60+ of The best Baby Hacks, Tips, and Tricks

Are you a new or expecting mom? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro still searching for baby hacks to make life easier?

To make things a bit smoother, I’ve gathered 60+ easy and practical baby hacks that will save your sanity and make those precious moments even sweeter.

These are the tried-and-true gems I’ve picked up over the years – some from my own experiences, some from friends, and some I wish I’d known sooner.

Let’s break it down into the major baby care zones so you can find exactly what you need, when you need it.

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Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding Hacks

1. Use a Nursing Pillow

Helps to save your back during marathon feedings. Simple but effective!

And while you’re at it, elevate your legs on a stool or a pile of pillows to avoid back pain. Your spine will thank you (And you will thank me).

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2. Struggling with Milk Letdown?

Try sitting backward! The combination of gravity and improved posture can help encourage milk flow.

3. Handle Clogged Ducts

Use a milk collector (like the Haakaa) filled with hot water and 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt. It’s like a spa day for your breasts – minus the candles.

4. Tracking Feedings Made Easy

Use a simple app or notebook to track feedings – it’s a lifesaver during those sleep-deprived nights.

Another trick: Wear a wristband on the hand your baby last nursed from to help you remember.

5. Milk Storage Tips

Store milk in flat bags to save freezer space and make thawing quicker. For more breastmilk storage information, visit my post: The Complete Guide to Handling Breast Milk.

6. Introduce a bottle early

(around 2-4 weeks) even if exclusively breastfeeding, to ease future transitions.

7. Warm bottles in a mug of hot water

When on the go – no fancy equipment needed.

8. Measure the flange size for your breast pump

If it doesn’t fit, it won’t sit – and that’s no fun.

To find the right flange size for your breast pump, measure the diameter of your nipple (not the areola) when it’s erect. The flange should have a bit of space around your nipple, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.

9. Helping with Baby’s Latch

Use a silicone nipple shield to assist babies who struggle with latching. The soft, flexible material can provide a more comfortable grip, making it easier for your baby to latch on and feed effectively!

10. Mimic Breastfeeding with Paced Bottle Feeding

Give paced bottle feeding a go to make bottle feeding feel more like breastfeeding. It helps your baby control the flow, reduces overfeeding, and keeps feeding time more relaxed.

11. No Need to Stress About Formula Feeding

If you switch to formula or try mixed feeding, there’s no need to panic – your baby will be perfectly fine!

12. Set Up Your Breastfeeding Station

Pick a cozy spot in your home to set up your breastfeeding station, so you’ve got all your essentials within reach while nursing.

Pro tip: If space is tight, use a portable breastfeeding basket for easy mobility – super easy to take with you wherever you go!

Diaper Duty Simplified

12. Prevent Little Hands from Grabbing Dirty Diapers

Just tack them into the bottom of their onesie and tying it gently. Problem solved!

13. Pay Attention to the Diaper’s Closure Markers

If the tabs don’t reach them, the diaper’s too small. If they’re overlapping, it’s too big.

14. Handle Poop Explosions

After a poop explosion, always remove the onesie from the shoulders down instead of pulling it over their head. Trust me, this little trick is a total game-changer!

15. Stay on Track with Hydration

In the first few weeks, place 6-7 diapers at the changing station each morning. If you go through them all by the end of the day, it’s a good sign your baby’s hydration is on track!

16. Wipe Dispensing Made Easy

Use an elastic band or rubberband around your wipes package to help dispense them one at a time. No more accidentally pulling out a stack of 50 wipes!

17. Skip the Wipe Warmer

The wipe warmer can dry out your wipes. Instead, rub the wipe gently between your hands for a few seconds to warm it up. Or, keep the wipes tucked under your pillow or blanket to keep them cozy and warm without the cold air!

18. Keep a Diaper-Changing Toy Handy

A special toy reserved for diaper changes can keep little hands busy. It’ll keep your baby distracted and help reduce all that squirming!

19. Make Diaper Changes Convenient

Set up a diaper caddy in every room you frequent for quick and easy diaper changes. This way, you’re always prepared no matter where you are!

20. Avoid Getting Peed On

If you’re a mom to a little boy, you’ve probably experienced the pee surprise!

To avoid it, try laying a wipe across your baby’s belly before you open the diaper. The cool touch should encourage him to pee before you even get the diaper open.

21. Protect the Umbilical Cord

Fold the diaper down to protect your baby’s umbilical cord from being rubbed or irritated.

Some diaper brands offer special newborn diapers with a cut-out for the umbilical cord, like Huggies Little Snugglers, making it even easier to keep your baby comfortable.

22. Use a Diaper Bin

I know it’s a bit of a controversial product, but it’s one of my a must-have products for a newborn, especially in the first few months when the number of diaper changes is high. It helps keep things tidy and less stinky!

23. Keep Poop Odors at Bay

If you’re not sold on the diaper bin, try putting each poop diaper in a fragrant doggy bag to keep the room from smelling. It’s a simple trick to manage odors.

And get an extra tip – keep a roll of doggy bags in your diaper bag for when there’s no bin nearby, or for those dirty post-blowout clothes.

24. Smooth and Efficient Diaper Changes

Always place the clean diaper under the dirty one before you take it off. This simple trick saves time, prevents extra mess, and keeps the changing process smooth and easy, even when you’re in a rush!

25. Poop Diaper Change Tip

When changing a poop diaper, use the top part of the diaper to scoop the poop and fold it below your baby’s butt. Then, clean up with wipes.

This trick helps contain the mess and makes the cleanup process quicker and more hygienic!

26. Prevent Blowouts

If your diaper doesn’t have a blowout pocket/barrier in the back, simply tuck the back of the diaper inwards to help catch any blowouts. This small adjustment can save you from a messy situation!

Baby Clothes and Accessories

27. Be Ready for Messes on the Go

Keep extra outfits in your diaper bag for those inevitable blowouts and spit-ups.

A cute way to keep them together is to fold each piece into the next – creating a neat, compact bundle that’s easy to grab when you need it!

28. Size up when buying baby clothes

They grow faster than you think. And when in doubt, roll the sleeves or pant legs.

29. Keep Baby Socks Together

Sort baby socks into mesh laundry bags to avoid the dreaded disappearing sock syndrome. This simple trick ensures you’ll always have matching pairs and won’t lose any tiny socks in the laundry!

30. Choose Onesies with Fold-Over Mittens

They keep baby’s hands warm and prevent accidental face scratches – two birds, one adorable outfit.

31. Opt for Zippers Over Snaps

Snaps can be tricky to fasten when you’re tired and rushed, especially for midnight changes when you’re half-asleep.

Zippers are faster and more convenient, allowing you to get the job done with one hand while keeping your baby safe.

32. Shop end-of-season sales for next year

Estimate your baby’s size and age for the following season and buy a size up to accommodate their rapid growth – it’s a game-changer for your wallet!

33. Transform outgrown onesies into keepsake quilts or stuffed animals

This DIY project preserves precious memories and gives new life to cherished baby clothes.

34. Easy Stain Removal Tip

For tough stains, rub dish soap onto the stain, let it sit in the sun, and voilà – good as new! The combination of soap and sunlight works wonders on many fabrics.

Sleeping Made Simple

35. Swaddle Away

Swaddle your baby snugly to mimic the feeling of the womb and help calm them down. It’s like giving them a warm, cozy hug!

If you’re struggling with the swaddle technique, try using a Velcro swaddle for an easy and secure wrap.

36. Try a Sleep Sack After Swaddling

Once they outgrow swaddling, switch to a sleep sack. It’s safe, keeps them warm, and still gives them that cozy feeling.

37. Create a Soothing Sleep Environment

Use white noise to set the mood for sleep – apps, machines, or even a fan work wonders. Fun fact: I still sleep with a fan on every night, because my parents didn’t follow the next tip:

38. Teach Them to Sleep Through Noise

Don’t make the house a silent sanctuary every time they nap or go to bed. Teach them to sleep through noise – trust me, it’s a habit that’ll pay off when siblings arrive!

39. Blackout Curtains for Better Naps

Blackout curtains are your best friend for daytime naps and early morning sun. They’ll help create the perfect dark environment for better sleep!

40. Start a Bedtime Routine Early

Begin a consistent bedtime routine early. A bath, a book, and a cuddle are perfect signals that it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed.

41. Keep Nighttime Feedings Low-Key

Dim the lights and avoid too much interaction. It’ll help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleep, not playtime.

42. Let Them Fall Asleep on Their Own

Lie them down while drowsy but awake.

This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own, so you don’t have to rock them to sleep every time.

43. Watch for Sleepy Cues

Avoid overtiredness by watching for sleepy cues like rubbing eyes or yawning. Act quickly to get them to bed before they’re too tired to fall asleep easily.

44. Use Music or a Lullaby to Set the Mood

Sing a calming lullaby or play gentle music to ease them into sleep mode.

Or, check out my magical routine for tiring babies out before bedtime – it’s a game-changer!

Bath Time Bliss

45. Use a Kitchen Sink for Early Baths

The kitchen sink can be a super convenient and back-friendly spot for bathing small babies.

There are plenty of seat options designed specifically for sinks, like supportive inserts or cushioned pads, to make bath time even easier!

46. Introduce Water to Your Baby’s Face Early

Start pouring water gently over your baby’s face from birth. This helps them get used to the sensation and can prevent fear of water later in life.

47. Use a Muslin Cloth for Newborn Bathing

Wrap your newborn in a soft muslin cloth and gently place them into the water while still wrapped. This helps them feel snug and secure, mimicking the comforting sensation of being swaddled.

It’s an excellent way to calm fussy babies during bath time.

48. Create a Safe Bathing Space for Your Baby

Use a baby bath with built-in support to keep your baby safe and make washing easier. Or:

49. Try a Plastic Laundry Basket in the Tub

Once your baby is sitting, use a plastic laundry basket in the tub to create a secure, confined space.

This prevents slipping and keeps toys within reach, making the experience both enjoyable and safe for your baby.

50. Prepare Everything Before Bath Time

Lay out everything you need beforehand, including towels and soap.

Once your baby is in the bath, you CAN’T leave them alone, so having everything within reach ensures their safety.

51. Make Bath Toys Part of the Fun

Add bath toys to make bath time enjoyable for your baby. Choose toys that are easy to clean to prevent mold buildup. For extra safety, block any openings in the toys with hot glue to keep water from getting inside.

52. Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas Carefully

During bath time, pay special attention to cleaning hard-to-reach areas, like between your baby’s fingers, toes, and under their chin.

These spots can collect dirt and milk residue, so gentle cleaning ensures your baby stays fresh and healthy.

53. Thoroughly Dry After Bath Time

After bath time, make sure to dry hard-to-reach areas thoroughly, such as under your baby’s chin and between their fingers and toes.

This helps prevent irritation and keeps their skin healthy.

54. Give iron supplements during bath time

To avoid ruining your baby’s cutest outfits, try giving iron supplements during bath time.

Any spills can be rinsed off right away, and you won’t have to stress about those impossible-to-remove stains.

55. Keep Water Lukewarm

Keep water lukewarm by testing it with your elbow. The water should feel warm, not hot, to ensure a comfortable and safe temperature.

If you’re not sure, opt for a thermometer to get an accurate reading. The recommended temperature is around 98-100°F (37-38°C).

Health & Wellness

56. Create a Rice Heat Pack

Turn a clean sock into a rice heat pack. Fill it with uncooked rice, tie it securely at the end, and microwave it for a few seconds.

This warm compress is perfect for soothing a baby’s tummy during colic or gas pains.

57. Use a Blush Brush for Sunscreen Application

Apply sunscreen with a clean blush brush to ensure even coverage and avoid missing spots.

58. Easy Nails Trimming

Keep your baby’s nails trimmed to prevent accidental scratches. The easiest time to do this is while they’re asleep for a smooth and stress-free process.

If your baby is like my Emily, who sleeps lightly, try trimming their nails while they’re in a baby carrier. The gentle rocking motion can help keep them calm and still.

You can also use distractions like toys or music during quiet playtime to make nail trimming easier.

59. Use a Nail File

In the first few weeks, it’s often safer and easier to use a nail file instead of clippers or scissors for trimming your baby’s nails. This helps avoid accidental nicks and keeps those tiny fingers safe.

60. Give Medicine Without the Fuss

If your baby resists taking medicine, try pouring the correct dose into the nipple of a bottle. Let your baby suck on it naturally, making it stress-free for both of you.

61. Keep Track of Medication Doses

When both parents are administering medicine to a baby, it can be challenging to track who has given which dose.

Use a plain white address label and draw a grid with days of the week and dose times. Mark off each dose directly on the bottle once it’s been given to ensure nothing is missed.

62. Track the Opening Date

Write the date you opened the medicine on the box or bottle. This makes it easy to monitor expiration dates and ensure the medication is still safe to use.

63. Freeze Breast Milk or Water for Teething Relief

If your baby is breastfed, freeze small portions of breast milk into cubes and place them inside a mesh feeder.

For pacifier-loving babies, fill the nipple of a pacifier with water or breast milk and freeze it.

64. Use Breast Milk for Minor Skin Irritations

Breast milk can work wonders for minor baby skin issues, such as diaper rash, dry skin, or baby acne.

Dab a small amount on the affected area and let it air dry.

65. Soften and Soothe Cradle Cap

Finding the right solution for cradle cap can take some trial and error, as every baby is different.

Using a gentle scalp mask during bath time to soften flakes, followed by a hydrating scalp spray, can help alleviate this condition.

Parenting can be challenging, but with the right tips and tricks, those tough moments become easier to handle.

For a complete guide on newborn care, check out my New Mom’s Guide: How to Raise a Newborn to get practical advice and answers to all your pressing questions.

Do you have a favorite baby tip that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments – I’d love to hear your ideas!

Love,
Shely