Those calming breaths you learned to do in childbirth class? They'll come in handy in the baby superstore aisle, too. That's because baby products are a $9.8 billion industry in the U.S. with hundreds of new products added to the line-up each year. To save money, it pays to buy products that do more than one thing or that can be converted to something non-baby-related later. Here are four baby products that can give you your money's worth. grassdryer.jpg
Boon Winter Grass Countertop Drying Rack, $17.99This handy drying rack has flexible plastic (BPA, PVC and phthalate-free) grass-like blades that cradle hand-washed bottles, nipples, other bottle parts and baby spoons. Water drains into the lower tray. Multi-tasking bonus: The Boon Grass drying rack is a great way to dry delicate wine glasses. The plastic grass holds upside-down stemware in place so they're less likely to break, compared to the rough and tumble of a regular dish rack.
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Babee Covee 6-in-1 Baby Blanket and Cover, $39.99 - $49.99This mom-invented product functions six ways. It can be used as a car seat tent cover to shield a napping baby from the elements, a nursing cover, a high chair or shopping cart cover for protecting your baby from grimy restaurant or supermarket cart seating, a stroller blanket and a playtime blanket. The Babee Covee is reversible, featuring a printed cotton side and a "minky" plush side. The center Velcro pouch makes it all possible. Best of all: The Babee Covee is machine washable.
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Diaper Dekor Plus, $39.95 The Diaper Dekor Plus is more than a diaper pail. Pop out the diaper insert, which is designed to seal in diaper odors, and it becomes a garbage can that you can use way past the diaper phase, in the bathroom, kitchen or garage. The wide opening and sleek design set the stage for the trash-can transformation. The pail is made from durable ABS plastic, which holds up over time and doesn't absorb odors. It comes in soft pink and soft blue for the nursery, but if you're thinking ahead, go with white, black or sage instead.
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Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove, $199.99 This play yard comes fully loaded with a removable rocking seat for newborns, a bassinet insert for sleepy babies under 15 pounds, a changing table attachment for babies up to 25 pounds with parent organizer for diapers and supplies and a basic mesh-sided play yard that can function as a travel crib. An electronic module attaches to the Pack 'n Play's rails to add soothing vibration, sounds and songs to your baby's play yard experience (batteries not included). Although the play yard retails for around $200, that's not bad considering that it's four products in one.
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