Community› The Bump Month Clubs› May 2015 Moms
May 2015 Moms
New Discussion

Baby Hacks

funkychicken789funkychicken789 member
in May 2015 Moms
bringing baby out into the community and traveling is super overwhelming! Has anyone developed tips or "hacks" that have been helpful?

I have been pre-measuring scoops of formula and putting them into those 2oz side cups with lids(that we used to make Jell-O shots in). I can bring those out with me, and then the cup is 2 oz, so if I need to I can use them to measure water. Then I can quickly make a formula if I need to, especially when I can't warm up a breast milk, and I don't have to bring the big tub or scoop out, and cheeper than the liquid 2oz formulas.

Anyone else have things they want to share to make all of our lives a little easier with the LO's?
Report Reply to Post

Re: Baby Hacks

  • ali0608ali0608 member

    If you are using formula...They make formula dispensers that holds 3-4 bottles worth of powder.  I also take the bottle with the water premeasured in there.

    What else is overwhelming?  Maybe we have something that helps.

    I always leave right after a feeding if it's not a scheduled thing.  That way I hope I won't have to stop to feed.

    Getting out of the house makes the day better so I'm always getting out when I can.  Plus having a 5 year old to entertain makes getting out a necessity.


    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • lestes1121lestes1121 member
    I'm a baby wearer so when I go shopping I wrap the baby on my chest and she will sleep the whole time and I have both hands. It makes it easier to shop and wrangle my other 6 year old daughter she wild!!
    Report Reply
  • SmrBrd2012SmrBrd2012 member
    I'd love to hear some tips for running errands/grocery shopping.

    LO's car seat base seems way too clunky for the cart and he doesn't like being in the ergo or wrap for more than a few minutes before he starts screaming. I've only put him in it a few times though around the house.
    Report Reply
  • danibonellodanibonello member
    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.
    Report Reply
  • mamajama3mamajama3 member
    edited June 2015
    I also baby wear when out and about- it especially helps with errands and shopping. I got one of these wraps and love it (it's 10% off if you follow them on FB): https://cuddlebug.co/collections/all

    Another product endorsement (sorry but I love these nifty little things!) for something that's helped me with having baby out and about is this changing organizer- it has a changing pad built right in and fits wipes, multiple diapers, a burp cloth and a change of onesie and carries like a small purse. I keep it loaded and ready to go for when I need to run out the door last minute (story of my life with a new baby- you can plan all you want but it's hard to get out the door on time!):

    https://www.diapers.com/p/skip-hop-pronto-changing-station-triangles-1164476?site=CA&sku=SH-645&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&utm_content=pla&ca_sku=SH-645&ca_gpa=pla&ca_kw=&cvosrc=cse.google.SH-645&cvo_crid=42635925817&kpid=SH-645

    If anyone else has products or tricks that work well for them I'd love to hear them! :)
    Report Reply
  • ktbear9512ktbear9512 member
    danibonello said:

    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.

    Just a lurker from June, but please don't do this. You may think the seat is secure in the top part, but there's more to it than that. Esp as your LO gets heavier, if the cart is empty it becomes imbalanced and the car seat can pull it over. You don't know if the cart is faulty, etc. I know it's rare, but why risk it?
    Pregnancy TickerBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • soofttiesoofttie member
    When I formula feed I used snack bags with premeasured formula. I'd tear off the coner (sometimes while driving X_X ) and funnel it in the bottle. I also carried a canteen of warm water incase I didn't have anywhere to warm the water.

    With 2 Mommy hooks you can clip a hand cart to your stroller, by placing one hook on each side. I still do this one as my toddler has mastered getting out of the carts at Target.

    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

    Report Reply
  • danibonellodanibonello member
    padleylynn said:


    ktbear9512 said:

    danibonello said:

    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.

    Just a lurker from June, but please don't do this. You may think the seat is secure in the top part, but there's more to it than that. Esp as your LO gets heavier, if the cart is empty it becomes imbalanced and the car seat can pull it over. You don't know if the cart is faulty, etc. I know it's rare, but why risk it?

    Working in retail I can't tell you how many times I have seen parents do
     this and have to make a quick catch because of an off balance cart, someone bumping into it or one of their other kids jumping on to cart to ride. It's not that rare. Also I urge parents to please use the seat belt in the cart too. Kids fall climbing out too.



    I had no idea and hadn't thought of that... I didn't do it at first, but quickly found that just putting the car seat in the cart left no room for groceries, etc. What do you suggest as a safer alternative?

    Report Reply
  • Mari621Mari621 member
    I use ziplock bags for everything! I don't use one of those little all in one diaper pad w. storage things anymore. They are too heavy and cumbersome. I have a 2 1/2 yr old too so the less I can need to carry the better. I use a large plastic bag and have a travel size wipes, couple of diapers and changing pad from an old diaper bag. I can pull out everything out one handed while I hold the baby.  I also have a change of clothes for the baby and toddler in a large ziplock bag with an extra bag inside. That way if there is an accident I have a place to put the dirty clothes.

    Aden & Anais swaddle blankets are great for a couple of things. They are great to drape over your stroller for extra shade if your canopy isnt that big and yet a breeze can pass through. You can also use it as a nursing cover by tying two corners together.

    I also use a backpack as a diaper bag. I bought this one because I can switch up the straps and light weight. I can put it over my shoulder, around the handle of my stroller, use the smaller straps and carry it by hand or use it as a backpack. Not too bad for $27 bucks and cuter than my old diaper bag.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LBUE93W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
    Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • mars8kmars8k member
    I hven't gone out since i had the baby except when i moved from my sister's house back home.. How do you ladies do it i keep worrying she'll start screaming and i wouldn't know what to do, also i BF and haven't given her pumped milk yet so there's the issue of what if she gets hungry.

    Maybe i'm over complicating things, i'm so boredand so want to go out :(
    Report Reply
  • Mari621Mari621 member
    People are more understanding than you thin especially other moms. If the
    baby starts crying find a spot to pop a boob. Going out is scary for everyone the first couple of times. Something you just have to do eventually. Just keep the outing simple until you gain some confidence. ..go to a coffee shop or to a park.

    Oh I forgot one more thing. If you're out with your stroller (without carseat attached) recline the back, put a changing pad down and you have an instant changing table if your in a bind.
    Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • ali0608ali0608 member
    mars8k said:

    I hven't gone out since i had the baby except when i moved from my sister's house back home.. How do you ladies do it i keep worrying she'll start screaming and i wouldn't know what to do, also i BF and haven't given her pumped milk yet so there's the issue of what if she gets hungry.

    Maybe i'm over complicating things, i'm so boredand so want to go out :(

    It is scary the first few times but go somewhere right after feeding. And go to a baby storelike babies r us or buy buy baby. They always have nursing rooms. Then you will get your confidence up to go other places.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • kat0217kat0217 member
    ktbear9512 said:

    danibonello said:

    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.

    Just a lurker from June, but please don't do this. You may think the seat is secure in the top part, but there's more to it than that. Esp as your LO gets heavier, if the cart is empty it becomes imbalanced and the car seat can pull it over. You don't know if the cart is faulty, etc. I know it's rare, but why risk it?
    Yeah it's not worth the risk at all. Also, putting the car seat in that spot can damage the locking mechanism that makes it click into the base in the car and void the warranty. Baby wearing is a safe alternative.
    Report Reply
  • padleylynnpadleylynn member
    danibonello said:
    ktbear9512 said:
    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.
    Just a lurker from June, but please don't do this. You may think the seat is secure in the top part, but there's more to it than that. Esp as your LO gets heavier, if the cart is empty it becomes imbalanced and the car seat can pull it over. You don't know if the cart is faulty, etc. I know it's rare, but why risk it?
    Working in retail I can't tell you how many times I have seen parents do
     this and have to make a quick catch because of an off balance cart, someone bumping into it or one of their other kids jumping on to cart to ride. It's not that rare. Also I urge parents to please use the seat belt in the cart too. Kids fall climbing out too.

    I had no idea and hadn't thought of that... I didn't do it at first, but quickly found that just putting the car seat in the cart left no room for groceries, etc. What do you suggest as a safer alternative?
    If it is just a few items your getting I have been putting them under the cart (on the bottom shelf). For big grocery trips I try to wait until either someone can go with me to push the stroller or wait until my DH is home to watch LO and go by myself. I know that's not always possible so when you have to go I suggest baby wearing. I have found some good deals for some slings at baby consigment stores.
    Report Reply
  • JenGrl8503JenGrl8503 member
    danibonello said:

    padleylynn said:


    ktbear9512 said:

    danibonello said:

    Depending on the cart I either put the car seat on the "seat" part of the cart, which I know it says not to but let's be real. Or, if it doesn't work there, I can usually get it sideways in the "body" of the cart, so it's suspended by both sides of the cart. It's usually plenty secure both ways.

    Just a lurker from June, but please don't do this. You may think the seat is secure in the top part, but there's more to it than that. Esp as your LO gets heavier, if the cart is empty it becomes imbalanced and the car seat can pull it over. You don't know if the cart is faulty, etc. I know it's rare, but why risk it?

    Working in retail I can't tell you how many times I have seen parents do
     this and have to make a quick catch because of an off balance cart, someone bumping into it or one of their other kids jumping on to cart to ride. It's not that rare. Also I urge parents to please use the seat belt in the cart too. Kids fall climbing out too.

    I had no idea and hadn't thought of that... I didn't do it at first, but quickly found that just putting the car seat in the cart left no room for groceries, etc. What do you suggest as a safer alternative?



    If baby wearing doesn't work, I put 2 baskets under the cart and between the 2 baskets underneath and the empty cart seat I can usually manage to rack up a $100-$150 grocery bill :) For smaller grocery trips I just carry the diaper bag and use the under the stroller storage for my groceries!
    Report Reply
  • MrsS728MrsS728 member
    I usually bring the stroller in to the store. It's easier to pop LO on the base and put items underneath the stroller if it's a small trip. Big trips my husband and I go with the LO. He pushes the cart and I push her in the stroller. It also keeps her sleepy. I usually plan an outing after she's been changed and fed, but also bring a bottle of premeasured 2 ounces just in case. She's drinking 3 ounces now, but the 2 ounce is just enough to hold her over until we get home. I also go with a list of what I need, so I'm not wondering the aisles with a crying baby. My husband hasn't been as daring to take her out by himself. He's worried she'll be the crying baby in the store and doesn't want that. He'll go out with her when I'm with him, but hasn't ventured out alone. The only place I haven't and won't go alone is her DR office check ups. She has shots which means crying and I have to carry the bucket carseat and diaper bag from the car. 
    Report Reply
  • cassietegtmeiercassietegtmeier member
    danibonello said:

    If I'm going shopping with LO on my own, I make sure to park next to or near a cart return (preferably one that has carts in it). This helps when going into the store as i can load the carseat and diaper bag into a cart while I'm still at my car, rather than lugging it into the store by hand. More importantly, though, I like that I don't have a long trek to return the cart once I've loaded LO into the car. I've found this to be invaluable.


    I do this too!
    Report Reply
  • chavez2685chavez2685 member
    My first choice to nurse a fairly new baby is in my car in a parking lot. If you sit in the back seat no one can see you really and you don't have to try to wear a cover and help latch a small baby. Once they get bigger they "know what to do" and you can nurse with out looking really. Once you get confident and use to nursing out other places like a resteraunt won't be a intimidating
    Report Reply
  • MrsElizabethPlanoMrsElizabethPlano member
    So far each time there's been an event where i HAVE to go out within 2w of baby's birth. This time there have been so many events (had multiple mothers day, birthdays, and other family gatherings) so I got comfy right away with having to breastfeed in public. At first i vigilantly used a cover, but it's really such a hassle since i still have to be able to see and help her attach herself...multiple times since she likes to unlatch to take a short break. Now I only cover when around my dad....which is a lot of the time. 

    Make sure you've got plenty of formula or...boobs as your outing may last longer than you meant it to. Have all diapering necessities, one or 2 extra clothing items, a (small?) blanket, a paci or 2, a way to be hands-free if you need (car seat, body carrier, friend). Nothing more really until baby gets older. I always have water and cheerios. 
    Report Reply
  • sailaplaysailaplay member
    Get muslin receiving blankets! They're expensive but worth it. They can be used as a sun cover, nursing cover, blanket, swaddle, support in car seat. . . The list goes on. They're also light enough that I carry 2 everywhere.
    Report Reply
  • blairdavis99blairdavis99 member
    I had an incredibly hard time getting the last bit of formula out of the can. I am cheap lol and formula is not so it pained me every time I wasted even a small bit. The powder catches on the lip of the can and can't be easily poured out or removed with the scoop. I just figured out today that you can "scoop" it out easily with the handle of the provided scoop. The little handle can also be used to clean off the rim of the can before you put the lid back on (I am a bit ocd).
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"