We’re So Glad We Have These Gadgets
We’re always looking for quick fixes to recurring problems in our day-to-day lives. Thankfully, there are all kinds of tools available now that didn’t exist in the 80s. Not to rub it in their faces, but these 20 things 80s parents wish they had, make raising kids so much easier.
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1. Electric Nasal Aspirators
Using this electric tool is a lot easier than trying to teach a little person to blow their nose. Or worse, standing in a steamy bathroom for hours waiting for things to clear up on their own.
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2. Electric Nail Files
Gentle on the skin, this electric file safely takes down tiny nails without the risk of taking off too much or accidentally cutting skin. A lot of anxiety and horrible hours trying to hold a baby's hand steady are lost thanks to this wonderful gadget.
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3. Video Camera Monitors
In the past, there were only sound monitors to listen to for a waking baby. Now there are cameras we can connect to our phones to make sure our babies are safe. Even if you’ve left the child with a sitter, you can find peace of mind at your fingertips.
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4. No Touch Thermometers
For decades, kids and parents alike have complained about the various methods of fever monitoring. But now moms and dads can use thermometers without even having to touch the child. Magic!
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5. Convertible Playpens
Better than the simple and bulky playpens of the past, they now come with extra inserts to fit your needs while also compacting nicely for travel. From bassinets to change tables and a higher base for younger babies, the options are almost endless.
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6. Toy Straps
Parents from the 80s will remember the ‘pick-up’ game. But today, most moms use colorful straps to tether toys and soothers to the high chair or stroller so they don’t have to continuously retrieve discarded items.
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7. Formula Machines
There are now machines that act like a Keurig for babies. With the simple push of a button, they provide a perfect mix of formula and warm it to just the right temperature. Talk about easy parenting.
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8. Light Travel Coolers
Gone are the heavy and clunky coolers of the 80s. Now parents can pack a picnic in lightweight and collapsible insulated bags of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Family outings have never been so fun.
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9. Rocking Machines
Ever notice how a mom stopped with a baby in a stroller usually has one hand moving it around? It’s to keep the child inside relaxed. But now there are tools that can be attached to do the jiggling for her. Having two hands to work with as a parent is magical.
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10. Bottle Washers
Cleaning bottles was one of the most time-consuming tasks of the 80s. Nowadays, there are machines that’ll take your dirty bottle through a cycle of washing, sterilizing, and drying for you.
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11. Door Monkeys
Goodbye pinched fingers and locked bathrooms. Parents of the 80s are tremendously familiar with this struggle. But now, thanks to the door monkey, there’s no more concern about doors closing and locking on tiny hands.
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12. Clip-In Car Seats
No more fiddling with seatbelts or hook points! Car seats are now equipped with click-release systems. Simply click the seat in place and squeeze the release clip when you’re ready to take the car seat out.
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13. Multi-Function Strollers
With bigger wheels and multiple accessories for different positions, strollers are now more customizable than ever. Many even have click-release systems for car seats so moving the baby between the vehicle and stroller is only a click away.
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14. GPS Trackers
All it takes is a second of distraction for your child to disappear in a crowd. That’s why GPS trackers provide peace of mind to parents venturing out with young children. If something ever does happen, your phone will help you find them immediately.
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15. Car Seat Inserts
In the 80s, parents used to sweat over cramming snowsuit-clad infants into tiny car seats. But now there are insulated inserts. Simply zip the thick lining around the baby and voila! They’re warm without any struggle.
16. Fresh Food Feeders
Feeding babies fresh food can be scary. Handheld feeders are a fun and safe way to let them chew for themselves without fear of choking. Just put fruit in the teething pouch and let them eat and play to their heart’s content.
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17. Lay-n-Go Activity Mats
These sizeable mats contain toy messes in one area while kids are playing. When they’re done, clean-up is as simple as pulling the drawstring and converting the mat into a bag with all the mess tucked neatly inside.
18. Vehicle Cameras
Driving with little people in the back seat is nerve-wracking at best, especially when they’re little. Video monitors allow drivers a dashboard view of what’s going on without losing sight of the road for too long.
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19. Subscriptions
Parents of the 80s had to figure out how to enrich their children’s lives alone, stopping everywhere for books, toys, and craft supplies. But now all kinds of subscriptions deliver regular supplies and activity ideas right to your door.
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20. Cell Phones
This point may be controversial, but there are so many uses for these devices. Outfitted with parental controls, they allow parents immediate contact with their children. No more waiting for the streetlights to come on to find your kids, now they’re only a call away.
