Parenthood: the only job where the boss drools, screams, and occasionally pees on you.
If you’re a new mum, dad, or somewhere in between, you’re probably discovering that the “manual” they forgot to give you must be hiding in the same place as all those missing socks.
Good news—these 25 baby hacks will help you shave minutes off the mayhem, find your sanity, and claim back some precious zzz’s.
1. Zip-Up Sleepsuits Save Lives (or at Least Nerves)
Yes, those tiny poppers look darling in the shop. At 3 a.m., fumbling with twelve of them while your baby wriggles feels like an Olympic event.
Zip-up sleepsuits mean a quick change, less wrestling, and a happier baby. Your future sleep-deprived self will thank you.
2. The Wipes Warmer Is Not a Gimmick
Ever seen a baby’s face during a chilly wipe? The drama rivals Shakespeare. A wipes warmer keeps things pleasant and can help prevent those midnight shrieks.
For parents in colder climates, this is a game-changer—and your baby’s bum won’t flinch.
3. Layer the Cot Sheets Like a Pro
Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., there’s been an ‘incident’, and now you’re wrestling with the mattress. Prepare by making the cot with a waterproof mattress protector, then a fitted sheet, then another protector and sheet.
Yank off the top layer and—voila!—clean bed in seconds, no wrestling needed.
4. Night Feeds in Dim Light
Bright lights signal party time to a newborn brain. Stick with a dim lamp or nightlight for feeds and nappy changes after dark. Your little cherub will settle back down quicker, and you won’t blind yourself in the process.
5. Snot Sucker: Not as Gross as It Sounds
Babies are terrible at blowing their noses. Invest in a nasal aspirator—yes, the snot sucker. It sounds grim, but a clear nose equals a happy, sleeping baby.
The modern varieties are hygienic and easy to clean. A must-have for cold season.
6. The Magic of White Noise
Ever wondered why babies sleep so well in the car or pram? White noise mimics the womb, so try a white noise machine or an app.
Researchers highlight the benefits of white noise for infants who struggle to sleep, and desperate parents report the same.
7. Nappy Caddies: Your Roaming Command Centre
Hauling a screaming baby to the nursery for every change isn’t always feasible. Stock a portable caddy with nappies, wipes, creams, and a change of clothes.
Now you’re ready for action in any room, or even the garden.
8. Muslins Everywhere
Muslin cloths: the Swiss Army knife of parenthood. Mop up spills, shield baby from sun, create an impromptu burp cloth, or even swaddle.
Keep one in every bag and room—you’ll wonder how you survived without them.
9. Bath Time in the Kitchen Sink
Forget those huge plastic tubs if you’re short on space. The kitchen sink is the perfect height and size for a newborn bath, and it saves your back.
A folded towel in the bottom adds comfort. Clean-up’s a doddle.
10. Dummy Rescue with a Clip
Dummies have a knack for flinging themselves dramatically to the floor (usually in public). A dummy clip keeps it attached to baby’s clothing—less cleaning, less crying, and one less thing to hunt for under the sofa.
11. Clothes Sizes: Go Bigger Than You Think
Babies grow faster than you can say ‘growth spurt’. When buying clothes, especially vests and onesies, size up. Rolled sleeves today, perfect fit tomorrow, and you’ll get more than a week’s wear out of them.
12. Pre-Portioned Formula Feeds
If you’re bottle feeding, pre-measure formula powder into stackable containers. Night feeds or outings are much less stressful when you’re not fiddling with scoops and bags in the dark. Hungry babies don’t appreciate delays.
13. IKEA Trolleys for the Win
Those rolling trolleys from IKEA aren’t just for stylish kitchens. Use one for baby essentials — nappies, wipes, lotions, spare dummies. Wheel it from room to room, and keep everything you need within arm’s reach.
14. Outfits in Ziploc Bags
Heading out? Pack entire outfits (vest, sleepsuit, socks) in large resealable bags. Spills or blowouts are inevitable; grab a bag, change, and toss the dirty clothes in for washing later. No digging, no drama.
15. The Two-Minute Shower
Every new parent learns to shower like a Formula One pit crew. Place baby in a bouncer or Moses basket in the bathroom, so you can still sing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ while washing your hair. It’s not a spa day, but it’s a start.
16. Tummy Time with a Twist
Babies need tummy time to build those adorable little muscles, but not all babies are fans. Try lying on your back and placing your baby on your chest—they get their workout, you get cuddles, and everyone wins.
17. Cold Pack for Teething Woes
Teething, also known as Baby’s First Major Drama. Keep a clean, wet washcloth in the fridge and let your little one gnaw on it.
The cold soothes sore gums, and it’s safer than some commercial teething rings.
18. The Magic of Audio Books and Podcasts
You may only have one free hand, but your brain deserves attention too. Listen to an audiobook or parenting podcast while rocking or feeding.
These snippets of adult conversation can keep you sane during the longest days.
19. DIY Blackout Curtains
If your baby’s sleep is sabotaged by sunlight, hang up some blackout fabric or even bin liners with tape. Not a Pinterest-worthy hack, but a dark room at naptime makes for a smoother bedtime for everyone.
20. Use the Pram as a Portable Napping Station
Babies are notorious for falling asleep in the pram on the way home. Park the pram in your hallway and let them finish their nap—no need to transfer them and risk an unwanted wake-up call.
21. Stash a Spare Everything in the Car
Nappies, wipes, onesie, vest, muslin. Keep a spare set in the car for those “how did that much poo escape?” emergencies. It’s always the one time you forget that disaster will strike.
22. Swaddle With a Velcro Blanket
The art of swaddling is an ancient one—but most parents need a PhD in origami to get it right. Swaddle blankets with Velcro do the work for you and stay put, keeping your little Houdini safe and snug.
23. Use an App to Track Feeds and Sleeps
Trying to remember which side you fed from, or when baby last napped? Download a baby tracker app to make sense of the blur.
One Harvard pediatrician recommends digital tracking for new parents, especially in the early weeks.
24. Mirror in the Car
Rear-facing car seats mean you can’t see your tiny passenger when driving.
A baby-safe mirror lets you check on your little one at a glance, so you’re not tempted to pull over every five minutes to make sure they’re still breathing.
25. Accept All the Help (and Ignore the Judgy Comments)
When someone offers to cook, clean, or hold your baby so you can nap or shower, say yes. New parenting isn’t a solo sport.
Forget what Aunt Marjorie says about “doing it all yourself”—modern parents know teamwork is the secret weapon.
The Survival Kit You Didn’t Know You Needed
Every new parent faces moments that feel impossible, endless, and just a little bit sticky. These hacks are born from experience, desperation, and—let’s be honest—a fair bit of trial and error.
Will they turn you into a parenting superhero overnight? Probably not.
But they will help you reclaim a few minutes, a few brain cells, and maybe even a few smiles.
And when the going gets rough, remember: you’re doing brilliantly. The baby manual was probably overrated anyway.
Now, go zip up that sleepsuit, pour the cold coffee, and know that across the world, other new parents are cheering you on—with matching bags under their eyes.
