I’m not going to lie, social media can be a pretty dark place for those who are currently preggers with their first baby. For every video where you’re saying “awww” because a puppy is cuddling an infant there’s an equally horrifying video of a disheveled mom who can’t even drink her fucking coffee in peace. Needless to say, I’ve been stocking up on every mom hack and tip offered to me since before I saw those two pink lines — whether it’s backed by science or helped your cousin’s friend’s sister’s co-worker one time (IYKYK).
And honestly if you had asked me my favorite hack 8 months ago, I would have answered by making some joke about the HBO show (which is amazing, BTW, if you need a new show to watch). But now, I’ll likely sputter off with baby registry must-haves and newborn essentials galore and I don’t even give birth for another two months. But, I’d rather be over-prepared than feeling like I’m missing something. Keep scrolling for some of the heavy hitters than now live rent free in my memory instead of where I left my keys (thank you, pregnancy brain).
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A wheeled nursing station is your new BFF
All the Betches HQ moms have told me that this was a game-changer during early motherhood — you can bring everything you need (including a few things for yourself, like snacks and water) legit anywhere in the house.
Just say no…
To buttons that is. The amount of moms that have warned me against button up onesies is no joke. Trying to button up a squirming child will test your patience and it just not worth your sanity. Plus they make more than enough cute zipper and magnetic options. These are my faves because they are so soft and snuggly (and most importantly cute AF).
You’re going to need more bottles than you think
Say it louder for the people in the back!!! Stop washing bottles after each use and do yourself a favor and just buy a few more. I’ve also been told that (while pricey) a bottle sanitizer is going to save my life when it comes to counter space and drying. IDK about you, but I’m already worried about having enough time in the day so if there’s something that can help me gain even, like, 2 minutes back, I’m going to invest. (P.S. Try a sample bottle box first to see what your baby actually likes.)
Stop buying paper plates
@accordingtomandy Less dishes = happy mama Thanks @KarissaMariie for this life saving hack!!! #moneysavingtips #homehacks #cleaninghacks #momhack #hometips ♬ girls like me don’t cry (sped up) – thuy
I know toddlerhood is pretty far off for me at this point, but I’ve seen so many videos on TikTok about buying deli paper and baskets to serve dinner instead of dirtying a shit ton of paper plates. Not only is it cheaper, but you’re wasting less paper, AND your kid feels like they’re at a restaurant all the time. All I see are wins ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ might even try this for my husband.
Save yourself a menty b while driving
Apparently driving alone with your infant in the backseat for the first time is literally the scariest thing ever??? So, instead of getting yourself in a tizzy, just add a backseat mirror and sunshade to keep your mind at peace. (Can’t promise you won’t still pull-over 15 times to check on them though).
Use those muslin cloths at bath time
Instead of stocking up on washcloths, get yourself a girl who can do it all. And by that I mean, a muslin cloth that you can use for swaddling, a makeshift burp cloth, or as quick-drying washcloth at bath time to make them cozy when in the tub (pro tip: submerge it in the warm water and then layer it over baby’s belly to keep them warm.
Lingerie bags are good for more than just your nursing bras
If your laundry machine tends to eat your socks every time you do a load (cause, same), this one’s for you. Baby socks and hats are so teeny tiny and tend to get eaten by the dryer so throw them in your lingerie bags and voila! You won’t lose a single precious one.
A heating pad can do wonders
@honestlyautumn Share with a mom or dad who NEEDS this baby transfer hack!! This is my new favorite mom hack and seriously has changed the baby transfer game for us! Hope it helps! #mom #momhack #babyhack #momsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Autumn Grace
Not only can a heating pad help YOU out postpartum but I’ve also heard that if you’re struggling to transfer your baby to their crib or bassinet, if you lay a heating pad (on a low setting to ensure both your safety) on their mattress for a few minutes and then remove it prior to transferring them, it’s not such a shift and they won’t notice the change in temp from your body to their crib. Kind of like how I never want to leave a heated massage table, but, I digress.
ICYMI: hair tie cutters exist
Instead of accidentally ripping out a few baby hairs (and causing a complete meltdown) after a day of trying your damndest to get your kid to wear pigtails, just cut out the hair tie. I’ve been told you’ll thank yourself later.
