48 Things Savvy Moms Can’t Live Without

It's a complete mess, but doesn't have to be so hairy. If the a.m. hair-brushing routine usually involves complaints and/or tears, you'll love the Knot Genie hairbrush (now available in Canada). It grooms their locks without grabbing and pulling, making your mornings more zen. Who Can't Live Without It? Sarah Morgenstern, Co-Founder and Publisher

Somewhere, actual cooks use the egg timer for its intended purpose, but parents (especially those used to sibling rivalry) know it's the cure-all for keeping things fair, and for literally giving them ‘just five more minutes'. Ding! Who Can't Live Without It? Christin Bryant, Special Projects Manager

If you've ever accidentally stepped on a piece of LEGO, Thomas or Barbie paraphernalia in your bare feet, you'll remember how your kids learned certain words they shouldn't. Swoop Bags smartly stop the mess—and the swearing (yours, anyway). Who Can't Live Without It? Jill Bender, Social Media Strategist

Few things in a house need to go up and down more than a toddler who can't quite yet reach the tap/cupboard/bed/toybox. A sanity/sciatic nerve/space saver all-in-one comes in the form of a folding step stool, which means they can reach things on their own… though that can be a scary proposition in itself. Who Can't Live Without It? Heather Johnson, Calgary SavvyScribe

As we all know, the term ‘Mom Jean' is rarely flattering. Paige Skinny Jeans, as well as their wider leg style, are a great option for everyday denim that will have you looking more hip, less Florence Henderson (read: ‘The Brady Bunch'). Who Can't Live Without It? Nancy Chapman, Vancouver SavvyScribe

Cleaning dirty fingerprints off walls and baseboards makes this magic eraser a must have in this writer's home. How kids can whip up a huge mess in minutes is impressive, but now they're not the only one possessing a little magic in your house. Who Can't Live Without It? Caroline Pigott, Toronto SavvyScribe

We're loathe to admit it, but good hair days can make a big difference in how we feel. So if your old hair dryer is causing breakage from excessive heat, it's time for an upgrade. Newer models offer less-punishing heat, but still lots of power, meaning your hair looks healthier, and in turn you'll be happier. It's a vicious cycle, isn't it? Who Can't Live Without It? Nancy Chapman, Vancouver SavvyScribe

Stick it to them. Never again will you scramble to find that important paper, schedule or invitation. Keep everyone on track with a tack, or a magnet and put up all the important stuff the kids come home with. A bulletin board does the trick. Who Can't Live Without It? Patti Ryan, Ottawa SavvyScribe

Have a child and pronto, you're changing diapers daily—and at a moment's notice. We've all changed our share of diapers in public places, but Skip*Hop's Pronto Diaper changer makes it easy, anywhere. (OK, easier.) Who Can't Live Without It? Robyn Burnett, Associate Editor (and mom of a 5 month-old)

Fully charged and ready to go, but is your phone? Not so much. If you're the type who regularly forgets to charge their iPhone or iPad, but can't afford to be dealing with a dead battery, the solution is in hand. Scosche Phone Charger attaches to your key chain so you'll always have a power source on site. Now you just need to remember where you put your keys… Who Can't Live Without It? Sarah Morgenstern, Co-Founder and Publisher

The sun will come out tomorrow (or at some point, anyway), so when it does, having sunscreen on hand is simply a no-brainer. Fiona's favourite is La Roche-Posay sunscreen, which she likes also for its small travel sizes, making it portable enough to fit anywhere, and useful when you have forgotten your regular-size pack. Who Can't Live Without It? Fiona Hopkins, Calgary SavvyScribe

It's amazing what a little bean can do. The human kind can take over your life and give you endless amusement, the coffee kind, ground up and mixed with boiling water can turn a grouch into someone agreeable and give you endless (until your next shot, anyway) energy. You probably shouldn't have one without the other. Who Can't Live Without It? Holly Sisson, Production Manager

Some habits die hard, and that's good. Fred and Barney styled-vitamins may have gone the way of the dinosaur (literally) now that you're of a mature age, but Mom's advice to take your vitamins stands the test of time. A dose of C and D may help fend off the flu, too. Who Can't Live Without It? Minnow Hamilton, Co-Founder and Managing Editor

Using chemicals to wash our hands has always puzzled us. That's why this product makes sense. Body Shop offers a triclosen-free, travel-size hand-sanitizer in many different scents to keep everyone's hands clean, and still pure. Who Can't Live Without It? Michelle Tice, Vancouver SavvyScribe

A glazed look is good for donuts, not so much for you. Which is why a good pair of shades is mandatory for any mom to try and fake looking awake (and chic). Different styles fit different faces, but these Tory Burch shades seem to have a universal appeal. Who Can't Live Without It? Jan Scott, Food Editor at SavvyMom.ca

Three school-age kids mean multiple homework assignments. So this solution to keeping everyone happy is telling. Onemorestory.com entertains the youngest, while you're busy helping with the other kids' after-school assignments. It either reads to her, or using the I Can Read It mode, she can read to herself. Who Can't Live Without It? Sarah Morgenstern, Co-Founder and Publisher

Wish you had more power? When it comes to cleaning house, nothing beats a Dyson for a show of force. Suck up the never-ending bits of dust and dirt and whatever else the family has dredged onto your floor. In some small way, you'll actually feel you accomplished something. Who Can't Live Without It? Patti Ryan, Ottawa SavvyScribe

As any well-equipped parent knows, it's all about ‘the mom bag of tricks'. Keep all your stuff—and theirs—perfectly contained in a pretty cool bag that does not scream ‘I'm a mom and I surrendered my style', but rather ‘I totally have it all together' even on those days when you don't. Who Can't Live Without It? Christin Bryant, Special Projects Manager

We all have enough fingerprints on glass surfaces in our home to train a year's worth of CSI students. But we'll come clean about our crime of passion—wiping sticky finger marks off see-through surfaces (including chrome, plastic and stainless steel) with the E-Cloth Glass Cloth, eliminating the need for chemicals. Just use water to wipe it all off. Who Can't Live Without It? Leslie McCormick, Sales Coordinator

Zite is a digital version of your best friend (or the best boyfriend you ever had). You know, the people who actually took the time to find out your interests? Zite learns from your browsing habits and delivers relevant content it knows you will find interesting. Don't ask us how… It. Just. Knows. Who Can't Live Without It? Minnow Hamilton, Co-Founder and Managing Editor

Open up and say ‘ahhhh'. According to Jill (and basically the entire Savvy team), a turn of the screw—or in this case the push of the needle—and suddenly its serenity now. Who Can't Live Without It? Jill Bender, Social Media Strategist

We're all for progress, but at the end of the day, someone in your house has to be on laundry duty (cheers if it's not you). Clean clothes fast and furious, but have them come out fresh with modern machines like LG's sleek front loaders. Who Can't Live Without It? Caroline Pigott, Toronto SavvyScribe

Thanks to the unpredictability of the weather these days, getting the kids geared up always seems to be a mystery each morning. That's why a weather app is a must to help dress the kids in the appropriate attire for their daily activities. Who Can't Live Without It? Nancy Chapman, Vancouver SavvyScribe

We hate to burst the soap bubble, but the new way of using steam to clean is a dream. Parents of older kids will marvel at how easy it is now to sterilize bottles and breast pumps in seconds. It almost makes you want to go back through that baby stage again. Almost. Who Can't Live Without It? Robyn Burnett, Associate Editor

Remember their first drive home from the hospital? Fast forward to today and you're driving that same tiny infant to skating lessons with their BFF while they sing along with Bieber. As they get older, you'll end up spending half your life in the car ferrying them around, so an extra booster seat is a basic necessity. Who Can't Live Without It? Fiona Hopkins, Calgary SavvyScribe

That third hand you always wish you had? The next best thing is a pair of good kitchen tongs (and yes, a good thong isn't a bad idea either...) Who Can't Live Without It? Jan Scott, Food Editor at SavvyMom.ca

We heard that an Apple a day keeps Holly in play. And she's not alone, but our production artist Holly speaks for the masses when she says her iPhone is one of her must-have items for daily survival. The go anywhere, do anything, digital device keeps kids, career (and we bet sanity) in check. Who Can't Live Without It? Holly Sisson, Production Manager

Lights out may be good news for you at the end of the day, but not for anyone afraid of the dark. Ease their fears with OXO's Zoom nightlight. It provides 8 hours of soft LED light, and it's a fun room accessory too. Who Can't Live Without It? Michelle Tice, Vancouver SavvyScribe

It's a crock that everyone can cook. For the rest of us who find our culinary capabilities lacking, lighten up. The crock pot will let you fake it, as it makes it. Who Can't Live Without It? Leslie McCormick, Sales Coordinator

It's a complete mess, but doesn't have to be so hairy. If the a.m. hair-brushing routine usually involves complaints and/or tears, you'll love the Knot Genie hairbrush (now available in Canada). It grooms their locks without grabbing and pulling, making your mornings more zen. Who Can't Live Without It? Sarah Morgenstern, Co-Founder and Publisher

Yes, we know our parents survived raising kids without portable entertainment technology. We just don't know how. Get some relief on the drive up, down or around with a portable player that guarantees a little peace and quiet. Sure, you can tell yourself you'll only play educational movies, but we know how this plays out. Who Can't Live Without It? Christin Bryant, Special Projects Manager

When you need an alternate to nursing, knowing your babe is using something safe is always a stress relief. Born Free Bottles are free from everything, except the cost, of course. Who Can't Live Without It? Robyn Burnett, Associate Editor

Want some extra time to yourself? If you can't wake up early to read the paper and enjoy an uninterrupted coffee, you'll at least enjoy a perfect French Press-made coffee. Sometimes in the morning, it's best to keep things simple. Who Can't Live Without It? Patti Ryan, Ottawa SavvyScribe

Here's a pearl of wisdom for those pearly whites. Your old manual toothbrush is effective, sure, but for added benefits a Philip's Sonicare toothbrush offers extra cleaning power to help deliver a perfect smile. Who Can't Live Without It? Heather Johnson, Calgary SavvyScribe

Maybe kids possess a healing secret adults just don't get. Perhaps the application of a Band-Aid really does take away the sting/scratch/scrape. Or, as suspected, the strip of plastic provides a perfect distraction, which is why colorful or character-embossed Band-Aids can take the worst boo-boo and make it all better. Funny, that. Who Can't Live Without It? Fiona Hopkins, Calgary SavvyScribe

If you have to strap someone into a seat while feeding them, the Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair is an ingenious invention. Designed in 1972, the chair design and functionality hasn't changed (though more accessories are available for comfort and use), because it hasn't needed to. A high chair that really does grow with them in weight, height and age, it will also likely fit into your décor better than most. Who Can't Live Without It? Fiona Hopkins, Calgary SavvyScribe

You may have moved on to deal-of-the-day websites, but eBay is still the original, more global, spot for scoring deals, and it's even better to be able to manage buying or selling on the go. This free app allows you to track your activity, and allow a little strategy play (timing of bids etc) when it comes to eBay. Who Can't Live Without It? Sarah Morgenstern, Co-Founder and Publisher

The Gold standard in hand cream is Gold Bond which is great for its effectiveness and availability (in almost every supermarket or pharmacy) particularly in winter. It definitely gets a gold star. Who Can't Live Without It? Fiona Hopkins, Calgary SavvyScribe

They say the first cut is the deepest. Easy does it. A good apple slicer will make perfect strips for picky eaters and might make it easier to get at least one fruit on their plate. Who Can't Live Without It? Jan Scott, Food Editor at SavvyMom.ca

Get out. No, seriously, we mean it. You can blow the budget on über-expensive shoes, but, like finding your life partner, what's most important is that you find a good fit. Who Can't Live Without It? Alison Rockwell, Toronto SavvyScribe (and avid runner)

Wipe on, wipe off, wipe out. The uses of baby wipes are legendary, even when they are out of diapers, but especially while they are still in them. Cash and cell phones are useful, but we won't leave home without the wipes—great for the car, plane or park. You name it, there's a purpose for them. Who Can't Live Without It? Holly Sisson, Production Manager

Alive and kicking may not describe how you feel the morning after the night before, whether the blame lies with waking babes or other nocturnal adventures. Some strongly brewed Kicking Horse Coffee is a helpful early morning elixir. Who Can't Live Without It? Minnow Hamilton, Co-Founder and Managing Editor

While this is for anyone, it's especially great for those who live with or care for others with diabetes, the The Calorie King, or online site will keep daily totals in check to ensure safe carbohydrate counting in packaged foods and even restaurant dishes. Who Can't Live Without It? Michelle Tice, Vancouver SavvyScribe

When you first got it, you swore you wouldn't let their little hands touch it. And then you had the half-hour wait in the dentist's office. You're going to give in eventually (and if you don't, we bow to you) so protect your iPhone/iPad/iPod with an Otterbox that will also protect it from the inside of your purse, the counter you threw it on, the pocket it drops out of… it's always best to use protection. Who Can't Live Without It? Andrea Tomkins, Ottawa Savvy Scribe

Not to put too fine of a point on it, but a little grooming goes a long way when you're in a hairy situation. Slant tip tweezers from Tweezerman do the trick helping to control those unruly beasts (we meant your brows). Who Can't Live Without It? Jill Bender, Social Media Strategist

Save on flights, but sleep in anyway. Bring Atlantis (the resort, or the legendary under-water city; you pick) to your little one's crib and get some extra time to lie in bed while they swim with the fishies. Who Can't Live Without It? Caroline Pigott, Toronto SavvyScribe

Where do frogs go in winter? What's the name of the Indian restaurant we went to in San Francisco? What time does that pharmacy close? Where is a great adults-only resort? (note: must look this up). Ever stop to think how many times a day/week/month you use the web's most useful site? Providing useful, and not so useful advice (how to make funny noises with your armpit?)—it's hard to imagine life without it. Who Can't Live Without It? Andrea Tomkins, Ottawa Savvy Scribe

We're not shy about this suggestion, but we did enter it anonymously (more than once) onto our list. Still, we're sending out some good vibrations about the We-Vibe II, known for its pleasure principles. Who Can't Live Without It? Anonymous