This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more information.
This is a list of Pro-Tips that I have included in many articles. Some tips are related to baby gear, mom life, and things like trips to the doctor.
Take the tips you can apply to your life!
Enjoy!
#1 Before your baby arrives go ahead and print out a few photos to put in the baby book. Pictures from when you were a baby make for cute comparisons. You can include pictures from when you were dating, engaged, and from your wedding day. Don’t forget to include a few baby bump photos as well.
It is best to be ahead of the game. Once your baby arrives it will get busy!
#2 When you visit the pediatrician have a list of questions written out on paper. When the doctor comes in hand them the paper. This way you won’t chicken out of asking any questions or simply forget because you have your hands full with the baby.
#3 Pack rompers or one-piece outfits. They are easy because it is only one article of clothing and no need to match. Keep rompers in the diaper bag as backup options.
#4 Register for a toddler towel, not a baby towel. It is larger and therefore will last longer. Check the details section to find the measurements of the towel. If you are a true minimalist you will skip purchasing a toddler towel and just use towels you already own.
#5 When you first start breastfeeding consider putting nipple balm on before showering. This creates a barrier and protects you from the power of the water if you are experiencing extreme sensitivity.
I am not the genius behind this tip but found it to be an awesome idea.
#6 If you plan to put your baby in a wrap carrier upon arrival somewhere consider putting the wrap on while at home. This way you don’t have to manage all that fabric in a dirty parking lot.
Once you arrive you are ready to transfer your baby from the car seat to the carrier.
#7 Postpartum tip here. If the hospital gives you ridiculously huge pads you can ask for a smaller size. I know you need large, but if it is uncomfortable maybe you could size down. Don’t be afraid to ask!
#8 When registering for baby crib sheets get one that is satin or silk. These materials will be cool in the warmer months and help prevent bald spots on the back of your baby’s head. They can also be helpful with hair tangling in toddlers and older children.
#9 Always rinse out the bottle immediately after use. It will be so much easier to wash later.
#10 If your little one struggles with nap time consider baby-wearing. Wraps are great in the beginning when your baby constantly wants to be near you. Take a look at My Top Reasons Why the Moby Wrap is Right for You.
#11 If your baby is going to be in pain for something such as shots or a blood draw make sure to use a pacifier clip attached to their shirt. Your hands will be full with your baby. They may have it in their mouth, but then spit it out due to crying. If that pacifier hits the ground….in a lab where blood is drawn….I just can’t. That is disgusting!
#12 When at a restaurant consider asking for your check fairly quickly after your food arrives. That way you aren’t waiting for it at the end of the meal when all you want to do is get out of there.
#13 When you are in early labor start figuring out your best coping strategies. This is your practice time to get the hang of labor. Find your best ways to best cope with pain in the early stages.
#14 When introducing puzzles to your child stay away from unique shapes.
The easiest shape to put into a puzzle is a circle. It fits any way you rotate it. You could find a single circle puzzle or a set of three circles in various sizes.
#15 Keep the sample size items, such as body wash and lotion, for when you are traveling.
#16 When creating your baby registry get out of the baby aisle! Some items can be found for a better price throughout the store rather than in the baby section. Also, consider items such as hangers and baskets for organization.
#17 Do not have the back two wheels locked when loading the stroller. If the back wheels are free to roll it is easy to load. You can lift it into the trunk and sort of roll it into place.
#18 If your stroller wheels are becoming difficult to control put some grease in them. Makes a world of difference!
#19 Do not cut food up on the high chair tray. Your highchair will quickly look terrible. Instead, use a cutting board or if that is too much work for you use a plate. We found plates for $0.50 at Target and use them.
#20 Purchase basic pants and lots of them. Once I found comfortable jeans for my daughter, like the stretchy jegging styles, I started getting about 5-7 pairs as she grew through the sizes. This made dressing her simple because all her shirts matched her simple pants.
Those are my 20 mom hacks that maybe you can use to make life a little easier.
Some may work for you and others may not hold your interest or apply. No worries! Pass the advice along so someone you think can use it!
Proud Moments
I have had a few proud moments along my parenthood journey.
For example, when our daughter started teething during a road trip I improvised and swapped her pacifiers back and forth in my Yeti that was loaded up with ice water. This was my solution for my lack of frozen teething rings.
Sometimes as a parent you have to be resourceful.
I was a momma that said my baby will learn to sleep through anything. I don’t want to waste money on a sound machine. I refused to get one. Well once I gave up on that reality I was ready to look on Amazon and get one to the house asap. My husband suggested a white noise app on an old cell phone. He is a genius!
So this was free. Works great. Can hold a charge without being plugged in. And is smaller than a lot of sound machines on the market. It easily fits in the diaper bag for outings.
My final moment of pride was a simple fix to a simple problem. We purchased toys to hang down our daughter’s car seat handle for her to play with. The cloth loop was too big though so the toys constantly fell.
I sewed a few stitches into the cloth to make it a perfect fit for our car seat. This probably took me ten minutes to end the frustration of them constantly falling down. I was proud of myself for taking charge and getting it done.
Mom Hacks
Mom hacks aren’t always the best. In fact, I have an article dedicated to the time you can waste searching for mom hacks to make life easier. Click the link to check out my article, How Much Time Have You Wasted on Mom Hacks?
Sometimes life is just hard.
Work has to get done, kids have to get fed, and the house has to get clean. You can’t hack the work away, but you can try to become more effective and more efficient.
Sometimes you are just in survival mode.
I’m a fan of mom hacks when they are about making do with what you have. There is no need to bring more items into your home.
My hacks are about making the items you already have work better for you.
Over time you will find your own hacks. The shortcuts that make your day run more smoothly.
With experience and knowledge, you will learn what works for you.
Comment below what your best mom moment or mom hack has been so far in your parenting journey!
Check Out My Articles
The Ultimate Guide to Baby Care: 8 Essential Tips for New Parents
Why Moms Need to Take Better Advantage of Nap Times
From Birth to Baby’s First Birthday: My Top Takeaways as a New Mom
Save Money and Enjoy Life as a Stay-at-Home Mom with These 8 Tips
Drastically Improve Your Toddler’s Table Manners with these 5 Tips