From the Top

Dentists are really on to something. I've discovered that certain tasks are just way easier when done from the head end of baby--that is standing behind his head while he's lying on the changing table. This includes: Looking for new teeth, and brushing the tiny ones he has. Cleaning out a really stuffy nose. Trimming nails (incidentally I always do this while whisteling a tune and it never fails to keep him still and attentive). And baby massage. Try it, you'll be amazed at how much easier these tasks are.

Fast Fixes

With a baby that consumes almost all of what used to be free-time, I've learned to fully embrace efficiency-enhancing products. Here are some that have really made a difference in my newer, speedier lifestyle:
1. Fast Fixx spray-in conditioner - gives me soft, shiny, untangled hair and (bonus!) eliminates fly aways.
2. Carnation Instant Breakfast - it's no 3-egg omelet, but hey it is calcium, vitamins AND chocolate milk.
3. Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags - just two minutes and my pumping parts are all clean.

Three Tips for when You're in a Pinch

1. From Steph: The Straw...if you don't have a bottle or if baby wants a sip of water at a restaurant, offer it to them with a straw. You would be amazed at how young your kid gets it! I think Heidi was 4 months old.

And more kudos for the straw, from Kelly: Sometimes when we went to a restaurant and were waiting for our food, Alex did not always want to just sit nicely in the highchair. No toys could make him happy. So one time I used my straw to suck up some ice water and drip it in his mouth to try to distract him. And he loved it. The ice cold water plus the straw makes it interesting enough for him to keep wanting more and stopped his whining.

2. Another good one from Steph: We all know the diaper changing trick while your baby is on your lap. This is good for little kids. However, what do you do in a public place where there is no changing table for an older tot? As long as it's not a stinky diaper, you can quickly whip down their pants and remove the dirty diaper. Then position the new one in between their legs (in the approximate location) and then sit the child on your lap. The diaper will cover their bum. Then, quickly fasten the diaper into place. This was an essential thing this past week at the airport and on vacation w/Heidi.

3. The literal Pinch (this one's just kind of funny, heard it from my hairdresser today). If plucking your eyebrows really kills, a little baby Orajel first works like magic!

Your Second Brain

Babies are distracting. Cute, but distracting. So when you have an important phone call to make, a nap or feeding schedule to adhere to, or anything else that needs to get done at a certain time, it doesn't hurt to have a gentle reminder. I like these two products because they are really easy to use and multi-functional. But your cell phone alarm would work great too. Just set your timer, slip it in your pocket and go back to your baby's cuteness.

Baby's Buddy Book

 
Babies love faces--so why not put those photo cards and birth announcements you receive from friends and family to good use? I keep all of ours in a simple 4x6 photo album, trimming them to size. That way my baby has an entire book full of friendly faces and we have fun talking about who all the people are. This is especially handy for keeping out-of-town family and friends familiar.

Tubtrugs for Today's Toys

Since my baby is finally interested in toys (at six months) I feel like I can report on this topic with only a smidge of authority. But I believe if you want to raise a creative baby, you've gotta keep things fresh. That means lots of interesting toys to see, taste, feel and explore. What's a mom to do with all these toys, you ask? Meet your new best friend: Tubtrug. Here's an idea: invest in 7 of these. Or, seven similar containers that are indestructible and (more importantly) harmless to your baby. Put a day's worth of toys in each container and store them neatly in a closet or under the crib. Each day, take out a new Tubtrug and let your baby go nuts. This way, the toys stay fresh and exciting and your house stays tidy too. Currently in each of my Tubtrugs: a different rattle, teether, couple of books and a plush toy.

I also saw a tip on this for bathtub toys stored in sand pails for the older baby. This makes every bath time one of discovery. Just be sure to punch holes in the bottom of the bucket, so your toys can drain and dry. Since I'm just getting started in this adventure, I welcome all tips and comments on toy storage and rotation. Feel free to post!

Hoodie: The Modern Day Housecoat

 
My Grandma always wears a housecoat. She also raised five kids. And now that I'm raising a kid of my own, I finally get the housecoat. But for me, the more modern solution is the hoodie. No matter what I'm wearing, it seems like I've got a hoodie on top. This protects me from drool, spit-up and every other bodily fluid that constantly leaks from my son. I also love it because it makes for quick nursing. And when it's time to run out the door, I still look presentable. That is if I remember to take it off.

In-between Sizes

It seems like every other week my baby outgrows his clothes. But somehow, his next size up is way too big. So for all those tweener times, Baby Legs are the best. These things last from birth until possibly three-years-old or even longer. I cannot count the compliments we've received on our "legwarmers". Not to mention, they're exceptionally practical for diaper changes and adding a layer of warmth on those extra chilly days, like today.

I Was Hoping Not to Need These

Giving birth does some horrific things to your body. I just wanted to vouch for this product as it has done wonders for my comfort and healing.

I bet you could get the same effect by using those baby washcloths we discussed earlier (just soak them in witch hazel and aloe). But that's only if you don't mind the extra laundry. Either way, you'll be thankful for any help you can get down there!

Hey moms, if you've got personal soothing tips, be sure to share them in the comments...

Little Sock, Little Sock - Where Are You?

Because I'm a cloth diaperer, I thought it was a good idea to get very intimate with my washing machine's instruction manual. Good thing I did, because in the process I learned the neat trick of using a lingerie bag for washing and drying my baby's socks. I just keep one by his changing station and toss the whole thing in on wash day. Since then, nary a sock has been lost. And that's why I was super excited to find these socks, already in laundry bags, at amazon.com. Brilliant!
P.S. Lingerie bags are also great for washing items with Velcro (like bibs) to prevent snags and pilling.

Go For a Stroll

Even for you supermoms, carrying your baby around hour after hour, day after day gets tiring, doesn't it? Even wearing him in a sling or Bjorn wears out your body eventually. Plus, it limits what you can do (like opening the oven, for one). So when you need to get stuff done, try pushing your baby around the house in his stroller instead. He can go where you do, and enjoy the scenery. And you can use both arms, which makes for a very productive Mommy!

Milk cubes

You probably all know about freezing your breast milk and how convenient it is to have on hand. Heck, you probably even have a stash of those little "Mommy's Milk" freezer bags. Well here's a way to make milk storage even more convenient!

1. Invest in an ice cube tray that holds one-ounce cubes, like this:

2. Pump milk as usual

3. Pour it into your tray and freeze

4. Pop the frozen cubes in a Ziplock, label and return to the freezer

Working in one-ounce increments, you'll always have just the right amount of milk on hand, without having to waste any. This comes in especially handy when your baby starts eating cereal. And the trays are great for baby food making too, but that's for another day...

Mommy 'minder stickers

If your mom didn't keep a baby book for you, I'm sorry. But as sweet (and important!) as they are, I'll be the first to admit that they're hard to stay on top of when the milestones are flying by as quickly as the hours of missed sleep.

Here's a solution. I have a regular old calendar hanging above the highchair in the kitchen. This keeps regular old dates like doctor's appointments and birthdays and whatnot. But what it also keeps are my Mommy 'minder stickers. You see, when Bastien does something amazing, I just pull out a sticker from the calendar pocket and put it on that date. Sometimes, if I have a free hand, I'll write down what the amazing thing was just for a little added insurance against my tired and forgetful brain. Then, on a predetermined date (I choose the 20th, for the date he was born; but you could do the last day of the month, or whatever), I tally up the month's stickers and post it all in his baby book.

I got this idea from my marathon days when I put stickers in my running log on days that were particularly worth remembering. So I'm sure there are other times when these stickers come in handy. Potty training comes to mind... If you've got baby book ideas, be sure to share!

Washcloths Aplenty

This is one thing you won't realize until you bring baby home - you can never have enough washcloths. Specifically, those thin, (thankfully) cheap baby washcloths that come in a pack of five or ten, like these. Stock up on at least three of those (yes, you need at least 15 washcloths) and you'll be all set. Speaking of five-packs, here's one, regarding the non-obvious things a washcloth's good for:

1. Put a warm one on your baby's belly during every bath. He'll love it.
2. If you have a boy, toss one on him during changing. An instant way to save your walls, clothes and dignity.
3. Once he starts eating solids, just hand him a wet one when he's done eating. He'll pretty much do the clean-up for you.
4. Freeze them for a favorite teether. (Also comes in handy for boo boos).
5. Runny noses get sore fast. A warm washcloth on a runny nose is much more welcome than a scratchy tissue. Trust me.
Got more washcloth ideas? Help a mom out and share them in a comment.