Hi, it’s me again—the mom whose daily life is basically a juggling act with spit-up, pacifiers, and snacks that have migrated into every crevice of the house. Between a toddler who insists on eating only yogurt straight from the tube, another who hides pacifiers in the couch cushions, and an infant boy who acts like his bottle is a life-or-death matter, I’ve learned a few hacks that keep us alive… and slightly less sticky.
1. Rig Juice Boxes for Medicine
Ever try convincing a toddler to take medicine? Ha. Instead, buy a juice box, empty most of the liquid, and add the prescribed dose. Suddenly, medicine tastes like victory. Optional: reusable juice pouches work just as well, and you can sneak in water afterward. Amazon sells multipacks that are lifesavers for this one.
2. Pacifier + Medicine Dropper Trick
Pacifiers aren’t just for sucking—they’re for sneaky medicine administration too. Put the dropper near the nipple, and often, your toddler will take the medicine without a full meltdown. Bonus: fewer sticky tears and fewer “I hate medicine!” songs.
3. Freeze Breastmilk Flat
Stacking frozen milk flat in storage bags is a game-changer. You can fit way more in the freezer, thaw as needed, and avoid the dreaded milk avalanche when you open the freezer. Bonus hack: silicone freezer trays are perfect for small portions.
4. Dishwasher Basket for Tiny Parts
Pacifiers, bottle lids, and sippy cup tops vanish faster than socks. Use a dishwasher basket to corral all the tiny parts. Everything gets sanitized and you don’t end up using the toddler’s toy as a bottle nipple replacement.
5. Sick Kit Ready to Go
Label a small tote “Sick Kit” with thermometer, medicine, pacifiers, and wipes. That way, when illness strikes, you’re not running around like a caffeinated squirrel hunting supplies. Amazon has cute pre-labeled kits or you can DIY with a small tote.
6. Pacifier Storage Cases for Travel
Airports, playdates, grandparents’ houses—pacifiers always vanish. Keep them in small travel cases. They’re easy to clip to diaper bags and prevent the inevitable couch cushion scavenger hunt.
7. Clip Pacifiers to Bibs
Pacifier clips are magical. Your child drops it once, it’s attached to their bib, and suddenly the floor isn’t a required part of their diet. Bonus: reduces laundry load from all those floor-laps.
8. Syringe > Spoon for Medicine
Spare yourself a fight: use a medicine syringe instead of a spoon. Accuracy goes up, crying goes down, and you won’t spend ten minutes trying to balance a teaspoon on a toddler’s tongue while they scream “NO!”
9. Warm Bottles Without a Warmer
Forgot the bottle warmer? Pour hot water in a coffee mug and float the bottle. 5 minutes later, it’s warm and baby is happy. Bonus: no extra gadgets, and your coffee is still hot if you remembered to make it.
10. Color-Code Bottles & Nipples
If you have multiples (like me), assign colors to each child. Amazon sells colored silicone rings and bottles. No more accidental swapping or fights over the “wrong” nipple. Peace restored… for five minutes.
Final Mom Wisdom:
Feeding a baby or toddler is a battle, but with the right hacks—and a few clever Amazon finds—you can survive. Medicine doesn’t have to be war, bottles don’t have to explode, and pacifiers can live in peace instead of on the floor. Victory tastes sweet… like coffee.