let people who stop by know you’ll be back in twenty. Pretty much the cutest baby-shower gift ever.
The Problem:
Have you ever tried to hold a heavy toddler up to the sink while they took their time really soaping up and making sure every square inch of their hands was thoroughly washed and rewashed? Or ran for dear life to the bathroom after hearing a blood-curdling scream because your three year old couldn’t reach the water? If you said “yes,” you need this next invention.
The Solution:
The Aqueduck from Peachy is a portable faucet extender so your toddler can always wash their hands and brush their teeth on their own, a great way to build their confidence while giving you a break from “I want to do it ON MY OWN.”
The Problem:
Your aunt, who lives across the country, wants to send a nice gift but has no idea what a two year old is into (you got more mileage out of last year’s Taylor Swift CD). She wants it to be a surprise, but isn’t sure where to start.
The Solution:
Pinwheel, an adorable, easy-to-use app, lets you build wish lists for your kids from any store online, allowing your aunt to be a gift-giving hero while keeping your house totally free from unneeded items (well, the first part anyway).
The Problem:
You waste a bazillion plastic baggies on the kids’ snacks, and the guilt is slowly killing you.
The Solution:
Cupcake Good Lunch Snack Sacks from Ore’ Originals are fabric pouches that are reusable and easy to wash (just stick ’em in the washing machine). They’re flat enough you can throw them in your purse; plus, they’re pretty darn cute.
The Problem:
Your kids have been hard on your stroller—the handlebar wrap is coming off, it’s dirty, and you can’t figure out how to get the tire back on.
The Solution:
Stroller Spas, which are local shops owned by moms who are certified to service, repair, and detail your stroller. They use eco-friendly products and even offer rentals, in case you want to test out a different model or just need a double for the day.
More Life Hacks:
