You can't be prepared enough to deal with toddlers once they realize they can get away from you using their tiny legs. Dealing with children that age is a challenging experience for parents, but don't let it turn into a nightmare. Using simple hacks, you can make the first few years of your child safe without stopping them from doing what they want. Read on to learn the hacks that will have you asking for more!
A Makeshift Playpen for Kids
Children become trickier to handle as they grow up, especially around bath time. You can get them in the tub but can’t get them out without some struggle. On top of that, you have to stay with your eyes fixed on your kid to ensure they don’t slip while chasing a toy in the tub.
When you can’t get your kid to sit in the water without giving you a minor heart attack every two seconds, use a laundry basket to create a makeshift boundary for them. The child can play in the water with their toys and when it’s time to take them out, simply lift the basket out of the water.
A Solution for Mealtime Chaos
Only parents understand how important it is to have bibs at hand because you can’t predict when your child will make a mess. When you’re going out with them, you remember to keep an extra for emergencies, but when you need a bib or towel at home, you can’t find it immediately.
Parents who often face this dilemma will benefit from this hack. All you need to do is attach a hook to the back of your child’s high chair and hang a bib there. Then, when you need it for mealtime, the bib will help you lower the risk of chaos created by your kid.
Time to Say Goodbye to Diapers
Children have to learn so much in the first few years of their lives, but parents are also learning during that time, and there’s no shame in using hacks to train your child to eat, drink, and relieve themselves.
When it’s time to ditch diapers, you can’t tell your kid to stop messing with their clothes as they are learning to do it like everyone else. Fortunately, you can use sanitary napkins to ease your child into the new phase of their life.
A Container for Pacifiers
One of the challenges parents face is keeping the pacifiers clean while they are out and about. Most people think purchasing pacifier holders is what they are supposed to do, but eventually, they realize it's an added expense.
You don't need something fancy if you want a container for your child's pacifier. Use the takeout sauce containers from restaurants and clean them before putting the pacifier inside. You can even have your child pick the decoration for their pacifier container and show it to the family that they own it.
Making the Most Out of a Crib
You must have spent a lot of money buying the best crib for your child. Even if it's secondhand, it must be in the best condition, but now your kid can't use it, and you are having a hard time selling it, so what to do now?
Here's an idea. Repurpose the old crib and turn it into something your child can use again. Turn the crib into a kid's desk and give your child all the freedom to decorate it the way they want. It can be their personal space for arts and crafts projects.
Washing Hands Without Making a Mess
Toddlers are adorable but teaching them how not to make a mess while washing their hands can be a bit tedious for even the most meticulous parents. Once they learn how to clean up on their own, you’ll still have to find a way to ensure your washroom doesn’t get splashed all over every time they use the sink.
The trick is to regulate the water flow from the tap; there’s a simple way to do that. Cut an empty lotion or shampoo bottle and use it as a makeshift extension. Then, you can rest easy when your toddler steps into the washroom for a quick hand wash.
Pool Noodle as a Door Stopper
When you have kids running helter-skelter at home, slammed doors become frequent. Even the best-behaved children slam the doors occasionally, and it’s inevitable for the sudden noise to jolt you out of whatever you are doing. Nonetheless, you can easily avoid this with a clever hack.
Take out the pool noodle and slit it to act as a DIY door stopper. The kiddos might trip on it if the piece is placed on the floor, so it is better to attach it to the top of the door. Now, the boisterous bunch can slam the doors as often as they want without making a sound.
A Shirt to Get Along
Have more than one kid at your home? Then, fights are inevitable, and you may often find your children thrashing it out in the open or sulking in one corner. This is when a Get-Along shirt can help. Even though it’s a bit controversial, you can use it as a last measure, for it has sometimes proven effective.
Sometimes, our kids can do this with a little push in the right direction. The fear of being put in that shirt together for a long time might force them to give peace a chance. If that doesn’t work, you can restrict their friends from visiting them unless they learn to be friends in the first place.
A Makeshift Fort for Kids
Children love to have a place inside their homes that they can call their own. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the forts some parents get for their kids. So why opt for something that could cost a lot of money and take up so much space when you can transform a section of your home into one by simply using blankets?
If you have a backyard for the makeshift fort, there’s nothing like it. Tie some strings to the branches of a tree and hang a few blankets to give your kids a cozy place to play under, and when they are done, you can pull them down. They’ll appreciate the effort, and you’ll be giving wings to their imagination.
A Must-Have Portable Activity Kit
Traveling with kids can be exciting as well as nerve-wracking. From the get-go, you’ll have your hands complete with packing for yourself and your children. We are not talking toiletries and clothes alone; the luggage has to include a few assorted toys and games for your toddlers to spend time playing.
Here is something handier than a bag of toys; you can prepare a folder with all their favorite games neatly tucked in the files. Then, when the need arises, your kiddo can flip to the part of the binder that holds their game choice. Trust us; this clever portable activity kit will save you lots of trouble while traveling.
A Handy Popsicle Holder
Popsicles are enjoyable but can get messy even when handled by adults, let alone kids. Everything may look okay at first, but chaos sets in once the treat begins to melt. So, to resolve this matter, one can choose to use muffin cups as popsicle holders.
This way, kids will enjoy themselves without feeling guilty for messing up the whole thing. The house will also be cleaned and free of sticky layers of sugary treats. Adults, too, may consider using this trick without feeling ashamed because what matters is leaving a clean table behind.
A Simple Homemade Sandpit
Kids love to play in the sand, and those who live close to the beach or a park with a sand pit often count themselves as very fortunate. Nonetheless, a homemade sandpit right in your backyard can still do the job for children who are not so fortunate.
These makeshift, sandy playgrounds are easy to create and can be used repeatedly. Because they're made inside a camping tent, the kids are shielded from direct sun rays while building their sand castles and tunnels. Still, nothing beats the feeling of setting foot on a real shore. This is why kids should be taken there once in a while.
Using Transparent Bags for Toys
It's one thing to buy toys and yet another thing to store them properly. Even though many people store their toys in labeled opaque plastic bins, things still get messy because toddlers don't know how to read labels yet and are too short to see what's inside the bin.
So, instead of using letters on an opaque container, transparent reusable bags with zip locks are much better as the kids can see through them and easily tell what goes where. Also, the rooms will be less messy, and the kids will learn to properly put away their toys without any frustration.
A Toy Holder During Long Trips
While on a long drive, kids can get bored and start looking for something to play with. So, instead of packing all the toys in the traveling bag and locking them up in the trunk, a shoe caddy can be tied behind the front seats and toys stuffed into it. With this, the little ones can easily reach for their toys and keep themselves busy during long travels.
Also, as the kids play in the back seat, you can focus more on driving without having to look back every passing second. On the other hand, the children will get so preoccupied that they'll not have time for unnecessary arguments and annoying quarrels.
Getting a Kid-Friendly Wallet
Kids love it when they are treated as vital members of the family, and this helps to boost their confidence and independence. One way to do this is to make them have a wallet where they can store their items.
Apart from building their self-esteem, they'll learn early to be organized and orderly, which will keep them busy when queuing up at the mall. It is also an opportunity to teach them how to save or spend wisely. So, the next time you think of buying a wallet for yourself, remember to get one for your child as well.
Protect Your Seats With an Old T-Shirt
We all know how difficult it is to get kids to behave, and when you toss them in a car, it can get even more challenging. Chances are before you guys are back from wherever you’re off to, your car seats will get some food or juice stains that might be difficult to remove.
Since you can’t withhold snacks from your tots, you might consider using this little trick instead. Just get some old T-shirts, ones that are big enough to cover up your seats, and fit them in nicely. When you’re done, you’ll find that these colorful and unique seat covers could also make the trip more interesting for your kids.
The Toilet Paper Indicator
Potty training involves several things, and using the right amount of toilet paper is a part of that. Your kids might not know how much toilet paper they need, and before they’re done in the bathroom, a TP mess will be waiting for you. The solution would be to teach your kids to identify the right amount for themselves.
Just place a line beneath your toilet paper hanger to teach your kids the amount that would be enough for them. You won’t run out of toilet paper anymore, and your kids will feel much smarter for being able to figure this out themselves. Getting a colorful line could also improve the aesthetics of your bathroom.
The Toddler-Friendly Snack Box
Just place a line beneath your toilet paper hanger to teach your kids the amount that would be enough for them. You won’t run out of toilet paper anymore, and your kids will feel much smarter for being able to figure this out themselves. Getting a colorful line could also improve the aesthetics of your bathroom.
One great way to help your kids out and develop their sense of independence is to unwrap all their tidbits before any activity and store them in a kid-friendly snack box. This way, your toddlers can quickly get their goodies without making a mess or running to you for help. Also, we bet this giant box of refreshments might come in handy for you too.
Keep Those Pajamas on
Onesie pajamas are always so cute on little ones. It gets even more interesting when they’re made into adorable little animals that your kids would love to imitate. All this fantasy sadly goes downhill because these pajamas are mostly designed to be very loose-fitting and slippery on kids.
A little fuss and your cute tots could fall on their faces and be in tears. The best thing to do would be to use hot glue or puffy paint to get a grip on the bottom of the pajamas. This way, your kid can stay comfortable, and the onesie won’t slip off.
Improvising for the Baby
This hack is perfect for parents who still have younger babies to fend for. Though you could do your best as a parent to ensure you always have all you need to take care of your child, chances are you could forget to take some vital things with you, like a baby spoon.
Since you can’t use an adult-sized spoon on a baby, you can use the back of a fork as a baby spoon. This end is much smaller and will fit nicely into your child’s mouth. Just remember to give it a good wash or soak it for a few minutes in hot water beforehand to eliminate any germs.
Let Them Know How To Tell Time
When it comes to helping your kids learn how to tell time, noting works like you finding the perfect trick. They are always excited about learning when the concepts and ideas are delivered to them in an exciting and age-appropriate manner.
If you want one of the easiest ways, then stick tape on some particular part of the wall clock to help them tell the accurate time. Also, you can teach your kids time using animal or color stickers. Using these methods will help your kids learn quickly.
Use This Method To Give Medicine
When kids are not feeling too well, they often put up a fight about taking their medication, even if that will make them feel better. We have some tricks for you if you always have a battle trying to get kids to take medicine.
All you need do is put a little quantity of the medicine without making your kid a clue about what is going on, and they don't even see this coming as well. Then, insert the bottle into their mouth and slowly watch them suck in the mixture as you play along with them.
Shoe Caddy for Bottle Storage
If you find your kitchen is filled with many bottles, tubes, and other kids' accessories, you are not the only mum in this situation. Just take a deep breath and know this is part of parenting. Here is an idea to help put things in order and reclaim control of your kitchen counter.
You don't need to break the bank before fixing this situation. For example, if you have a shoe caddy at your disposal, simply arrange each space with baby bottles and hang them for easy retrieval. This trick will save time and keep your kitchen space in good condition.
Cushion the Handle of Your Baby Carrier
There are different types of baby carriers in the store, and some parents are not lucky to get the more comfortable ones. Of course, now that you have the carrier, you can't do away with it, but we have a better way to help you use this carrier without having hand fatigue.
A pool noodle can perform the magic if your baby carrier doesn't come with any cushioning. So first, use a sharp knife to cut a slit into a pool noodle and insert it into the handle of the baby carrier. Secondly, use a tap to hold the pool noodle together, preventing them from opening up. And yes! you have just created a cushion for your forearms.
Relax and Get Enough Massage
Having little ones is a big task that keeps parents awake without having enough rest. There are times you just want to relax and be there for your kid at the same time. Well, this might could impossible, but they are some harmless methods to make your kids let you rest.
You can consider getting a racetrack shirt to enable you to rest and get enough massage from your kids. You can DIY this shirt if you don't want to purchase it from the store. Simply pick an old t-shirt and use different colors of fabric markers to draw racetracks.
Wrap Toy Speakers In Tape
It turns out that not only do superheroes have superpowers, but kids also possess some. One of their considerable powers is the capacity to remain oblivious to noise at any volume. It gets even more annoying when they play their music loudly and dance around while everyone else gets a headache.
You should try this if you're looking for a solution while maintaining peace and not getting into arguments with your kids. First, put transparent tape over their toy speakers, slightly muffling the sound. And best of all, your child wouldn't even realize the difference.
Get Soap Coated Toys
Children enjoy acquiring habits that are usually out of this world. For example, how else would you explain a child always refusing to have a bath? While some kids under this category just don't fully understand the need for a bath, others feel it is a tedious activity they don't want to engage in.
One thing you can do to remedy this is to get soap with a toy wrapped inside. In a bid to get the toy out, your child would be left with no other option than to use a good amount of soap. They will undoubtedly take more baths as a result.
Mark Out Medication Containers
Humans generally tend to forget things. It gets even worse when they are just little details. Unfortunately, this frequently happens when parenting kids. Often, you honestly can't recollect giving your kids their medication. And, you cannot afford to provide them with more or less than is necessary.
A quick fix to help you constantly remember the correct time to administer drugs to your child is to note the days on the medication container. This allows you to keep records easily and know how many pills are available and when you need to get a replacement.
Use Mesh Bags To Store Baby Clothes
You would agree with us that there are several items like spoons and forks that mysteriously vanish from the house. Similarly, small clothing items like socks tend to get missing. To the extent that people now jokingly and absurdly question if washing machines now consume clothes.
Considering that all children's clothing is small-sized, you can imagine how stressful and frustrating it would be to search for your baby's tiny clothes. Thankfully, using a mesh bag can save you from all this stress. Give each child a bag to make things easier and guarantee everything stays in a designated place.
Make Electrical Outlets Safe For Babies
Children naturally want to touch anything they see. This is why anything that would be harmful to them should be kept out of their reach. Examples of these items include sharp objects, hot liquids, electrical appliances, and so on. Electrical outlets, they require infant proofing because you can't entirely hide them from view due to their relevance in the home.
It can be challenging to hide these electrical outlets in the home because you'll need to use them frequently. Nonetheless, getting an easily detachable outlet cover shouldn't be a bad idea. Similarly, a simple do-it-yourself trick is to wrap the electrical outlet with tape or sticky labels, then remove it when necessary.
Best Dish Rack for Kids
Kids are rarely organized, and we have to help them sort their stuff, from books to toys. They enjoy role-playing, but it's one activity that leaves home in a mess with a bunch of misplaced stuff. For example, while playing house, kids find it challenging to find a practical way to arrange their toy dishes.
If you offer your children a dish rack, you can kill two birds with one stone. First, using the rack means they can organize their toys, and their cooking supplies will last longer. Plus, points for teaching your children how to put away dishes properly so they can assist with actual dishes when they're older!
Adopting a Mess-Reduction Strategy
Adults and experienced artists wear aprons when painting for a reason, as we must confess because when you're prancing about in your imagination trying to put something magical on paper, it's easy to stain yourself. Kids also share that excitement but may have difficulty handling the paints.
These parents have proffered a not-so-magical solution, but indeed, it's from the top drawer. Use an egg carton as your kid's paint station to reduce the mess and ensure a tidy environment. The depression would retain a reasonable amount of paint and help your tots organize their art supplies. Don't forget to cut to size, and keep your children practicing.
Flaps Are So Much Better
We dread those days we parents have to do extra cleaning because our kid spilled their fruit juice when they held the wrong part of the box. You don't have to worry anymore, though. This parent has it all sorted; however, the number of people unaware of this hack is quite astonishing.
Instead of having your kids spill their drinks or guess which side is open, they can hold the flaps at the sides of the juice box. This design makes our top parenting list of super hacks by parents because it's as aesthetic as helpful.
Storage Boxes for Car Use
If snack boxes and shoe caddies don't catch your fancy, there is a third choice for arranging children's items in the car. You can reuse empty household wipes containers to store your child's toys and snacks during a long car ride.
The benefit of this storage strategy is that your youngster may independently pack the box and choose what to bring on each trip. Additionally, they'll have no trouble moving this box and getting to it without help.
Healthy Snacking With Watermelons
Watermelon has numerous health benefits and a water volume that makes it a must-have in your home. Also, it's the perfect snack for parents who want to raise healthy children. Nonetheless, eating this fruit without fruit juice trailing from your hands down to your arm is difficult. How, then, do you package it, so your kids mess up their clothing when eating?
Do away with the conventional method of cutting the fruit into triangles, and cut it into sticks instead. This way, your kids can snack without dripping juice all over.
To Sleep Like a Baby
It’s not easy to get your toddler to sleep if they are having trouble. It could be that their nap ran long during the day, or they are too excited around bedtime to settle down. Nonetheless, you do not have to get frustrated just to get the little one to sleep. Instead, try using white noise to help your baby calm down and sleep soundly.
A white noise machine is a common device many people keep in their homes to help themselves or their children sleep, but it can be pricey, and you do not need the extra expense. A simple solution is to browse the internet and find a white noise playlist to help your baby sleep peacefully.
True Power of a Onesie
We do not give enough credit to people who create stuff for babies and toddlers. Imagine what you’d do without creative but affordable toys and bathtime accessories to make your life easier. Onesies are also functional in the same way, despite people not knowing their best use.
Do you see those envelope folds that cover the shoulders of your baby? They help you pull that onesie down your child’s body. Parents think that they are supposed to pull it over their heads, but if it’s an emergency pulling down is much easier than pulling up.
Squishy Ball to the Rescue
Babies are cute; we all agree on that. When they try to hold their bottles with those tiny hands, but they can’t get the grip - it looks adorable! Having said that, it gets frustrating for parents to teach their kids to do things independently, including holding the bottle.
When your child’s adorable little hands can’t hold a bottle properly and drink from it, use a squishy ball to hold the bottle. It will be slightly easier for the child and you to train them. Remember that they won’t get used to this new hack quickly, but at least they’ll have fun learning it.
Ending the Left-Right Mystery
Teaching your kids the way of the world is a challenging task for parents. They must find unique ways their kids can understand at such a young age and hope the little ones can get it right.
You just have to trust your child’s puzzle-solving power for this hack. When they can’t figure out which foot goes in which shoe, cut a sticker of their favorite animated character and stick the left part inside the left shoe and the right one inside the right shoe. Your child may not know how to find the right shoe for their feet, but they’ll learn how to fix their sticker.
Cable Ties to Protect the Kids
It’s not what you think! We’ll be using the cable ties to babyproof the house. Babyproofing is an effective method to protect toddlers from getting into trouble at home, but it can be unpleasant for parents and other adults or kids in the house. So instead of spending your money on a professional, use cable ties.
You can have the baby gate installed using cable ties rather than nailing it to the banister. Using cable ties ensures that the baby gate remains secure and the solution is temporary. Then, when you are ready to remove the gate, you can do it independently.