Parents who have a “determined” child know what it’s like to try to get them to do anything. The yelling. The bargaining. The threats of punishment. The actual punishment. While strong-willed kids grow into strong-willed adults—and that’s ultimately a good thing—raising them is a test. But what if there was one simple hack that made it all a little easier?
In a viral TikTok video, certified parenting coach Rachael Rogers is sharing a simple way you can get your little ones to follow directions. And when she explains it, it actually makes perfect sense.
“Here’s the hack: Instead of making demands or commands for your strong-willed child, telling them what to do and having to yell at them, threaten them, or punish them in order to get them to do that thing, start asking them questions and getting them to critically think about the scenario for themselves,” she says.
Rogers continues, “All children have a basic need for some sense of power and control, but with strong-willed children, this need is even greater. And if you are a strong-willed parent, it’s very likely that you find yourself power struggling with the strong-willed child more often than you’d like. So try this instead.”
She then gives an example: “We’re about to go to Grandma’s and I see a lot of toys on the floor. What do you think could happen with your toys if we leave them out with the dog? Yeah, the dog could chew them up. Are you OK with that? I’m not either, so what should we do about that? Yeah, picking them up is the best idea.”
According to Rachael, you can adapt the scenario as needed. And you know what? It seems like it’ll actually work. BRB, we’re going to be trying this out on all kids, iron-willed or otherwise.
The internet loves this mom’s genius rule: her kids can’t watch grown-up movies and TV shows, but they can read them
If you have kids who are constantly clamoring for the remote—but mostly to watch movies and shows that are beyond their years, this tip is for you. A TikTok mom is going viral for her genius parenting hack—in her house, her kids aren’t allowed to watch “grown-up” movies and shows, but if there’s a book version, they’re welcome to read it.
Caroline Lefebvre shared that the rule was established by her own mom when she was growing up.
“When we were like 11, 12, 13, we started to really push the buttons on what we wanted to be able to see and consume on film or TV,” she explained. “My mom was very strict about film ratings when I was a tween. She really put the PG in PG-13. And certainly, no R, forget about it. But her one rule was, you can’t watch anything that’s for adults, but you can read whatever you want.”
Lefebvre shared an example of when kids at school were talking about The Shining. Her mom wouldn’t let her watch the movie, but she let her read the book.
“You see a book in the house? It’s a novel for adults, maybe even a romance novel. By all means, take a crack at it. This world is your oyster,” she added.
When I was growing up, my family was not a TV family—but we were a reading family. Our living room had floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves around all but one wall, and they were filled with “grown-up” books that I started helping myself to when I was definitely too young to read them. But it mostly worked out, because even though Stephen King is definitely too scary for a nine-year-old, my imagination could only go so far.
That’s the point that Lefebvre goes on to make.
“When you’re being shown adult content in a film, especially sexual content, there could be violence, whatever it is, you have no choice when you’re that age on how it’s being shown to you,” she says. “And you’re being shown things that you have never been able to compute before and potentially before you’re ready to see it. So if you’re watching a sexual scene, like you’re now seeing people having sex and you’re seeing body parts that you’ve never seen before. But in this book where it’s being described, it’s almost like a dream. Like it’s kind of hazy. You understand the concept of it.”
Then again, though, it’s possible for that concept to go too far. “50 Shades of Gray?” Probably too explicit for kids.
At the end of the day, it’s a good rule of thumb, but it won’t work in every situation. It’s still up to parents to exercise good judgment about what is and isn’t child-appropriate.
Hack their school lunch to keep them fueled on busy days
Welcome to back-to-school season! While many of us are sorry to see summer go, we’re also looking forward to reeling in some of the chaos it wrought on schedules and routines. I know I am. The school year may be a grind but my household runs so much more efficiently with established routines. And as a mom, efficiency makes me happy. (So does finally getting my summer night owls back to bed at a reasonable hour!)
One of my favorite daily routines is packing school lunches. I know, hot take. But it gives me peace of mind knowing that the foods I include nourish and energize my children. And we all need a little extra fuel when we’re juggling school, extracurriculars, busy weekends, and more. So I’ve compiled some of my favorite dietitian-approved tips and healthy school lunch ideas for packing an extra dose of energy into their mid-day meals.
1. Carbs are an energizing powerhouse
Cue the communal sigh of relief! You’ve probably spent some time worrying that your kid eats too many beige carbohydrates, but carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy—and kids need a lot of them! To make them count, opt for whole grains (like whole-wheat crackers, bread, tortillas, and pasta), which are rich in fiber, rather than processed grains. Consuming fiber improves digestion, balances blood sugar, and increases satiety to help you feel full for longer stretches. Brown rice, overnight oats, and quinoa are amazing sources of fiber to pop in a lunch box.
2. Double-duty foods give an added boost of fuel
Protein provides satiety and sustained energy, which can tide you over between meals and snacks. Protein also slows the digestion of carbohydrates, or sugar, which prevents blood sugar spikes that can make kids tired and moody. Like protein, dietary fat also helps you feel fuller for longer, especially when paired with carbohydrates, and keeps spikes at bay. So why not pack foods that include both? (Mom hack for the win.) Foods that contain both fat and protein include nuts and seeds, cheese, eggs, and fatty animal proteins like salmon.
3. Pack in some extra oomph with shelf-stable produce
Carrot and celery sticks, apple and orange slices, fresh berries, and bell pepper strips are standard lunchbox fair for a reason: Kids love them and they brighten up their meals (after all, we do eat with our eyes first). But you can give them an added dose of vitamins and minerals with shelf-stable fruit and veggie snacks, like applesauce cups, fruit and veggie pouches, freeze-dried or dried fruits, and crispy vegetable chips.
4. Ditch the juice boxes and opt for water
What if I told you that water not only hydrates, it also energizes? It’s actually not that surprising since we’re all mostly made of water. Pack a reusable water bottle for your kids so they can concentrate, play, and go about their day without getting dehydrated. And if they’re not typically into drinking water, try adding some fresh lemon slices or berries to dazzle up their H2O.
5. Think about a lunchtime snackle box
Every now and then, consider switching up your sandwich or thermos of pasta for a bento box full of snacks. These also work well for kids who don’t like typical lunch fare. In the same way that you would design a charcuterie board, build a lunch that’s made of energizing snacks. Some great options would be nuts (just remember that whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under age 4), dried fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cheese slices, which you can pair with whole-grain crackers. Don’t forget to include dips, a great source of fat! Guacamole, hummus, nut butter, and cream cheese are fan favorites. If you’re in a pinch, consider nourishing packaged snacks such as popcorn, granola bars, and whole-grain cereals.
Now that baby’s crawling it’s time to start babyproofing the house
Traffic may slow to a crawl, but when a baby starts crawling, they’re zooming. Your former stationary buddy is now heading headfirst down the stairs or digging into your purse, and you’re feeling like you’ll never get a moment to yourself again. Keep kids safe from your home’s danger zones with these clever babyproofing tricks and activities.
1. Safety First
A crawling baby means a new round of babyproofing. Padding furniture corners, covering electrical outlets, tying up loose cords, and installing stairway gates are an excellent start, but there are plenty of less obvious spots that need to be secured. Add locks to toilets and cabinets or doors that conceal electronics, toiletries, cleaners, or glassware, and secure large furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Pro tip: To get a better sense of what could harm your baby, sit down and lie down on the floor to see your home from a baby’s level. You’ll discover sharp edges, dangling cords, and other potential hazards more easily.
2. Toilet Paper Tube Trick
Crawling babies have more access to items they can put in their mouths, whether that’s dog food or an older sibling’s LEGOs. Not sure what’s a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper tube trick. If the item fits through the tube, keep it out of baby’s reach.
3. Skin Saver
Hard surfaces can damage a crawling baby’s delicate skin. Rough floors, concrete playgrounds or even carpets can cause scraped, bruised or raw knees from frequent contact. Save your baby’s knees—and pants—by slipping leg warmers or baby knee pads, like the cute ones above from Simply Kids, over baby’s legs. Pro tip: Baby knee pads are also good protection for wobbly toddlers who take frequent tumbles.
4. Staying Alert
Any time you venture out and about with a mobile baby, you’ll have to stay on kid watch like your baby’s life depends on it (because it does). Even new crawlers are shockingly quick. If you have any doubts about whether you can stay fully focused on your little explorer, play it safe and strap baby into a stroller or carrier.
5. Timing Is Everything
If you find yourself having trouble accomplishing tasks with a baby on the loose, adjust your schedule where you can. For example, cut down on time in the kitchen by relying on meal planning or quick prep and slow cooker recipes. Consider showering at night after baby’s bedtime and saving certain tasks for naptime or moments when you have someone else to watch your little mover.
iStock
6. Try Redirection
A crawling or toddling baby can leave quite a trail as they explore everything in reach. Keep a small basket of baby-safe toys and books in each room to capture their attention when necessary and keep them away from cereal boxes, markers, and other major messes.
7. Get Germ-Aware Keeping a crawling baby clean when you’re away from home can be a challenge. Keep a stash of wipes and sanitizer in your diaper bag for outings, and a change of clothes in case of bigger messes.
8. Keep a Surprise Toy Stash
How can you entertain your little cruiser when you need to shower, take a phone call or respond to emails? Hide a stash of “surprise” toys that stay out of your regular toy rotation. Pulling out the basket of “new” trinkets can keep your mobile mini-me entertained for a few minutes while you take care of business or relax for some much-needed me time.
9. Plan a Pool Party!
Turn your blow-up pool into a ball pit by adding colorful plastic balls. Your child will have room to move freely while exploring, and you’ll rest easy knowing baby is contained and entertained.
10. Cook Up Some Quiet
If trying to prep pasta primavera with baby running amok (or attached to your leg) sounds like a recipe for disaster, put your babe in the high chair to watch you. Sing songs, tell stories, or offer an assortment of finger foods to keep them entertained. If you want to pretend you have your own cooking show, we won’t tell anybody.
11. Relocate Your Belongings
If you find yourself frequently cleaning up a certain area—whether baby is obsessed with pulling books off of your shelves or shoes out of your closet—save yourself the constant cleanup and move those belongings upward on higher shelves. Consider this the flooding stage of parenting. As your baby zooms through the house like a force of nature, you move items upwards to keep them out of baby’s wake.
12. Repeat After Us
If snagging your baby inches from the curb for the millionth time or babyproofing have you ready to pull out your (now graying) hair, remember: It’s just a phase. Trust us, “It’s just a phase” will become your new favorite parenting mantra. Bonus: This useful phrase is surprisingly versatile! You’ll likely be using it for one thing or another for, oh, the next 18 years or so.
A mom shared her husband’s genius hack for preventing meltdowns at the grocery store, and you’re going to want to try it ASAP
Why is it that the one place you least want your toddler to melt down is also the place they seem most likely to have their most epic meltdowns? You already know the spot I’m talking about: the grocery store. Is it the fluorescent lighting? The slightly echoey elevator music bouncing through the aisles? The constant temptation of sugary snacks you won’t buy for them?
The hard tile floors and cavernous ceilings are acoustically designed to amplify your toddler’s cries as much as humanly possible. Not to mention the fact that all you want is to get your groceries and get out. So of course there’s going to be at least one tantrum per grocery trip. It is the law. Until now, anyway. Because one mom is sharing the genius hack that has helped her all but eliminate grocery store meltdowns, and you’re going to want to try it out yourself as soon as possible.
It’s actually deceptively simple. Mom @allthingsaly shared the hack in a TikTok video where she wrote, “Now we can make it through the entire grocery shopping trip without any screaming, crying or wanting to get out.”
The video shows her toddler in the seat of the shopping cart, which she’s pushing backward. The text over the video reads, “One day my husband said let her ‘drive’ & it’s a genius parenting hack.”
Is it really that simple? Let your toddler “drive” the cart and your shopping trip will be meltdown free? It seems almost too good to be true (especially since we can use this hack at any store with shopping carts), but we can’t wait to test it out on our next trip to the store.
So you’re about to have a threenager. Congratulations! The added excitement in your life—from exuberant gestures of love to devastating reactions to anything that causes sadness—means that you’ll want to celebrate this milestone. Keep reading for our take on throwing the most epic birthday party for three-year-olds ever.
To Theme or Not to Theme?
Three-year-olds are passionate people, which means they love the things they love. Surround them with those things and you can practically forget the rest of your to-do list.
Real Mom Advice: I threw a ninja-themed party for my son when he turned three, and he was more excited about the decorations than he was about his presents. He still has his banner—his name in Japanese surrounded by ninja images—hanging in his room.
How Many Kids Should I Invite to a Birthday Party for Three-Year-Olds?
By three, your daughter probably has her people. She knows what she likes, who shares toys well, and who doesn’t. However, you’re still in the middle of preschool life, which means smaller classes and moms who volunteer together and know each other well. At this point, unless you’re going to pull your invitation list from multiple places (the classroom, the neighborhood, the mommy-and-me music class), you might need to invite everyone in the class.
Real Mom Advice: I was working full-time when my daughter turned three, and her daycare class was pretty large. I didn’t have other groups to pull guests from, so to keep the numbers more manageable, I just invited the girls. We sent party favors and cupcakes to school on Monday to share with the whole class and the boys.
Ekaterina Shevchenko via Unsplash
Should I Limit Gifts?
This is a hot topic that fans somefeelings, so go with your gut. If you know your kid is getting a billion gifts from grandparents and you want to ease off, maybe going the no-gift route is right for you. Or perhaps your party is the extent of your favorite three-year-old’s birthday celebration. In that case, gifts could be great—especially if your party guest list is on the shorter side.
Real Mom Advice: At three, your little one’s shelves might be filling up. Now’s a good time to box up some of those rattles and rollers to save for the next one, or to donate.
How Long Should a Birthday Party for Three-Year-Olds Last?
Three-year-olds are not known for getting bored, so even if you go a little too long, they’ll be busy. A two-hour party seems like the sweet spot, but depending on your schedule, you could go a little shorter or longer.
Real Mom Advice: Have a plan on standby for when the party’s winding down, but parents haven’t yet packed their kiddos in the car seat. This is when things could get hairy. A pack of balloons will work woners, because all you have to do is blow up a few by mouth, throw them to the c,rowd and tell them to keep those bad boys from touching the ground. Then, start saying yourthank-yous and goodbyes.
iStock
What Time of Day Works Best for a 3-Year-Old Birthday Party?
Since many three-year-olds have dropped their naps but still get a little cranky in the afternoons, planning your party for the morning—or no later than lunchtime, if you want to serve lunch—is pretty solid advice.
Real Mom Advice: If any of your guests are the oldest children, go ahead and set up the pack-and-play and baby swing in advance of the party. Your parent guests with wee ones who still nap in the mornings will thank you, and you won’t have to leave the party to pull the equipment out of the closet.
Where Should We Have It?
Pandemic partying has its own set of constraints, but your main consideration here will be safe. While everyone has their comfort level with who, where, and how you interact with those outside your regular circle, a three-year-old party is incredibly well-suited to pandemic gatherings: They’re small, they work best outside, and they’re relatively short.
Real Mom Advice: If you feel comfortable having a party in a jump house or trampoline park, these rock for three-year-old parties. However, a playground or a backyard works equally well.
iStock
What Do We Do?
Three-year-olds love accomplishments, and you can harness the power of this by having a pre-planned craft, art project, obstacle course, or game stations. Tie your activities into your theme, and you’ve just #won.
Real Mom Advice: My son loves trophies, and it was easy to order a box of them on Amazon before his big day. We incorporated an awards ceremony at the end of the party and gave each guest a trophy for something they did that was awesome. Not trying to brag, but it was kind of the best party ever.
Do I Bake a Cake?
Bake it or fake it, this isn’t going to be a three-year-old’s first rodeo. They’re going to be on the lookout for the sweet stuff.
Real Mom Advice: Tie the cake decoration into your theme, and it won’t matter if it’s filled with zucchini. (Don’t try this—we’re kidding.) But for real, decorate the cake and know that your local grocery store is an excellent option, too. You don’t have to go specialty bakery here. They’re three, so they’ll be psyched no matter how much you spend on it.
iStock
Do I Feed People at a Birthday Party for Three-Year-Olds?
Three-year-old parties are generally not drop-off affairs, which means you’re also going to be hosting a handful of adults. Don’t go overboard with catering to the grown-ups, but it’s a nice gesture to fill a cooler with more adult-type beverages—sparkling waters, sodas, or beer and wine if you’re inclined—just to keep everyone hydrated. For the kids, set out bowls (or individual baggies) of their favorite fruit, veggie, or salty snacks, and juice boxes or containers of water. Steer clear of candy and sweets on the snack table, as you’ll be loading them up when it’s time to blow out the candles.
Real Mom Advice: At my daughter’s party, which was tea party-themed, I went overboard on sugary toppings for the cupcakes (the “craft” was to allow each guest to decorate their cupcake). Rookie move. Not a sprinkle was left on the table, and the guests spent the last hour growling at one another. Be sure you keep an eye on the sugar, is all I’m saying.
What about Favors for a 3-Year-Old Birthday Party?
Yes, favors for the win! Don’t go wild, but a festive-looking package at the exit gate will guarantee an easy send-off.
Real Mom Advice: Slap bracelets, bouncy balls, bubbles, and sticker books are always good. If you want to step it up a notch, personalized sippy cups are cute. At this stage, it’s less about what’s in the package than how fun it looks when you’re passing them out.
How Do I Make It Stop?
Cue the exit music, start a conga line, and head toward the party favor station (and the car door).
Real Mom Advice: Putting an end time on the invitation may seem weird, but it’ll make sure everyone is on the same page, and it will save you from the awkward goodbye.
What about the After-Party?
Don’t give in to the urge to have a private family party immediately after the party with guests ends. Shut. It. Down. Make time for maybe a book or possibly a cartoon, then nap time—if that works with your schedule. You and your three-year-old are going to need to chillax. Save the after-party for another day.
Laughter is the best medicine for what ails you—kids
Parenting memes are the antidote for a tough day (or even an average one), and we’re betting there are a few out there you can really relate to. From “Yes! This happened to me five minutes ago!” to out-and-out guffaws because it happens every night, give yourself five minutes (lock yourself in the bathroom if necessary) and give yourself a good laugh over these hysterical mom memes.
Make your fun in the sun time even better with these inventive baby beach hacks
Is there anything better than a sunny day at the beach with the kids? Sandcastle building, hole digging, and foot-burying goodness are what this family day is all about. But before you throw some sunscreen in a bag and head for the shore with your baby or toddler, familiarize yourself with these baby beach hacks and beach hacks for toddlers that’ll make your trip that much easier. These 25 smart-parent hacks (that include a few awesome beach gear ideas) will make ocean outings a cinch for your whole family. From why you should bring your own baby pool to the beach to a kitchen staple that removes sand like magic, these are the best baby beach hacks around.
1. Make a mini beach. Pack a small inflatable pool and a beach umbrella (some pools even come with built-in shades) to keep your baby cool and contained at the beach. This is especially handy for new crawlers and babies who put everything, including sand and rocks, in their mouths. If you don’t have an inflatable pool, DIY one by digging a shallow hole, putting a shower curtain liner in it, and filling it with an inch of water.
2. Set a timer for SPF and liquids. Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child (and yourself). Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and the back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated.
3. Load up your laundry basket. Pack your beach gear in a roomy laundry basket. It will store all the towels, snacks, and toys you’re bringing, and wider baskets can double as a play area or napping spot for younger babies if you line it with extra-soft towels and keep it well-shaded. The best part? Sand will fall out of the holes as you pack up and leave, so you don’t bring the whole beach into your car.
4. Create a sand-free play area. The best baby beach hack, right? We love this idea from the Team Johnson blog: Turn a fitted bedsheet upside down and place a bag or cooler in each of the four corners to keep the sheet extended and the sides up. The sides act as a barrier to sand and keep your curious baby from crawling away. You can also purchase a similar product from Sandy Bumz that is designed to stay upright even without items propped in the corner. The Sandy Bumz mat folds up compactly. Take it to the park and friends’ backyards too.
5. Pre-freeze snacks. If your baby is eating solid foods, freeze a few food pouches and yogurt the night before your beach outing. They’ll turn a chilly, slushy consistency at the beach and will help keep your baby cool. They’ll also feel nice on sore gums if there’s teething going on.
6. Spray away the heat. Sometimes shade isn’t enough to keep babies cool. Bring a small spray bottle filled with ice water to spray on your child at regular intervals and when those cheeks are looking flushed.
7. Remove sand with cornstarch. This is a must-try: Cornstarch is a surprisingly effective way to remove sand from skin. Sprinkle it onto exposed skin and watch it do its magic. It works by drying skin so sand wipes off easily and painlessly. Talc-free baby powder works well too. Pack it in your beach bag or leave it in the car to sprinkle on before you all climb in.
8. Roll your load. Bring your wagon or jogging stroller so you don’t have to carry all the baby beach gear you’re bringing. Pro tip: Dragging strollers backward is easier than pushing them forward in the sand.
9. Use a pop-up tent for naps. Plan on staying at the shore all day? Consider buying a small pop-up tent so baby can sleep in a cozy shaded spot away from the sun and sand. Check out our favorite portable tents and play yards.
10. Chill your sunscreen. Stick the sunscreen in your cooler to keep it cold. When you re-apply at the beach, you’ll cool down baby’s body temperature too.
11. Sprinkle baking soda into a post-beach bath. Despite our best efforts with sunscreen, floppy hats, and UPF-treated bathing suits, sometimes babies get a little too much sun. Soothe skin by adding a few sprinkles of baking soda to the bath that night. According to the Mayo Clinic, gently patting baby's skin with a clean towel dampened with cool tap water also provides relief.
12. Bring a stash of cool washcloths. While you’re packing that cooler, add a few damp washcloths in a plastic bag. They’ll both clean up messes and cool you down when needed.
13. Skip expensive beach toys. There’s so much for kids to see, touch and listen to at the beach, you don't need pricey beach toys. Bring a bucket and shovel set so your little one can explore the shapes and textures of sand, water, shells, and seaweed. If you want to take it up a notch, bring a watering can, bath toys, or small cars and trucks.
14. Use a mesh laundry bag for beach toys. When you’re ready to go home, load beach toys into a mesh laundry bag. The sand will naturally fall out as you walk back to your car. When you get home, hose down the contents outside to clean them.
15. Freeze water bottles. Place a few unopened water bottles in the freezer the day before your beach outing. The bottles act as ice packs to keep snacks and drinks cool, and you’ll have chilled water to drink at the beach.
16. Don’t forget the hat. Keeping baby’s sensitive skin safe from the sun should be your number one priority at the beach. Bring a hat with a broad rim that not only covers your baby’s head but also ears and neck. Hats with a UPF+ sun rating offer extra protection.
17. Leave extra towels in the car. Bring along a few extra towels and leave them in the car. They'll warm up in the sun to comfort wet, chilled bodies.
iStock
18. Keep it brief. Plan your beach outing around nap times and meals to keep crankiness at a minimum. A shorter beach trip also means toting less stuff and less chance of sunburn, so it's all good all around.
19. Get a cooler on wheels. A cooler with wheels and lots of storage pockets means you can load it up with everything you need while keeping your hands free for wrangling your child.
20. Bring a small fan. If it’s not a windy day, connect a battery-powered mini-clip fan to your umbrella or other gear. This will help keep your baby’s body temperature down and give everybody some comfort in the heat. A misting fan is even better.
21. Create a sensory play experience. Gather up shells and rocks with interesting textures and colors (choose larger items and provide plenty of supervision to avoid a choking hazard). Then pour some water on the sand so your little one can see and feel how sand changes when it gets wet.
22. Introduce new words. You'll enrich baby’s vocabulary by pointing out boats, waves, beach balls and everything else you see at the beach. You can also write out the words in the sand while calling out each letter.
23. Keep sunburns at bay with UPF+ protection. Sunscreen is key, but swimsuits and hats with UPF+ protection provide another important layer of protection. Reapply sunscreen to exposed body parts throughout the day and after being in the water.
24. Ditch your diaper bag. Leave the diaper bag at home to keep it sand-free. Instead, buy an oversize beach bag and use a reusable bag for diapers and wipes. Pack a few plastic bags to hold soiled diapers.
25. Dig a hole. Use baby’s shovels to dig a hole in the sand for baby to sit and play in. The sand in the hole will be cooler than the sand that was exposed to the sun. If you’re feeling crafty, shape a baby-size chair in the sand to give your kid a stylish seat.
Although it seems like it was just yesterday you were bringing your sweet baby home for the first time, the months have flown by. You’ve joyfully witnessed baby’s first smile, first time rolling over (both ways), and don’t even get us started on how amazing it was the first time baby sat—without padding or leaning on anything. Sounds like crawling is just around the corner—yet another in the line of baby’s firsts. That means it’s time to start babyproofing the place.
Our handy babyproofing checklist includes clever DIY tricks that make your home safer for your child and can save you some money too. Whether you need to babyproof your cabinets, your fireplace, or drawers, these ideas are a great place for any parent to start.
When to Start Babyproofing
As your little one gets close to crawling, it’s time to babyproof your home and other places they visit frequently, like grandparents’ homes. To start, get on the floor and look at the surroundings from a baby’s perspective. See what’s tempting to grab and pull on, what’s at eye level, and what could injure them. Then, put away fragile items, move cords, secure furniture that could fall over, and put padding on sharp edges. Every few months, and when your child reaches a new milestone, like walking, evaluate your home for additional babyproofing needs. As kids grow taller, the danger zones will change and likely increase.
The railings on staircases or landings on upper floors may look narrow, but they’re big enough for kids’ limbs (or heads) to get stuck in. Secure clear plastic or fabric to railings to deter kids from playing on them.
2. Hide cleaning products
Plastic bins with lids and latches that baby can’t open are a safer place for cleaning products than under your kitchen sink. If you can store them on a high shelf or out of sight in a tall cabinet, that’s even better.
3. Corral cords
Cut a slit down an empty paper towel roll or piece of pipe insulation and thread multiple wires through it to keep them from becoming tangled in your tot’s curious hands. You can also use zip ties to pull together cords and then tuck them far away from baby’s reach. Don’t forget your USB cords that still hold a charge when they’re plugged in.
4. Cover outlets
Plastic covers are the easiest way to cover outlets around the house (and safest too). But in a pinch, or when you’re visiting relatives or traveling, you can put adhesive bandages or duct tape over electrical outlets. Avoid cartoon varieties of bandages that will attract little ones’ attention.
Babyproof a fireplace without sacrificing aesthetics too much by covering the opening with a piece of magnetic chalkboard (we love the one above from Sassy Wife/Classy Life). The chalkboard blocks off the fireplace and give little ones a surface on which to draw with chalk and play with magnets (choose large magnets that don’t pose a choking hazard).
6. Place dishtowels out of reach
Nix the dishtowel hanging off your oven door handle. Kids can pull down on it and open a hot oven or bonk themselves with the heavy door. Move towels to a higher shelf or put them on command hooks out of baby’s reach.
7. Test choking hazards with a toilet paper tube
There’s no need to purchase a choke tester. Anything that can fit into an empty toilet paper tube is small enough for your baby to choke on. Keep all those wee things out of reach.
Babies love to unroll toilet paper as much as pets do. Keep your TP intact and out of baby’s hands and mouth with a two-liter soda bottle! Cut off the top and bottom of the bottle and cut a slit down the remaining center piece. Use tape to cover sharp, raw edges and slide the container over your toilet roll to cover it. See the tutorial at My Frugal Baby Tips.
9. Protect with pool noodles
These summertime staples can be used for everything from door stoppers to crib-rail covers that prevent tots from rolling out of bed. They’re also good for wrapping around sharp edges, like around the fireplace, to minimize bumps and scrapes.
10. Pad corners with tennis balls
Tennis balls can soften sharp corners where a pool noodle doesn’t fit. Cut a few small slices into the ball’s core so you can wedge it over items like table corners. It may not look pretty, but this hack is pretty temporary. Before you know it, your toddler will be steady enough on their feet that you no longer feel the need to protect every corner in your home.
11. Shorten pull cords
Use clothespins or twist ties to shorten and hold up pull cords on curtains and blinds to remove this strangulation risk from your home. Command hooks are also handy for keeping cords out of reach.
12. Sock it to knobs
To keep little hands from turning door knobs, cover them with a spare sock and wrap a hair tie or rubber band around the base to hold the sock in place. An adult can still squeeze and turn the handle, but a child won’t be able to.
13. Band together on horizontal cabinets
Attach hair ties or rubber bands to keep paired cabinet doors closed. Just loop the tie around the handles and your baby will only be able to open the doors a little bit, not wide enough to slip a hand through.
14. Get a handle on vertical drawers
Slide a yardstick or tension rod (or another long, thin object) through the handles of horizontally stacked drawers, rather than spending time and money on individual locks.
Make sure to capture photos of your baby crawling around their newly babyproofed pad—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Maybe this is the year we perfect absolutely everything!…or maybe just find products to make life easier in simple ways. We’ll take that
We know parenting is a lot. We’re parents, too, so trust us; we get it. Some days it feels like we’ll never fully get our arms around everything. And, in January, we’re also feeling the pressure of “resolutions”, of making big changes, of doing better. This year, though, we’re taking that kind of stress out of our lives. Our first order of business is to make sure that we’re taking care of our own mental health so we can keep on taking care of those around us. You know, #momstyle. And in order to do that, we’re on the hunt for products to help us. Basically, products to make life easier.
To keep things rolling along as help-us-outfully as possible, we’ve searched high and low for stuff to do exactly that. Whether it’s cooking, getting ready in the morning, organizing, cleaning, traveling, working, or even playing, these are items we can’t wait to start using. They’re the “why didn’t I think of that?” products that just make life so much easier. So go ahead. Improve your laundry life, your coffee game, and even your relaxation routine.
Wad-Free Bedsheet Detangler
We're pretty much done fighting to detangle sheets right out of the dryer. How are we supposed to have any motivation to fold them after that?? These detanglers also help those bedsheets to come out with fewer wrinkles, cleaner, and dry up to 75% faster!
Whether you're trying to get comfortable when you're pregnant or just need some extra support at night, the Boppy Full Body Side Sleeper Pillow is a must-have. Multiple positioning allows you to use your own pillow if you prefer, and it's designed to easily maneuver so you can get in and out of bed without a struggle. After one night, you'll wonder how you ever slept without it!
We're not sure when supplements got to be the size of a mid-size chicken egg but here we are. This pill organizer is big enough to fit those giant supplements, has a push-through design that makes loading your meds easily, and has detachable compartments if you want to throw a day or two into a bag or weekend tote.
All you have to do is stamp this bleach-free gel onto your toilet bowl and know toilet rings and funky odors are taken care of for 2 weeks (per application)!
Our shopping editors swear by SNOW Teeth Whitening products, so recommending The Magic Strips is easy for us. Know what else is easy? The fact that these super effective strips work in 15 minutes and are self-dissolving, so you won't have to peel them off. They're also individually wrapped and extremely affordable!
Belt bags are having a moment, so we're obsessed with the adorable and easy arcade bag from shortyLOVE! Everything you need is right at your fingertips and completely hands-free.
It's called a vacuum, but it's basically an electric dustpan. The infrared sensors recognize a sweeping motion and automatically activate to suck up all the debris your broom collects.
This gel was designed to keep breakables from crashing and breaking during an earthquake, but let's face it: the kids running past a bookshelf or the cat walking on the dresser can be just as damaging. Museum Gel anchors decorative items, trickets, picture frames, whatever, to the surface you put them on for some extra protection. (7,300+ Amazon customers are fans!)
If you're a stickler for great coffee but also don't want to make a huge mess doing it, the SimpliPress is your new BFF! Customizable and grit-free, the SimpliPress is also really easy to clean.
The RFID blocking front pocket wallet holds 1-12 cards without stretching out, and the design allows them to fan out when you need to use one without losing them all!
Built-in bras that actually support? YES PLEASE! JJwinks created a line of sleep-to-streetwear pieces that include their "light hug" bust support thanks to the built-in bra. Comfy, convenient, easy to mix-and-match. We'd say that makes life much easier!
Make 2023 the year you don't wake up sweating! This system actually regulates the surface of your existing mattress to keep you cool all night. And don't worry about disturbing your partner; each side of your bed can be set to your maximum comfort!
Of course there's nothing quite like a calendar to keep you organized, but this one from Volcanics has 34.6K Amazon reviews rating this specific one 4.8 out of 5 stars! There's gotta be a reason, right?
We know we can't be the only ones who absolutely can't keep track of all the many passwords we have, right? With alphabetical tabs and space for up to 400 websites, you'll have everything you need in one place. And with an untitled cover and magnetic closure, no one else will be able to tell what kind of info you're storing!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
