CheapTweet Blog

Today, we’re starting a new regular feature here on the CheapTweet blog: The Happy Hatchling, a monthly post about shopping for and saving on items for children.  We’ve enlisted mom and guest blogger Heather Ishak to share her experiences keeping her baby and her budget in line.

For this edition of the Happy Hatchling, Heather made a list of the top five items that help keep her baby happy and healthy when they leave the house.

Happy Hatchling Vol. 1: Taking Baby Out

1) Kiddopotamus Tiny Diner Placemat – comes in several colors (pictured)

YES! This product is the best! It is a must have if you enjoy taking your baby out to eat. You don’t have to clean the table surface or worry about what germs you baby is eating off of. Just plop it down and the suction cups keep it locked in place. It even has a roll that extends beyond the table to nicely collect food that falls off or is dropped. I don’t even worry about cleaning it at the restaurant I just roll it up and wash it at home.

2) JJ Cole Essentials Pacifier Pod – Cocoa Tree

You need one or two of these.  I always keep one on the car seat and one on the diaper bag and never leave the house without them filled. I like this one in particular because it has a Velcro opening that allows for easy one-handed access versus zippered holders, which require two hands to open.

3) The First Years BPA Free Suction Blue Bowl with Lid

Suction cups are a good thing.  Unfortunately, these bowls do not work with the Kiddopotamus, but we still use them all the time. We use them to pack snacks in the diaper bag and when visiting friends who don’t have high chairs we just suction the bowl to coffee tables, kitchen tables, floors, etc…

4) Floppy Seat Shopping Cart Cover (pictured)

We use this everywhere on shopping carts and over high chairs when eating out. Soft and plush, it has rings for a toy attachment and folds up into an easy carry-on bag. My baby is so comfortable in it that she often takes a nap on the extra-long shopping excursions. The black giraffe cover is $10 more than the blue or pink floppy seat because it folds into a more elegant looking purse.

5) Go Baby Outmat

This is an outdoor water-resistant blanket that folds into a bag that you can just keep stored in the trunk of your car.  I don’t have one, but I want one. Great for playtime outdoors or, in my case, Dad’s sporting events and football tailgating.

So, these are Heather’s top five must-haves for taking her baby out of the house. What are yours? We’d love to hear your opinion! Please share your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re shopping for your children – or someone else’s – be sure check out the great deals in the Toys R Us and Babies R Us CheapTweet Store.