6 Reusable Products that Every Mom has to Have
As a new mom, I felt like I was given an opinion for every baby product under the sun. The best strollers, car seats, and breast pumps... the cutest onesies, teethers, and swaddles…
What I don’t feel like I really knew until I was in the thick of motherhood was how important it was to have products that make my life easier. Products that last. Products that I can feel at ease with knowing they align with my values. Those are the products that I wish I had been filled in on!
I’ve learned that re-usable products are far and away the most important products I’ve got in my mom tool belt. I’m talking about products that save money, time, AND the environment. Once I started using reusables I realized they aren’t just for the eco-devoted parents, many of them are essentials for all of us! Here are reusable products we at Zoolikins now cannot live without:
Wet Bags
I am now shocked to look back and realize that no one mentioned our #1 must-have item to me before entering motherhood - the wet bag. These life-saving bags are basically bags with a waterproof lining and a zipper closure that can hold anything. We like to have about 5 on hand so they can be designated for different places. One or two in the diaper bag or the car for dirty changes of clothing, swimming lessons, or to hold toys, another in the gym bag for sweaty clothes or with breast pump gear to hold wet pieces, and another around the house for beach or pool outings. You name it - this bag is an essential that you didn’t even know you needed. Say goodbye to plastic bags and hello to your new lifesaver.
Reusable Snack Bags
We hate thinking about how the plastic bags our moms used in our lunch boxes are currently sitting in a landfill somewhere -- and that’s why we love reusable snack bags. These lunchbox staples offer convenience, a solution to the plastic problem, and just plain cuteness. We also love using them to organize purses, diaper bags, toiletries or electronics when traveling..basically we’ll just let you know that they’ll turn you into a crazy bag lady. We recommend having at least 6 reusable bags in rotation - just throw them in your wash with your laundry and hang dry. Our favorites? The Bumkins reusable snack bags because they are easy to clean and mesh feel makes them a perfect fit for just about anywhere. We also love silicone Stasher bags because they’re transparent, a bit more heavy duty, and perfect for keeps snacks crisp and fresh! (especially refrigerated ones!)
Cloth Diapers
In a parent’s life there’s a moment we all dread -- running out of disposable diapers. Not only are the late-night store runs undesirable but the cost adds up! If you use disposables from birth to 3 years that will add up to around $2,445 -- compared to cloth which runs between $300-$700. That’s a BIG difference. We know cloth isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t think cloth is for you, having a couple of cloth diapers on hand for emergencies gives a mom some peace of mind. We offer a free cloth diapering class and free one-on-one consultations if you’d like to test the cloth waters.
Water bottle
We love reusable kids water bottles because they save us money, keep plastic out of landfills (since they largely don’t get recycled), and quench our thirst when we’re on the go -- but the real game changer is how much they save us time. These reusables cut down on the seemingly never ending dish washing. We love this stainless steel kids water bottle as an option for it’s leak proof lid, insulated double walls, protective bumper (for when it’s dropped), and lifetime warranty. (yes, even these kid sized ones!)
Straws
We all know that straws are a wasteful item and that they’re piling up in the ocean, but at the same time they can help prevent spills and ice hitting you in the face when you’re trying to enjoy a refreshing drink (we’ve been there). Reusable straws are an easy fix and a staple in eco-friendly homes. We like having stainless steel straws on hand in the kitchen, but also like silicone reusable straws (complete with a carrying case) in the diaper bag or in the car. This way we can all enjoy our drinks, prevent messes, save money, and the environment all at the same time.
Nursing pads
If you have decided that breastfeeding is for you, you will need nursing pads in your life. They are worn inside your bra to keep it dry and keep milk away from your clothing so you don’t have fun wet spots on your shirt. Although there are disposable nursing pads -- we came to love reusables for so many reasons. They’re healthier! They allow for better air circulation which is helpful with sore nipples and are free of dangerous super absorbant chemicals that would otherwise be against your skin. Plus, They also will save you money! The cost of a box of 60 disposables is around $10 while our nursing pads are $9.95 for 2 pairs and they come with a little waterproof zipper bag for on-the-go storage.