6 safe smart gadgets for a high-tech nursery

Putting smart speakers in your living room is one thing, but if you’re going to have a connected device in your nursery, you need to know it’s secure.

Case in point: A popular baby monitor that allowed hackers to spy on live video of parents and their babies. Yeah. Scary. This isn’t the place to be cheap, folks. I found these top-rated, ultra-safe smart devices to make those early days a lot less stressful.

Babysense Breathing Monitor ($127.50)

This little gadget fits under your baby’s mattress and alerts you of any problems with your baby’s breathing or sleeping. There’s no Wi‑Fi or internet involved, so it’s hack-proof, too.

SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet ($1,695)

This bassinet helps you and your baby get more z’s. It comes with a built-in swaddle, rocks on its own, makes white noise and has an app. SNOO says your kid will grab one or two extra hours of sleep a night. It’s pricey, but if it delivers on even half that promise, it’s worth every penny.

Nanit Pro Camera ($193.52)

The Nanit Pro Camera lets you keep an eye on your kid from anywhere with high-quality video and secure encryption. It notifies you of movement, crying, breathing changes, or if your baby or toddler enters “off-limits areas” in a room, like a doorway or stairs.

Munchkin Bluetooth-enabled Swing ($198.50)

I like this little rocker a lot for entertaining your little one when they’re awake. The smart part? You can choose from several rocking movements and a variety of classical and soothing sounds. You can even connect your own audio.

Diaper Genie with Antimicrobial Odor Control ($47.99)

A newborn can go through up to 3,000 diapers in their first year. Diaper Genies are old-school … but so much better now. The bags have built-in antimicrobial tech to keep the whole house from getting stinky and even inhibit bacterial growth on the film.

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Bright idea

A ton of you asked me to share more lights since you loved my flashlight pick the other day. I did the work to find you the best ones.

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Pens that do more than write

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I need a better way to …

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Splash into summer

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Affordable upgrades

Problem, meet solution. Inexpensive hacks that make life easier:

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The replacements

Some items need to be replaced more often than most of us actually do. I’ve got you covered! Even better, these household items are on sale now:

  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’re sick. Bacteria sits in the bristles. Grab a four-pack for 13% off now. 
  • Dishwashing sponges should be replaced every couple of weeks. Set yourself up for six months to a year with a 24-pack for under $10.
  • You’re supposed to replace your pillow every year or so. Get a four-pack of quality down-alternative pillows to update your household ($29.99, 32% off).
  • Spices lose their flavor fast, but whole spices can last for three to four years. Now you just need a spice grinder. This Ninja model is 28% off.
  • At least once a year, replace your shower curtain liner to keep mold and mildew at bay. This bestselling liner is 29% off now and $11.99.

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They made too much

Amazon has a hidden overstock outlet section. Items up to 70% off? Yes, please!

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 Road trip essentials

Summer is road trip season, which means it’s time to make your ride road-ready. This list isn’t exhaust-ive, but it’s a good start!

  • Toss empty snack wrappers into a leakproof car trash can, on sale for $9.99.
  • Don’t throw your purse on the ground. Hang it on this hook, which goes on the back of a headrest. It’s 41% off now, at $7.66.
  • This smartphone charger keeps your phone in place for navigation with a sturdy mount, and it’s 57% off.
  • Air sanitizers get the lingering greasy burger or smoke smell out of a rental car. Grab a pack for 11% off.
  • Every vehicle needs jumper cables, an LED headlamp and a tire pressure gauge. You’ll be set with this kit, now 15% off.

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Step off

Fellow walkers, runners and hikers, let’s upgrade your gear:

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Play on, player

Summer is playtime. I wrangled up a few great beach or outdoor lawn games for hosting, travel or just weekend fun.

  • Keep it classic: This bocce ball set is 19% off and comes with its own carrying case.
  • Get the kids off their screens: This game set is a party in a box for the younger members of your summering crew, with four games in one. Select the size for kids ages 3 to 7 or 5 to 10.
  • Light up the night: A lightweight, light-up flying disc is good for parties that go past sunset, which is pretty late these days! Woo, it’s 15% off.
  • Backyard bowling: An outdoor (or indoor, for rainy days) bowling set for 22% off. Strike!
  • Tabletop playing: Give your feet a rest from the other games and play a hook-and-ring game (15% off).
  • Create your own course: Most putting games are pricey, but this set of two putting cups is a steal on sale for $8.99. Get a bunch and create your own 18.

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Subscribe and save

Do you use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program? You can save anywhere from 5% to 15% on items you order regularly, and you can adjust your schedule or cancel before your item ships again automatically (two weeks to every six months).

There are a heck of a lot of useful Subscribe & Save options. Here are some of the most popular, according to Amazon:

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Outdoor living upgrades

These deals are all under $10 and an easy way to level up your summer life outside. With deals like this, the steaks aren’t too high for your patio paradise.

  • Bug out: A magnetic screen door will keep the bugs at bay as you move between indoors and outdoors. It’s a steal at $8.99 (44% off).
  • Under pressure: Clean the driveway or patio with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle. Get a pack of two brass nozzles for half off ($9.99).
  • Backyard upgrade: These solar-powered rope lights make any outdoor setup party-ready. Snag ‘em for just $9.99.
  • Dining deterrents: Don’t let flies ruin dinner. Place a couple of these fly fans (23% off, $9.99) on the table. They really work!
  • Grill me: This multiuse silicone mat holds your tools for easy cleanup after grilling. It’s an easy upgrade for only $8.99.

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Save some dough

These kitchen tools and gadgets will make your life easier … and they’re all under $10. Sweet. 

With all these deals, you could say I’m on a roll. I know, I’m sorry.

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Keep your pets cool

Your furry family members are feeling the summer heat, too. I found some sweet deals to cool down your pup or cat.

  • Air Bud: An elevated dog bed is easier on their joints and a cooler perch because of airflow. Snag this Amazon Basics bed for 27% off.
  • Jump in anytime: Take this foldable dog pool anywhere. Smaller sizes are up to 37% off right now. My girl, Abby, loves to swim.
  • Splish-splash: Splash pads are for dogs, too. This 67-inch pad is a steal at $19.98. Fine, the kids can play on it, too.
  • Cool cats (and dogs): Washable and portable, a cooling mat for pets can keep them comfy in the car, on the patio or even in the living room. Get it on sale now for $9.99.
  • App-paws for safety: Pets’ paws can burn on hot surfaces. Protect their little tootsies with these dog booties, now 33% off.

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Summer lovin’ (not splashin’)

Even the highest-rated “waterproof” phones were tested in fresh, calm water — not the beach or a chlorinated water slide. Protect your stuff.

  • Retire the Ziploc bag: Snag a two-pack of Pelican Marine pouches for your fam’s phones. There’s a lanyard so your phone won’t slip into the water, but even if it does, it floats! The olive color is 30% off.
  • Float on: This floating HD speaker has eight colors of LED lights … that project flamingos underwater! So fun. Right now, it’s 13% off (under $40)
  • Throw and go: Get a dry bag and don’t worry about your phone, tablet, book … You name it, It’s covered. The waterproof 5L Heeta Dry Bag is 20% off and just under $12.
  • Look, ma! No hands: Store your phone, cash and cards with a waterproof pouch — just $9.89 for a black-and-white set of two. It’s touchscreen-friendly, so you can splash and text.
  • Beach reads: Protect your Kindle or iPad with a waterproof pouch. This floating one fits tablets up to 11 inches and is on sale for 11% off.

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Listen on your stereo 

Pam in Fort Lauderdale wrote to me to ask if there’s a cheap, easy way for her to play music from her phone on her home stereo. 

📻 Heck yes, there are, Pam. Each one works a little differently. Follow the included instructions and you’ll be rockin’ in no time.

  • Super affordable: Connect this receiver ($23.99) to your stereo’s audio port, give it some juice via a USB cable, and then push one button to pair it with your phone. Easy-peasy.
  • Pricer but better sound: Audiophiles, this one is for you. A Wi-Fi connection will give you better sound than a Bluetooth option. The WiiM Mini audio player ($89) is worth the money.
  • Get smart: Some Echo models, like this refurbished 4th-gen Echo Dot (34% off, $58.99), can connect to your stereo with a 3.5mm aux cable. That’s pretty sweet.

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💩 It’s potty time

Science says a potty stool is good for small kids, older adults and those who need a little help going No. 2. Put your feet up and get down to business.

  • Hey there, sweet cheeks: This potty stool is on sale for $19.88 and folds away before guests arrive.
  • On the rails: Find you need a little help coming in for a landing and taking off from the toilet? These adjustable safety rails are 35% off. 
  • For tiny tushies: Calling all potty-training parents or accommodating grandparents. This small seat stays attached by a magnet when not in use. Save 7% to 10% on round or elongated seats.
  • Roses really smell like …: Poo-Pourri’s Cypress Woods is on sale for $8.21. The spray-before-you-poo scent eliminates the smell of, well, elimination.
  • Brush it off: You should replace your toilet brush now and then. This incredibly well-reviewed set is currently 43% off at $9.99. Yup, you need this.

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 Last-minute Father’s Day gifts

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 Now, that’s sharp!

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