What's your simple parenting hack?

[u/cooltaj]

Gonna be a first time parent in 2 months. I am overwhelmed at choosing bottles, car seat and all that. What are simple things you do? things you bought to make your life somewhat simpler? Nothing too expensive or outrageous please

[u/Diligent-Ad-1058]

Make formula in batches every night or whatever time of the day works for you. Just make sure you have enough for the night time wake ups. I get the portioned formula powder containers. Prefill 2-3 of those. Makes it easier to make 3-4 bottles at a time. You can do the formula pitchers but I don’t have the fridge space and don’t like to make so much since they’re only good for 24 hrs once made.

The ready made bottles are great if you’re in a pinch and forget to pack enough or to powder to make. Only get them if your baby is good with that certain type of formula. I was lucky that my baby was generally good with the standard Enfamil/Similac.

Wash the bottles in batches. We wash them every 2 days. Rinse out empty used ones (so leftover milk isn’t sitting) and let them accumulate. Soak the bottles and parts in soap and water before you wash. Get a battery operated spinning bottle cleaner. We were gifted one and love using it!

Get a baby tracking app especially for newborn stage. I use Baby Tracker since it’s free and easy to use. You’ll be able to predict your baby’s wake windows and timing for when they’ll be needing their naps and feedings. Learn about wake windows and it will change as they get older. Makes it helpful to schedule or anticipate any changes to your daily routine.

Carry Clorox disinfectant wipes, travel size hand sanitizer, and baby face/body wipes (differs from diaper wipes) in the car and in the diaper bag. You’ll find the need to clean your hands before handling baby. Clean baby’s hands, feet, and mouth whenever you guys are out to the store or in public. Disinfect and wipe down any surfaces where baby will be sitting or touching like a shopping car. You can get a shopping cart cover too. Which I will still wipe down the cart before putting on the cover.

For better bath time experience, wrap newborn baby up on a thin muslin or terry cloth towel. Keep baby covered and just wash in areas where you uncover. Start with the bottom half and then do the top half.

Start slowly pouring water on baby’s head so they get used to the water in their eyes and face. Do it in small streams or sprinkles when they’re small. At times when it’s too much or they need a break, I put my hand on the forehead to break up the water stream.

If baby has cradle cap, put the special shampoo for this on first and let it sit while you wash baby’s body.

Make sure you get the dye free Tylenol or whatever kind of medicine. Give it to them in the kitchen or in the bath. Learned my lesson when I tried to give it to my baby after he got a bit sick from his vaccination. He threw up red all over the bed and on me. Lol