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Growing up, my Mom used to always talk about finding the "million dollar idea."  It would be her great invention that would be so successful that my Dad would retire, we'd move to some 100-acre estate and sit around eating bon-bons the rest of our days.  She even went so far as to patent a few of her ideas.  

We never did end up in the mansion and I still have yet to have ever eaten a bon-bon (do they even make them anymore?), and unlike my Mom I'm not obsessed with finding the million dollar idea.  \

But I am constantly amazed at these Mom-success stories.  Or these Mom-invented products that make me think, so simple, now why didn't I come up with that?  I'm talking not about the success stories like Julie Aigner Clark (founder of the Baby Einstein movies and line, which is pretty awesome too) but about random gadgets that help make our lives as Moms easier.

Quick Zip crib sheets.  Seriously, how great is this.  Two Moms invented these sheets - from their own website, they "could not imagine years of tying and untying dozens of bumper ribbons and adjusting sheet corners."  Amen to that sisters!  So what did they do? Invented sheets that have zippers that make you avoid the tedium of taking the crib bumper off (or in the least, having to get around it) every time you remove and  put a sheet back on the mattress.  The center of the sheet zips off to be throw in the wash and zipped right back on when it's clean.  You can buy them online at Cloud and Stars.  Use coupon code MWS051508 for 10% off your order through May 15, 2008.  They're also sold in One Step Ahead.

Jibbitz.  I love this story and this isn't as much a "useful" product as it's just cool and fun for the kids.  A stay-at-home Mom of 3 invited the croc shoe charms in her basement.  As her children started collecting crocs, she fashioned the Jibbitz charms out of clay and rhinestones.  A year later, her company grew and was bought by Crocs, Inc.  You can find them all over the place now (over 4,000 retail accounts worldwide) - we just HAVE to have one each time we're in the mall and pass a Hallmark store, where they have a huge selection of Jibbitz right next to the cash register.

Bebe Au Lait/Hooter Hider.  You'd think I was obsessed, the amount of times I've mentioned this product.  But I could not have nursed in public without it.  Also made by Moms, these chic nursing covers are so great - they're stylish, provide your baby with shade while nursing and give many modest Moms the ability to nurse out in public while still feeling comfortable doing so.

Bumbo Seat.  The seat for infants who aren't yet sitting up but have good head control.  This seat is great for kids who want to be upright but can't hold themselves fully upright. 

AirCrib.  If I didn't already have a Pack n Play and was already two kids in, I would be all over buying this product.  This is so much better than lugging around a heavy pack-n-play.  The Air Crib is just what it sounds like - a portable, inflatable crib. It's designed for babies 5 months and under. It's tiny and so much more portable than a pack-n-play.  The only downer is that it only lasts for 5 months - but if you think about it, that's  about the same life span as many other infant products (bouncer, swing, etc.)  Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off.

Dwink.  This universal juice box/soy box/drink box holder is great because you can slip in most portable drink boxes and it comes with handles and makes life much easier with toddlers when you're out on the go.  Any of you who have given a toddler a juice box out can appreciate this- how many times have you had your kids squeeze the box and the juice comes flying out of the straw?  With the Dwink you don't have to worry as they hold the box by the handles and nothing gets squeezed. 

And I could go on and on.  Boon Bags (stuffed animal storage).   The Snack Trap (give toddler snacks without them ending up all over the floor).  The BabeeBrite (a pocket nightlight, helping Mom with late night feedings and changings.)  And so many more. All I can say is three cheers for these creative Moms who have made our lives easier. Check out their products and be inspired.