We are moms. We are busy. And we take our wins wherever we can find them. So, it should come as no surprise that we celebrate Mom Hacks – simple tips and tricks that make mom-tasks a bit easier.
We, at Audrey & Bear, have put our heads together and come up with a list of helpful tricks. Tricks you haven’t already seen a dozen other places. New, “why didn’t I think of that???” tips to help make life simpler.
Here are just a few of our favorites. Check back for our “AB Mom Hack” series for more. Here’s hoping you find a trick or 20 that will make your life easier too!
#1 - Grab a pack of removable window clings before your next flight. They work brilliantly on airplane windows, as well as the tray table, and can keep your little one occupied for a long time.
Few events cause moms as much anxiety as the prospect of traveling on an airplane with a small child. Judging stares. Encouraging your active tot to sit still for HOURS. And racing from one terminal to the next to catch a connecting flight.
Raise your hand if any of that sounds like fun.
No hands?
Nope, not here either.
Thankfully, we’ve found this fun trick to help occupy your little one.
See that window…
and that tray table?
With a bit of pre-planning, they can bring your little one loads of entertainment.
Before you head out for that trip, buy a pack window clings. You know… the cartooned images printed up on the repositionable, static-cling plastic film.
Like these, available on Amazon $5.
They adhere perfectly to the airplane windows and the tray table.
Have an older child, grab a pack of alphabet clings. Something like these, also available on Amazon…
Practice letter sounds, forming words, and more.
Allow your child to stick them, restick them, and hopefully entertain themselves until you hear the captain say,
“At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your seat belt is correctly fastened. Flight attendants, please prepare for landing.”
#2 – Snip straws a bit shorter to minimize spills. Not having to work so hard to get to the top of the straw, means your little one is less likely to tip the cup.
I’ll set the scene for you…
Uncovered cup. Tall straw. And a tot already barely able to see over the table on their knees.
Any seasoned mom can tell you, this is a spilled drink waiting to happen.
Why?
Because, already not seeing more than eight inches above the table, even when propped up on their knees, your tot will have to stretch extra high to get to the top of the straw for a drink.
Try as hard as she may, she will naturally tip the cup towards her mouth to get the straw into her mouth. And give herself a bit of a shower in the process, as she unintentionally pours the drink right onto her shirt.
The solution is super simple.
“Why didn’t I think of that!” simple!!!
Cut the straw about an inch above the top of the cup.
Not having to work so hard to get to the straw into her (or his) mouth, means your little one is less likely to wear their drink!
#3 – Disposable changing mats are a gem when it comes to public restroom diaper changes. Baby stays germ-free and you can toss the germs instead of hauling them home.
The public restroom changing table. The mere thought of it makes me cringe. Imagining all those tiny, poopy bottoms that have made their mark here …
It’s enough to make me shudder and want to Clorox wipe down every inch of it.
And now, my babe needs a diaper change. And it is my turn to use this very cringe-worthy changing table.
***SHUUUUDDDDEEERRR***
I’ve found a solution. One that allows me to maintain my sanity.
Yes, yes… there are MANY diaper changing pads on the market. Some that perfectly match your diaper bag. Some that have pockets to tote along diapers and wipes. And some that fold up to fit in your purse.
The flaw – I think – in all of these… you lay the changing pad down onto the surface to change your baby. Change your baby on top, keep your baby happy and germ-free. And then …
You fold that bad-boy up, and tuck it, with all the germs from the surface you laid it on, back into your purse or diaper bag.
OKAY… I am probably being a bit dramatic. Fine. I am more than likely being a lot dramatic. But still…
***EWWWWW***
Enter the DISPOSABLE CHANGING PAD!!!
Anyone else see that while hearing harp-playing angels overhead? No? Just me??? Okay, well, let me explain…
Disposable Changing Pads, available in dozens of styles from numerous manufacturers, fit perfectly into your purse or diaper bag. Lay it down on to the public restroom changing table. Lay your darling babe on top. Once done changing your baby…
- Ready for the clever part -
Toss the changing pad AND THE GERMS into the trash!!!
Brilliant, yes??! Sanity saved!!!
I found these on Amazon, but there are loads of options out there.
Okay… before you get on to me about reusable changing pads being better for the environment. I get it. But I use reusable bags at the grocery store. I use a reusable water bottle. And we recycle. So all that should count for something, right??? 😊
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