So many things I wish I had known from the start! But, we learn as we go, do we not? Let me share my favorite mommy hacks with you!
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Take these mommy hacks on baby clothes and baby wearing, implement them and save yourself some time and money!
I’ve listed some go-to products that I absolutely love. Here’s hoping you do too!
The 411 on Baby Clothes
1. Zippers only at bedtime! Since we were the lucky recipients of hand-me-downs, I didn’t really know much about baby clothes until we were in the thick of it. I quickly discovered one things: I hate onesies with snaps! Confounded things! Especially in the middle of the night. I mean, seriously. Does a newborn really need an outfit with 37 snaps on it???? Especially around the crotch area? Where the snaps don’t even line up, especially in the dark? I discovered these and they were a godsend!! Makes changing diapers easy peasy.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby and Toddler Girls’ 3-Pack Snug Fit Footed Cotton Pajamas
2. Or, skip snaps and zippers completely and go with a gown. I was so sad to discover that “baby gowns”, for lack of a better term, are only made in sizes 0-6 months. (I guess the assumption is that baby will be sleeping through the night with no need for diaper changes by that point? Ha.) Seriously, though, these are game changers. I wish I had discovered them sooner!
Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Gowns
3. Did you know???? The shoulder flap on onesies are there so you can remove the onesie without going over the baby’s head! Just pull the flap down and pull the onesie down around baby’s shoulders for easy removal.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Girls’ 6-Pack Short-Sleeve Bodysuit
Laundry Hacks
4. Let’s talk laundry for a second. Rookie mom mistake #1 – Drying my daughter’s clothes (many of which are tutus) with a load full of bibs (many of which have velcro). Tulle + velcro = BAD. I ruined a brand new, gorgeous pink fluffy dress because of this. Save yourself from this mistake! Now, I wash all of Nugget’s bibs in a separate load. AND I hang dry all items with tulle.
5. Continuing with the same theme…Despite my best efforts, socks still get lost in the Vortex of Laundry. I’m convinced there’s a monster living in the dryer that just eats select socks (not pairs, of course, that would be too convenient). To combat this issue, I put all of Nugget’s socks in one of these nifty things before throwing the whole thing in the washer:
BAGAIL Set of 5 Mesh Laundry Bags
Socks still come up missing…but not as many.
And, For This Babywearing Hack…You’re Welcome!
6. Another game changing ‘Did you know?’ This is my FAVORITE of the mommy hacks!!! Several different chiropractic offices have posted a fantastic way of holding an infant carrier. Rather than holding the carrier by the handle (which becomes super heavy, bumps into our thighs, causing us to stand/walk lopsided and awkward, often times hurting our back or hips)…
Place infant carrier on the ground, with baby facing you. If you are right handed, snake your arm through the inside of the handle on the left side. Curl your arm downward towards the bottom of the carrier. Wrap your hand around the round “ball” part of the handle, towards the bottom of the carrier. The weight of the carrier is no longer on your back but rather, is supported by your arms. The redistribution of weight is amazing! I can’t believe it took me as long as it did to discover this little tidbit!
Here is the video I discovered months into having Nugget. It’s from Bridge Family Chiropractic and features Dr. Emily Puente demonstrating the proper way to carry an infant carrier. Check out their Facebook Page for more videos!
My Favorite Baby Carriers
7. Babywear the child. I LOOOOOVED this wrap when Nugget was first born. Babywearing is basically holding your child sans arms! It’s brilliant. Nugget gets “tummy time” (vertically), I get a few things accomplished, we both get to snuggle while doing it. It’s a win/win for all! I love the Boba because it’s soft, easily adjustable, and simple. One little hack: pull the two ends down TIGHT when you’re crossing from over the shoulder down towards the front of the body, otherwise the wrap will eventually start to sag.
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier, Grey – Original Child Newborn Sling
When Nugget got a little older, I bought the Lillebaby. It’s our go-to carrier now. So sturdy but the mesh allows for airflow! And the back support is fantastic. Two thumbs up!
I recently bought a sling from a (semi) local mama (she’s now based in Costa Rica!): http://puravidaslings.com. I love that it’s lightweight and fairly simple to put on.
Hope these mommy hacks help you as much as they’ve helped me. (Want more? Read about my mom hacks that make life more convenient!) What are your favorite mommy hacks?
xo,
