Identifying the baby must-haves
The market offers a wide range of contraptions and devices to help parents care for their children. What is the best option when there are so many? The writer shares her experiences with various types of nasal aspirators, diaper cloth locks, and airtight milk storage containers.
Babies, who are often regarded as the most precious beings, are delicate and fragile.
Parents have always prepared for their children’s wellbeing from the moment they are conceived until they are grown.
There will be a lot of preparation for the bundle of joy before a woman gives birth.
How many clothes do they need? How many socks are required? Do they need more than three milk bottles?
Aside from these standard purchases, contraptions to aid in the care of the child are also obtained.
Typical examples of such devices include a silicone toothbrush, nail clipper, and nail trimmer.
Some parents would also prepare a nasal aspirator, cloth diaper pins, and a milk storage container.
However, there are several of the latter three on the market — each can benefit parents — but how far can it help?
As a mother of three, I’ve explored most baby store shelves and online shopping platforms for the best items that will help me. I also like going to pharmacies to look for various devices that can be useful.
I believe that using a variety of tools makes things simple and hassle-free. Children are unpredictable.
Thus, as a mother, the more help I have, the less difficult the situation can become.
Three devices that I’ve experienced varied versions of on the market include a nasal aspirator, cloth diaper pins, and milk storage container.
Nasal aspirator
A nasal aspirator is absolutely necessary. Previously, I used it to suck boogers out of my babies’ noses.
When my third child developed a runny nose, I realised how much I appreciated it.
If I did not suction her mucous, she would either cough it up, have heavy breathing, or have a blocked nose. In either case, she would not be at ease, especially while sleeping.
So, the nasal aspirator is a useful invention for mothers to use when their babies’ noses are stuffy.
I discovered two types in the market during one of my shopping trips. The first is the squeeze and release type. Another one calls for the parents to suction the mucous out.
I’ve tried them both. Each has pros and cons. The squeeze and release suction, which also known as a bulb syringe, does not produce maximal suction.
It is, however, easier to wash, clean, and dry. The nose cleaner that parents are required to suck, however, has better suction.
But washing and drying take a lot of time. I still have water trapped inside the pipe and have no idea how to get it out.
Nonetheless, I prefer using a nose cleaner with suction that I can control by sucking. As disgusting as it may sound, nose mucus does not pass through the pipe.
It also does a good job at accumulating snoots. What matters is that my baby gets enough sleep.
Cloth diaper pins
I’ve always been a fan of single-use diapers. My mother, however, would always suggest that I use lampin (cloth diapers) instead.
She often tells me how she would dress me in cloth diapers since they are more light and comfy. Washing can be a hassle, but anything for a comfortable bum is worth it.
Previously, parents would simply tie the cloth diaper into knots. It is ineffective because the knots can become loose.
For many years, safety pins have been used to help. They used to be pins with no plastic protection, which might be dangerous.
Thus, baby product manufacturers created safety pins with plastic protection to avoid any undesired poking. To me, it is still risky since the wrong move or assertion can hurt the child.
In recent years, I’ve seen similar safety pins in the form of diaper locks. It’s T-shaped, with sharp hooks on both ends. Its purpose is to keep the diaper together by securing the ends to the cloth.
Although this is a safer option, it can still get loose if not properly locked. The hooks are also sharp and may injure the baby if not properly kept.
In the end, I believe it all comes down to how cautious a parent can be. Parents can also choose not to use safety pins or diaper locks and stick to the conventional way.
Milk storage container
This airtight milk storage container is the one thing I regret dedicating my motherhood to.
When we go to baby stores, we are often lured to buy things that we believed would be useful, only to discover that they are much more of a hassle.
One of them is the milk storage container with the fancy locks and scoop hanger.
It may appear to be useful. However, after years of use, I’ve discovered that the good ol’ Tupperware container does the job better.
Cleaning this ‘innovative’, ‘modern’, and ‘useful’ milk storage container is tedious.
There are so many parts to clean. And if you consider skipping the cap, mould will be waiting.
The mechanism for the push-to-open/close button is in the cap. If a small amount of water gets into contact with it, it can become mouldy if not properly dried.
I was once horrified to discover that the milk powder I gave my toddler had a pungent rotting odour. To my surprise, it was due to the mould in the cap. I was upset.
This container, in my opinion, may benefit mothers who buy more than one container and have plenty of time to dry a washed one.
Those who prefer to use an airtight container can also purchase a multi-purpose cleaning brush that can reach into narrow spaces.
Otherwise, a regular milk powder storage container will suffice. Of course, make sure the container has an airtight seal to keep the contents fresh.
Meanwhile, the specialised air-tight storage container wins for being the easiest to close with just a push of a button.
In the case of a standard container, parents must ensure that all four sides are securely fastened.
During a baby’s meltdown, parents may rush through without carefully closing the container’s lid.
It all boils down to recognising our children’s needs
Not all modern gadgets are always beneficial. Only a chosen few are able to help.
What matters is the parents’ ability to make their children feel comfortable and well. Different methods will be used by some to help their little ones. There are no conflicting opinions when it comes to parenting.
The most important thing to remember is that our children are growing up in a healthy and happy environment.
