Welcome to the First Friday Favorites! In these posts, I’ll be sharing my tried-and-true favorites—the items I’ve researched, tested, and loved so you don’t have to! These are things I’ve purchased multiple times or that get the most use in my home with me and my family. Most are feeding-related, but you’ll also find a few fun extras I’m oddly passionate about (see item #2!). Let’s dive into this week’s favorites!
As I finish certain cleaning products, I’ve been trying to find products that are free from harsh chemicals and good for the environment. I recently discovered this dish soap and I just repurchased in bulk which means it’s here to stay. First, it’s made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, which means it’s gentle on the environment and free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, dyes, and synthetic fragrances that are common in many other dish soaps. Despite being eco-friendly, it feels very concentrated so you don’t need to use a ton to really get those pans with grease and grime clean. The other thing I like is that some “cleaner” soaps when you squeeze out the soap it’s like Niagra Falls. The bottle is gone in a week. The lid on this soap makes the soap come out a little at a time (which is all you need) and so it lasts forever! Additionally, Better Life is safe for sensitive skin, which makes it ideal for households looking to minimize exposure to allergens or irritants. Wait, does this mean I’m old because I have a favorite dish soap?
Okay, I realize this has nothing to do with feeding, but I knew someone would find this helpful. Since having kids I feel like I just sweat differently. I mean let’s not even talk about that postpartum stink. I’ve been on the hunt for an aluminum free deodorant, but apparently not all are created equal. I must have sensitive skin because baking soda in deodorant makes my skin very angry. I recently found Each & Every deodorant and I’ve repurchased two times which is huge for me considering I’ve tried about 15 different ones. It is formulated with natural ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin and free from aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It uses simple yet effective ingredients like coconut oil and dead sea salt to neutralize odor, while essential oils provide a gentle, natural fragrance (I really like the Cedar and Vanilla scent.). Plus, Each & Every is cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in eco-friendly packaging. Just a hot tip from a past smelly girl that no longer smells.
As a pediatric feeding therapist, I am very picky about what books I use in feeding therapy. I typically can find something wrong that I have to re-word as I’m reading most of the books. That was until I found All Food is Good Food. It is a standout children's book about food choices, because it promotes a positive, inclusive approach to eating that celebrates variety without labeling foods as "good" or "bad." This book encourages kids to explore a range of foods without guilt or fear, focusing on listening to their bodies and enjoying balanced choices. With engaging illustrations and an easy-to-understand message, it helps foster a healthy relationship with food from a young age, making it ideal for teaching kids about nutrition in a way that's empowering rather than restrictive. I can’t recommend this enough for both parents and children to read.
Who here has been personally victimized by their toddler stabbing forks and spoons into their kitchen table leaving marks and scratches everywhere? Enter the vinyl tablecloth. You might think it’s very grandma to have a vinyl tablecloth, but these days they have so many designs that are cute. Vinyl tablecloths are perfect for use with kids because they’re waterproof, durable, and incredibly easy to clean. Spills, crumbs, and food splatters wipe away with ease, so there's no stress over messes during meals, crafts, or playtime. Now I can save my kitchen table and my sanity.
If you read my post about “10 Tips To Keep Your Kids At The Table For Meals” then you have lots of tools and strategies to help your child stay at the table. All that being said, Thanksgiving is an entirely different animal. There’s a lot going on, and probably a great aunt telling your child they’ve hurt her feelings for not eating her world famous sweet potato casserole (I mean I’d want to leave the table if that was happening to me too!). To keep them at the table for a couple minutes longer try using these cute Thanksgiving placemats. I love using kraft paper as a table cloth as well and then everyone can get in on the fun of drawing and coloring during your Thanksgiving meal.
Do you own any of these items already? What’s on your wishlist? Feel free to comment below and share some of your absolute favorites and I might just have to try them out myself!
Love these, going to try that deodorant!