5 Times a Messy Baby is a Good Thing

This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. 

All of you neat freaks out there might cringe when you hear this, but I welcome a good mess. Why? Well, messes are an every day part of being a parent. In fact, some of our most precious memories involve mess!  Here are five times I'm actually thrilled to be in the presence of a really good mess:



1. Birthdays


Smash cakes didn't become a thing because babies eat so daintily. Messy babies eating their first (and 2nd and even 3rd) year dessert is quite charming. All that adorable mess is cause to celebrate!


2. The Great Outdoors


We live on a 4-acre farm and there is no cause for tears when kids get dirty. Why? Because kids explore with all of their senses, and what better way to learn about the world then by really getting messy? How many of our favorite little boy pictures involve mud? Well, most of them...


3. Healthy Foods


I don't care what anyone says. Healthy foods are meant to be savored! That's why I don't flinch when a baby noshes on a plate of blueberries or pears and gets it all over. Good eating habits are established early. And fun experiences help reinforce them.



4. Art


Finger paints are designed to be done on newspaper. Outside. In old clothes. If a child has the chance to express themselves, let them! Your little Picasso should be encouraged to get messy.

5. When It's Funny


Sometimes, babies get into trouble. They make messes. There is no good reason why. But if it can get a belly laugh out of me, it's so worth it!




One reason I'm OK with baby making messes is because I know that I can take care of it. Dreft laundry detergent has been taking out stains and messes from my babies' clothes for years. They make all messes the wonderful memory they should be -- on film -- but not as stains on our wardrobe. And since Dreft is gentle for baby (and anyone else in the family with sensitive skin needs), I know that I'm doing my part to protect baby while tackling tough laundry issues! In fact, Dreft Active Baby detergent can help remove 99 percent of baby food stains and other outdoor messes!


Expert Dr. Dyan Hes agrees that messes have their place in a baby's development. Her tips include loading up on bibs to protect clothes and make clean-up a breeze. She also recommends bathtime for giving babies a way to play expressively and get clean at the same time. Sounds like great advice to me! 



Molly Sims recently spent the day in New York with Dreft and some adorable and messy babies! On Oct. 25th, they launched their search for America's Messiest Baby with a fun play date and lots of messes! With two children and one on the way, I think she's probably a pro at handling messes, don't you?




Wanna Win? We have THREE (3) Ways for you to win!

1) Dreft is rewarding special babies everywhere with a promotion I'm sure you'll want to enter! The #MessiestBabyContest is being sponsored by Dreft and Parents Magazine. The winning baby could end up on the cover of the magazine and a year's supply of Dreft! Enter via the official link or Share a photo of your messy baby on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #messiestbabycontest

2) We also have another opportunity to get great prizes in the upcoming Twitter party. 
The Dreft #MessiestBabyContest Twitter Party will take place on Monday, November 14th from 9PM-10Pm EST. RSVP here for great prizes (including an iRobot Roomba!)

3) We are also hosting our own giveaway! We'll be giving one lucky Lille Punkin' reader a $50 AMEX gift card and Dreft product. To be entered to win, use the form below by November 15th at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+ only.



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