Being a parent is no walk in the park, that’s for sure. But hey, there are some companies out there trying to make the whole parenting gig a tad easier. ABC Kids Expo is currently in full swing at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, showcasing a slew of exhibitors flaunting their latest and greatest parenting and baby products. From AI-changing pads to breastfeeding nightlights, here are five of the coolest products making a buzz at the expo this year.
Woddle: Forget your run-of-the-mill changing pad, because the Woddle Smart Changing Pad is here to shake things up. Acting as a high-tech “smart hub,” this pad not only serves as a spot to change your baby but also weighs them, tracks bowel movements, breastfeeding, and more. Launched back in November by some clinicians who know their stuff, the Woddle boasts six unique features, all conveniently tracked on an app. According to Jennifer Whitehurst, director of marketing for Woddle, “modern parenting has really taken off,” with more folks turning to technology to bridge the gap of information and health. Plus, there’s an AI feature in the app where parents can ask burning questions like “What’s a baby’s temperature supposed to be?” or “How do I swaddle?” Priced at $299.99, the Woddle is up for grabs on Amazon and their website woddlebaby.com – no in-app purchases necessary.
Pearl Pop: Enter Pearl Pop, the toothpaste in a jelly pearl form created by Kimber Crandall, a co-founder and single mother of four. These pea-sized pearls are not for snacking but for brushing those pearly whites. Crandall’s mission with Pearl Pop is to make tooth brushing a less painful chore for parents. With flavors like bubblegum, grape, sweet mint, and peach ring, kids can pop a pearl in their mouth, chew, and brush away without the need to rinse. And get this – there are no sulfates or fluoride but plenty of nano-hydroxyapatite to keep those teeth strong. A bottle of 65 pearls goes for $18 on their website: pearlpop.com.
LatchLight: Say hello to LatchLight, the wearable nightlight tailored for those late-night feedings. Co-founder Julie Carty came up with this bright idea after struggling to breastfeed her child in dim hospital lighting. The LatchLight clips on clothing, offering a soft light with a 40-degree beam angle and 360-degree radius to shine precisely where needed during those frequent nighttime feedings. Priced at $34.99, the LatchLight is available for purchase on their website shoplatchlight.com, Amazon, Walmart, Buy Buy Baby, and soon at Meyer.
Snuggle Shield: Developed by registered nurse, lactation specialist, and mom Nicole Noar, the Snuggle Shield is a car seat cover designed to shield babies from outside germs. Made with bamboo fabric and a pocket for a medical grade filter, this cover protects against 99.9 percent of germs, viruses, and bacteria. Plus, it’s dual-sided for hot or cold climates and even features a heat sensor that turns pink if the baby gets too warm. Snag a Snuggle Shield for $49.99 and a six-pack of filters for $20 on their website snuggleshield.com, Amazon, Target, and Nordstrom.
BottlesBuddy: Lastly, we have BottlesBuddy, the extra set of hands every parent dreams of. This three-part patented device holds the bottle to the baby’s lips, freeing up a hand for multitasking parents. Co-founder Anusha Devassy came up with this gem after realizing how challenging it was to feed her baby while juggling other tasks. Priced at $38.99, BottlesBuddy is available for purchase on Amazon and Shopify. So, there you have it – a roundup of innovative products aiming to make parenting a tad less stressful. Who knows, maybe one of these gadgets will be a game-changer for you and your little one.
