Boxy

 
I was reminded of this one while packing up a bunch of outgrown baby clothes this week (sniff). Taking a cue from Rookie Moms again as well as a tip from Baby Center, I've been putting all the boxes that come into our home to good use. Let me tell you--they are a big hit from a very young age. And your typical shipping box seems as exciting as a giant appliance box to a wee one. Good for crawling in and out of, playing with sand or trucks and probably things like coloring when they get a bit older. Really, when it comes to an old classic like this one, the possibilities are endless. I would love to hear what you're using your boxes for!

Toy Swap!

My baby tires of his toys faster than I can make money to buy new ones. So we're trying a month-long toy swap with another friend and let me tell you, it's a hit! So far, I've only pulled out two of the new toys and my baby is dragging them around the house day and night. I just hope he doesn't notice when they magically disappear in a month. Otherwise, this idea is a keeper. Make a note for the next rainy day: call a friend and arrange your own toy swap. (Bonus idea: Enclose a photo packing list in your basket, to make the swap-back easier on your mom friend).

Repurpose Your Pumps

After growing tired of wasting a ton of baby wash from the old squeeze bottle every night, I decided to (quite literally) take matters into my own hands. So, once my hand soap ran out I rinsed out the pump container and filled it up with the bath wash. Now I get the little pea size amount that I need each time without any trouble. I am loving this idea so much that I can hardly wait until I run out of hand soap again, so I can use the pump bottle to transfer my baby's yummy lotion. Hey, every little bit of convenience helps when you've got a wiggly, giggly ten-month-old, right?

This Shot Won't Hurt A Bit.

I remembered this idea during a recent visit to Chilli's. I wasn't even drinking (which is probably how I actually remembered). Have you seen their cute little desserts in shot glasses? I hear P.F. Changs has them too. Anyway, a while back my cousin Todd taught me the trick of letting your older babe sip their juice from a shot glass. They are just the perfect size for little hands. And really, think how much edgier your kid looks drinking from a shot glass, instead of a sippy cup. Your babe will probably love the novelty of it too. Or, immediately dump it out, as was the case with my 10-month-old. But at just an ounce at a time, who really cares?
Hey, remember those crazy days before you were a Mommy? Bet you will when you break out those old shotglasses!