by Kelly Wilbanks posted in Products

So, it's the witching hour. Dinner needs to be made, but my 2-year-old just woke up from her nap and wants to be cuddled. My 5-year-old needs me to do her hair "right now" and my baby just wants to be held. This scenario causes me the utmost stress.
I'm actually pretty calm, cool, and collected when my kids get hurt or are sick. I think I've done an okay job helping my kids manage friendships and interactions with people. But, boy do I lose my cool when they ALL WANT ME AT THE SAME TIME.
So, here are a few items that help me keep my hands free and my baby playful when I really need them.

The Fisher-Price Infant?to?Toddler Rocker is one of my favorites. It can be used for several stages of your baby's development: as a cradle, as a bouncer, and later as a toddler chair. My 6-month-old loves to play with the toys hanging above her. Sometimes I'll sit her in the kitchen so she can watch me work. It's one of the best go-to options for 0-6 months. (Amazon, $30.30)
We have a love/hate relationship with Bumbos, but when they work, they are great. The "hate" part is that my babies are notoriously chubby. Her thick baby thighs combined with her cloth diaper means it takes two people to unwedge her.
The nice thing about the bumbo is it lets my baby sit up, and putting items on the tray lets her practice grabbing. Sometimes the five minutes I need is just to go to the bathroom. A Bumbo definitely fits better in our small b...