Parenting Pro Tips: 35+ Hacks To Keep Both Newborns And Parents Happy

What a blessing it is to have a brand new person at home. We’re talking about babies, of course. Despite all the perks of witnessing that tiny human grow and develop, having a newborn or toddler at home is challenging, especially for first-time parents.

You might have millions of questions about what and how to do the best you can. It’s easier said than done, but knowing these tips and applying them in your daily routine with your kiddo will boost your confidence, and the growth process won’t be just for your baby, but also for you, the parent. 

You don’t even need to go out and buy fancy equipment. Many of the hacks involve using simple household products, just not for their intended purpose. Like toothpaste—we know how to use it, but with a little creativity, it can be a stinky bottle’s worst enemy.

Join us as we explore hacks for parents, both first-timers and pros looking for some new tricks.

Laundry Basket Fun Time

A laundry basket is a simple everyday object you probably have at home. But savvy parents know it’s useful for more than just clothes. When combined with toys, a laundry basket can serve as a meaningful tool for learning social skills, motor development, and helping mom and dad.

The possibilities are endless. From a spaceship to a rollercoaster car, your laundry basket can transport your kids to new worlds with one of the most important elements of childhood: imagination. In that plastic bin, kids can be race car pilots, driving their friends and siblings across carpeted floors.

Adequate Clothes for Room Temperature

The little ones, especially newborns, are only just learning about the sensations of the world outside the womb. Sleep comes easier when they’re at room temperature. Parents must consider this factor when choosing the baby’s attire, whether they’re going out for a stroll or to visit grandma.

If you’re going somewhere new, make sure to pack accordingly. If you’re visiting a colder region, be prepared with warm outdoor clothes and more lightweight clothes for heated rooms inside. That way, your baby can be comfortable and rest easier.

Store Outgrow Clothes In Diaper Boxes

Babies change every single day—literally. The demand for clothes, shoes, and accessories can be almost too much to keep up with. One week, they are tiny little humans; the next, that beautiful pair of shoes you just got as a gift doesn’t fit anymore.

You can donate or keep them for your next kid. A smart and practical way of organizing the outgrown clothes and shoes is to upcycle boxes from diaper sizes they’ve outgrown. If your baby no longer wears size N, keep all the size N clothes in the size N diaper box. 

Sweets & Shots: A Dynamic Duo

For many parents, it’s a relief when their babies are old enough to be vaccinated, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy time. It can be a painful and scary experience, and many parents claim that, as their babies cry, they do, too—as if they were feeling everything themselves.

Keeping babies busy with candy will not only distract them from the doctor’s hands but also help them manage the pain, thanks to the sugar. It turns out that Mary Poppins was right because a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down more easily. 

Mesh Laundry Bags

We all know the struggle of losing socks. It’s one of the many mysteries of the universe. Baby clothes are equally small and delicate, and they can suffer the same fate as our socks. To keep this from happening, grab a laundry bag.

If you put those bibs, mittens, socks, etc., in a zip-up mesh laundry bag, it’ll keep everything together and protected from tangling or tearing. Just toss the bag into the machine, and you’re good to go. The mesh laundry bag will be your best friend when laundry day comes. 

Cover Power Plugs ASAP

Before the baby arrives, parents go nuts around the house to “baby-proof” everything. Things like the corners of coffee tables, staircases, and cabinet doors are usually on the hit-list, but electrical sockets should be one of the top 5 concerns.

Your little one is a curious creature by nature, and sometimes, that can be a dangerous trait. Cover up those plugs to keep fingers and toys out of the sockets. Install the necessary safety measures before the baby comes home. This way, you’ll have more time to change things.

Bathtime Is Playtime

Bath time doesn’t usually go smoothly as we hope. Therefore, being a resourceful parent is fundamental. You have to hold the tiny human safely in the bath and manage to wash them well. It sounds simple, but it’s a hard task.

A fun way to have your babies work with you rather than against you is to add some distractions to bathtime. Most kids are drawn to colorful and bright things, so toss some glow sticks and let them have some fun during bath time.

Get a Fitted Sheet On the Crib

It’s a common trope: first-time parents dealing with unexpected situations, things they didn’t even know they should pay attention to. A great example of things first-timers normally don’t consider is outdoor gatherings and how to protect their little ones from sunburn.

It’s not fair to roll up your baby in clothes to protect them from a beautiful sunny day at a family barbecue. An awesome solution is to get your outdoor crib and find a cool spot, then cover it with a thin fitted sheet.

The Starry Night At Bedtime

It’s a herculean job to get that firecracker toddler in bed and asleep. They might be just as human as their parents, but kids sure have the stamina of five people! You try to tell a soothing story for them, but they just want to jump on the bed.

Consider stopping by a department store or toy store and buying one of those fun lamps or projectors with cute images to assist you and help build a sleeping routine. Trust us, as soon as your toddler sees the starry night in their bedrooms; they’ll go to bed at the speed of light. 

Upcycle Shower Curtains Into Splat Mats

Parenting means improvising to do the best you can to keep up with the routine, and if you’re able to save some money in the process, it’s even better. Almost every household has some old shower curtains or something similar. This item can come in handy for mealtime.

The highchair tray can’t contain all their mess as your child explores their motor functions. An old shower curtain under the highchair will do the trick and help you contain the crumbs and spills, and it’s really easy to clean it up afterward.

The Bibs Strategy

Their clothes and accessories are as tiny as they are, and equipping your house to keep track of those items is paramount to a parent’s survival. Bibs are important parts of the mealtime routine, so having them around saves time and clothes from spills, drooling, and vomiting.

Remember to attach a clean bib to the highchair every day. So, if you forget to grab one before settling down for mealtime, you have a bib handy. Do this for strategic spots around your home where you can leave bibs or other essential items to make your life easier.

Makeup Brush To Apply Rash Cream

Baby skin is as fragile and delicate as flower petals sometimes and they need constant care. Diapers are a double-edged sword, but some rash cream and beauty products can change that. A good-quality hypoallergenic cheap synthetic blush makeup brush is delicate and allergy-free.

It’s important to wash it very well before applying the rash cream and let it air dry. You can use the baby’s shampoo to wash it, for example. The expensive and fancy brushes are not recommended because they usually contain real animal fur. 

Hair Ties To Seal Cabinets

Let’s face it, child-safe locks get in our way more often than they provide peace of mind. Still, when the baby begins to crawl, mom and dad are elated by every move they unlock with their little bodies. That’s when it’s time to check all cabinet doors.

Forget frustrating child-safe locks for cabinets. Instead, get some hair ties. Make sure to choose new ones that are still tight. These are easier to install and take off than store-bought locks. Remember to replace them as soon as they snap or lose elasticity.

Easy-To-Reach Baby Bag

We never know when we’ll have to go to a friend’s home or quickly pop in to work, or even when we will need to rush to the hospital with the baby. Thus, having a baby bag always ready to go is key. 

And it should always be in an accessible place, so you don’t need to look for it when you’re in a hurry. The baby’s car seat should be within arm’s reach at all times, as well as the most essential items, like bottles, diapers, and a pacifier.

Emergency T-Shirt For The Parent

Being a parent requires you to come to terms with the fact that, more often than not, you’ll have your shirt puked at or peed on. Having a plastic bag to keep dirty clothes in is a must for any parent. 

These messes don’t always happen in the comfort of your own home. Instead of making your way through the park or grocery store with some spit-up, keep an extra shirt in the baby bag. Now you can change into something fresh when you’re on the go.

Toothpaste To Get Rid Of Bottle Odor

Over time bottles develop a sour, horrible odor that no one enjoys. Even after routine cleaning, bottles gradually develop that odor. If you’re starting to notice and worry about the stench, the bottles can be easily and somewhat safely deodorized with baby-safe toothpaste.

Just squeeze a tiny amount of mint toothpaste into each bottle, shake it vigorously, or scrub it with a bottle brush. The same substances that combat nasty smells in human morning breath also combat the same funky smells in bottles, leaving them smelling fresh.

Bring Coupons In Your Bag

Having a baby is rewarding but expensive. Baby showers will help get you started on your journey, but the gifts of diapers, bottles, pacifiers, etc., will run out eventually. Start stocking up on baby supplies the moment you learn you’re pregnant or are about to meet your child.

You’ll need to constantly restock the diaper supply at home. To make your trip to the store less expensive, keep coupons in your baby bag. Since you’ll remember to carry that everywhere, you’ll always have some coupons with you, too.

Kitchen Sink Bathtime

Baby’s first bath is an exciting time, but it’s also a moment of deep concern for first-time parents. The kitchen sink is the perfect height and size for parents to bathe their kids. But if you’re still anxious about bathtime, try a tiny tub.

Baby bathtubs can easily be placed in the sink when it’s time to wash off that spit-up and food mess. The kitchen sink is a classic bathtub for babies, but some parents want the extra support certain products will give them peace of mind.

Swaddle Bathing Is So Cozy

It’s not uncommon for babies to experience a little bit of fear when they are put in a bath. They feel insecure about being put into the water since they don’t know that environment very well. A simple yet fantastic alternative is to swaddle your baby.

The fluffier the swaddle, the better. Your baby will feel safe and cozy in it. Make sure it’s not tight so your little human can move. As soon as you get your baby out of the water, unwrap them from the swaddle to prevent your child from catching a cold.

Coconut Oil Against Cradle Cap

There’s nothing more soothing for a parent than smelling your baby’s cute little head. Part of the process of being new to the world is to have “cradle caps,” a normal kind of rash that looks a lot like dandruff. It’s not something to worry about, though.

It’s a natural bodily response, but it can be controlled. You can either wash the baby’s head with their regular shampoo, but overusing it is not healthy for their skin. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is a great source of hydration, and it helps to remove the flakes from their heads. 

Baby’s Manicure Time in Bedtime

Baby fingernails are so thin and sharp, and they can easily get scratched by their own tiny nails. They should constantly be checked and clipped, but cutting your child’s nails when they’re awake is not a pleasant experience for anyone.

The skin under their nails is super fragile, and babies move a lot. After your little one falls asleep, gently grab their cute little hands and cut their nails. It’s safer and prevents you from cutting too close to the finger skin. Remember to always sanitize the nail clippers beforehand.

Pool Noodles For Safety

Let’s be honest; it’s nearly impossible to mind every little corner of the house while preparing for the baby’s arrival. No matter how thoroughly you search, chances are you missed a sneaky table corner. Even cribs can be a bit sharp, depending on the model. 

Pool noodles are versatile and can be placed on doors, drawers, and play areas where you want some extra protection. These colored noodles are cheap but big-time savers. No more hurt little fingers on doors or drawers when your babe goes exploring the house.

Curtains To Safeguard A Good Naptime

There’s no greater time than nap time. The baby rests, and so does the mother. The thing is, babies take naps whenever they feel like it: daytime, nighttime, not at all. Just kidding. A well-lit nursery is both a blessing and a curse.

If your little one is feeling sleepy during the day, the nursery might be too bright. Getting good-quality hypoallergenic curtains to break out the bright sunlight will bring some peace for your newborn child to sleep well. Join the nap club and get some rest too, mama.

No More Button-Up Rompers

How exciting is it to go shopping for baby clothes for the first time and buy everything you’ve always wanted for your child? The baby shower can also be a highlight for parenthood preparation, but as the most experienced parents say: there are things we only learn through experience, and trial and error.

Motherhood can be beautiful, but it’s tiresome as well, so any trick to make your life better should be welcomed with open arms. A constant clothing piece babies have is rompers, but most of them have buttons, which doesn’t help time-wise. Try buying rompers with zippers instead of buttons.

Emergency Pacifiers

Pacifiers can be the baby’s greatest distraction, but if not careful, they will become parents’ worse nightmare. A life that includes an infant is hardly a calm one, and keeping that little soothing object handy and clean is a unique struggle.

Germs are healthy for a growing immune system, but that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. Store pacifiers in small containers to keep them clean. This’ll also help keep them organized and easy to find in your diaper bag.

Changing Stations In Strategic Places

Surely, having a well-equipped nursery makes a difference for any family. Being dynamic and resourceful also improves your routine immensely. Since emergencies are pretty frequent with a newborn in the house, following this tip will give you some good time to breathe.

You know your home better than anyone, so look around and find strategic spots where you could set up a changing station. Diaper emergencies don’t wait until you get to the nursery. Get creative and set up a DIY diaper-changing station in key areas.

Treating Diaper Rash With Olive Oil

Rash cream and ointment are part of the arsenal of many parents but note that it’s not the only option to treat diaper rashes on your sweet baby. Many natural elements can aid you with that, and one of them is right there in your kitchen.

Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the baby’s skin down and protect it from possible infections that could escalate from the rash. And the coconut oil you applied on your baby’s head to treat cradle caps can also help with rashes and prevents the appearance of fungi.

Fitted Sheets To Cover The Car Seat

Other than your home, babies will spend a lot of time in the car. This, unfortunately, means that your car is bound to get messy. Between spit-up, milk spills, and loose Cheerios, cleaning your car can be a daunting and time-consuming task.

Make cleaning day easier with a fitted sheet. It’ll catch crumbs, soak up spills, and protect the seats from food splatters. Just shake out the sheet and throw it in the wash, and you’re ready for that next trip to grandma’s house.

A Medicine Cabinet Info Must-Have

With babies come health scares. Their immune systems need to be tested to grow strong, so it’s natural that they’ll get sick every now and then. That’s why it’s important to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Modern medicine can treat a variety of ailments.

At home, every medicine cabinet should be stocked with remedies for gas, teething, coughs, runny noses, and everything in between. Since it can be hectic taking care of a sick baby, make sure to track their doses. Write down the dose and time directly on the medicine bottle.

Bonding With Your Baby

Right after the baby is born, they slowly start to process the sights and sounds of the outside world. Bonding with your baby requires time and patience. A wonderful and essential way to help your baby recognize you is to spend time with them on your belly as they take their regular naps.

The contact of the child with their mother’s or father’s skin and scent creates a unique bond between them, whether you birthed the child or adopted them. They will grow up having your scent and touch imprinted in their sensorial memory. It’s a remarkably relaxing and bonding experience for the family.

Attention To Rubber Bath Toys 

Rubber toys are a great help at bathtime. They are colorful, and squishy and make funny sounds that elate any baby, but they come with a tiny detail that goes unnoticed by most families: the little holes that keep them afloat in water.

These little holes in rubber bath toys can accumulate mold over time, putting your baby’s health at risk. As soon as you buy your rubber duck arsenal, find some time to glue all the holes they have. The trapped air will keep them afloat, and the glue will protect mold from developing.

Emergency Diapers

A short supply of diapers is a parent’s worst nightmare. It’s like going paying a visit to the toilet and finding out there’s no toilet paper left. Pure desperation. Don’t wait until you open the last diaper box to visit the store to buy more.

Diapers are necessary not only in the baby’s nursery but also in strategic places in case of an emergency. After all, babies don’t ask mommy or daddy to take them to the bathroom. If you can’t or don’t want to buy diapers in bulk, just pay attention to your regular supply.

Have A Mother’s Milk Pacifier

If your baby is about to start their feeding transition from solely breastfeeding to maybe formula and more solid food, giving them a mother’s milk pacifier can help greatly as they get used to something other than the mother’s breast. 

A pacifier infused with breast milk can also give the mother some breathing time as the baby calms down more independently. This tool is also used a lot in public spaces to help keep the baby calm and entertained. Give it a try and see how your loved baby responds to it.

Bending Baby’s Knees To Release Gas

Besides teething, colic and gas are the two little monsters in a baby’s life. It’s incredibly uncomfortable, and they still don’t know how to release them by themselves. That’s why, after breastfeeding or taking the bottle of formula, parents help them burp. The same goes for their tummies.

They need help to release the gas in their tummy, and there’s a neat trick that also provides a beautiful bonding time with mommy or daddy. Gently bend the knees of your child and move their legs in circles or move them as if they were riding a bike. A soothing tummy massage is also effective.

Their Future on Social Media

This is a decision that not every family feels comfortable making, and that’s totally understandable. Parenting doesn’t have any real rules. For those parents who appreciate cyberspace a bit more, this hack may come in handy in the long, long, long run—probably.

Once you pick your baby’s name, it might be a cool idea to “save” potential social media handles for them. Although platforms change, things like Gmail will probably be around for a while, so having an easy username without a crazy string of numbers will be appreciated when they grow up.

Tape The Diaper Up

It can be infuriating when you need to change your child’s diaper, and the diaper tab rips off. Don’t throw out that diaper in frustration. Other than the ripped tabs, the diaper is probably in good condition. So why let that go to waste?

Get painter’s tape or masking tape to seal it. The improvised tape will not harm the baby in any way. Just make sure that the diaper isn’t too tight or too loose. The improvised tape isn’t pre-measured, so you need to judge the tightness for yourself.

No More Pee On Your Shirt

Sometimes, when diaper change comes, the baby hasn’t peed as expected, but they make sure to do it while you are changing their diaper. It’s a classic parenting story. If you are a parent and have a newborn or toddler, be ready because it’s just a matter of time until your baby does it.

If the kid hasn’t peed for a while and you really need to have their diaper changed, grab a wipe or soft towel, wet it in warm water, and smoothly give your baby’s tummy a massage making circular and back-and-forth movements. These movements will stimulate their bladder to work.

Teach Babies How to Burp

It’s magical to realize that raising a child is showing them the ropes of life. They are brand-new human beings living on this planet, so they have to be taught basically everything from how to stand up and walk, to why we should treat people kindly.

A super important lesson to their little bodies is how to burp. They are fed, gas accumulates in their tummies, and needs to be released to avoid colics. Right after they’re breastfed, sit them on your lap or gently hold them over your shoulder, and with your hand curved like a shell, give little taps.

Snacks to Keep Babies Busy

Babies are agitated by nature. They need to feel stimulated, and that’s pretty much how they express themselves, either when they are happy or angry. Remember, not every cry is a bad one. That’s how they communicate. Now, if your toddler has a huge amount of energy, you should try this.

A simple reusable container with some Cheerios will do the trick in keeping them busy for a while. If you aren’t a fan of Cheerios and prefer a healthier snack, that’s completely fine because it’ll work, too. It’s important to always have some snacks in the baby’s bag. We never know when we might need it.

White Noise and Bedtime

This final tip is for the babies and the parents, too. A lot o people can’t explain why, but they argue to sleep much better when there’s a fan or air-conditioning on in the bedroom. Well, one good reason is the balance of temperature.

But there’s also the noise factor. If you’re not a fan of fans (sorry for the pun) try using your Alexa. Select nature sounds, white, pink, and brown noises, and play them when bedtime comes. The calming constant noise is soothing enough to help the baby and the parents have a good night’s sleep.