Parent Hacks

Skyrest Travel Pillow works well as a kids' travel footrest (no more kicking the seat in front)

Dave's got a great idea for solving the "restless feet" problem on road and plane trips: We know of the problems that are caused by children's feet dangling off their car seats. But there are few alternatives on the market and they are expensive and fit few vehicles. The Skyrest...

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links for 2010-02-08

kidyos - the best of the web for kids Pre-screened videos, games and educational content for 1-6 YO kids. Thanks, Oren! Baby Toolkit: Dock those tails: Streamlining adjustable elastic pants YES! My no-waist daughter always has these thingies sticking out. Thank you, Adrienne (by way of Tracy)! Smart-Bottom Enterprises: Personal...

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Life Scoop: Your own personal "events" calendar

How do you keep track of the about-town activities you might want to do if you feel like it and have time and noone's sick and... My next post for the Intel-sponsored site Life Scoop shares my solution: a personalized "Possibilities" calendar. Related: Life Scoop: Five ways texting can make...

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Contain small-parts toy play with a tray, cookie sheet or roasting pan

Kobie's hack solves two problems at once -- mess and babyproofing: My daughters have recently discovered the delight of playing with HAMA beads (also known as Perler beads or fuse beads ). This is small beads that you stack in a pattern and then iron to form a picture. When...

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Amazon deal: $50 off selected Britax car seats

Amazon's taken $50 of several models of Britax car seats , which translates to about 15-20% off the regular price. In my opinion, Britax is worth the investment -- both of my kids rode in their convertible seats for years.

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links for 2010-02-06

Is your kid an orchid or a dandelion? - The Atlantic (December 2009) Mindblower theory about genetics, and why some kids thrive despite harsh environments while others struggle even when comfortable. Thanks for passing this along, Lyla!

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links for 2010-02-05

Chicken Counting: Custom Cereal Boxes What a smart idea! I am convinced that cereal boxes are a major vehicle for early readers. How fun! Thanks, Laura.

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Let your toddler ride your rolling carry-on luggage through the airport

Daniel demonstrates that wear-and-tear on luggage wheels is far less important than a happy toddler in an airport: Be it the distractions, the fatigue or just the miles to whichever gate we are rushing to, our toddler never seems to be in the mood to walk on his own in...

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"Unstick" burnt pots and pans with cola

Lisa's kitchen cleanup hack: I saw this tip on TV in Ireland years ago. It comes in handy when I've attempted to cook while dealing with a colicky 2 month-old. I hate scrubbing burnt pots and pans. So pour some cola (bubbly coca-cola works best) into the pan and bring...

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Please vote for Parent Hacks in About.com Reader's Choice Awards

I just got a lovely email from Christy, the About.com guide to Family Internet. She's let me know that Parent Hacks is one of five finalists for the About.com Reader's Choice Award for Best Parenting Blog -- a wonderful honor, as the nominations came from readers as opposed to a...

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links for 2010-02-03

Kids Craft Weekly - Valentine's Day Favourites Amber never goes wrong!

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links for 2010-02-02

Toddler Keyboard: Script for "locking" keyboard keys I just ran into this hack that came to me soooo long ago -- brilliant application by a dad who just wanted to make computer games less frustrating for his little ones. At AutoHotkey. A very belated thank you, Bob! Make Your Own...

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Never throw it away: bubble wrap

Polly reminds us about kids' never-ending fascination with bubble wrap: Keep kids busy and occupied with bubble wrap. Most kids can’t resist popping all those bubbles. It’s great to bring with you when traveling in the car or sitting in the doctor’s office and easy to carry in your purse...

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Cut your toddler's nails while he's "playing" with the computer

Another distraction-while-grooming tip! From Stephanie: Cutting nails has ALWAYS been a struggle with my son (now 2). He absolutely hated it and I was always afraid of cutting him since he was squirming so much until I found...THE COMPUTER (insert any favored hands-free distraction here. -- Ed.). I go to...

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Makeshift "peek-a-boo" nets you a few wiggle-free seconds to change a diaper

Martin's wiggly baby tip: My daughter is 8 months old and is wriggling and rolling like nobody's business - especially when we're trying to put on a fresh nappy (I guess you call them diapers). One way I've found of creating a few seconds' wriggle-free window of opportunity is to...

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