As much as I hate to admit that I’m dependent on a little gadget, there’s really no getting around it: I would be lost without my cell phone. Not only is it my connection to the outside world and friends aside from the diaper-clad toddler who follows me everywhere, but it’s my meal ticket. I use my smart phone to catch up on work emails so I can spend more time with my kid and less time chained to a desk. It’s my camera for marking memories with the family, the keeper of my endless to-do lists, and the means by which my own mom (who lives about four hours away) can see her granddaughter face-to-face, and often. In short, my cell phone is my lifeline.
But could my smart phone stand to be better with a little help, than it is on its own? Sure! As a busy, exhausted, mistake-making, forgetful, mom-on-the-go, I rely on these eleven life-changing cell phone accessories to keep myself, my family, and my phone at our highest (and cutest!) functional capacity.
Cell Phone Accessories
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Waterproof Bag
I used to hesitate bringing my phone to the beach or pool, but now that my daughter is around, I absolutely refuse to miss out on snapping adorable pics of her splashing in the water. I bought this affordable 100% waterproof that bag that won't let even a drop of water in, and my only regret is not buying one sooner. This one allows you to take pictures, type, and text as you normally would, all while remaining enclosed safely behind waterproof plastic. It's easy to use and totally life-changing for any watery adventures, year-round.
Buy it: Amazon.com from $4.66
Image: Amazon
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Heavy-Duty Phone Case
Don't judge me; I've gone through more than my fair share of phones. They drop, they shatter, I cry. Then I grimace at the repair or replacement fees, while promising myself I won't do that again. But I always do. This is why it's my personal belief that every mom must have a top-of-the-line, everything-proof cell phone case in her possession. Among my mom-friends, the hands-down favorite is the Otter Box. For all the tantrums and mishaps your phone needs to withstand, this one features triple-layer protection, a sturdy holster that doubles as a kickstand for easy viewing, and a port that keeps dirt and debris at bay.
Buy it: Amazon.com, from $19.99
Image: Amazon
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Functional Dust Plug
Recently, my husband's phone stopped taking a charge. For weeks, he had to place it down very carefully for the charging to work. Then, it got to the point where one of us had to actually hold it in place to get a charge. Eventually, it just stopped working completely. Guns blazing, I charged into the store, no appointment, and declared the 11-month-old product broken and in need of an immediate, free replacement. The guy at the door greeted me with an amused grin and a bent-out-of-shape paper clip and proceeded to dig enough dust and dirt out of the charging port, the sight of it almost made me vomit. Sure enough, the phone took a charge immediately. You could risk damaging your phone if you DIY it though, so I'm pumped to have discovered these nifty port plugs you can pop in there between chargings to keep the area dust (and drama!)-free. Just plug it in and block the dust for good.
Buy it: Amazon, $7.25
Image: Amazon
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Pretty Dust Plug
Now that we've gotten the functional dust plug out of the way, how about a nod to the pretty? I'll be honest, this tool is not exactly an essential if you and your phone plan to be stranded on a deserted island anytime soon. But for those of us who like the concept of decorating our phones, but don't want to make any permanent decisions (bedazzling with hot glue just seems so scary at my age!), these cute plugs get inserted to the headphone port and can be easily removed or exchanged whenever you feel like it. Buy pretty florals like this one from Etsy shop Joy Love Clay, or nab a multipack of plain ones and decorate them yourself at home.
Buy it: Etsy.com, $16
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Adjustable Tripod/Phone Stand
This might be the coolest thing I've ever seen, even though at first glance it might seem confusing or bizarre. Bid farewell forever to those awkward selfies when you say hello to Gekkopod, a fully adjustable tripod that lets you position your smart phone (or "real" camera!) to just about any surface for the perfect vantage point. Imagine how cool your captures will be when your phone is at just the right angle, shooting from a tree. Get footage of your kid's first exhilarating tricycle ride when it's hooked up to the handlebars. The options are absolutely endless and so are the memories you'll be able to hold onto thanks to this smart gadget, compatible with all phones and handheld digital cameras.
Buy it: Amazon.com, from $19.95
Image: Amazon
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Battery Backup & Flashlight
We've all been there. It's a dance recital, a board meeting, or a date night with the hubby and we look down and see our phone's battery is dangerously low. A battery backup is a must-have for any mom, but those bulky boxes are a drag to tote in the purse and don't offer up any extra features. Enter this cool mobile charger that also doubles as a flashlight. It's a perfect item to keep in your car or diaper bag and not only will it save you from the "red" battery zone, but can also light up the night for a game of dusky hide-and-seek or that classic mom moment of searching the inside of a dark, cavernous tote bag for a set of missing keys.
Buy it: Amazon, from $12.98
Image: Amazon
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Gorgeous Fitness Tracker
As the mom of a toddler, it's tough to get workouts in. And frankly, no matter how old they get, the list of activities just grows. It's hard to jam in enough time to shower some days, let alone a workout to warrant that shower. But a fit and healthy mom is a happy mom, and a great role model for the kids. This is why I love my FitBit for motivation and to make every day a more healthful one. FitBit syncs effortlessly with my smart phone and is compatible for access on any device, so I can track my calories and goals alongside the sleep and steps info it provides. Mine recently got a beautiful facelift from Tory Burch, whose fashion-forward cases make your tracker look like real jewelry while I power through my day.
Buy it: Amazon, from $288.99 for the tracker and case
Image: Amazon
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Bluetooth Keyboard
Especially as a working mom, the shuffle can be stressful. As much as I would love to say I am always giving 100% of myself to either my child or my job, it's just not true. There's always a balance. This is why any device that makes it easier to get some work done quickly while the toddler is occupied is a life saver for me. I love my Bluetooth keyboard that can link up easily to both my tablet and smart phone. Checking email on a tiny screen is doable but not ideal. Also, this handy contraption lets me type with ease anywhere, without having to worry about lugging a third device -- my clunky laptop.
Buy it: Amazon, from $29.99
Image: Amazon
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Tracking Tiles
We've all been there---you're on your way out the door and, bam. You can't find your keys, wallet, or some other essential item. Even worse, you suspect your toddler has gotten her hands on it, so it's not just lost, it's likely buried somewhere you would never think to look. The stress and dread can be too much to take as a busy mom, and I am always losing something. This is why I literally couldn't survive without tracking tiles. Simply attach the tile to your oft-misplaced items and when they're missing, you can locate them by sound. The best part? There's no charging these guys and you won't need to replace the battery for a year. Once the battery is in, they just work. How life-changing is that?
Buy it: Amazon.com, from $24.99
Image: Amazon
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Haute Headphones
Whether you're a working mommy with a commute or a stay-at-homer who likes to bust out the stroller and make some moves in the mornings, all moms need a trusty pair of headphones. But the cords are annoying and ugly, and it's one more thing we have to dig around the diaper bag or oversized mommy-tote for. Enter Hand Candy, my new favorite headphones. These double as a chic necklace so storage is unnecessary, and they add a welcome pop of pretty to your morning routine.
Buy it: Amazon, from $7.99Image: Amazon
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Magnetic Phone & Tablet Holder
From the car to the kitchen counter, at some point we've all wished we could have a magical extra hand come down and hold our phone in place. Whether you're seeking directions to your next location, or you're wrist-deep in dinner-prep, a magnetic phone and tablet holder is a life-changer. This one can be mounted on practically any flat surface and keeps your phone safe from sticky kiddo fingers while keeping you focused on the task(s) at hand.
Buy it: Amazon, from $18.99
Image: Amazon
