Time for the Sippy Cup!

At about six months your baby will say "For crying out loud, can I have something other than milk?" And you will say, hmmmm....juice!!!

One great way to save money on juice (and it's a great way to save their teeth) is to water down juice about 50/50. I found this to be really helpful especially when the kids didn't want boring old water. During the summer months I was sure they were getting enough hydration without consuming tons of sugar.

Finding great deals on juice has always been a struggle for me, because the coupons that come out don't come out very often and their value is usually small. But don't ever throw them away! That sale will come eventually where you can get a fantastic deal! Also, sign up at www.juicyjuice.com for coupons, as well as www.motts.com. A few weeks ago Mott's apple juice was on sale for $1.67/bottle, and I was able to print off $.55/1 coupons from their website. My store doubles coupons up to $1, and so I got my juice for $.67 each! You'd better believe I stocked up!

When I have run out of juice and can't get any for $.67 each, I either buy the generic 100% juice or frozen juice concentrate. Once in a great, great while I will pull out the kool-aid for a quick and super sugary treat, but only once in a great, great while.

When on the go, resist the temptation to always have juice boxes or juice pouches on hand. Though they are convenient, they are more expensive per ounce and the cost can really add up after awhile. When we are going out, I pack the kids' drinks and keep them in an insulated bag, so they stay cold and I always have some on hand. I do buy the boxes/pouches when they are on sale and if I have a coupon, though! I can't pass up a good deal!

In my experience the best sippy cups are from playtex. Every other brand I have tried leaks. Every single one. Though other brands are cheaper, you will be throwing them away after your wee one dribbles sugary goodness all over your carpet for the thirteenth time. I have seen playtex cups on sale many, many times, though, and I was also successful in getting coupons by writing to playtex. Also, check faithful Ebay for good deals on multipacks.

One fun thing I came across that I can't live without now is this:
http://www.sippypal.com/product.html

It goes around the cup and latches on to whatever baby is sitting in-carseat, stroller, whatever! It really is an awesome little cup leash!