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Let’s be real: parenting is hard enough without all the expensive gear, endless tips from strangers on the internet, or complicated routines. Most of the time, the best advice is simple, free, and surprisingly effective.
Here are some of my favorite parenting tips that don’t cost a thing, actually save time in the long run, and might just make your life feel a little bit easier.
1. Sleep Train Before They Start Standing
Here’s the deal—once your baby can stand, they’ll do it every chance they get, including in the crib. And then they’ll get stuck. Sleep training before they hit this milestone can save you a lot of middle-of-the-night rescues.
2. Sun Your Laundry (Yes, Really)
Stains? What stains? Put baby clothes, pillows, or any stained items out in the sun and watch the magic happen. It’s natural, free, and actually works better than most stain removers.
All you have to do is wash the items as normal or simply dampen it, put it out in the sun, and check on it later.
The sun is especially great for breastfed babies.
The sun can’t combat every stain, but it is a free option to try.
We also sun adult items like pillows. This tip is not just for babies!
3. Get Matching Dishes, Cups, and Silverware
It sounds silly, but hear me out—matching dishware simplifies clean-up, makes your kitchen look more organized, and reduces the number of little battles over which cup someone gets.
Less chaos = better parenting energy.
Please save yourself so many battles with your toddler!
4. Say Goodbye to the Pacifier Before 18 Months
We learned this the hard way: after 18 months, it gets so much harder. Plus, when we waited too long, we lost naptime entirely.
Rip off the Band-Aid early and thank yourself later.
5. Avoid Starting Bad Habits
The habits you start now are the ones you’ll be stuck managing later. A few to think twice about:
- Letting them drink from your cup
- Skipping YouTube ads
- Cake pops at Starbucks
- Constant snacks during walks
These might seem harmless, but they quickly turn into expectations (and meltdowns when they don’t happen). Let me explain.
So, I don’t like my children to drink off me. First of all, I drink water 95% of the time so it’s not about them consuming coffee or sugar, it is about my personal space. As a mom you share everything, and I simply want my drink to be my space. I am also not a germ person. Their little baby germs and backwash don’t really scare me. I just need this boundary.
Not skipping the YouTube ads. This one is about teaching patience. If your children are on some sort of video device that plays ads, make them sit through it. Also, if my children are on screen I am likely doing something important that requires my focus. I cannot get up every 3 minutes to skip an ad. It defeats the purpose of the screen time. This can of course be applied to different situations in your own life.
Cake pops at Starbucks. So, I never go to Starbucks, I am not a coffee drinker. But a lot of adults do, and they start getting cake pops for the kids. These things are expensive! Don’t create the habit of getting them at all for a long time, and then once you do get them, make sure to skip getting them sometimes.
Do not do it every time!
And my final example of not doing snacks on walks. Our children do not need constant snacks, it is ridiculous. Also try not to associate certain activities with food. These creates a habit that you have to maintain.
For more parenting tips check out, Gently Yet Firmly Parent Your Child to Establish Boundaries and Trust.
6. You Control What They Eat
This is a big one. You do the shopping. You cook the meals. Kids will eat what’s available, and it starts with you. That means:
- Learn how to make a few solid dinners
- Skip the constant hot dog/nugget/fry cycle
- Offer what you want them to eventually enjoy
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being intentional.
I am not preaching from perfection here. I would say this is my biggest struggle as a parent.
7. Pack a Towel for the Park
Slides and swings get wet. A towel in your car or stroller can save the day more times than you’d think.
A towel can also come in handy for a tiny kid picnic, or a dirty diaper change in your trunk.
8. Make Your Own Rules
Your house, your rules. Don’t feel guilty about setting boundaries that make sense for your family:
- No food or drinks in the living room
- Minimal snacks in the car
- No iPads on weekdays (or at all—your call!)
Consistency is key, and these rules help keep the chaos under control.
Don’t do what the rest of the world is doing. Do what is right for you! Our oldest child is 5 and we still do not have an iPad. We don’t need one!
9. Rain Boots = Year-Round MVPs
Great for dewy grass, muddy parks, rainy days, or even camping adventures. They make spontaneous outdoor time way more doable, and kids love stomping around in them.
I never thought I would be a rainboots mom, but they really are great!
Also, your child will eventually be able to get them on and off independently.
10. Fewer Toys, More Imagination
You don’t need a mountain of toys. A box of toilet paper rolls, boxes, clips, and containers? Gold.
Add some fort-building, outside time, and a little freedom to get messy, and your kids will thrive.
Another strategy is to use toy rotation, click here to learn more The Top 3 Reasons Why Every Home Should Use Toys Rotation.
Simpler really is better.
Final Thoughts
None of these tips require a big investment. Most of them are just tiny mindset shifts or simple routines—but they can make a big difference. Whether it’s staying ahead of a nap-time disaster or setting boundaries that save your sanity, these small changes add up. Parenting isn’t about perfection.
It’s about finding what works for you—and sticking with it. 💪
Check Out My Articles
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Gently Yet Firmly Parent Your Child to Establish Boundaries and Trust