AS any new, sleep-deprived parent will tell you – if there's anything you can do to make your life just that little bit easier with a newborn, the chances are you will try it.
Which is why we're all so obsessed with the simple hacks parenting experts and 'mumfluencers' share, from the secret to easy nappy changes to how to remove plasters painlessly.
And there are so many secret features baby products have too all designed to help you – such as the little-known part of a car seat designed to aid getting the seat belt out of the way when popping your baby in the back.
Parenting pro and founder of baby sleeping aid, Ewan the Dream Sheep, Lynda Harding, has over 30 years experience running a day nursery.
She has also taken social media by storm with her sleep tips and parenting hacks on her TikTok account @Ewanandfriends.
Here, she shares her top parenting hacks, all guaranteed to make your life significantly easier…
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Nappy wetness indicator
Many brands of smaller-sized nappies have a wetness indicator line on the front of the nappy.
This line is usually yellow when the nappy is dry, but turns blue when the nappy becomes wet.
However, many parents are unaware of this hidden feature and may miss the cue to change their child's nappy.
It's important to check a child's nappy regularly, especially when they are younger, to prevent discomfort, nappy rash, and other issues.
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Of course, if there's a 'poonami', a nappy change is necessary regardless of the wetness indicator!
How to untwist a car seat strap
Car seat straps can get twisted over time and it can be frustrating to untwist them.
Fortunately, there is a clever hack that involves folding the strap into a triangle shape and then sliding the car seat fixing over the triangle.
This helps to untwist the strap and ensure that your child is safe while travelling.
The hack is a simple yet effective solution to a common problem, and it is a great way to make sure that your child's car seat is always secure and properly adjusted.
Just remember to regularly check your car seat straps to ensure that they are not twisted, as this can compromise your child's safety.
Changing mat hack
Changing a baby girl's nappy can sometimes be challenging, especially when unexpected wees happen!
A great parent hack is to spin the changing mat around so that the top edge section is at the bottom.
This provides a handy mini barrier that can catch any unexpected wees during a nappy change.
The barrier helps to keep you and the surrounding area where you’re changing your baby clean and dry, making the whole process much easier and less stressful.
This hack is straightforward to implement and can be a game-changer for parents of baby girls.
Baby formula scoop solution
Measuring the correct amount of formula milk when preparing a baby's feed is essential for their health and wellbeing.
Many formula milk brand containers have a flat ridge near the top of the lid that can be used to level the scoop of milk.
This makes it easy to ensure that you have the correct amount of formula when mixing up your feeds, without the need for two hands and a knife.
Simply use the flat ridge to level off the scoop and you'll have the
perfect amount of formula every time.
This is a simple yet effective parent hack that can save time and hassle, while also ensuring that your baby is getting the correct amount of nutrition at every feed.
Baby vest hack
This baby vest hack is great, especially for first-time parents.
Use the envelop neck, and open it up and feed your hand through.
Gently hold your newborn's feet and gently slide the vest up their body.
This means you don't have to worry about putting the vest over your newborn's head and neck, which can be a worry for some parents.
In the event of a 'poonami' this can be done in reverse.
Portable White Noise Machines
As many will know, white noise can be essential for those newborn days.
Get yourself a product that can be easily attached to whatever is near you during nap and sleep times, so you can use it on the go too.
Ewan the dream sheep for example has a Velcro tail so you can safely bring him on car journeys, as well as being fastened to cot bars, to keep baby’s cot clear and safe.
Newborn swaddle bag feature
Swaddling is an age-old technique that helps newborns feel secure and comfortable.
However, it can be tricky to master, especially for new parents.
Sleeping bags with extra poppers on the armholes offer a clever bonus feature that makes swaddling a lot easier.
The poppers can be used to create a snug and secure swaddle for newborns without the need for blankets or wraps.
Additionally, the poppers can be opened to seamlessly transition to an arms-out sleeping bag when your baby starts to show signs of rolling.
This is a great bonus feature that makes the transition from swaddling to sleeping bag much easier for your baby.
Always remember to follow safer sleep guidelines when using a sleep or swaddle bag.
It’s really important to place your baby on their back when you put them down to sleep.
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Additionally, check their temperature regularly to make sure they are not overheating or becoming too cold.
Choose the the correct tog bag and appropriate clothing for your
baby to wear underneath the bag dependent upon the room temperature where your baby is sleeping.
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