Being a new mom is tough. You’re constantly tired, you never have enough time, and everything feels like a huge learning curve. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 15+ baby hacks that every new mom needs to know. Trust us, these will make your life a whole lot easier with a newborn baby.
What makes life easier with a baby as a new mom?
Baby hacks are a great way to make your life as a new mom a little bit easier. From sleep hacks to feeding hacks, there are plenty of ways to make motherhood a whole lot easier. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of life-saving baby hacks for you as a first-time mom!
15+ Life-Saving Baby Hacks Every New Mom Needs to Know
If you are a new mom, looking for ways to make life easier with a baby, check out these 15+ life-saving baby hacks for new moms:
1) Use a baby carrier whenever possible
Whenever you can, use a baby carrier instead of putting your baby in a stroller. This will free up your hands so you can get things done, and it will also help your baby feel secure and bonded to you. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra cuddles. Win-win!
2) Invest in a good nursing pillow
If you’re breastfeeding, invest in a good nursing pillow. It will make nursing much more comfortable for both you and your baby, and it will also help you avoid back pain. Bonus points if you can find one that’s cute and stylish!
3) Get organized with a diaper caddy
A diaper caddy is an absolute essential for any new mom. It’s the perfect way to keep all of your diapers, wipes, and creams organized in one place. We recommend getting one with multiple compartments so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Check out these baby organization ideas for more ways to get organized for the baby!
4) Make sleep a priority (for both of you!)
Getting enough sleep is crucial for any new parent, but it’s especially important for moms. Make sure to get as much rest as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or family members when you need it. And speaking of sleep…
5) Sleep when your baby sleeps
This is the most important hack on this list! Whenever your baby takes a nap, use that time to take a nap too. It might seem like a wasted opportunity to get things done around the house, but trust us, your body will thank you for it later. Plus, it’s a self-care activity that moms can easily incorporate into their life.
Related: Self-Care Activities for New Moms: How to Take Care of Yourself with a Baby
6) Use a pumping bra
If you’re breastfeeding, a pumping bra can be your best friend. It frees up your hands so that you can pump hands-free. You can even wear it while you’re doing other things like cooking or cleaning.
7) Invest in a good diaper bag.
A good diaper bag will make your life so much easier. Look for one that has a lot of compartments and pockets so that you can easily organize everything. And make sure it’s comfortable to carry!
8) Get a white noise machine.
White noise can help soothe your baby and even help them sleep better. It’s also great for drowning out any unwanted noise from the outside world.
9) Use bibs as burp cloths.
Bibs are great for more than just catching food! They make great burp cloths too. Just put one over your shoulder before you start feeding your baby and you’ll save yourself from having to change your shirt later.
10) Get a changing pad liner.
A changing pad liner is a must if you don’t want to ruin your changing pad. They’re absorbent and easy to wash, so you can just throw them in the washing machine when they get dirty.
11) Make your own baby wipes.
You can save a lot of money by making your own baby wipes. All you need is some clothes, water, and a gentle cleanser.
12) Use a laundry basket as a diaper pail.
A regular ol’ laundry basket makes a great diaper pail. Just put a liner in it and you’re good to go. You can use plastic Diaper sacks to keep the smell of the diapers at bay in the trash liner.
13) Keep a spare set of clothes in the car.
Stay ready do you don’t have to get ready!
Babies have lots of accidents and many times we get dirty because their unexpected. Depending on the mess, we may need to change. So be prepared!
14) Use rubber bands to keep baby socks together.
Losing baby socks is one of the most frustrating things about being a new parent. But you can avoid this problem by keeping them together with rubber bands. Just put a rubber band around each pair of socks before you wash them and they’ll stay together in the laundry.
15) Store bottles upside down.
Storing bottles upside down might seem like a strange hack, but it actually makes a lot of sense. When you do this, the formula or milk will settle at the bottom of the bottle, making it easier to shake up and mix.
16) Use a coffee mug as a baby food warmer.
If you’re out and about with your baby and need to warm up some food, a coffee mug can come in handy. Just fill it up with hot water and place the baby food jar in it. The hot water will help warm up the food.
17) Ask for help when you need it.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It takes a village to raise a child, so lean on your support system when things get tough.
18) Prepare for doctor appointment
During the first year, you baby has lots of appointment with their pediatrician. So create a note in your phone to collect questions and store unusual photos and videos that you may have questions about. That way, everything’s in one spot and you don’t have to hunt through your phone for videos and pics, as they can get easily lost when taking a million pics of your sweet baby!
19) Repurpose cloth bibs
Cloth bibs are useful for toddler years. It’s been 4 years since having my first child and I still use diaper cloths for cleaning my kiddos nose. Kids stay with a runny nose, so it’s always needed. It’s less harsh and messy than tissue and contain no chemicals like wipes.
And if needed, you can damp with water for easy clean up (mouth and hands) during car travel.
20) Prepare multiple bottles
During the infant stage, staying organized and saving time is important, so make your baby’s bottles ahead of feeding and store in refrigerator (no longer than 24 hours ahead). Before bed, make 3-4 bottles and all you have to do is warm for the night and morning feeding.
21) Check-up together
If your kids see the same pediatrician, ask for sibling appointments. That way you save time and multiple visits. This helped me tremendously to ensure both kids were seen and I didn’t have to take multiple days off from work!
22) Meal prep and menu plan
During your nesting stage, be sure to plan and/or prep your family’s lunch/dinner for at least 2 weeks. You can cook and store in the freezer to keep it fresh and tasty.
If meal prepping isn’t your thing, at least plan meals so you don’t have to stress over dinner and you can create healthy options for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Hacks
Have questions about baby hacks for new moms or just life with a baby? Check out these frequently asked questions about baby hacks and everything baby-related, which we’ve answered:
How do you occupy a bored baby?
There are a few ways you can occupy a bored baby. You can try giving them some toys to play with, reading them a book, or even letting them listen to music. If all else fails, a simple walk around the block can sometimes do the trick.
How do you hack a baby to sleep?
There are a few different ways you can hack a baby to sleep. One way is to create a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. Another way is to make sure the environment is conducive to sleep by keeping the noise level low and using a white noise machine. Finally, you can try giving your baby a massage before bed
How can I make my baby special?
There are a number of ways you can make your baby special. One way is to create lasting memories by taking lots of pictures and videos. You can also try making homemade gifts, such as blankets or clothing. Finally, you can simply spend quality time with your baby and let them know how much you love them.
How can I have fun with my newborn?
There are a number of ways you can have fun with your newborn. One way is to take them out for walks in the stroller. Another way is to try different types of baby-friendly activities, such as tummy time or playing with soft toys. Finally, you can just spend quality time with your baby and bond with them.
Last Thing You Need To Know About Baby Hacks for New Moms
We hope these baby hacks have been helpful! Remember, being a new mom is tough but you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources and support systems out there to help you through this challenging time. If you ever feel like you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your friends, family, or medical professionals.
Other Motherhood Content You Need to Survive Baby’s First Year:
- Self-Care Activities for New Moms: How to Take Care of Yourself with a Baby
- The Formula Shortage Continues: Formula Feeding Chart & How To Reduce Baby’s Gas
- 5 Life-Saving Tips to Stay Organized as a Working Mom
- 7 Self Care Tips for Breastfeeding Moms + Free Journal
- 5 Breastfeeding Tips To Remember & Breastfeeding Essentials You Need
- What is Dream Feeding? 7 Helpful Things To Consider Before You Start