Do you have kids? Do you want them? Do you want mine? Just kidding.
I never anticipated that I would need specific things in the kitchen when I went and joined the “moms club.” Still, these gadgets and accessories have really upped my game in the kitchen and I hope you like them too!
1. Berkey Water Filtration System
The Berkey water filtration system is a reliable and efficient water purification solution that brings clean and safe drinking water right to your home. I am totally obsessed with this water filtration system because it saved me postpartum. If you don’t know you will know soon that breastfeeding moms need LOTS of water for recovery and milk production.
Utilizing advanced filtration technology, this system is designed to remove a wide range of contaminants from untreated water sources, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and more.
This system may seem pricey but it lasts forever and then you only ever need to buy the filters twice a year forever. The filter works great and uses powerful Black Berkey purification elements, which boast self-sterilizing properties and can purify both treated and untreated water. In other words, if there is a zombie apocalypse, this will even filter rain water or creek water and make it safe for drinking. Again as a side note, I do not actually think that this will happen, but good to know that it works well, right?!
The durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it suitable for everyday use and emergency situations. Also, it looks mighty posh on a kitchen counter and once your kiddies get big enough you can put a little cup next to it so you don’t have to keep getting them water from the sink (that might potentially harm them anyhow).
With its gravity-fed operation, the Berkey water filtration system requires no electricity, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Trust me that this saves money in the long run and also is more fun than lugging around bottled water. Also, we don’t need any more plastic bottles ending up in the landfill – use this and refill your water bottles and sippy cups!
The system is available in various sizes to cater to different household needs, from small countertop models for apartments to larger units for larger families or outdoor use. I get the biggest one because my family drinks wayyyy to much water. Perhaps most importantly getting this comes in handy for ensuring that we have lots of water (and very safe quality water) to mix into formula.
2. Small Batch Food Grinder
I liked this Mueller Mini Food Processor because it was good when you have kids with tiny teeth or a few teeth who need some soft food ground up in small batches. This small but mighty appliance is designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from chopping and blending to grinding and pureeing.
With a sturdy and space-saving design, the Mueller Mini Food Processor easily fits on any countertop or can be conveniently stored away when not in use. Its sharp stainless steel blades are perfect for tackling fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and more, ensuring precise and even results every time. I was always steaming veggies then grinding up for my under 1 crowd who needed some basic purees. Also, you can puree whatever adult food your eating so your infant can eat it too.
Last but not least, the one-touch control, allows you to pulse or chop with ease. The transparent bowl lets you monitor the progress of your ingredients, while the non-slip base ensures stability during operation. Happy puree’ing!
3. Microwave Steamer
If you are on the make your own puree bandwagon then you should also know that steaming veggies provides more nutrients than boiling them. If you want to soften veggies fast before you grind them to smithereens then get yourself a good veggie steamer. This can cut your boiling time in half for making purees quickly and efficiently. Also, and perhaps my favorite part of all is that you can just pop this in the dishwasher for quick cleaning!
4. Baby Puree Cookbook
Along these same lines as above, I needed a little inspiration in making baby purees. I found that it was super expensive to buy purees in the super market and that making them was so much cheaper (and healthier too). Here is a book that I used when I felt uninspired.
The author, Stephanie Middleberg, a renowned nutritionist and dietitian, shares her expertise and passion for nourishing young children with natural, organic ingredients. The book is filled with practical tips, expert advice, and age-appropriate recipes that cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Parents will find delightful and easy-to-follow recipes, encouraging them to introduce a diverse array of flavors and textures to their baby’s diet. From homemade purees bursting with nutrients to creative finger foods that promote self-feeding skills, this book will steer you in the right direction.
5. Baby Puree Freezer Tray
This baby puree freezer tray was awesome to freeze big batches of puree in and then take out different “cubes” on busy weeknights (that I would microwave) and have ready in minutes. Designed with convenience and safety in mind, this freezer tray is perfect for storing baby food, vegetable and fruit purees, and even breast milk. The silicone was awesome as well because the cubes came out easily as well.
The tray features ten 1.5-ounce sections, providing perfect portion sizes for baby meals and snacks. Each compartment is individually sealed with a secure clip-on lid, preventing any potential spills or leaks and keeping the food fresh and free from freezer burn.
You can also write on them in expo to remember what you are freezing in them and then wash it off later.
6. Baby Food and Snacking Containers
If you do go the route of making your own baby food, you will need to send it to daycare in something and most will not allow glass containers inside.
Each container has a generous capacity of 3.5 ounces, making them ideal for portioning out baby food, purees, snacks, and even condiments. The leak-proof design guarantees a mess-free storage experience, whether in the refrigerator, diaper bag, or lunchbox.
I liked these dishwasher and microwave safe containers to send purees in to their school. Also, I am still using these now that my kids are past purees to store snacks and goodies now that their teeth have made a real appearance.
7. Toddler Step Stool
This toddler step stool is awesome because like everything I love in my home it pulls double duty. This multi-functional step stool is perfect for various activities. In the kitchen, it allows toddlers to become active participants in meal preparation, fostering independence and a sense of responsibility. It also serves as a practical learning tower, enabling little ones to reach countertops or sinks, encouraging hands-on exploration and development of essential life skills. This Montessori inspired step stool is a handy tool around your kitchen and the sturdy design ensures that it can weather a few babies.
8. Popsicle Molds
I had no idea I would ever do this or say this in any public forum but – these are great for freezing booby milk! This set comes with everything you need to get started on your popsicle-making adventure. With 50 sticks and 50 bags included, you can easily make a variety of flavors and share them with your little ones. The 10 reusable sticks allow for eco-friendly, waste-free enjoyment for the earth friendly mamas out there. My teething infant loved these to cool his sore little gums and stay cool in the summer. I also put some baby oatmeal cereal in them to make them more filling.
9. Child Safe Kitchen “Knives”
I like to think of myself as a decent cook and spent quite some time in the kitchen. I have found that my kiddies love to help in the kitchen too! This is a wonderful way to encourage a love for cooking and food preparation in kids and instill valuable life skills from an early age.
The ZIJUND 22PCS Wooden Kids Kitchen Knife Set is the perfect introduction to the world of cooking and food preparation for little aspiring chefs. The set includes 22 pieces, ensuring a variety of tools for creative play. Children can use these tools to explore their imagination, enhance their fine motor skills, and develop a sense of responsibility in the kitchen.
10. Kitchen “Cleaning” Set
My toddlers love to do whatever I am doing wherever I am. Sometimes their “pretend play” gets in the way of my real “motherly” duties. I found that getting my babies these “cleaning” toys is a great way to teach them life skills around the house, but also keep them from trying to steal my broom while I am sweeping up. Also, this type of toy helps your kiddies develop important life skills, such as responsibility, cooperation, and organization.
The Melissa and Doug set includes all the essential tools for little ones to pretend they’re grown-up cleaning helpers. With a kid-sized broom, mop, duster, dustpan, brush, and storage stand, children can immerse themselves in imaginative play and mimic the activities they see you do around the house, just don’t trip over them while they are doing it! Watch them joyfully take on the role of little helpers, and have fun while learning through play.
11. Best Mini Tool Set
Do you want to inspire a lifelong love of cooking or at least let your kids “help” you bake? Your kids will adore these sparkly mini tools
Let your kiddies beat an egg with the mini beater or scrape a bowl of chocolate icing (if you can handle the extra energy later). Also, mixing is also easier for them with the tiny spoon and you know there is always something to mix for a few minutes while you are making dinner.
12. Crinkle Cutters
One way I make my kiddies veggies look more fun and make the texture more interesting to my tots is by using these crinkle cutters.
Crafted from durable stainless steel, this crinkle cutter is designed to make wavy cuts on vegetables and fries. With its sturdy build and sharp, serrated blade, the crinkle cutter effortlessly slices through a variety of vegetables, transforming them into eye-catching shapes that are sure to impress your pickiest eaters. The wavy knife design allows for easy and comfortable use, making it a great option for both you and your aspiring chefs. As an added bonus my toddlers also like to use them to cut and we also use them with our play dough.
13. Mini Rolling Pins
These are adorable and just the right size for tiny hands. Measuring at 9 inches, these small rolling pins are ideal for tots to work with when making cookies, pastries, playdough, or any other culinary creations. The mini size encourages creativity and encourages children to engage in imaginative play. I love to bake with my kiddies and these help us make family memories together.
14. This Pan for Making Toddler Sized Treats & Bites
I like these for making and freezing snacks for my tots. Specifically, I like to make muffins, egg bites and other healthy goodies that I can quickly defrost and hand to them.
This set includes two mini 24-cup muffin pans, offering ample space to create a delightful array of delicious treats. Crafted from premium-quality BPA-free silicone, these muffin pans ensure your baked goodies are safe and free from harmful chemicals. The non-stick surface allows for effortless release, making it a breeze to remove your muffins or cupcakes without any mess or frustration.
In a world where too many moms rely upon Goldfish snacks, and I do withhold judgement because let’s face it I do sometimes, it’s nice to have some frozen treats that you know you made and you know what is in the ingredients list. As a side note, this is also a good tactic for sneaking in nutritious fruits and vegetables that your pickiest toddler wont eat.
15. Instapot
I love this thing so much because it saved me a bundle of time and money when I was prepping baby food for my infants with growing teeth!
The Instant Pot, also known as the Instapot, is a versatile and revolutionary multi-cooker that has taken the culinary world by storm. This kitchen marvel combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer, all in one compact appliance. I loved to use this to make applesauce and soft purees because it cuts boiling time in half (or even less). It is also good for making soft meats that baby can chew quickly.
With its user-friendly interface and various pre-programmed settings, cooking delicious and nutritious meals becomes a breeze. The Instant Pot can speed up cooking times significantly, making it perfect for busy moms that need to get a meal together quickly.
Not only does it save time and cut back on things you have to wash after cooking, but it also retains flavors and nutrients in your dishes making healthy meals and keeping mama happy. Ten points for Instapot!
