11 Ways to Give Baby Gear a Second Life

We spend a fortune on the latest, greatest baby gear, only to toss it out a year or two later. Not only does this mean throwing away sweet memories but throwing away thousands of dollars as well. If you're sick of seeing your hard-earned money ending up in the trash, try upcycling some of the items from your baby registry. From formula dispensers to diaper pails, here are 11 ways to make your baby gear last just a little bit longer. Source: Instagram and Flickr

01
Nursing Pillows

Nursing Pillows

Transform your "breast" friend into a nice neck rest for yourself or a lounge pillow for your little one's bedroom. Source: Instagram user mrs_mc_c

02
Baby Crib

Baby Crib

Cribs are the hardest things to toss, seeing as you use most of your baby budget to buy them. From desks to chalkboards, there are plenty of ways to give this piece of furniture a purpose after baby. Source: Frosted Gardner

03
Formula Dispensers

Formula Dispensers

The canisters' dividers make them great for storing snacks in lunch boxes or, for those trying to get back in prebaby shape, protein powder. Source: Instagram user tiffanychendry

04
Baby Bottles

Baby Bottles

We understand wanting to throw out the endless supply of bottles. But we suggest keeping one around to store and dispense cooking oil. Source: Flickr user shevoo

05
Teething Rings

Teething Rings

Stash a few teething rings in the freezer to act as an ice pack when your little one gets a bump, scrape, or bruise. Source: Flickr user seanmfreese

06
Baby Bathtub

Baby Bathtub

Since your tot's tub doesn't take up that much space, use it as an under-the-sink storage organizer. Source: Flickr user scottieT812

07
Diaper Bags

Diaper Bags

If you bought a stylish bag, there's no shame in using it once your tot is potty trained. It can also double as an overnight bag for your little one. Source: Instagram user Kelly_22teichroeb

08
Burp Cloths

Burp Cloths

The soft material makes burp cloths and bibs perfect for dusting the house. Source: Instagram user keepeminstiches

09
Nipple Cream

Nipple Cream

Once you move from breast to bottle, you probably won't have as much use for your nipple cream. But keep it in the medicine cabinet. Lanolin, the main ingredient in most creams, is great for treating diaper rash, loosening a stuck zipper, or getting rings off a swollen finger. Source: Flickr user pamlovespie

10
Baby Clothes

Baby Clothes

Babies tend to grow out of clothes weeks after we buy them. Donate some of the nicer ones, but keep a few around to use as outfits for dolls and stuffed animals. Source: Instagram user teddybearunna

11
Mattress Crib

Mattress Crib

Why toss out a perfectly comfortable mattress when you can turn it into a reading bench, dog bed, love-seat cushion, and so much more? Source: Small + Friendly