Let me tell you something: no matter how many parenting books you read or how many YouTube videos you watch, nothing really prepares you for the chaos, beauty, and “what the heck is going on” moments of life with a baby. As a mom who's been in the thick of it (spit-up in my hair, diaper bag exploding, trying to drink cold coffee in peace), I’ve picked up a few tricks that made things just a little easier—and I’m here to share them with you.
Here are 20 baby hacks that saved my sanity. I hope they help you too.
1. Onesies Can Be Pulled Down, Not Just Over the Head
Those envelope folds on baby onesies? They’re not just for show. When your baby has a blowout (you’ll know it when you see it), just pull the onesie down over their body to avoid smearing poop all over their head. Life. Changing.
2. Diaper Changing Basket in Every Room
Skip the constant running around. Keep a mini station with diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and an extra onesie in multiple rooms. Your future self will thank you at 3 AM.
3. Put a Puppy Pad Under the Crib Sheet
Layer a puppy training pad between two crib sheets. If there's a midnight diaper leak, just strip the top layer off and you’ve got a clean bed ready to go—no fumbling in the dark.
4. Use the Wipe Package to Warm the Wipe
No wipe warmer? No problem. Just place the wipe package (closed) under your leg or arm for a minute before using. No more freezing cold shocks to the butt.
5. Mesh Laundry Bags for Tiny Socks
Baby socks are sock ninjas. They disappear. Throw them all in a mesh bag before tossing into the laundry, and you won’t spend your life looking for teeny-tiny toesies.
6. Use a Pacifier Clip for Toys on the Go
Clip a teether or toy to your baby’s car seat or stroller using a pacifier clip. Goodbye, picking up Sophie the Giraffe 17 times in Target.
7. Dry Shampoo Is Your Best Friend
You may not shower, but you will look semi-presentable with a quick spray and fluff. Bonus points if you can manage mascara.
8. Keep a Spare Shirt for You in the Diaper Bag
Babies spit up on you. A lot. One day you’ll be out in public, smell like sour milk, and remember this tip. Pack it now.
9. Use a Bottle Brush Holder as a Pacifier Organizer
Those silicone bottle drying racks with little “trees” or “stems”? Perfect for pacifiers too. No more digging through drawers.
10. Turn a Crib into a Playpen with a Fitted Sheet
When you’re outside, stretch a crib sheet over a Pack ‘n Play to keep bugs (and sun) off your baby. It’s like a little shaded tent.
11. Put Baby Lotion in a Pump Bottle
One-handed application while holding a squirmy baby = yes please. No lids to fumble with.
12. Nighttime Feeds with a Red Light
Use a red nightlight for feeds or diaper changes in the dark. It keeps both you and baby sleepy and helps avoid the “wake-up shock” of bright lights.
13. Prep Bottles with Dry Formula in Advance
If you formula feed, pre-measure dry formula into bottles ahead of time. When it’s time to feed, just add water. Way faster during a meltdown.
14. Put a Silicone Mat Under the High Chair
Catches crumbs, spills, and the occasional flying meatball. Shake it out or rinse, and you’re done.
15. Use a Shower Caddy as a Car Organizer
Stash wipes, toys, snacks, and diapers in a plastic shower caddy in the trunk or behind the seat. Car chaos = slightly less chaotic.
16. White Noise Will Save Your Sleep
Whether it’s an app, machine, or box fan—white noise is magic. It helps baby sleep, masks household sounds, and just might get you an extra hour.
17. Set Up a Diaper Caddy in the Car
Because blowouts don’t care if you're at Target or parked outside grandma’s. Include diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and a change of clothes.
18. Use a Baby Medicine Syringe with a Pacifier
Cut the tip off a pacifier and push the medicine syringe through it. Let baby suck the meds down with way less drama.
19. Skip the Cute Outfits at Home
Those tiny jeans and button-up shirts are adorable… but not for lounging. Soft zip-up footies are all you need. Cute and practical.
20. Repeat After Me: It’s Just a Phase
Colic? A phase. Sleep regression? A phase. Cluster feeding? You guessed it. It’s all temporary. Take a breath. You’re doing better than you think.
Motherhood is messy and magical and totally overwhelming at times. But with a few little hacks and a whole lot of grace, you’ll find your rhythm. Bookmark this list for when you're running on 2 hours of sleep and need a reminder that you've got this.
Hang in there, mama. You're not alone. 💛
— A very tired, very real mom
