We all know that lipstick can double as blush and that you can use a piece of pencil eraser for a missing earring back in a pinch, but did you know that there are a multitude of items in your toddler’s diaper bag that can do double duty?  In my last 16 months of mommyhood, I’ve discovered some cool tools in Hayden’s room – baby essentials that moonlight as  grown-up gear!

Baby oil -  If the name doesn’t give it away, it’s most commonly used on your baby’s delicate new skin.   Another use?  Smooth it onto YOUR skin after you get out of the shower, while your skin is still damp.  The oil locks in the moisture better than lotion can.  Plus, it smells amazing and ADORABLE.

Vaseline – Commonly used on babe’s diaper area to provide a barrier against wetness.  Another use?  Use it as lip gloss.  It’s super shiny and makes lips feel soft and smooth.   I must confess – my 16-year-old cousin taught me this little trick a couple of years ago.

Baby wipes – Used, of course, to aid in diaper clean-up.  Another use?  I use a baby wipe every night to take off my eye makeup.  They work better than any beauty counter makeup remover I’ve tried.   I suggest Pampers Sensitive wipes – they’re really gentle and have a smell that totally reminds me of marzipan icing.  Mmm!

Receiving blankets – Used to swaddle newborns for warmth and comfort.  Also commonly used to clean up the mess from multiple spit-up/drool episodes.   Another use?  I use old receiving blankets as dust rags.  They’re soft, won’t scratch delicate surfaces and are great at picking up dust.

Jarred baby food – You guessed it – usually fed to babies once they’re ready for solids (around 3 or 4 months).  Another use?  Go ahead and try it yourself!  I’m guilty of buying baby food LONG before I ever had Hayden.  Strawberry and blueberry are my personal faves.  Low in calories and low in fat – what’s not to love?

Have you discovered a “double-duty” item around your house that’s made your life easier?   By all means – share!  I’m always looking for time-savers to add to my repertoire.

Allison Empey is a 29-year-old medical transcriptionist from Ontario, Canada.  She is happily married  since 2006 and is having an obscene amount of fun being a mom to her 16-month-old son, Hayden.  Allison is an avid amateur photographer with a penchant for portraiture.  She loves to write, and to make people laugh, and has combined the two passions by regularly updating her blog.   Allison’s other loves?  Reading, board games, medicine, cheesecake and wine.

Check out Allison’s websites:  www.flickr.com/allygalore for photos, www.galore.tumblr.com for hilarious (and modest) blog, and www.twitter.com/AllyEmpey to follow her on Twitter!

Tags: baby, beauty, essentials, household, Tips