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As fun as the zoo
By Shelley B., mom of one
A trip to the zoo was out of my reach? So my toddler and I made regular trips to a pet store instead. There were plenty of live animals to keep my toddler interested.
Baby wipes recipe
By Missy H., mom of two
Make your own baby wipes. Place sheets of sturdy paper towels in a reusable plastic container or a resealable plastic bag. Mix a tiny bit of baby shampoo or baby bath soap with water. Pour over towels until they're damp but not dripping wet.
Be a germ fighter
By Susan J., mom of one
When headed to the pediatrician with my toddler, I always bring along some wipes to sterilize toys and books in the waiting room. I think it's safe to assume they are teeming with germs.
Be easy on yourself.
By Summer S., mom of one
Make it your goal to be patient, not perfect. There's no one "right way" to do anything, only the way that works best for you and your baby. Go with your gut.
Buy extras, so you have one less thing to remember.
By Julie H., mom of one
If you're pumping milk at work, buy a spare set of the plastic pieces for your pump, and a spare bottle brush. Keep the extras at work ? for fewer things to haul around.
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Car rides can be soothing
By Tara H., mom of two
You're cranky and your baby's crying. What to do? Try going for a nice long ride in the car. After five minutes on the interstate with my little screamer, we both felt better. (Rush hour is not advisable!)
Date your kids
By Nancy D., mom of one
I recommend parents set aside a day periodically for a date with their kids. One-on-one is ideal. It's a great tradition and memory-maker.
Diapers do double duty
By Dawn S., mom of two
If your baby is a spitter-upper, keep stacks of cloth diapers in every room so they're always an arm's reach away. You never know when you'll need one.
Don't over-pack
By Angie F., mom of one
Diaper bags are great...but not if they weigh more than your baby. Pack only what you're sure you'll need. And clean it out before every use.
Don't wait for him to ask.
By Jeannette G., mom of two
Don't expect your husband to know what you need him to do. Chances are, he doesn't! Ask him to help with specific things, like watching the baby for two hours while you grocery shop or putting away the dishes while you and the baby nap.
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He might like the noise!
By Kerry B., mom of two
Don't stress too much about taking the baby to the nursery at the gym. I was worried my little Joey would be overwhelmed with the noise. But he slept contentedly while I got in a workout. I was tempted to record the noise and take it home so he would sleep at home, too!
Get rid of the gas.
By Missy H., mom of one
Babies can have painful gas. A good way to help ease the pain (and sometimes work the gas out) is to put your baby on her back and gently move her legs as if she is riding a bicycle. This helps massage her intestines and work out painful gas.
Get outta there
By Carole A., mom of three
Try to get out of the house with your baby at least once a day, even if it's just for a walk around the block or a quick trip to Grandma's.
Get out with the girls
By Jen S., mom of two
Hubby can watch the baby for a few hours while you go out for dinner with friends. Make it a regular part of your schedule, or you won't do it. Join a book club, go scrap booking, or take an afternoon road trip with friends every few weeks.
Get more bottles; spend less time at the sink.
By Meredith J., mom of two
If you're bottle-feeding, buy enough bottles to last until the dishwasher is full. Then you won't have to wash bottles by hand. I also recommend a drying/organizer rack for bottles and nipples, and a dishwasher basket to hold the smaller bottle parts.
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