Parenthacker's toolkit: stuff every parent needs

When sharing the link for the baking soda shampoo hack on Twitter and Facebook, I joked about how baking soda should be part of a collection of must-have multitaskers for busy parents: the Parenthacker's Toolkit. A flood of responses came back suggesting what else should be on the list. Here's what we've got so far:

• Baking soda (for shampoo, for cleaning, for deodorizing, for laundry...)
• White vinegar (for cleaning and disinfecting, stain removal, jellyfish stings...)
• Ziploc bags (for containing Legos, uh, messes, making ice cream...)
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Duct tape (for making socks non-slip, for keeping diapers closed, and a million other uses)
• A good multitool such as the Leatherman Micra (Thanks, Adrienne! Here's her Baby Toolkit post extolling the Micra's virtues.)
• Sharpies (for our most famous hack, among other things)
• Baby wipes
• Soft twine or string
• WD-40
• Scissors
• Hairspray (for removing pen ink)
• Masking tape and painter's tape (for labeling things, hotel childproofing...)
• Krazy Glue
• Paper towels
• Post-it Notes
• Tweezers
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Baby powder (for getting rid of beach sand and haircut trimmings)
• Elmer's Glue (for craft projects and removing splinters)
• Hand sanitizer (also removes pen ink!)
• Aloe vera (plant or gel) for burns
• A handy bottle of water and a snack
• A deck of cards
• Ear plugs
• Cloth diapers (useful for wiping up any kind of spill)

Wine, bourbon and margaritas were also mentioned.

Anything else?

Comments

[kate wood]

Great post! The only thing I can think to add is a good dose of humor, which no parent can go without. Bravo Asha, and PH community:)

[Stu Mark]

Couple of suggested additions: Twist-ties, small snub-nosed scissors, Klonopin.

[Sue]

For throw-up emergencies in the car: plastic bags (also for general car garbage), water and/or seltzer for use with paper towels. Change of clothes for all in trunk. Individual hand wipes.

[Melissa]

I keep one of those wedding favor bubble containers in my purse. Great for when we are stuck someplace and I have nothing else to entertain them with.

[Rebecca]

I keep a mini tape measure in my purse. It entertains toddlers by zipping closed and older kids by mearsuring things when on a long drive or waiting.

[Regina]

Blue Painter's tape -- it comes off almost everything so when the kids want to hang artwork, make an envelope, design doll clothes, they know to come get it. I keep several rolls at home.

[Chris]

What about a smartphone? I'm finding that my iPhone is an invaluable tool and I'm using it for a variety of things like a timer, flashlight, tracking tool and general entertainment. I don't know what parents did before these things.

[Bobby]

This list is awesome. Would you consider doing the same thing for a must-have travel kit perhaps? I've entered this contest: http://www.mypigeonforge.com/familychallenge/Giveaway-Rules.aspx and a tool kit for trips would be awesome.

[Margaret Weiss]

can we also add elastic (for pants, holding mittens, and to be used instead of shoe laces as permanent replacements)? :)

[Hannah]

Yeah. The smartphone is so useful.

[Becky Casares]

Industrial strength velcro is great for organizing at home.

[Di]

The magic eraser is quite toxic, I wouldn't have it in my house, let alone near to children? otherwise a great list!

[Janice]

Please be careful with this- when I was little I cut my eye (my actual eyeball) with a tape measure playing with it this way. It zipped back into it's case and cut me along the way.

[It is really fun to browse for different recipes, I am learning a lot and also thanks for sharing your ideas because at the same time I am also trying my best to learn how to prepare]

It is really fun to browse for different recipes, I am learning a lot and also thanks for sharing your ideas because at the same time I am also trying my best to learn how to prepare

[Susan]

Desitin... for sunburn relief, It REALLY works and works great!

[Rebecca]

Actually that seems to be an urban legend or mis-information. Very possibly not enviro-friendly to produce, but the sponge itself is just plastic. As long as you don't eat it, it's fine. If you want more info, start with Snopes and out from there. I just looked it all up because of this comment and I'm not concerned in a direct-chemical-contact sort of way.