Kid Gear I Bought on Amazon That Actually Works And Doesn’t: January
I’m a frequent Amazon shopper, not because I love spending money but because parenting throws curveballs, and sometimes, a well-chosen product makes life easier. But let’s get one thing straight: nobody is paying me to recommend these things. I buy what I think will help, and I have opinions—some good, some salty.
So, if you’re a parent on a budget trying to cut through the junk and find things that actually work, here’s the rundown on the kid-related purchases I made this past month. And since I’m all about making smart purchases, you better believe I take shopping seriously. If you want to maximize savings without getting sucked into the marketing traps, don’t miss my Black Friday Hacks: How to Shop Smart and Save More.
1. Boon Star Toddler Bathtub and Sink Drain Cover – ⭐ 2/5 Stars
The idea was solid. My son has an obsession with yanking the drain stopper out during bath time, so I thought this bright starfish-shaped cover would be a solution. Turns out, the bright color made it even more of a target, and the little arms? Those made it easier for him to pull up.
If you have a kid who ignores the drain, maybe this works for you, but if your kid is a curious little troublemaker like mine, this thing is just a fancy toy that does the opposite of what you need.
Parenting sometimes feels like a never-ending battle of problem-solving, especially in the U.S., where we’re expected to do the most at all times. I recently took a deep dive into Raising Kids: The American Hustle vs. European Ease, and let’s just say, we could learn a thing or two from our friends across the pond.
2. LBAIBB Spinning Stacking Toy – ⭐ 5/5 Stars
I saw my son playing with this at my sister-in-law’s house, and it was love at first spin. Unlike regular stacking toys that lose their novelty fast, this one keeps his attention because watching the pieces spin down is actually interesting. If you need something that entertains a toddler for longer than 60 seconds, this is a solid bet.
It’s also built tough (as in, it has survived being thrown across the room multiple times). The toy is made of sturdy and durable ABS safety plastic, BPA-free, with smooth edges and a comfortable coating. There’s about 10 mm of spacing between the stacked turntables, so little fingers don’t get pinched during play.
As noted in the customer reviews, other buyers love that it entertains not just kids but the whole family, helping with motor skills, dexterity, color recognition, and object identification. It’s easy to assemble, well-sized, and performs well.
Not all toys are created equal, and let’s be real—some trends just aren’t worth the hype. I went all in on the wooden toy craze, and I’ve got thoughts. If you’re wondering whether they live up to the praise, read The Real Deal on Wooden Toys: Why I’m Done With the Trend.
3. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray – ⭐ 5/5 Stars
I buy this every single month. Why? Because kids are walking, talking stain machines. Food stains used to be a death sentence for baby clothes, but this spray? It’s like a parenting cheat code. I spray this stuff on, and stains disappear like magic. This commercial-grade laundry stain remover is highly effective on everything:
Fruit juice
Baby food
Formula
Berry stains
Tomato sauce
Ketchup
Ink
Even blood
It’s also eco-friendly—free from harmful chemicals or dyes, 'Safer Choice' certified, and gentle enough for baby clothes, toys, and carpets. The compact size means you can toss it in a diaper bag for on-the-go stain emergencies, and it works on clothes, carpets, and upholstery.
Some customers complain about the smell or say it bleaches clothes (though I haven’t had that issue). If you haven’t tried it yet, stop what you’re doing and order a bottle. You’ll wish you had it sooner.
4. Kids Electric Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush – ⭐ 5/5 Stars
I started with one of those silicone finger brushes, but my kid started eyeing my electric toothbrush (like everything mommy and daddy have) and I figured, why not? Best decision ever. Even at 1.5 years old, he actually enjoys brushing his teeth now, which is nothing short of a miracle.
This electric toothbrush comes in three fun themes—unicorns, astronauts, and little dinosaurs (I went with astronauts because it's black and resembles my own).
Cute designs
Comfortable handle
Long battery life
Timer with pulse reminders helps reinforce good brushing habits
Reviews mention that the brush heads last for months, and the whole thing holds up well even to chewing. Bonus points for the reward stickers and planet exploration cards that turn brushing into a fun experience. Highly recommend if you want to make toothbrushing less of a battle.
5. Dr. Brown’s Fluoride-Free Baby Toothpaste – ⭐ 5/5 Stars
This has been a staple since we started brushing his teeth. The flavor is mild but kid-approved, and I like that it’s fluoride-free while he’s still learning to brush properly. No complaints here—just a solid product that does its job.
Buy Smart, Not Just Easy
Baby and kid-related products can absolutely make life easier, keep your house running smoother, and even add a little fun to the chaos. But none of it is worth going into debt over.
A spinning toy that keeps your kid entertained? Great.
A fun drain cover that does the opposite of what you need? Waste of money.
Retailers like Amazon make it ridiculously easy to buy things without thinking, but every unnecessary purchase is money that could’ve been put toward something that actually improves your life—or, better yet, invested for your family’s future.
So think carefully before you click “Buy Now.” If something doesn’t work for your home and your kid, don’t just eat the cost—use that return policy. Parenting is expensive enough without throwing money at stuff that doesn’t pull its weight. Buy what helps, skip what doesn’t, and keep your financial priorities in check.
