Ok, time to talk about the gross stuff of parenting—poop. And not just your run of the mill variety. Toddler poop. Pretty toxic stuff.

My mom came by our house after my oldest had turned one. She had come for lots of visits throughout my daughter’s first year, but I had never noticed that face before. You know the face I’m talking about—a cross between an impersonation of a bunny and pig.

You know the face I’m talking about—a cross between an impersonation of a bunny and pig.

I couldn’t figure out what was wrong until the next time she visited and brought a box with her. When she handed it to me she said, “You definitely need this.” It was a Diaper Genie Elite. I kind of rolled my eyes and mumbled a thank you, but I didn’t really agree. I mean diapers are stinky, but I figured I took my garbage out enough that I didn’t need a special bin for diapers. I just thought the smell is something you don’t love but live with when you have a baby—like late night feeds, milk stains on your t-shirt or an open door policy on your bathroom visits.

You know, the usual.

It was in my house already, so I figured I might as well give it a go. I had to smile when the box it came in was so effortless with a literal “open here” tab—perfect for sleep-deprived parents. It was super easy to put together, too. It literally took less than five minutes. Tie a knot in the bag and go!

Once assembled, my first thought was that the Diaper Genie must have been designed by a parent because it comes with a foot pedal. How many times in the day do you wish for a foot pedal while you’re holding your babe? Forty-five? Seventy-two? I was also impressed with how slim the Diaper Genie was. It was definitely going to fit in our tiny nursery or anywhere in the house really.

It only took a few days for me to realize my mom was right. (Strangely, this is a recurring theme). I had just gotten used to the smell in my house, not realizing how bad it was. All of a sudden, the wafting aroma that used to come every time I came close to my garbage pail was gone. Magic! And when it was time to empty my Diaper Genie Elite, I simply pulled on the bag, used the handy cutter and tied a knot. Not even a little sneaky whiff escaped!

Sometimes even moms just need to listen to their moms.