Best of Brands: Choosing a Sippy Cup

Much like soothers and bottle styles, children have distinct preferences when it comes to sippy cups. It could be the flow, the way the cup is weighted, how the shape fits in their hands, or just the design! At anywhere from $3-$12 per cup, you don’t want to go through too many before finding the right style. Once you do, you know there’s a risk that they go missing, so you’ll need a few. We’re talking a sizable investment! To help you figure out what style might work for your little one, we’ve looked at 4 different styles of cup on the market. We’ll give you some pros and cons, along with some signs that this might be the cup for you.

Fat with handles

Most starter sippy cups are of this chubby variety with two handles. The grips help your little one balance the liquid as they aim for their mouths, and the shorter style limits the content weight. Generally the spout has a lower flow, occasionally with a stopper that can be removed, allowing you to control the force required to get the liquid.

Pro: These cups are made by a variety of companies and are readily available. They are inexpensive and can come with a softer spout, allowing babies to easily learn the mechanics.

Con: Cups with handles can sometimes be seen as toys. This can lead to loud banging and more spills than actual drink training.

Long and lean

Usually reading 9+ months, these taller and more slender cups require a little more strength and control. There are many brands than make these cups with spouts that are soft or hard plastic. Many allow you to control the speed or lock the top entirely for easier transport.

Pro: Fun designs for your child’s growing taste.

Con: Less flow control means sometime junior spills more than he consumes at first. Very gender specific patterns and colours are just about all that's available in this size.

 

With a straw

 If your little one has struggled with the spout, or just seems to dislike it, give a straw a try. Although these styles are generally targeted for 12+ months, many come in short, low flow, and two-handle varieties.  

Pro: Since your little one wraps their entire mouth around the straw, the liquid is more likely to make it in their face than their laps.

Con: If baby is used to tipping a cup up to drink, they may get confused with this at first and not drink well. Try it at home until they get the program before sending it to daycare.

Cup without spout

Newer to the market are cups without a spout at all. They look just like a normal glass and work by having small sipping holes lightly capped with a layer of flexible silicone. Personally, I think they are amazing. They are manageable for a younger baby (my son got one at 11 months), but are also a fantastic transition to lidless tableware for later on. 

Pro: The style makes it a lot more spill-proof than some other varieties and the cup can be used without a lid later.

Con: These cups are a little harder to find, and definitely pricier. The colours are loud, and I wonder about the ease of keeping the lid clean long term.

On the topic of keeping your sippy cup clean - like bottles, they should be periodically sanitized. Be sure to read instructions before putting one in a microwave sanitizer or boiling. Even if you're on top of keeping them clean, cups don't last forever. The combination of water, warm temperatures, mouth bacteria, and occasionally fruit juice sugars... the plastic can break down and form mold in ridges or stoppers. Time for a new cup!

Best of Brands - Baby Thermometers

There are few things scarier to a new mom than when her baby has a fever. Is it because of teething? Is he sick? Was it her shots? Is it serious? PANIC! That's why, when it comes to taking baby's temperature, it had better be easy and it had better work. You can always use your wrist or your lips to get a primary gauge of the situation, but if junior is warm, it's time to break out the equipment. There are a few different style of thermometer, and each have their pros and cons. Here are a few I've tried, along with some new technology that I'm excited to look into!

This model sells for around $8

Oral Thermometer - $8 to $25

This model is a step up from the classic mercury model you worried about being inserted into the wrong end as a child. It is simple, and effective, if you can make your child sit still. Taking a baby's temperature under their tongue, by holding it under their arm pit, or -ahem- that other way, is difficult, especially if your child is mobile. This also means it might not be the most accurate method when it really counts. Still, because they are cheap, portable, and work most of the time, it's not a bad idea to have one in your diaper bag.

Model Shown $38.77 at Walmart

Ear Thermometer - $30 to $90

These things are quick and accurate. Your son or daughter might not like it, but it's over with so fast, that they don't have enough time to protest before you have an accurate temperature. They have a lot of features, as well. Most give readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit, allow you to record previous readings, and glow red to indicate a fever. They are a bit bulky, however. It's not exactly the kind of thing you want to add to your already-stuffed bag. Plus, the battery power does have a tendency to drain quickly, depending on the price point of your unit. Especially if a certain baby thinks the beep is funny, and plays with it during a diaper change. Sigh.

Model Shown $12.97 at Walmart

Pacifier thermometer - approximately $15

If your baby takes a soother, you might be inclined to choose this (seemingly convenient) method. There isn't a large selection in terms of brands, but they are all small and easy to use, with a large temperature display, and a cover to keep it clean. Heck, it might even serve a back up if your normal pacifier got left at home! The problem is, children are picky. Just as not all bottles work for all latches, not all soother shapes please baby. My son didn't like this style, so I found it ultimately harder than the above two styles.

This model sold on Amazon for $5.99 +Shipping

Sticker thermometer - approx. $8 for 6

OK, I've never tried this style of thermometer, but they are so darn cute I just had to mention them! The ones pictured are called Fever Fish, and are just one style of measuring temperature by actually applying a sticker to your child's forehead. I'm not sure all children would like the idea of a sticker on their face, I have a hard enough time keeping a hat on my son, but maybe school aged children would enjoy it, especially if it was a character or animal they liked. The same sort of idea as branded bandages.

What's your favorite way to take take baby's temperature? Have any comforting sick day tricks? We want to hear about it! Join the discussion on Facebook!

Best of Brands: Disposable Diapers

Diapers, believe it or not, are a very controversial topic. Much like breastfeeding, people strongly hold their position for a number of reasons. You have to consider the cost, sustainability, quality, and many other concerns when deciding whether cloth or disposable (or a combination) makes the most sense for your family. Once you've made that decision, it doesn't get much easier. There are dozens of competing brands and each one offers multiple variations on their products! Not to mention, you have a growing, living thing - the style and cut that fits your stationary newborn might no longer work for your active crawler!  

For those of you using or considering disposables, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your diapers. I'll touch on some aspects that matter for the big two, Pampers and Huggies, mentioning the store brands now and again. The discussion might help you "pick a side" so to speak, and give you a hint when it's your diaper and not your baby that is the problem. 

Cost

The price of diapers is one of the most confusing variables of the first year. On top of the difference in cost between brand names and store to store pricing, the actual numerical size of your diaper impacts the per diaper cost. I will use a Pampers Swaddlers "Giant Pack" at Walmart as an example. This chart shows, $39.97 a box means a huge range of price per piece:

As you can see, as your baby grows, so too does the cost of diapers. Fewer fit in the box. But it gets more complicated than that... If you've ever heard about sight line marketing, you know that the products a store most profits from are right at eye level. Diapers are the same. Pampers Swaddlers in the "Economy Pack" is located on the very bottom shelf and on a later page online. They sell for $33.87, despite there being more in the box. 186 in the size 2 box. Yes, 54 more diapers for $6.10 less, taking the price per piece down to .18 each.

Shape

The more I talk to other moms about their diaper choice (it does come up), the more apparent becomes the importance of shape above all else. A well fitting diaper lasts longer because there is less fear of leaking or other diaper problems (like tearing during crawling or bunching during sleeping). Pampers has a tendency to fit higher up the back, and slightly tighter on the legs for a lean baby. Huggies is a more compact shape with bigger leg holes. You might have to try it for yourself, so get a sample or one from a friend before buying the bulk sized box. Don't forget your local store brand, if they are on sale. You might be surprised! A friend of mine found that the only thing that ended her daughter's poo-spolsions was the now defunct Target Up-and-up brand! The search begins again...

Scent

Some diapers seem to smell differently than others, and that factor plays a role in the brand a family prefers. I have often been told that Pampers has a very faint floral or powder like fragrance that Huggies does not. I agree, and I like that. Much of what happens in there isn't very nicely scented, so why not? If you like the cut, but are worried about irritation, almost all brands (including Pampers) make organic and/or sensitive versions of their products.

Absorbency

When it comes to long outings and night time, absorbency is the key. A lot of brands have special variations with an extra layer for extended use, for which they charge a premium. They might be branded as overnight, since arguably that's the longest junior spends in one diaper, but they are perfect for long car rides and other outings where a quick change isn't ideal.  Keep in mind, if your little one is constantly leaking, your problem might be shape, as previously discussed, or even size. If you went up too soon, or long over due, the fit will cause trouble.

Final Thoughts...

If you were lucky enough to have a diaper shower, you've probably had enough trial and error to know what works for your baby. If not, be experimental early on, while it's still cost effective to buy smaller packs and your baby is less mobile. Otherwise, clip coupons and always stock up when they are on sale. Buy a size ahead if the price is right! If you're brave and spot a deal, use your bargain brand on a few days while you're at home while you test their efficiency. There can be some, let's say "surprising" results. 

Best of Brands: Bum Creams

Of all of the perceived advantages of being a baby (frequent naps, being lovingly snuggled in to a stroller, etc), wearing a diaper isn't one of them.  Doing your, ahem, "business" in a fixed location strapped to your behind until someone else notices?  Yuck.  You do the best you can, but with shopping trips and over night, the diaper can be a scary place. I feel terrible when I find my son has a mess or has been wet too long.  Another side effect is the occasional rash due to a change in diet, moisture, teething, or a myriad of other, sometimes mysterious, reasons.

But it's not just junior that suffers when a bum cream is in order.  Someone has to buy it and smear it on there. Facing a whole shelf of pastes, gels, and ointments with various pros and cons, we decided to get to the bottom of diaper creams.  We surveyed several moms and dads, in addition to trying them ourselves, and we have a review of some of the biggest brands out there. A dozen products were put through the ringer, and today we bring you the top 4 (in no particular order); two extra thick/heavy duty and two medium-thick/spreadable.

So, how did we decide how to rank our various products?  First we asked what you looked for while perusing the baby section.  Other than effectiveness of the treatment (duh), the most common virtues people were after were the ease of application/ texture (thickness mattered a great deal), smell (or lack there of), and cost.  As expected, no consensus was reached as to the very best kind, but the reasons they chose their faves will help you decide what's best for your tiny tush. The prices listed were taken from Walmart, simply as a point of comparison.

Penaten (paste in tin 166g, $8.46)
This seems to be the classic diaper cream, and it's my husband's favourite. We received 3 as presents at our shower, so that demonstrates the trusted nature of the brand name. People describe the smell as slightly medicinal and I would add "plastic."  It goes on incredibly thick and leaves quite the residue - so, not ideal for cloth diapering. I find the film off-putting on my own hands, but it is certainly effective as a barrier and treatment.  It received far more pros than cons for baby, if mom can deal with the mess and the scent.

Aveeno (cream in tube 105g, $6.97)

For babies with sensitive skin, Aveeno is often a good choice. With natural ingredients and hypo-allergenic formula, this product also ranked highly.  The cream is scent-free and very thick like Penaten.  While it seems to leave less residue, it also seems to provide less benefit than its traditional counterpart. Due to the slightly higher price tag, this product falls behind the competition.

Live Clean Baby (cream in tube 75g, $5.96)

This lesser known brand is my go-to and ranked number one with another of our moms. The smell is fresh, in the vein of clean laundry.  Very mild, but pleasant. It applies very easily, as it has a medium-thick texture, and leaves minimal residue on hands.  Because of this, I feel it is easier to spread one-handed and much easier to clean up. Our reviewer also mentioned how well this product absorbs, leaving little one's skin less sticky.

Sudocrem (cream in jar 125g, $7.47)

With international recommendations and over half our surveyed counting it among their faves, Sudocrem has a following of its own.  The smell is light and faintly sweet, not at all chemical.  It also has that medium-thick density that makes it easy to spread and tidy up after.  I find the plastic pot format a little tricky, but it travels well and stands out from the many tubes you end up accumulating. 

Other favourites included Desatin and Zincofax, both for their thickness and mild scent.  In the end, they all do the job for mild irritations and it's up to you what you like.  Obtain samples where you can, or buy a few travel sized ones before you commit.  If you choose wrong, you're not out a great deal and there's far less waste. Plus you can always refill those little jars for a more diaper bag friendly size!

If your diaper rash is not getting better, getting worse, or bleeding, seek medical attention. A professional can tell you if the problem is yeast related or due to an allergy, and offer other helpful information!

Best of Brands: Bottles

When I was pregnant, I gave bottles no thought at all.  I was convinced I would be breastfeeding and wouldn't need very many.  Due to my son's latch, stress, and a host of other reasons, we decided as a family that he would be better served with a full belly and a sane mommy.  I don't regret it, but I can tell you that it was an amazingly difficult decision.

Now thriving on formula, I had to invest some time in to finding, sanitizing, and stocking all the bottles I had been gifted at my shower and given as samples.  As time progressed, I realized that having a few extra on hand wouldn't be a bad thing either.  By 2 months in, I owned eight different brands of bottles with different advantages, disadvantages, and price points attached.  Yes, eight.

I can tell you, not all brands are created equal.  One brand, despite a hefty price tag, was so unusable it was thrown out within weeks.  Another inexpensive bottle was fine, but seemed to take forever for my little one to drain.  His frustration made it not worth using. Here are some of my thoughts on the five brands that ended up in our rotation. I have taken the prices from Walmart.ca and I have used a scale of 5 diapers to consider the value, ease of use, and overall experience, with 5 being the highest ranking.  As ordered above:

AVENT 4oz BPA Free Natural Polypropylene (2-Pack $19.97):
This bottle was given to me as a sample, and honestly, I think it is over priced.  In my experience, it was the most difficult to latch, to clean, and to heat.  The lid attachment is almost as big as the storage, making it awkward to hold, but very balanced so it does not tip over easily.  It is a solid product, so it would survive a lot of reuse, but it is not my cup of tea.

Playtex Drop-Ins Premium Nurser (2-Pack $9.97 not including replacement liners):
This system is classic, and boasts a major advantage that no other bottle on this list can - contractible bag liners that minimize gas and spit up.  Feeding-wise, they are great and I did notice a difference.  However, the liners are an additional expense and are not available as readily as I thought.  They also cannot be heated in my bottle warmer at home, but heat more quickly when out and using a mug and hot water.

NUK Nature Silicone Wide-Neck Bottle 5oz ($5.94 each):
This bottle provided the best latch for my little one when he was first starting on bottles. This was not as much of a factor later on, but it was an advantage.  The size is good, it heated well, and was an overall decent product.  The only problem here is; there is nothing particularly special about this brand to merit the slightly higher price.  If you get it as a gift, wonderful, but I wouldn't spend my pennies.

Gerber First Essentials Bottle 5oz (3-Pack $3.99):
For many, Gerber means "baby" and there's a reason why.  These bottles are inexpensive, easy to clean, and heat evenly.  They even have replacement nipples if you don't want to replace your whole set.  This plus, however, results in the only negative I can say for the product; since the nipple snaps out, it can come slightly askew and leak.  That means lost formula and an even messier baby.

Parent's Choice 8oz (3-Pack $3.97):
I was surprised to learn that this is Walmart's own house brand as I was extremely impressed with this bottle and it is the product of which we have subsequently bought the most.  It is the nicest to look at, with great colours and designs, it comes apart easily for washing, and it heats well whether you have 2oz left or a completely full serving.  Best of all: it is the only brand discussed here that has never leaked. It is a high value for the price.