Savvy Toddler Mom

I made a HUGE list of things I want to blog about… all my favorite baby & toddler related items… and then it promptly got buried in the chaos that was my basement flooding over the weekend.  Ack!  Our main water turnoff sprung a leak and soaked the floor of my craft room.  SUCH a mess.  Gallons and gallons of water.  The carpet is dry now, but it still smells like… wet carpet.  Ew.

So, until I find my list of favorites under the piles of refugee scrapbook albums, books, paper, fabric, and photos that has since taken over my office, I must draw upon my memory.  (And if you are a mom, you know how badly pregnancy can permanently damage your memory.  This is a hard thing.)  And what is the first thing my memory comes up with as a must-have for the toddler parent?  Costco.

Yes, Costco.  A Costco membership is my #1 Must Have.  I love Costco.  Really.  I used to drive 20 minutes into Salt Lake to the Costco there until they built one 5 minutes from my house in Bountiful a year and a half ago.  I jumped for joy when I heard about the new one.  I went the first day it opened — braved the insane crowds and everything.  It was so exciting!  Our very own Costco.

“Why?” you ask. “What is it about Costco? Why is it a Must Have?”

“Well,” I reply, “let me tell you…”  It has stuff you need.  It has stuff you need for less than you could buy at regular stores. It has stuff you need for less and in quantities that make it so you don’t run out every time you turn around.  They also have stuff you never even thought of needing or wanting until you see it there and HAVE to have it.  Oh, wait… that’s not exactly a plus.  Well, sometimes it is.

“Need” is a relative term.  I use “need” in the sense of “this-product-that-could-make-your-life-easier-and-your-children-happier/healthier.” 

“What kind of stuff?” you ask.  “Stuff,” I say.

Infant formula, whole milk, chicken nuggets (shaped like dinosaurs!), cheerios, meatballs, goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, fruits and veggies, DIAPERS, diaper wipes, pull-ups, swim diapers, baby shampoo, baby wash, antibacterial wipes, children’s clothing, children’s books and DVDs, children’s furniture, strollers, tricycles, toys, playground equipment, costumes, sippy cups, etc., etc., etc.

Don’t forget stuff for parents of toddlers: CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES and laptops and stuff.  Mostly the caffeinated beverages.  Oh, and the prepared meals that you just throw in the oven (my favorite is the chicken pot pie).  (I did buy my laptop from their web site and got exactly what I wanted for a screamin’ deal.)

Costco does have a pitfall.  You can go totally nuts (and broke) if you aren’t careful.  I really recommend shopping there with a LIST (and, oh, how I love lists) and NOT HUNGRY.

Also keep in mind the Costco Rule: “You can always take it back.” I have seen things there and decided to “think about it,” then come back later and they are gone.  You need a happy medium.

In summary: Must Have #1 is a Costco Membership.  Executive Membership (with 2% cash back) is $100 annually, basic membership is $50.  Too bad they don’t sell carpet.  Oh, wait… I think maybe they do…

P.S. I really recommend the Kirkland diapers over the Huggies… they work just as well, if not better (I have a boy, I can attest) and they cost less.