Products
Freebies
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As someone who moved across the world and didn't have her belongings for 6 months (!) when the shipment of our container was delayed, I learned that you can be okay with the basics. It was freeing in many ways.
But I missed a few items because they genuinely make our lives easier. My robotic vacuums, long baby gate, cordless stick vacuum, tools that remove the dog hair, and hands-free leashes were among the items I was happy to be reunited with.
We all felt the difference when we didn’t have air purifiers when the sickness season started or when the air was unhealthy.
My kids missed their books, doggie stuffies, and Lego blocks. And I’m sure Lola missed her puzzle toys and her beloved Lambchop!
Vet clinic or dog grooming Lego sets are one of those toys my kids go back to playing over and over again. The walk-a-long puppy was one of my kids' favorite toys. It is well-made and keeps your toddler's hands off your dog. Lace&Trace saved my sanity many times during car trips and stickers make everything better.
Puzzle toys and chews are a great option when you can’t exercise your dog, e.g., when it’s too cold to walk your dog, you are recovering from childbirth, or your dog is recovering after a procedure, etc. They have always helped me feel less guilty because they make my dogs happy.
Eating meals out of puzzle toys tires the dogs out and reduces barking and other nuisance behaviors.
Slo feeder bowls slow down fast eaters; casino toys do this and make the dogs think more to figure out how to get the food out.
Snuffle mats have become more mainstream for a good reason. Dogs like them; there is no learning curve, and they are quick to fill and easy to wash.
Lick mats have become more mainstream for a good reason. Dogs like them; there is no learning curve, and they are quick to prepare and easy to wash.
Petgeek is Hela’s favorite - she pushes the button and runs up to the toy for kibble or treats.
If I have to read one book over and over again, I'd rather read about Ivy or Maxine than excavators (nothing against excavators, I just prefer dogs :))
There are so many great toys on the market, but there are some toys that most dogs love, like the squirrel (it looks real!), the Lambchop from Multipet, or a good tug toy like the Monkey. A flirt pole is my go-to toy for exercising dogs; it is perfect when you are tired and sleep-deprived. If your dog likes catching bubbles, pour bacon-flavored bubble solution into your bubble machine and watch your dog play.
How cute are those? If you have a dog-loving, aka dog-obsessed kiddo, and your dog is unsure how to handle that love, get them a stuffie to play with, walk, train, cuddle, and kiss. Win-win.
Pro-tip! If available, get them a miniature stuffie version of your dog; your dog will thank you!
Was your dog a good boy / good girl this year?
Do you have friends or family members who are having a baby?
Give them and their dogs the gift of being prepared. Read the reviews here.
Baby clothes are so cute, but a silent tag for your dog will help with sensory overload, a robotic vacuum will remove all the dog hair, and a baby gate will help you keep your baby safe. A hands-free leash will be a lifesaver when walking your dog, freeing up your hands for the stroller, and a white-noise machine will keep your baby sleeping soundly, even with your dog barking nearby.
Find items you don't typically see on gift guides.
As Nikki, a Dog Meets Baby follower, said: "Our playpen has been such a good investment. Worth every penny." A kitchen helper was one of the best tools for keeping my children safe (and high) around big dogs. And if I had to name one item I have used consistently for 7+ years, that would be the long gate. White noise machines help tremendously during sleep regressions, and a crash-tested harness gives you peace of mind.
If your dog likes their bed, they are more likely to stay there. Dog beds can make all the difference in training your dog to stay in their dog zone or sleep outside your bed or bedroom. Some dogs love cozy donut beds, some like elevated beds, and some prefer sturdy orthopedic beds with bolsters.
If you’ve been here a while, you know I often share the same products and brands year after year. It’s because I have them, use them, love them, and get them as gifts for friends and family members.
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Tula | First Peak | Bud & Zo | Solly Baby | Tubby Todd | Earth Mama Baby
Expecting and Empowered | Birth Smarter | Milestones and Motherhood
Real Dog | Woof | Non-stop dog wear | Wolfgang | Pupford | Mind Game of the Month | High Tail Hikes
*Links in this post are affiliate links, which means that Dog Meets Baby might receive a small commission when you purchase these items, at no additional cost to you.
Online resources to help your baby and dog get along—right from the start and as they grow up together.
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