5 Busy Moms Share The Piece Of Advice That Made Their Lives So Much Easier
Nobody knows that sudden, soul-filling, entire-life-change feeling quite like a new mom. After all, there’s no way to fully prepare for the beautiful, exhausting, and indescribable emotions associated with being responsible for a whole entire little life. A tiny, fully attached human. Who needs you 24/7. No pressure or anything.
But also, all the pressure. As a parent, you need shortcuts that make even the longest days smoother and tips to help you savor those lingering moments a little bit more. You need a system and a way of working that accommodates you both — no matter what mood you and your baby happen to be in on any given day.
One of the biggest blessings I received in my new momhood was the network of sisters I never knew I’d have, along with the sage advice they gave me. I’m talking about everyone from my friend from high school algebra class who has two kids the same ages as my own, to the college roommate who taught me the ins and outs of nighttime feedings while my firstborn was still quietly secured in my ever-growing belly. One of these friends even blessed me with my first-ever BABYBJÖRN, and the ease and comfort that came with it saved me on more days than I can count. (Thanks, Lisa!).
Since my network of mom friends has way more on-point intel than a dusty old parenting book could ever offer, I tapped real-life, on-the-go mamas for the piece of advice they couldn’t live without. Keep scrolling and get ready to make your life as a parent so much easier.
1. White Noise Is A Sleep Aid Worth Trying
“I grew up always sleeping with white noise, but not the stuff that comes from a noise machine. From cicadas chirping to rainfall to a steady heartbeat, I love to recreate my childhood experience with whatever soft background noise I can get my hands on, and it lulls my little guy out in no time. We couldn’t live (or sleep!) without it.” — Megan R., 36, mom of three
Pro (mom) tip: While there are plenty of expensive and effective noise machines on the market, I’ve found that a fan (on low and pointed away from baby), works just as well at helping them fall and stay asleep, plus it’s an easy way to mask any pesky household noises that you inevitably find yourself making post-bedtime.
2. Find A Safe Way To Free Up Your Hands
“Bouncer jumpers and bouncer chairs can go anywhere [and are perfect for distracting fussy babies]. I love listening to my daughter laugh and delight in the movement while I enjoy some hands-free time (sort of) to myself.” —Ellen F., 38, mom of two
If you’re looking for a safe bouncer that still feels stylish enough to occupy a coveted spot in your home, check out BABYBJÖRN for a leopard-print option that goes from a soothing mechanism to a vehicle for fun motor skill-building as the baby gets older. It’s also lightweight and easy to move whether you’re trying to cook dinner or take that desperately needed shower (new moms know the one).
3. When In Doubt, Walk It Out
“Fresh air does wonders both for babies and older kids, even if they don’t need to be carried or ride in the stroller. [Whenever I feel a meltdown coming on,] we get bundled up and walk around the block. It’s so simple, but it works without fail to calm them down” — Amara, 29, mom of two
And even if getting outside isn’t in the cards (in the middle of the night, for example), don’t hesitate to walk around your house or apartment — just the movement alone can be enough to soothe a fussy kid. Carriers from BABYBJÖRN offer soft fabric and adjustable head support that’s natural and never bulky — a necessity for walks of all kinds.
4. Just Add Water
“Water: it’s my go-to cure for boredom, fussiness, and anything else your baby throws at you. I promise your baby’s mood will change and so will yours — both for the better!” — Jessica W., 34, mom of one
Whether this means running a full-fledged bath complete with tear-free bubbles and rubber duckies, or simply filling up a zip top bag with water, baby oil, and a few drops of food coloring and letting your baby entertain themselves with this DIY sensory toy, water can provide the ultimate low-lift (not to mention free!) distraction.
5. Don’t Give Up On Babywearing
“I remember being in tears over wrap carriers because I was just learning to care for my son and they tied a million different ways. I was so overwhelmed. Then a friend gifted me a BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini and it just worked. Plus, the bold leopard style made me feel a little bit more like myself in the midst of new motherhood.” — Jessica L., 28, mom of one
The benefits of babywearing range from promoting closeness and bonding to allowing caregivers to go safely hands-free throughout the busiest days. BABYBJÖRN’s lightweight and easy-to-use version comes in different colors, prints, and fabrics, including high-tech, breathable mesh, stretchy jersey, and luxe satin-woven cotton, so you can find the best fit for you and your little one. The Baby Carrier Mini can be used for newborns all the way up until one year, so you don’t have to worry about ordering a new size after each little growth spurt.
Pro Mom tip: when they do outgrow the Baby Carrier Mini, look no further than the Baby Carrier One, whose sturdy waist belt and padded shoulder straps ensure maximum comfort until age three.
