I'm a sucker for trying any product that even hints at a promise that my life will be made easier if I use it. So I'd like to do a monthly product review, where I discuss and rate these products in order to help make your shopping lives easier. I'll also try to tell you the cost, if I can remember. And please tell me if there's anything out there you've been wanting to try and just aren't sure about; maybe I'll try it for you first!
Scale: 1-5
Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners: 4 (about $2.60 for a box of 4)These handy plastic bags are a must-have if you want to save yourself the 10-ish minutes it takes to scrub and wash your crock pot after using it. When you're done with the meal, you just scoop up the bag and discard in the trash. The reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is because of the 20 or so times I've used these, they've leaked a tiny bit a couple of times when I've had to scrape the bottom of the pot; so just be gentle when scooping out the last bite.
Tide To-Go Pen: 5 (about $4)This is one of my favorite inventions. It's literally the size of a pen, and truly works! I was very skeptical when Lee's Aunt Barbara handed one to me after I spilled dark chocolate sauce on my cream-colored shirt at a wedding reception last June. However, after about 2-3 minutes of working on the stain, it had completely vanished! Since then, I've purchased a couple of my own, and it has miraculously gotten rid of the following stains: blueberry, strawberry, watermelon, assorted baby foods, hot chocolate, and a few others. Key: works best if used within about 15 minutes of getting the stain.
Snack Trap: 3.5 ($14.99 + shipping @ Amazon)These cups hold about 7-8 oz of snack food. The slits in the lid allow the child's hands to reach in for a piece of food, and when held upside down, the food rarely spills out. They are very useful and well made, but not completely spill-proof. Annalee loves to use these, and often snacks on dried blueberries or cranberries. But when Addie gets a hold of the cup and shakes it, sometimes a piece will fly out. This (and the fact that it's a little pricey) is the reason for the lower rating.
SIPPY CUP SECTION
Playtex Spill-Proof Cup: 5 (about $7 for the 2-pack)These are by far my favorite sippy cups. We own several, and none have ever leaked a drop. They are very easy to clean, and replacement valves can be purchased separately if one ever gets ground up in the disposal. 8 oz.
Playtex Insulator Sport Straw Cup: 4 ($5)This is the best straw cup I've found. Although it leaks a little when you turn it upside down, it's very minimal. We use these for water only. They are the easiest to use & clean straw cups I've found.
Playtex Insulated Spill-Proof Coolster Tumbler: 5 ($5)This insulated cup is very similar to the previously mentioned Playtex spill-proof cup, but I'd save it for older babies (12m+). The spout is flush with the rim and may be difficult for a younger baby to use without dribbling. It is also bigger.
Avent Non-Spill Cup: 4.5 (about $7 for a 2-pack)These cups are the spitting image of the Playtex Spill-Proof cups, with only one difference: they are more difficult to clean. The valve can be removed and put back in, but it's just more difficult than the Playtex ones. Otherwise, a wise choice.
Gerber Soft Straw Cup: 2 ($?)Although this cup is great because it's easy to clean and can be closed, I find that there is some sort of flaw in its mechanics that make it difficult at times for the child to suck and get the liquid inside. When Annalee was an infant and would indicate something was wrong with the cup, I'd try to drink from it and nothing would come out; even after taking it apart & putting it back together. This happened with 3 of the 4 I purchased.
Munchkin 10-oz Cupsicle: 1 (about $4 each)This is my least favorite cup. It leaked, and the straw is very difficult to drink from.
Circo Straw Cup: 1 (no picture, but looks very similar to the Munchkin; $?)
Didn't like this one for the same reason as the Munchkin. But it was cheaper.
Nuby 10-oz Gripper Cup: 4.5 ($2 each)This easy-to-hold, easy-to-wash cup is great for babies on up. The soft silicone spout is very similar to a bottle nipple, and easily pops in & out of the neck ring for washing. This is a great water cup, but if the spout gets pushed up against something, it will leak a little bit. And if your child figures this out, it can create a true mess. But for $2, it's a great buy.
Nuby 12-oz Mega Sipper: 2 ($5 each)This is not a great product. It is not spill-proof, and is extremely difficult to get the parts back together after cleaning. I'd stick with the Playtex.
As you can see, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect straw cup: easy to clean, spill-proof, and closeable. Let me know if you see any more out there I can try, or if you have found such a product!
