Babies don't come with an official parenting manual (if only), but the Internet is a close second in terms of finding useful parenting advice. When having a baby or young kids means spending lots of time at home, going online is a great way to connect with other moms. Swapping tales of diaper changes gone horribly, awfully wrong always makes having to do an extra load of laundry easier. But the best part about going online as a mom is using it to find some super clever and super useful parenting hacks.
Mom are busy from sun up to sun down (and depending on how the baby is sleeping, sometimes in the middle of the night). Any hack that can make taking care of kids a little easier isn't cheating or slacking on parenting duties, it's being smart and resourceful — like Lara Croft, but with a bottle.
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Luckily, parents are great at sharing their knowledge with each other. When the secret to giving babies medicine without tears or an awesome way to store bottles is discovered, we don't keep it to ourselves. Instead, we simply have to tell fellow moms about it so they too can wonder how they ever managed life any other way. We've rounded up 17 of the most amazingly simple, yet totally effective parenting hacks around to make raising kids just a little less stressful. Try one, or all of them, and know that thankfully, there's no going back to the old way of doing things.
The Right Shoe Every Time
This hack is awesome for littles who insist on dressing themselves. Cut a sticker in two, then stick one half in each shoe. Matching the sticker means the shoes will be on the right feet every time.
Super Easy Snow Day Hack
For little ones who love the snow but hate getting bundled up in tons of layers, try using a sand toy or even a large tupperware bin to build an indoor snowman. It keeps the mess contained and there's no fear of frost bite!
Reusable Toy Storage
Instead of spending money on boxes and bins, try using the clear, zippered packages from sheets and bedding for sorting small toys and puzzles. Guess it's time to go to Target and pick out new bedding — the toy room needs organizing!
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Mess-Free Snacking
Sick of crumbs all over the floor? Try having snack-and-TV time inside a giant box for good, clean fun that will make everyone happy.
The "Busy Wallet"
Kids love wallets. Unfortunately, they also love losing things and tearing stuff apart. But an old wallet filled with kid-safe odds and ends will keep them happy and busy while in line at the grocery store.
A simple seat saver
There's no question that having kids rear-facing is safe, but it can wreak havoc on the backs of the seats where they rest their legs. Old T-shirts can help spare upholstery from muddy sneakers, flung drinks, boogers, and anything else a kid can dish out.
Stop paper waste without nagging
For kids who like to play mummy while going to the potty, a simple wall marking can help them remember how much toilet paper to use.
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Road Trip Snack Box
When traveling with little ones, having lots of snack options is key. Instead of packing a ton of bags or having to play car Twister, a craft organizer can offer lots of salty and sweet options they can feed themselves.
No More Broken Crayons
Turn broken crayons into brand new art supplies by baking them in silicone cups at 250 degrees for 15 minutes. It's quick and easy, and it will keep those annoying crayon stumps out of the art box.
The Best Way to Store Baby Clothes
Make changing time a breeze by bundling socks, a onesie, and pants together in a drawer. Just grab a roll and go! Proof that burritos make everything better.
Check out how to perfect this hack here!
Baby Spoon in a Pinch
Out on the town without a baby spoon? Use the end of a fork as a makeshift spoon to make sure baby gets their meal too!
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No-Slip Jammies for Everyone
Footed pajamas and baby booties are adorable, but they can be slippery on wood or tile floors. Before adding them to the donate pile, try using puffy paint or hot glue on the bottom to create shoe treads that will help prevent tumbles.
How to Give Medicine Without a Meltdown
Forget syringes and slippery little cups. Pour the medicine directly into a bottle nipple for super easy dosing and zero tears.
Bottle Storage That Isn't Maddening
An over-the-door shoe organizer can do double duty as a place to store all those little baby bottle pieces. Ah, free cabinet space!
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DIY Comfy Car Seat Handle
Hauling a baby car seat around can be killer on the forearms. A small section of pool noodle can help cushion the pressure and make it easier to grip.
No More Early Birds
For kids who can't wait to jump out of bed in the morning, two pieces of tape on their alarm clock may help them remember when it's okay to get up, and when they need to stay and snooze. They sell special clocks for that, but this is so much cheaper!
Never Miss a Dose
With the blur that is raising kids, it's easy to forget if the baby had their medicine today. Marking doses off right on the bottle can help keep track. Plus, it makes it easy to know exactly how many are left!
