Becoming a parent in your 30s is quite the adventure. You’ve probably got your life somewhat figured out—or at least, you’re more settled than you were in your 20s. But then along comes this tiny, adorable human being who turns your world upside down, in the best way possible. Surely there has to be a way to make this whole thing a bit easier? Here are fourteen parenting hacks that’ll make understanding parenthood in your 30s a lot easier.
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Use White Noise Apps for Better Sleep
While those peaceful nights of uninterrupted sleep might seem like a distant memory now, they don’t have to be. White noise apps make it easier to drift off as they mimic the sounds your baby heard in the womb. That’s rather soothing! Just download one of these apps on an old smartphone or tablet and you’re all set. You’re saving money and time, literally in your sleep.
Convert a Dresser into a Changing Table
Buying a changing table seems like a good idea—until you realize it’s essentially just a one-trick pony. Instead, save some cash & space by placing a changing pad on top of a sturdy dresser instead. You’ll have a changing table that later transforms back into a regular dresser. Just think of it as making your furniture work double duty.
Baby Clothes “Extenders” for Longer Wear
Babies grow faster than you can say “stop growing!” and before you know it, those adorable onesies don’t fit anymore. But there’s a hack for that! Baby clothes “extenders” attach to the snaps of onesies to give them a bit more length so your money’s not wasted. Your baby can wear those cute outfits for a little longer.
Magnetic Cabinet Locks for Easy Baby Proofing
Baby proofing prepares your home for your newborn. And while traditional locks are a pain for adults to deal with, magnetic cabinet locks are a lot easier because you just need a simple magnetic key to unlock them. It’s a win-win. Your child continues to explore, yet you can relax knowing that they’re safe.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Small Items
Being a parent feels like being on a never-ending quest to match baby socks! To avoid this, put small items like socks, mittens & hats into a mesh laundry bag before throwing them in the wash. Doing so keeps everything together. You’ll never be left wondering where the other sock vanished to ever again.
Implement a “One-Handed” Snack Station
Essentially, eating with one hand while holding a baby in the other is a rite of passage for new parents. As such, you might want to create a snack station with easy-to-grab, nutritious snacks. Think granola bars, fruit, nuts—and cheese sticks! Having food on hand allows you to stay fueled for the parenting marathon with minimal effort.
Freeze Pacifiers in Breastmilk or Formula for Teething
Teething is tough but here’s a cool (literally) hack to soothe your baby’s gums—freeze pacifiers in breastmilk or formula. Just fill a small cup with the liquid then place the pacifier nipple-down before freezing. Best of all, it’s far better than teething gels. You’ll soothe those gums in no time!
Use a Pizza Cutter for Quick Meal Prep
Pizza cutters are perfect for meal prep with a baby around. You can use such a device for cutting up pancakes, sandwiches, and pretty much anything soft into bite-sized pieces easier for tiny hands to manage. Really, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner! Meal prep can be far easier than many people realize.
Shower Cap Trick for Easy Cleanups
Shower caps are great in the battle against mess. Put it under the high chair to catch all the bits & pieces that don’t make it into your baby’s mouth to make your post-meal cleanup much better to deal with. Sure, it might be a low-tech solution—but it’s guaranteed to bring you high-level satisfaction.
Color Code Baby Bottles for Day and Night
Every parent knows how hard it is to get a baby to sleep through the night—that’s where color-coding baby bottles come in. It keeps their feeding schedule on track to indirectly promote better sleep patterns. Even when you’re half asleep, you’ll be able to keep track of which is which.
DIY Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin
Babies’ skin is rather delicate and sometimes commercial wipes just don’t cut it. Making your own baby wipes will give you a cleaner solution that’s also surprisingly easy & cost-effective. You’ll control exactly what goes on your baby’s skin. In doing so, you majorly reduce the risk of irritation and can customize the solution based on your baby’s skin needs.
Use a Rubber Band for Perfect Onesie Rolling
Using the rubber band trick makes looking after onesies far easier since it keeps your drawers organized & makes packing for outings much less difficult. Stick a rubber band over the onesies so they stay up—it’s that simple. Then, you can grab what you need without unfolding everything else in the process.
Create a “Baby’s First Aid Kit” for the Car
Being a parent involves always being prepared for the unexpected so keeping a “Baby’s First Aid Kit” in your car is a literal lifesaver. Keep it stocked with essentials such as diapers, wipes, a bottle of water & snacks. In doing so, you’ll always be ready for whatever comes your way. Do you really want to be out and realize you’ve forgotten something important?
Set Up a Bedtime Routine Cue
You have to create a bedtime routine for babies and this starts with making it recognizable. For example using a specific lamp or nightlight as part of the routine acts as a gentle sign that it’s time to wind down. Eventually, the environment feels soothing enough for your little one to go to sleep.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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