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Category archive: poop, pee, potty, etc.
Change toilet paper direction to keep toddlers from unrolling too much
13 May 08 | Comments: 8
Duane, you're a brave man to put forth a definitive argument for toilet paper direction. I know that the direction the toilet paper should roll is a borderline religious debate in some households, but it dawned on me that if...
How to trick the autoflush toilet sensor in public restrooms
09 May 08 | Comments: 17
This may be the most useful tip you'll get all year. From James: My son had the bejebus scared out of him by the autoflushing toilet when we were just starting training. I don't blame him, me holding him over...
The magical, multifunctional properties of painter's tape
08 May 08 | Comments: 18
Jen in Toronto loves her blue tape! For good reason: We use painter's tape a lot around our house, and we take a roll with us when we travel. It makes a great impromptu electrical outlet cover. We use it...
Perfect gift for new moms: The Rookie Mom's Handbook
06 May 08 | Comments: 61
Heather and Whitney (aka the Rookie Moms) are true blog friends. I think these are two of the warmest, smartest women around. We've bonded over the business of blogging and parenting and life. They've sent in bunches of great hacks....
Smelly diaper ointment reveals "stealth poop"
05 May 08 | Comments: 4
Heather discovered that original Desitin ointment has an unexpected benefit: Three of my kids have had GI issues that have at times resulted in what we call 'stealth poop' - that is, no odor or very mild odor. Usually, those...
Amazon diaper deal: $20 off with a $99 Pampers or Luvs order
02 May 08 | Comments: 2
I've been waiting for the Amazon diaper promotion to return! Through May, if you spend $99 on select Pampers or Luvs products , you'll get $20 off a future purchase at Amazon. Read the fine print -- that $20 off...
Tissue-stuffed Dixie cup stops baby boys' "geyser" fun
01 May 08 | Comments: 10
Hacker Daddy Dave offers a homemade alternative to the Pee Pee Teepee: When he was younger, my son loved peeing straight up into the air when I had him undressed on the changing table. Fun for him, not for me....
Retired diaper changing pad works as Play Doh play surface
01 May 08 | Comments: 7
Lindsay's found a better site than the kitchen floor for playdough play: Webster's Dictionary defines the word "frustration" as my attempt to find a suitable surface cover during my toddler's play-doh adventures. He prefers to play on the wooden floor...
Amazon Friday sale 4/25/08: Fitness ball, swim diapers, Victorinox
25 Apr 08 | Comments: 0
Parenthacker-friendly picks in today's packed Amazon Friday sale : More Huggies Little Swimmers disposable swim diapers (size Small, 16-24 lbs, two 12-count packages) for $14.99 (25% off). Lots of Parenthackers have talked about how versatile a fitness ball can be...
Amazon Friday sale 4/18/08: Magnifying desk lamp, prep bowls, diapers
18 Apr 08 | Comments: 2
Here are my picks in today's Amazon Friday sale : If you've got any small-parts builders or modelmakers in your home, this desk lamp/magnifier would make their projects go a whole lot easier. Great for budding scientists, too. It's $29.99...
Line the potty with paper to make it easier to clean
08 Apr 08 | Comments: 7
Ah, yes. Cleaning out the potty chair. One of the greater joys of parenting, wouldn't you agree? Here's Preschool Mama's tip for speeding up the job: When I was training my son, I used to line the potty with a...
"Simon Says" keep your hands out of the sanitary napkin dispenser!
04 Apr 08 | Comments: 16
BWAH! BWAHHH! (can't...write...intro..laughing...too...hard...bwah!) After reading the "Marco Polo" hack the other day, I was reminded of something that I've been doing over the past year to keep my sanity in public washrooms with my four-year old daughter. We play "Simon...
Nonslip shelf liner keeps the potty chair from sliding
26 Mar 08 | Comments: 5
So smart. From Marta: I keep the potty chair from skidding around by cutting a little mat out of nonskid shelf liner! The mat goes under the potty and the kid stays upright. Related: Nonslip shelf liner keeps tablecloth from...
Amazon Friday Sale: Brita Filters, Pull-Ups
22 Feb 08 | Comments: 0
Another Friday, another Friday Sale ! I found a couple deals Parenthackers might appreciate: Brita Pitcher Replacement Filters: Oh, how I love my Brita. I have found that keeping a full pitcher of water on the counter makes it so...
Diapers fit nicely in the plastic wipes box
22 Feb 08 | Comments: 3
Lisa V.'s diapers-to-go hack: If you have a child in diapers, use the refillable wipes packs (the smaller travel size in the soft package). Put the package of wipes into the original box (the regular full-size box). Then add a...
Computer desk as changing table
18 Feb 08 | Comments: 7
Jill found an ideal reuse for an old computer desk: When our son was born, we basically put a crib into the room that had been our office. With company coming, we were forced to convert the baby's room into...
Oatmeal bath soothes diaper rash
02 Feb 08 | Comments: 8
A reminder that we don't always need fancy solutions..simple ones work just fine. From Sara: My mother-in-law bought some fancy Aveeno bath soak for Miss J once, and it was basically oatmeal. Now, when she has irritated skin (diaper rash...
Fashion a fake dolly poo to encourage toddler's potty use
31 Jan 08 | Comments: 12
Simon's story is so, so...well, so PARENT HACKS, it makes me smile every time I read it. My Father-in-Law (FIL) came up with a stonking [American translation: fantastic or brilliant. -- Ed.] solution to encourage use of the potty in...
What to do when the tab on the disposable diaper breaks
29 Jan 08 | Comments: 20
The real poop! From Tiffany: If the tab breaks as you're trying to put a disposable diaper on your squirmy little one (and isn't it always when you're in a hurry?), there's still hope! Go ahead and fasten the tab...
Use a kitchen timer to simplify potty training
24 Jan 08 | Comments: 11
Prompted by recent kitchen timer conversation, Andy shared this wonderful story about using a timer to help with potty training: In the process of potty-training our son, we had gotten stuck for a while at the point where he agreed...
Color-code diapers to distinguish different sizes at a glance
09 Jan 08 | Comments: 6
Christel's simple and practical hack for parents who have more than one kid in diapers: When my son was a newborn it was easy to tell his diapers apart from his toddler sister's -- his were so very tiny, it...
Huggies deals at Amazon
17 Dec 07 | Comments: 1
If you're a Huggies devotee, Amazon's got some good deals going, including an even bigger discount if you sign up for Subscribe & Save . Through December 31, 2007, they're offering 20% off the everyday price (it's usually 15%, plus...
Travel tip: Have diapers delivered to your destination
19 Nov 07 | Comments: 12
Here's how Michael avoids jamming his suitcase with baby care supplies: My wife and I are planning a trip, but rather than buy and pack all of the supplies that we need for our 5 1/2 month old, we just...
DadLabs: Nothing this funny has ever been so useful
12 Nov 07 | Comments: 2
You've seen the hilarious videos at DadLabs, right? Of course you have. These are the guys who tested breast pumps ON THEMSELVES and dramatized the disaster that is poop in the tub (you may never eat canned chili again). They...
Parent Hacks Store Featured Find: Woobee water resistant blanket/cover/soft thingie
08 Nov 07 | Comments: 400
In lieu of confetti, fireworks and a grand parade down Main Street, I decided the best way to celebrate the grand opening of the Parent Hacks Store is to shower you, my dear Parenthackers, with gifts! Today's Featured Find is...
Baby Daze helps you track the details during those hazy newborn months
06 Nov 07 | Comments: 96
Oy, I get tired just thinking of those newborn months the first time around. There seemed to be so much to remember -- when did he last nurse? when did I give him the Tylenol? who bought him this hideous...
Make your own polar fleece diaper liner
30 Oct 07 | Comments: 4
From Katharine: If you use cloth diapers, try putting a strip of polar fleece (any old cut-up sweater will do - it doesn't even need to be hemmed) between the diaper and your baby's bottom. It's especially good for sensitive...
Amazon Friday Sale for 10/26: Huggies Overnites, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
26 Oct 07 | Comments: 1
On sale at Amazon, today only: Huggies Overnites size 5: $19.99 for two 27-count packs (that's about .37 per diaper if you keep track of these things). Keep in mind that Huggies are on their way to a price increase...
Squid Soap: good idea, poor execution
22 Oct 07 | Comments: 19
I was recently sent a review sample of Squid Soap by the makers of Airborne. The parent hack potential was high: the idea is that kids "ink" their hands with the built-in stamp, then wash with the soap for 20...
Elimination Communication: what's it like to go diaper-free? Talk amongst yourselves.
10 Oct 07 | Comments: 29
Despite most of our basic parenting assumptions, diapers aren't a given. People all over the world have guided babies through the toilet learning process with nary a Huggie in sight. Call it what you will -- Elimination Communication (EC), the...
How to switch from disposable to cloth diapers? Talk amongst yourselves.
09 Oct 07 | Comments: 63
My previous post about the impending Huggies price increase begs the question: why not just opt out of disposables altogether? Why not switch to cloth diapers? I have no bias toward a particular diaper choice; as with most parenting decisions,...
Huggies and Pull-Ups price increase in Q1 2008
09 Oct 07 | Comments: 8
Good timing on the money-saving post about using Amazon Subscriptions for diaper and wipes orders; turns out early next year Kimberly-Clark plans to increase prices by 4-7% on baby care items, including Huggies diapers, Pull-Ups , and Goodnites . So...
Underwear over a diaper helps kids feel "big" during night training
05 Oct 07 | Comments: 3
Gordon's 3 year-old son came up with this potty training hack all on his own: Since my son associated wearing underwear with being a big boy (and had made the daytime transition pretty smoothly), he didn't want to wear a...
Never run out of diapers again: Amazon Subscriptions
05 Oct 07 | Comments: 6
Michael uses Amazon Subscriptions to save money on diapers AND desperate last-minute trips to the store: I’m relatively new to Parent Hacks (and parenting for that matter)… but we have started using Amazon Subscriptions for ordering wipes and diapers….we have...
Fleece blanket works as a makeshift sheet when night training
01 Oct 07 | Comments: 4
Potty training reality! From Charisse: For night training, which we're still in the throes of--and this may be less of a hack than simple laziness--I'd read all this stuff about "double-making" beds to deal with accidents. Bah! Makes for a...
How to make a public toilet less intimidating for a kid? Sit on it yourself.
26 Sep 07 | Comments: 24
See the lengths we're willing to go for our children? Here's how Charisse makes scary public toilets less so for her potty-training daughter: For public bathrooms, my daughter was a bit scared, especially of noisy or smelly ones, and didn't...
Cut the snaps off the shirts of potty training toddlers
25 Sep 07 | Comments: 5
Ellie said "I'm sure this is too simple to send in," but it most certainly is not. It never dawned on me while I was potty training my oldest...I struggled with snaps all the time. Duh. I am potty training...
Use bread bags for diaper disposal
14 Sep 07 | Comments: 6
Nicole says: I use old bread bags for putting dirty diapers in. They're the perfect size. I used to use (note past tense! HOORAY!) the plastic bags that covered my morning newspaper. Related: Diaper pail management
Simplifying the standing diaper change
13 Sep 07 | Comments: 18
Cathy, aka Mayberry Mom, makes good use of those onesie/bodysuit crotch snaps: Here's something I figured out recently--can't believe it took me two kids and many years to do so. I've been doing stand-up diaper changes for a year now...
Color code hot and cold water taps with nail polish
21 Aug 07 | Comments: 14
Amazing how a little change can help kids get what they need on their own. Here's kittenpie's great idea: My girl understand that red=stop and green=go, so in the bathroom, I have painted (in nail polish for durability) a large...
Blowout damage control: pull the onesie off down over the legs
10 Aug 07 | Comments: 16
hedra has just caused me to say, out loud, "WHY didn't I think of this when my kids were babies?" If you're one of the lucky parents whose infant has those ghastly blowout diapers where the poop shoots up their...
Shower curtain as changing pad
04 Aug 07 | Comments: 7
Another reason to never buy a changing table! From Sarah: When my first child was born, we had no changing table, or even a changing pad. So I sent my husband to the store for a changing pad, but they...
Maxi pad as disposable diaper "extender"
19 Jun 07 | Comments: 20
Brilliant. From Shauna: My son wakes up soaked - jammies, sheets and all - EVERY morning. We've tried all sorts of ideas, but nothing worked. Finally, I lined his diaper with a heavy absorbency maxi-pad - and it works! I...
Fun toilet cleaning? Use baking soda and vinegar!
18 Jun 07 | Comments: 7
Proving once again that a Parenthacker can make anything interesting, Beth came up with some toilet-cleaning entertainment: Not quite a super trendy hack, but something I thought was pretty fun even for adults! I was researching some more earth friendly...
Clothespin keeps onesie flaps from dropping into the toilet
11 Jun 07 | Comments: 5
Barbara shares a "very tiny" hack that solves a very big problem: Here is a very tiny hack: My two-year old son wants to sit on the toilet a lot and he still wears those onesies that button between the...
A better way to lift your baby's legs during diaper changes
05 Jun 07 | Comments: 11
Darryl documented how he lifts his baby in preparation for a diaper change: I’ve got a technique (hack) that I don’t recall described anywhere else, and I’ve not seen anyone else do (not that I’ve made a survey or anything),...
Scented lip balm as personal air freshener
22 May 07 | Comments: 2
Marie's hack made me smile because both my kids are very sensitive to smells. We often choose restaurants based on our kids' first sniff once inside the door. I read Parent Hacks almost daily but didn’t think I had anything...
Fuzzibuns cloth diapers help teach colors
06 May 07 | Comments: 3
Sean says: Our daughter, two years old, has recently mastered her colors with no real effort from us. We use fuzzibuns cloth diapers that we bought used. Just by chance we ended up with a full range of brightly colored...
How to change diapers without getting cream on your hands
02 May 07 | Comments: 25
I would say at least twenty-four hours of my life has been spent getting diaper cream off my hands. (Amy, where were you seven years ago???): I didn't even realize this was a hack until my husband saw me do...
Diaper cartoons as changing table entertainment
29 Apr 07 | Comments: 6
Nic's hack, from the "we do what we must" file: One thing that I've started doing recently and found really useful is to use the nappy to entertain him on the changing table. We use a combination of disposables and...
Clothes dryer as changing table
27 Apr 07 | Comments: 12
Amy's dual-floor diaper-changing solution: We have a two-story house, and her changing table has always been upstairs in her bedroom (I figured that if I went upstairs for every change, I was getting much-needed exercise, a little at a time)....
Seventh Generation diaper deal ends Monday
26 Apr 07 | Comments: 0
If you're a fan of Seventh Generation diapers and wipes, stock up at Amazon -- their $20 instant rebate off $99 worth ends Monday.
Seventh Generation diaper deal at Amazon
04 Apr 07 | Comments: 1
Angie of Baby Cheapskate kindly pointed out that Amazon is running one of its famous promotions for Seventh Generation diapers and other products -- $20 off $99 worth. The deal applies to more than just diapers and wipes -- you...
Add prune juice to formula to keep newborns regular
28 Mar 07 | Comments: 12
Zac of Baby Roadies on the benefits of Nature's Laxative: When our newborn son Hank was having difficulties keeping everything moving downstairs (if you know what I mean) [oh, we KNOW what you mean, Zac. -- Ed.], our doctor recommended...
Pass secret messages on diapers
26 Mar 07 | Comments: 13
Who says every hack must solve a problem? From Sara: The other day after "school" I was surprised at changing time with a message on J's diaper: "My Last Diaper!" -- a message from one of her teachers that we...
Double-wrapped diapers help the Diaper Champ do its job
13 Mar 07 | Comments: 28
Emily valiantly attempts to fight the battle of the diaper pail: We've been using the Diaper Champ since my daughter was born 18 months ago. We chose this diaper pail over the Diaper Genie because it uses regular garbage bags...
Encourage good behavior with a homemade puzzle
13 Mar 07 | Comments: 4
Another hack-tastic reward system! The beauty of this system is that the reward itself acts as a reminder about the desired behavior. From Sarah: My 7 year-old son can be particularly stubborn and no matter how much we beg, plead,...
Five rules that can save you hundreds on diapers
08 Mar 07 | Comments: 3
Pregnant Parenthackers take note! Angie of Baby Cheapskate has written up five rules that can save you hundreds of dollars on premium disposable diapers. Of course, washing your own cloth diapers is the cheapest way to go, but if you're...
Diaper Valet: New changing pad option
27 Feb 07 | Comments: 1
I recently profiled Adrienne's lovely handmade diaper pouch, the Diaper Valet. Just in: matching changing pads! If you've been on the fence about buying one, free shipping ends tomorrow, and you can also get a $15 rebate if you purchase...
Time's running out on the Amazon Pampers discount
22 Feb 07 | Comments: 0
You've still got a few days to get in on Amazon's $25 instant discount on $99-worth of Pampers, Luvs and Kandoo products. Few things make you feel as secure as a pantry stocked with diapers. Offer ends 2/28. Tags: Baby,...
Reusable reward systems
22 Feb 07 | Comments: 2
AJ of Thingamababy reminds us that toddler rewards (for potty sitting, toothbrushing, etc.) can be as simple as drawing an "X" on a calendar. The trick is finding out what motivates your kid, and then letting the reward do its...
Clean your wood floor with disposable diapers
21 Feb 07 | Comments: 4
Here's how Farah of shopping site SheFindsMom used up extra disposables: I have a great way to clean up wooden floors. I use diapers--clean ones, of course. (I still get a bunch in the mail from Huggies for some reason...
Plastic shopping bags as disposable toilet seat covers
14 Feb 07 | Comments: 10
Toilets seem to bring out the hacker in most parents, wouldn't you say? Here's Sarah's tip: I found myself at a gas station with my 3 year-old when she announced that she had to poop. I crossed my fingers that...
Soft-close toilet seat prevents slamming
13 Feb 07 | Comments: 1
Did you know there is such a thing as a soft-close toilet seat? No more SLAM SLAM SLAM (especially in a house with a few kids), and little fingers are safer, too. Great for those who are potty training, when...
Amazon Pampers deal: $25 off $99-worth of Pampers products
02 Feb 07 | Comments: 3
Right on the heels of the Huggies extravaganza, Amazon is now offering Pampers loyalists a special deal: $25 off $99-worth of Pampers, Luvs and Kandoo products through February 28. Enter the promotional code PAMPERS2 during checkout for an instant discount....
Diaper Valet: Essential diaper supplies to go
02 Feb 07 | Comments: 41
Brought to you by the minds behind Baby Toolkit: the Diaper Valet. (If Adrienne and Jim are involved, you know it has to be good.) They sent one to me for review, and it's so lovely I found myself slightly...
Amazon's Huggies deal ends Wednesday
29 Jan 07 | Comments: 6
You still have a few days to get in on Amazon's Huggies diaper promotion: get $30 off $99 worth of Huggies diapers till January 31. Baby Cheapskate says this is a good deal, AND SHE KNOWS THESE THINGS. Tags: Baby,...
Toilet training rewards that don't involve candy
17 Jan 07 | Comments: 33
Jill's brilliant take on toilet training bribery (we expect nothing less from her at this point): Here's my best potty training hack. It worked for #1 and #2 is loving the process and doing well so far. I bought large...
Road trip potty break? Use chain hotel lobby restrooms
15 Jan 07 | Comments: 8
Here's how Jeff of Out With The Kids manages the frequent pit stop requests: Next time your child calls out "Gotta Go!" - bypass the shady rest stop commode, port-a-potty and the dingy, dimly-lit gas station and their billy-club keychain,...
$30 off $99 worth of Huggies at Amazon now
05 Jan 07 | Comments: 6
Amazon often runs good diaper promotions, and one's on now through the end of January. Get $30 off $99 worth of Huggies ...could save you money and middle-of-the-night desperation runs to the store. Tags: Diapers
Babykeeper: Savior or silly?
20 Dec 06 | Comments: 9
Anne sent me a link to the Babykeeper with the subject line: "Can't stop laughing at this." She went on: I guess it's legitimate. And I have always wondered what to do with a little baby when I have to...
Getting beyond a toddler's diaper change protests
04 Dec 06 | Comments: 9
Amanda calls this "toddler diaper ju-jitsu:" Our almost-2 year old occasionally mounts a violent protest when we try to change her. Sometimes, offering her a "standing change" works (and, if you haven't tried it before, it's surprisingly easy as long...
Use newspaper bags for diaper disposal
17 Nov 06 | Comments: 15
Here's Rachel's hack, which happens to describe exactly how I've used those newspaper bags for the last couple of years: If your newspaper comes in a plastic bag to keep it dry, don’t throw it away. We save ours and...
Kitchen utility cart as changing table
11 Nov 06 | Comments: 5
Erin shared this practical changing table alternative: I thought I'd share the changing table solution that we're using in our nursery. We struggled to find a piece of furniture that was the right height and not completely useless after two...
Essential oil keeps the diaper pail smelling...better than that deodorant disc from the diaper service
04 Nov 06 | Comments: 12
Marta has solved the diaper pail odor problem: Our diaper service gives out these deodorant discs that snap right into the bin - problem is, the disc gives off this horrid chemical odor that almost smells worse than the diapers....
Ping pong ball as potty training prop
31 Oct 06 | Comments: 10
From Paul: A family friend's son resisted potty training, so she put a ping-pong ball in the toilet bowl and had him aim at it. Aiming at the ball helped the little fella keep his concentration. Neat hey? Tags: Parenting,...
Social networking site for parents: Maya's Mom launches today
25 Oct 06 | Comments: 6
Social networking sites for parents are hot, hot, hot! New entrant Maya's Mom launched today, and it looks great. It shares some features with MothersClick, namely, that you can create private discussion spaces for your offline groups, and you can...
MothersClick: new networking site for parents
17 Oct 06 | Comments: 5
Launched today: MothersClick, a new site for sharing ideas, creating private discussion groups, and generally hanging out together online. Cool Mom Picks has already done such a good job describing MothersClick I'll send you there for the lowdown. Founder Andra...
Oatmeal bath soothes serious diaper rash
28 Sep 06 | Comments: 12
Sore bottoms, rejoice! Note Lisa's subtle use of puns: This hack is for those babies with majorly red little bums from diaper rash. I was literally painting my baby's butt white with Desitin at each diaper change, but(t) it wasn't...
Amazon diaper deal on now
26 Sep 06 | Comments: 1
Stock up on $99-worth of Pampers or Luvs at Amazon by 9/30 and get a $30 Amazon gift certificate good for holiday shopping. Details at Amazon. [Via Want Not] Tags: Diapers, Parenting
Better toddler potty seats
23 Sep 06 | Comments: 6
AJ at Thingamababy has just reviewed toilet seats with smaller-toddler versions integrated into the lid. The timing couldn't be more perfect for us -- I just watched my petite three year-old scoot herself onto the big potty and almost fall...
Chilly diapers soothe sore bums
08 Sep 06 | Comments: 4
Sarah's memory of postpartum recovery led to this brainstorm: My toddler had a diaper rash and would not put a diaper on for anything. We tried putting him in the bathtub, smeared him with every cream known to man, and...
The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood
01 Sep 06 | Comments: 31
An embarrassingly long time ago, the publisher of The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood sent me a review copy, asking if it might be of interest to Parent Hacks readers. "Absolutely," I said with good intention, and then proceeded to...
Potty training: a personalized photo tutorial
31 Aug 06 | Comments: 12
We've all got our potty training tricks. Kirsten made an illustrated potty-training guide for her son: here's a potty-training hack that i'm using for my son. i took pictures of him in all the steps of going potty and then...
How to check a baby's diaper
09 Aug 06 | Comments: 10
For the pregnant and newly-initiated among you: [Thanks, Satch!] Tags: Baby, Diapers, Parenting
What's in your diaper bag?
07 Aug 06 | Comments: 23
AJ at Thingamababy revealed the contents of his diaper bag (you so want to click!), and it got me thinking we could get a little meme going on the topic. That's right. A MEME. The obnoxious blog-equivalent of a chain...
Restroom hand dryer also blow-dries wet underpants
21 Jul 06 | Comments: 2
Kip's fast thinking made his daughter's drive home from the park a lot more comfortable: While at the playground, my daughter told me she wet her pants by accident. We proceeded to the restroom, and since her pants were less...
Put zip-up PJs on backwards to prevent diaper exploration
04 Jul 06 | Comments: 9
Betty suggests a little pajama-fu to keep the diapers closed at bedtime: My children, when they were toddlers, loved to strip naked during the night. One night this involved opening their poopy diapers...to my HORROR!! So, I put their zipper/footie...
Diaper pail management
03 Jul 06 | Comments: 14
Here's how Sara's friends conserve diaper pail real estate: If you find yourself emptying the diaper pail much more often than you'd like, some friends had a strategy I thought was a good idea. Dirty diapers go into the diaper...
A dab of lavender dulls diaper fumes
28 Jun 06 | Comments: 2
Lauren picks up parenting ideas from movies about psycho killers: Believe it or not, my hack was inspired by "Silence of the Lambs." [I'll refrain from making a tasteless joke about "hacks." -- Ed.] My muscle-bound, black-belt of a husband...
Teach kids their ABCs while they wash their hands
26 Jun 06 | Comments: 2
Jennifer shows how easily one can slip bits of learning into everyday routines: When I toilet trained my kids, I started singing the ABC's with them while they washed their hands. By the time toilet training was done, so was...
Primo money-saving tips for diaper buyers
22 Jun 06 | Comments: 3
Mir at WantNot tackles diaper buying habits, and has lots of good, common-sense advice for saving money. (I should just create a template post, because I'm going to be repeating this sentence a lot. "Mir tackles [insert topic here] and...
Potette Potty: Practically self-cleaning?
21 Jun 06 | Comments: 4
I just had to share this little bit of baby gadgetry with you: Part of me wants to laugh at the over-engineering, and part of me wants to buy one so I never have to wipe poop out of a...
Kid-friendly bathroom remodeling
21 Jun 06 | Comments: 5
If a bathroom remodel is in your future, here are a few suggestions to make it more family-friendly. Consider adding a hand shower. Not only are hand showers great for rinsing shampoo off little heads, they're less intimidating for older...
Diaper Hacks: "tightening" too-big disposables, ultimate rash cream, olive oil as wipe alternative
14 Jun 06 | Comments: 9
Sandy sent in three great diaper tips: 1) If your child has outgrown the absorbancy of one size, but doesn't yet physically fit into the next size, you end up with "stuff" leaking out the leg holes. You can fix...
Link roundup: baby gear, Zunafish, homemade baby wipes, Dropshots
30 May 06 | Comments: 0
Welcome back from your holiday festivities! (I meant to welcome you back this morning, but it's been a rather tumultuous day in the Dornfest household. I'm sure you understand.) It was quiet in the blogosphere over the Memorial Day weekend...
Homemade Pedialyte-type rehydration solution
30 May 06 | Comments: 0
Awhile back I passed along a Blogging Baby link on making your own rehydration solution for flu-ridden kids. Laryen commented that sugar (not Splenda, as in the BB recipe) is an important ingredient. Here's another option, from my (well-spoken) friend...
Convincing kids to "just try and go potty"
23 May 06 | Comments: 5
Patrick has found a way to help his son recognize those oh-so-subtle "internal cues" -- Here's a trick I use occassionally with my son - 3.5 years old. He is potty trained (for the most part), but will resist if...
Toilet Buddies: the solution for mean-looking potties
09 May 06 | Comments: 3
Now you can transform your toilet into a friendly-looking puppy. It's the perfect accessory for your Cottonelle Kids toilet paper! Toilet Buddies are also available in giraffe, bunny, and cow flavors. [Via Thingamababy, where you'll find a full, funny review.]...
Diaper boxes as cheap storage
08 May 06 | Comments: 1
Kevin posted on his blog about the utility of those bulk diaper boxes as storage containers. Reminds us of Amie's homemade diaper caddy. Tags: Baby, Diapers, Parenting
Homemade "diaper wallet"
08 May 06 | Comments: 4
Joe rejects a diaper bag in favor of his own invention: No self-respecting single dad would be caught dead with one of those striped or paisley diaper bags. Instead, I made myself a "diaper wallet" by gutting an old Case...
Perhaps if they hear it from Elmo...
04 May 06 | Comments: 4
From Angela: I just discovered "It's Elmo Calling" today...a cool way to encourage good behavior for kids who like Elmo! I might just try it. My twins won't really listen to me about potty training, but they might listen to...
Amazon/Huggies diaper promo going on now
02 May 06 | Comments: 0
Greg at Daddy Types has the scoop on the latest diaper promotion at Amazon -- check it out of you're a Huggies family. (If you're wondering if diaper loyalty is worthwhile, check out one of the most hotly-discussed posts here...
Wool diaper covers prevent nighttime leaks
28 Apr 06 | Comments: 1
More soft, wooly advice from Tiffany: Another nighttime leaky diaper tip: Diapers do not fit all kids all the time, add the nighttime shuffling and leg bending and, well... even the best fitting diapers can leak. A wool diaper cover...
Thingamababy has advice for parents-to-be
19 Apr 06 | Comments: 2
AJ at Thingamababy posted ten bits of advice for parents-to-be, and would love to hear others' thoughts on the topic. Tags: Baby, Newborns, Parenting
Cottonelle Kids shows kids how much toilet paper to use
17 Apr 06 | Comments: 24
Certain six year-old boys I know use LOTS of toilet paper, perhaps a bit more than is necessary. A very personal preference, to be sure, but the Kleenex folks have decided to put forward a norm with their Cottonelle Kids...
Baby Cheapskate
15 Apr 06 | Comments: 1
It's Tax day, so let's talk about how to save money. The author of the Baby Cheapskate blog has taken it upon herself to track diaper and formula prices in the Atlanta, GA area. She also keeps an eye on...
Put a toothpaste squeeze-it on the diaper cream tube
14 Apr 06 | Comments: 4
Serrina in Phoenix is a new mom to a baby boy, and already she's coming up with hacks! I’ve discovered that the quicker I am with diaper changing the better. I’ve also discovered that my diaper cream tube gets more...
Make your own oral rehydration solution
13 Apr 06 | Comments: 1
Speaking of stomach bugs, a while back Sarah of Blogging Baby posted a recipe for homemade Pedialyte-type rehydration solution using Kool-Aid and salt. Tags: Health, Pedialyte
365 First-Time Parenting Tips
10 Apr 06 | Comments: 0
New dad Classic Jef has committed himself to writing up a full year's worth of tips for first-time parents -- in real time. Go to: 365 First-Time Parenting Tips Tags: Baby, Parenting
Invaluable advice on plane travel with baby
10 Apr 06 | Comments: 13
In the comments of the post on Tote-A-Tot, Caitlin mentioned that she had logged 12K miles traveling solo on with her less-than-year-old baby. I was intrigued and asked her if she had any of her own tips. Here's her amazingly...
Mommytips.com
07 Apr 06 | Comments: 0
Here's another parenting tips site -- this one geared toward stay-at-home moms, but with some useful tidbits for most parents. Technorati Tags: Parenting
When changing diapers, put a fresh one underneath first
07 Apr 06 | Comments: 12
Here's how Liz simplified diaper changing way back when: When my daughter was a little baby, we always pulled her outfit up and away from her bottom during diaper changes and then laid out a clean diaper under the dirty...
Working Mother's Guide to Life
03 Apr 06 | Comments: 0
Sara's favorite "preparing for parenthood" book was The Working Mother's Guide to Life. Written by the founder of the Bright Horizons daycares, it is full of very logical, practical advice like "There's no one way to do this," "The three...
Trixie Tracker: for the obsessed parent who has everything
02 Apr 06 | Comments: 7
Taking care of a newborn brings out any latent obsessional tendencies lurking in the recesses of your brain. Between lack of sleep and debilitating infatuation, the details of your baby's physical comings and goings can take on monumental importance. When...
Put several crib sheets on at the same time
01 Apr 06 | Comments: 4
Sara offers this excellent crib-making advice, which I can attest to, having recently dealt with a bout of stomach flu around here. Sigh. In those first months, when you find yourself changing crib sheets a couple times a night, consider...
Crucial baby gear
29 Mar 06 | Comments: 0
There's a great conversation going on at urbanMamas about what baby gear you really need. Technorati Tags: Baby, Baby gear
Today's hacks brought to you by...
16 Mar 06 | Comments: 0
...Neal over at The Sweet Stuff. Here's a preview: using a Thermos to keep warm water at the ready for nighttime bottles, the beauty of light timers, and Diaper Champ stink reduction. Technorati Tags: Baby, Diapers
Parent Hacks in Hip Mama
11 Mar 06 | Comments: 0
Parent Hacks is one of eighteen mama-owned businesses/projects highlighted in Issue #35 of Hip Mama: The Parenting Zine, edited by Ariel Gore. If you're here as a result, welcome! Have a look around, and if you're so inclined, send us...
Minti fresh
09 Mar 06 | Comments: 1
Another victory for "real-world" parenting advice! Newly launched: Minti, a website that hopes to become "the world's largest parent-to-parent advice-opedia." You can write up and tag your own articles and tips, browse or search others', rate each article's relative usefulness,...
Homemade, washable baby wipes
08 Mar 06 | Comments: 1
This may be the only reason to buy a wipe warmer. Here's how Meghan uses one to keep her homemade baby wipes bum-ready: We make our own baby wipes using cheap baby washcloths (e.g. Gerber) and a wipe warmer. We...
Saw diaper wipes in half
04 Mar 06 | Comments: 1
Money and enviro-saver from kittenpie: Diaper wipes are HUGE! When our baby was tiny, her bum was maybe a quarter the size of one, so we started sawing the whole box worth in half and putting them back in -...
Make your own diaper caddy
27 Feb 06 | Comments: 2
Amie put the big bulk diaper carton to good use: I buy diapers and wipes in bulk at Sam's Club. If you cut the top flaps off of the wipes box, you can fill it with about one bag's worth...
Parenting tips down under
25 Feb 06 | Comments: 2
Australian mom Christine Tse hosts Parentingideas.org, a blog "to inspire with ideas and practical tips on parenting." Technorati Tags: Parenting
Trinkets distract wigglers during diaper changes
24 Feb 06 | Comments: 2
Here's how Michelle in Asheville, North Carolina distracts her squiggly baby during diaper changes: Changing an active baby is the WORST!!! I have found that those little hands love to have something in them. So to keep them from trying...
Waterproof mattress pads simplify diaper changing
22 Feb 06 | Comments: 4
Amie (with four boys at home: 1, 4, 7, and 35) should know a thing or two about diaper changing efficiency. My favorite tip to pass on to new parents is to invest in 4-5 waterproof bassinet- or cradle-sized mattress...
Mr. Hanky en francais
21 Feb 06 | Comments: 1
Dad-to-puppies and all-around good guy John, um, passed this on. All I'll say about La Machine-a-caca is that it'll teach you and your kids how to choose good, healthy snacks so you can then produce un beau caca. Set aside...
Duct tape diapers
15 Feb 06 | Comments: 3
Mike lovingly recalls when his daughter used to take her diapers off: When I saw the double diaper trick listed to prevent leakage, it reminded me of one of my favorite low-tech diaper hacks! When my daughter was about 18...
Wool blanket as mattress protector
15 Feb 06 | Comments: 4
Tiffany suggests kinder, gentler mattress pad: Nighttime accidents + wet mattress = unhappy parent. You can buy a plastic mattress protector, but as my grandma once said: "What? You want him growing up sleeping like he's in a cheap motel?"...
Uses for baby wipes
14 Feb 06 | Comments: 6
The omnipresent baby wipe can do more duty than just doodie. It can also: Clean fingerprints and crayon marks off the wall Tidy the car dashboard Handwashing stand-in (although we prefer Purell) Wipe down restaurant high chairs Clean shopping cart...
Solving sticky poo problems
12 Feb 06 | Comments: 1
Julie confirms that baby lotion solves poop adhesion. (Warning: the end of this post may make you wince.) From my mother-in-law, and verified by me: when you have unusually sticky baby poo, put a big squirt of baby lotion on...
Potty training hacks: what worked for you?
11 Feb 06 | Comments: 10
Since we're on the subject of poop (aren't we always?), and my daughter is contemplating thinking about fixin' to someday use the potty, I thought it'd be a good time to discuss potty training hacks. I am no expert in...
Safe Baby Handling Tips
05 Feb 06 | Comments: 0
Fans of just-the-facts (with a wink) baby manuals will like this: "Safe Baby Handling Tips" (David Sopp, Kelly Sopp). [Via Babygadget.] Technorati Tags: Baby
What to do with your kid when you're in a public restroom?
04 Feb 06 | Comments: 14
Here's the real deal, folks: what to do with your kid when YOU have to use a public restroom. Andi bravely provides the details: While out shopping with my toddler, I dread those calls of nature that send me running...
Parenting hacks at 43folders
27 Jan 06 | Comments: 0
43folders is Merlin Mann's site devoted to all things productivity and organization. Devotees of 43folders can post ideas/suggestions/discussion to his wiki, and many among them are parents. I give you: the 43folders wiki on Parenting Hacks. (Unsure what a wiki...
If you tag them they will come
26 Jan 06 | Comments: 0
Ah, the magic of the blogosphere. With the help of Google Analytics, Jason Graham-Nye, one of the founders of gDiapers, found our post and left a detailed comment answering readers' questions. Technorati Tags: Diapers, gDiapers
gDiapers: The Missing Link?
23 Jan 06 | Comments: 16
Cloth or disposables? Now there's a third choice: gDiapers. Cute reusable "little g" velcro pants with flushable inner liners. Nothing in the landfill or the diaper pail. Nicely designed Web site. I can't believe I just spent 15 minutes clicking...
Premium vs. generic diapers, con't
20 Jan 06 | Comments: 15
Sean has this to add about the premium/generic diaper debate: One way to address the premium/low-cost diaper dilemma is to use both. If you are in the habit -- during the day -- of changing diapers as soon as there's...
Duct tape their PJs
18 Jan 06 | Comments: 5
The first official hack that employs duct tape! (To be fair, Laura BC did mention duct tape in her comment on Low-tech babyproofing hacks.) Charles tells us: When our kids were still in diapers and wearing footed PJs with zippers...
Hacking nighttime diapers -- literally
14 Jan 06 | Comments: 9
Krista from Eaton Rapids, MI (whose baby is particularly well-hydrated) has this to say about nighttime leakage: After many soaked diapers (including the expensive overnight ones) and wads of wet bedding we finally got desperate. One night when my son...
Berkeley Parents Network
13 Jan 06 | Comments: 2
We lived in Berkeley, CA for many years, but were parents there for only a year before we moved. In that year, I must have referred to the Berkeley Parents Network (an earlier incarnation of it) hundreds of times. Full...
There is an instruction manual after all!
11 Jan 06 | Comments: 3
Ran into "The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance" (Louis, M.D. Borgenicht, Joe Borgenicht) at the bookstore the other day: a baby-care book written in the style of a technical user manual. One doesn't...
Generic diapers: good enough for your baby?
04 Jan 06 | Comments: 51
If your baby uses disposables, you'll buy thousands on the way to the Golden Throne. So, saving a few pennies per diaper adds up to a couple hundred bucks. Diapers are, after all, poop bags. So why are you buying...
We love hand sanitizer
23 Dec 05 | Comments: 8
We keep Purell, or the generic equivalent, by the front door, in the car, and in the kitchen. If real, water-and-soap handwashing is either unavailable or inconvenient, we're covered. Tags: Family travel, Health, Purell
Parenting tips by the bushel can be found in the archives!

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