https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:31:57 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/easy-to-clean-water-bottle-with-straw#post-2927134 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 01:54:05 +0000 mrs.kiwi 2927134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m looking for an easy-to-clean straw water bottle for my 1.5 yo.. any recommendations? Prefer stainless steel but definitely open to plastic too.</p> <p>We used the very popular thermos funtainer for 4 kids, 8 years… and this whole time we have hated cleaning the silicone top. It gets moldy and gross and I hate popping it off every time. I can’t believe we haven’t switched straw water bottles for this long but we are finally doing it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bento-kid-lunchboxes#post-2927029 Wed, 11 May 2022 14:29:00 +0000 LadyDi 2927029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I realize this isn't the right time of year for this post, but now that my youngest isn't quite as nap-dependent I am hoping to spend a lot more time outside in the afternoon at the pool or on walks or at playgrounds and plan to eat more lunches on the go this summer. </p> <p>Does anyone have any bento-style kid lunch box recommendations other than the Bentgo ones that's a bit more affordable? I need to buy 3 and I can't justify $90 on lunchboxes right now. Bonus points for a grown up lunch box as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kid-friendly-dishes-andor-cutlery#post-2918258 Fri, 14 Aug 2020 22:48:24 +0000 MLE81 2918258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any recommendations for durable dishes (plates, bowls, cups) and/or cutlery suitable for an almost 4.5 year old? </p> <p>My DD is still mainly using this plastic set (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Mainstays-Microwave-dishwasher-toddler/dp/B07NWY5PTX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&#038;keywords=mainstays+plastic+kids+dishes&#038;qid=1597463195&#038;sr=8-3" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Mainstays-Microwave-dishwasher-toddler/dp/B07NWY5PTX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&#038;keywords=mainstays+plastic+kids+dishes&#038;qid=1597463195&#038;sr=8-3</a>)<br /> I bought years ago, but I think she’s ready for something a little more “grown up”. </p> <p>Would also appreciate any recommendations for kid friendly cutlery.</p> <p>TIA! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-making-machine-worth-it-or-a-hassle-is-a-water-kettle-better#post-2904300 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:41:50 +0000 Shantuck 2904300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone used a Baby Brezza formula making machine? Was it worth the cost or more of a hassle to keep clean? It seems like there are really mixed reviews out there. Alternatively, I found an electric kettle that heats to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (so essentially body temperature) and was considering that instead since heating up water and then pouring it into a bottle to mix/shake with the formula powder seems like way less work than keeping the Brezza clean. Has anyone tried using an electric water kettle with an adjustable temp setting as an alternative to pre-mixing the formula and using an old school bottle warmer? I should note that we have an old Born bottle warmer but that thing is sooooo slow to warm up. The added perk of using an electric tea kettle is that it would be usable after the baby outgrows the formula stage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/travel-smoothie-cups#post-2899924 Fri, 18 Oct 2019 08:41:00 +0000 PinkElephant 2899924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any recommendations for a hard - to-spill cup with a tight lid I can use to serve my kids yogurt and fruit smoothies in the car? I love smoothies as a healthy snack wit protein (we use Greek yogurt) I can feed my kids on the way to after school activities, but don’t want smoothie all over my car 🤪🤪. Prefer something that takes a straw; kids are 3, 5, and 7. Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-kids-water-bottles#post-2886963 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:04:06 +0000 HappyBaker 2886963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you recommend one that you love? We switched daycares and now my kids need to bring water bottles everyday, and so far the ones we’ve bought either leak like crazy or the paint chips super fast! We’ve also tried the CamelBack kids ones but they don’t like biting on the straw, I’d prefer bottles with an open spout or just opening and no straw! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-kiinde-users#post-2877506 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 08:11:58 +0000 Waterbaby 2877506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really want to try the Kiinde system and cut back on all the bottle washing. We have a toddler and a newborn now- and a small kitchen. </p> <p>1. Any feedback?<br /> 2. Do any bottle warmers work with the Kiinde bottle? I need to have bottles ready to go and it looks like the bottles are pretty big. All of the ads I see show the bag being warmed and then placed in the bottle....</p> <p>Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/clean-cloudy-bottles#post-2878206 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:36:19 +0000 LindsayInNY 2878206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any way to clean cloudy bottles and nipples? Not sure if it’s because they haven’t been used for a while, were previously used, or what. Would rather not replace if I don’t have to! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/reusable-straws-for-take-and-toss-cups#post-2875117 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:28:41 +0000 Foodnerd81 2875117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What straws do you like for the take and toss straw cups? I have quite a few of the cups but have long since lost or thrown out the straws that came with them. I just bought a new 4 pack of the cups, but wouldn't mind having back up straws since I have a bunch more cups still. </p> <p>I'd like shorter than an adult reusable straw, preferably bendy if that exists, easy to clean, cheap enough that if it gets really gross I can toss it. I use the take and toss straw cups for milk at home since even at 3 and 5 they still knock things over, plus I keep the milk in the fridge in between meals so I like to have it covered. And extra bonus if they come in purple. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bento-lunch-boxes-amp-lunch-bags-help#post-2866385 Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:42:33 +0000 LemonJack 2866385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I snagged a Bentgo lunch box on a prime deal last week for DD1, and am wondering what type of lunch bag people use with it. She’ll be going to kindergarten next year, so I have plenty of time to figure this out, but I always like to scout for deals. I’ll want room for a drink in the bag.</p> <p>I’ll probably buy a second Bentgo type box as well, just to make cleaning easier, so if you have any other suggestions on those I’m open to them. I want something somewhat durable, easy to open, and preferably dishwasher safe.</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-hands-free-pump#post-2866144 Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:36:47 +0000 magnolia 2866144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m looking for pump recommendations! I had the medela PISA last time and I didn’t love it</p> <p>I’ll mostly be pumping at my desk at work so I want to try hands free. I do have an outlet nearby and I will probably just leave the pump at work so portability isn’t much of a issue. </p> <p>Also I have small boobs :grin: and I hated pumping the first time around because I never got a good fit . I always got more production with the manual pump but that’s not a good option for me </p> <p>Looks like my insurance will cover Spectra 2, Evenflo Deluxe, Ameda Finesse, and Lanisloh Pro (in addition to Medela PISA)</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/oxo-tot-highchair-broke-replacement-parts#post-2857144 Fri, 16 Nov 2018 13:28:40 +0000 agold 2857144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My OXO Tot highchair broke!! The tray no longer stays on. It slides right off. Complete mess this morning and we can't deal with it anymore. Has this happened to anyone and has anyone gotten a replacement part? I can't find one. I bought it at buy buy baby. What is a cheap high chair alternative in case I have to fully buy a new one. I have a new baby coming up soon on needing one so I have to have a high chair. Ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/comotomo-bottle-userswhat-warmer-do-you-use#post-832706 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:42:27 +0000 emg86 832706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been EBF our 4 week old and we just introduced a bottle so my husband can feed her in case I'm away and once before bed. He would like for me to get him a bottle warmer to use with our Comotomo bottles. Any suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/water-bottle-replacement-straws#post-2849870 Mon, 08 Oct 2018 14:30:41 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2849870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone know where to find replacement straws for Pottery Barn Kids water bottles (see pic)? Pottery barn doesn’t sell them. Thank you!! </p> [attach=3657/18/pgaov5.337x600.42280D7A-8E16-4FB3-89DC-0D571AE5666B.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-highchair#post-2848900 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 11:42:38 +0000 HappyBaker 2848900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need to order a high chair for my almost 6 month old - for my other 2 kids we just used the plastic Fisher Price Space Saver that clips onto a chair, but now I don't want to use one of our dining chairs for the high chair because we frequently need all our dining chairs and spaces at our table. </p> <p>I'm deciding between the Joovy New Nook and the Oxo Tot Seedling. The Nook is super easy to fold and has a swing out tray, while the Seedling has wheels. We've never used a standalone high chair - which would you buy? I was thinking we'd just push it in a corner when not in use, so would probably want wheels...but if folding it is so easy maybe I'd do that? </p> [attach=1530/18/pg17r2.600x600.t_1_6.jpg] [attach=1530/18/pg17r3.600x185.d1eb3732-ca5c-484d-921f-d3c829a5bed8._SR970-300_.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-put-under-your-high-chair-to-collect-messfood-bits#post-911546 Sun, 07 Jul 2013 20:20:15 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 911546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I searched "high chair mat" on amazon.ca and didn't find what i was looking for. I am thinking to get a plastic table cloth to put underneath the high chair because I am getting tired of getting on my hands and knees and scrubbing the floor after every meal. (I admit to skipping solids meals for L because I don't want to clean). </p> <p>So what do you use to collect the mess that you can just toss the contents into the garbage after and clean in the kitchen sink? I am doing BLW so there is always a big pile of food bits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bento-box-that-actually-dries-in-the-dishwasher#post-2842084 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 20:26:57 +0000 Iced Tea 2842084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am really tired of dealing with the wet plastic lunch containers after washing them in the dishwasher. The plastic ones aren't even close to dry. </p> <p>I am hoping stainless steel ones would actually dry in the dishwasher. Any experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-diyd-a-nursing-bra#post-2840939 Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:57:58 +0000 bhbee 2840939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve been looking at tutorials for converting your regular bras and wondering how likely I am to screw it up. I really need a supportive underwire nursing bra and it’s so hard (and expensive) to find the perfect one. I have a bra I basically wore out during pregnancy that I thought might be a good test subject, but if anyone has tips or warnings would love to hear it!</p> <p>ETA I can sew in a straight line but no major skills :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lunchbots#post-2836530 Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:02:38 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 2836530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have a recommendation for which lunchbots to get? It's for my almost five-year-old. I would like to be able to fit a sandwich.</p> <p>Or should I be getting a different brand? I have some plastic easy lunchboxes now, but I'm hoping to switch to stainless steel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-ice-pop-molds#post-2831676 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:55:42 +0000 PinkElephant 2831676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any recommendations on ice pop molds? We had the Nuby baby size set, but I’m looking for something to make a decent number big-kid size pops in one go.</p> <p>Also if you’ve got any favorite recipes to share, that’d be great. Open to yogurt based, fruit based, and even less healthy options! Or brand recommendations for store bought work, too.</p> <p>As the heat creeps in, I’m allowing my kids to eat more and more ice pops, but would like to keep the number of junky ones (think, flavor ice) to a minimum...however, I feel like we burn through a box of some of the premium juice/fruit bars in a single serving (2 kids, a toddler, and me, and often the boxes only contain 5!), which just isn’t practical. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boosterhigh-chair-for-older-child#post-2827493 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 14:51:04 +0000 polkaspots 2827493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 1 year old and a 5 year old. Lately our 5 year old has wanted to sit in the high chair. We have one of the Fisher-Price ones that straps to a regular kitchen chair. It’s been going on for several weeks and some evenings, we just let him sit in it and let the younger kiddo eat on our laps or whatever. I’ve been contemplating purchasing a cheap second booster or similar seat where it’d strap to another kitchen chair, but it seems so silly. </p> <p>Our 5 year old is 50lbs and that seems to be the max weight for most booster seats. </p> <p>Any thoughts/recommendations/suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lux-vs-comotomo-bottles#post-2827454 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 07:27:55 +0000 anbanan15 2827454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone used Lux bottles? Is there a difference between them and comotomo? Visually they look the same. </p> <p>We always loved comotomo bottles, but the lux line offers more colors, so I was thinking of ordering if they are the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terracycle-for-pouches#post-2822103 Sat, 12 May 2018 09:18:45 +0000 MenagerieMama 2822103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is anyone enrolled in a terracycle program for recycling food pouches and is willing to send me a shipping label (you could just email me the pdf)? The programs I was in have expired, I'm on the wait list for another one, and I have a huge pile of pouches that DH is going to throw in the trash if I don't get a label to ship them off this weekend!</p> <p>May be a long shot but I thought I would try, thanks :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-tote#post-2819274 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:47:40 +0000 meadow 2819274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a dumb question. I have been using 2 igloo insulated tote bags to cart my kiddos' food to daycare. (<a href="https://www.target.com/p/igloo-stowe-12-can-cooler-tote---aqua-spacedye/-/A-49118221" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/igloo-stowe-12-can-cooler-tote---aqua-spacedye/-/A-49118221</a>). I wanted something insulated originally for transporting their bottles, and now I like the insulated tote because their fruit/milks stay cold on our drive to daycare and I can load this same tote up if we are going out and need food (out to dinner at someone's house and I bring a selection of food and the kids' milks).</p> <p>I just recently followed suit with all the other parents and am leaving a bag at daycare for the teachers to load up with the empty containers as the day goes on. Every other parent does this - I just never did and instead would fish out their containers and cups from the cubby at pick up.</p> <p>WELL. The teachers rinse their cups most days and their plastic containers every day. So then the wet stuff goes into my bag and festers until pickup. After a week - the bag smells horribly of spoiled milk and I can't seem to fix it. After a good year and a half, I am okay buying a new one. But I want to buy something that isn't going to stink after a week. Preferably something I can toss in the laundry once a week or once every two weeks.....</p> <p>Then I stumbled onto this bag:<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Bag-Insulated-Neoprene-Baby/dp/B06WWLTXFF/" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Bag-Insulated-Neoprene-Baby/dp/B06WWLTXFF/</a>.</p> <p>Do you think Neoprene will get stinky from spilled milk drops? Do you think it will get perma-stinky?</p> <p>My DH wants me to switch to something like this: <a href="https://www.target.com/p/igloo-playmate-pal-maxcold-cooler/-/A-12890364.............HAHA" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/igloo-playmate-pal-maxcold-cooler/-/A-12890364.............HAHA</a>. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ikea-junior-chair#post-2809414 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 07:30:24 +0000 Foodnerd81 2809414@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have an Ikea “Junior Chair”? Like this one: <a href="https://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/00165213/" rel="nofollow">https://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/00165213/</a> </p> <p>My 4.5 year old still does better with a booster than on a regular chair, in terms of not fidgeting or making a mess. My 2 year old has been fighting getting into her high chair and wanting to sit on big sisters booster seat but it’s a cheap one and slides around when she tries to climb into it. We also only have four proper kitchen chairs, plus a few lightweight extra seats- which are not good with a booster seat as my baby once kicked herself over backwards in it! </p> <p>Trying to decide what the best next step is. I think a stokke Tripp trapp would be perfect but not worth the cost for my current needs. We have room for two more seats at the table. So the ikea Junior chair seems like a good option but I haven’t seen them in action. Also the Ingolf matches our chairs better but the urban seems easier to clean and store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/oxo-tot-perch-seat#post-2806030 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 10:54:19 +0000 PinkElephant 2806030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have one of these? Yay or Nay?</p> <p>We just got a new kitchen table, chairs, and bar stools for the island, where my 3.5 and 5.5 year old eat many of their meals. The stools are backless, so they no longer support the Graco Blossom boosters we used to use. The 5.5 year old is fine without a booster, but we're finding that the 3.5 year old just doesn't fit well in the generously sized stools/chairs, and it's causing her to be up and out of her seat at meals. I don't really want to put the Graco on our new chairs, either - I feel like it will scratch the seat/back, and will look ugly.</p> <p>Does anyone have the OXO Tot Perch boosters? The one without the belt? I'm wondering how well they stay put on a chair seat (no sliding around), if you've had any issues with the booster scratching your furniture, and how easy it is to clean. Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hanna-andersson-lunch-box#post-2772582 Sun, 10 Sep 2017 03:17:03 +0000 hellobear 2772582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>anyone have the whats for lunch hanna andersson lunch bags? they are 50% off and look like they would fit a yumbox.. but not sure if a small water bottle couoe fit also... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-your-puree-maker#post-2771898 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:28:46 +0000 JennyPenny 2771898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With DS1 I tried for a very short time to make my own purees. He didn't like them and I found my food processor frustrating to use for this purpose. I want to give it another go with DS2 and am thinking maybe a better piece of gear will help - but there's so many choices and so many price points. So what do you like/hate about yours? I'm especially interested in how it does for making different textures, ease of cleaning and getting food out/into other storage containers, and footprint in your kitchen. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-reusable-snack-bags-worth-it#post-2766548 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:32:56 +0000 Bao 2766548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was thinking of getting a couple of reusable snack/sandwich bags for LO's school lunches/snacks, but wondering if it's worth it? I feel like we would go through a ton of bags with we went the disposable route. </p> <p>Do you use them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/easy-to-clean-bottles-with-minimal-parts#post-2762047 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:22:43 +0000 SweetiePie 2762047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I'm only 7 weeks pregnant. But morning sickness has me spending a lot of time in bed and I'm bored AF so I'm making lists :-)</p> <p>We used Dr Brown's for my almost 3yo but those bottles with all their stupid parts were the death of me. What bottle do you recommend that is easy to clean?<br /> Anyone use simple Playtex nurser with drop-ins? Those sound kind of amazing but I don't know anyone who actually used them. </p> <p>Oh and if it matters I'll most likely use bottles to FF, so I don't care about what connects to a pump and what doesn't. Pumping was not kind to me and my PPD/A the first time around. So I may do some BF and supplement with formula. </p>