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It would be unfair to say that parenting in the 21st century is easy, but technology has made it a whole lot easier.
And products made for babies keep getting more practical, often designed by bona fide parents who found little hacks to make things simpler.
We found a few items that might not be top priority (some with seriously silly names) but these might just make your life with baby a little less hard.
- Also see: Baby's first poo
Shittens
Wet wipes are pretty much the name of the game, and changing nappies is probably every parent's least favourite thing to, but it's got to be done.
Enter Shittens (yes, this is the actual name of the product).
Are they absolutely necessary? Definitely not but if the thought of getting poop on your hands really freaks you out, then you may want to try disposable moist mittens. Their tag line? "Cause poop is gross."
They go for $19.99 a pack and delivery to South Africa is possible.
The Portable Baby Bed
Sleep and babies are not a match made in heaven, and when you start travelling with baby, an appropriate place to lay your little one down isn't always on hand.
The Portable Baby Bed has been designed according to the shape of the uterus (yes, really) and guarantees that baby is not at risk of developing flat head syndrome, eases reflux, stops the baby from spitting up milk while feeding and significantly decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The bed technology also features an anti-rollover shaped pillow and adjusts to babies of all shapes and sizes.
The item is sold for $38.95 but is sadly not available to South Africans just yet.
Gyro Bowl
How much would you buy into the idea of a spill-proof bowl? The Gyro Bowl has set the bar quite high on expectations, promising that no matter how messy of an eater your baby or toddler is, the contents will not spill.
That goes for both solids and liquids.
It looks like something out of an old sci-fi movie, with an internal rotation mechanism that is meant to keep all contents inside the bowl at all times.
Sounds like a dream and costs between $7.99 and $14.80 and is available to South African parents online.
The Thumble
If you've ever had to trim a little baby's nails, you'll know just how genius The Thumble is.
The gadget is a hands-free nail file that comes with a set of disposable files and a tool that attaches to the thumb.
Gentle filing baby's soft nails replaces those scary scissors so no more anxiety and fear when it's time to cut those baby nails.
The product is suitable to use on newborns and costs £13.99. The company does deliver to South Africans but delivery costs will vary depending on your location.
The Beebo
Bottle feeding a baby gets tricky when you need to reach for an item, you're holding baby and a bottle, and no-one's there to assist.
The Beebo can be strapped onto the shoulder and the holder (which is able to rotate 360°) keeps the bottle in place allowing you to read to your baby or hold their hand, or even eat at the table with the family.
South African parents can purchase it online for $29.99.
- Also see: How to baby-proof your home
Baby Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks
Baby proofing is another unfun but a non-negotiable activity, especially when baby starts crawling around and exploring their home.
Baby Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks simplifies the process with its no-tools-required technology.
The product comes with magnet locks and keys and is best used on draws and cupboard doors.
The lock magnet is attached by a strong adhesive and placed inside of the item you want to baby-proof, and the key, which is also a magnet and looks like a doorknob, should be kept out of reach for your toddler.
South Africans can purchase the Baby Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks online for $17.99.
Also see: How bath time changes as your baby develops
4aKid Shampoo Cap
Washing a baby's hair can be more daunting for the parent than the baby. So if you want to avoid the tears, crying, and a wet face and ears the 4aKid Shampoo Cap is a lifesaver.
It's fits like a visor cap and acts like an umbrella, keeping water and shampoo out of their eyes, making the process more comfortable for your baby, and less work for you.
Available to South African parents for R100.
What's the out of the box item you've purchased for your baby? Did it work the way it was supposed to? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter.
Read more:
- TIMELINE: From 'killer bottles' to baby cages, weird and wonderful baby gadgets from the past
- WATCH: Just because they're born everyday doesn't make them any less extraordinary: 20 things you didn't know about babies
- Can you decode your baby's body language?
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