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.
Mom hacks are a hot topic. Everyone is searching for the best hacks to magically make life easier. I’ve done the Pinterest searches. I’ve seen the hacks. I could also give you my own list of mom hacks. I do believe I have a few that are quite helpful.
However, there are so many mom hacks that are a complete waste. They create more work, double handling, or are honestly quite stupid.
Find what hacks work for you and leave the rest. Keep reading to hear about why some mom hacks are not worth the effort.
Wasting Time
There are many mom hacks that create double handling and in all actuality create more work.
For example, put a table cloth under your baby’s high chair.
This will be great, right?!
No more clean up!
No more messy floor!
But really how is this going to work?
So is this table cloth plastic? Are you wiping it down just like you would wipe the floor? Is it fabric and requires daily washing? Or is it disposable and you trash it after every use? If the last option you are not doing the environment or your wallet any favors.
With any of these options can your baby still manage to get food beyond the table cloth? In that case you are still wiping floor.
Is a table cloth under the high chair really saving you any amount of work?
I think not.
Not Solving the Big Problem
Another example mom hack is putting a rubber band or hair tie around the toilet paper roll to prevent your child from unraveling the roll.
In theory this is not a bad idea. It is a solution to a specific problem.
My issue here is you are preventing a specific issue in the bathroom.
Do you realize how many other areas of the bathroom have risk points?
Dangers include items under the sink, in the tub or shower, and even in the area surrounding the toilet.
Think about all of the things you may keep in the bathroom: cleaning supplies, razors, soaps, shampoos, lotions, air fresheners, toilet wands, plunger, makeup, and so much more. Not to mention the biggest underrated risk of your young child or toddler getting stuck head down in the toilet and drowning.
Little ones are drawn to water.
The bathroom is not a safe place.
This toilet paper hack is weak.
It is keeping your child from making a mess.
Momma forget this hack. Go to the root of the problem and keep your little one out of the bathroom!
If they are still pretty young just shut the door! It is that simple! You do not need a mom hack for this!
As they get older you can use many different methods to baby proof the door.
Your little one should not be in the bathroom without your constant supervision.
Stupid Hacks
I’m sorry, but I am just going to say it. Some mom hacks are down-right stupid in my opinion.
One I have heard involves you covering your child’s clothing with press and seal wrap, also called plastic wrap. The idea is to protect their clothing from messy foods or crafts.
First off, start with a bib. This is your typical first option. Nothing crazy here!
Next step would be to look into purchasing a smock. These can come with long or short sleeves. They can fully cover your child’s outfit.
Don’t want to make a purchase? Use an old T-shirt of mom or dads.
And if none of those options work, dress your child in an outfit you can live with getting destroyed. Maybe an old hand-me-down shirt you aren’t crazy about.
I cannot image how difficult it would be to cover my wiggly toddler in plastic wrap. This just seems ridiculous.
Not Really Helpful
Some hacks just aren’t that helpful. They appear to be solving this huge problem, but the problem doesn’t really exist.
Place a command hook on the back on the high chair to store your baby’s bibs. Genius right! But is it really?!
How hard is it to store your baby’s bibs in a drawer, cabinet, or basket in the pantry?
Like how big is your kitchen that this would be an amazing solution?
This mom hack has been circulating for a while. I just simply don’t see the need.
Looking for the Easy Way
Moms searching for hacks. I get it! You want to find the easy way to get it done. You want to see how that ‘successful mom’ is getting everything done. What is her secret?
The secret is just do the work.
Do what needs to be done.
You can’t hack your way out of every parenting struggle.
You just have to get it done.
Teach Your Child
Sometimes that means taking the time to teach your child. Teach them what they need to learn to prevent an ongoing problem. If they throw food on the floor make it clear to them you do not approve of this behavior.
They will eventually get it.
This could take months.
The key is repetition.
Good Mom Hacks
I am not here to say every mom hack is complete junk. I have my own little hacks that I think have value and serve my family.
Just don’t go crazy trying to use every mom hack you come across. First debate whether it would actually benefit your home and lifestyle, not to mention the personality of your children.
Don’t reach for mom hacks thinking they make parenting easier.
Parenting is still hard.
There is no hack for that.
Leave a comment about the best or worst mom hack you know of.
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
