Mom to Mom: Tricks of the Trade

I am no expert in parenting but I like to think that with four kids I have learned a few tricks of the trade.  So here are a few things that have made things easier around the house.  I hope they make things easier for you too!

Wash Clothes:  I have a whole drawer of wash clothes that are just for the kids.  You know those big giant packs you can buy that come in different colors?  Well I buy one every 90 days or so and I get a different color each time so I know which are older and such.  All of the kids know where they are and we use them for wiping a face or letting the kids "clean up".  Kids love to clean up and help so always having them on hand works well for us.

Satin Pillow Cases:  My girls have fine hair and with regular pillow cases they end up with a huge wad of tangles in the back of their head when they wake up.  The satin ones have virtually eliminated it.  Especially nice if you have one that is tender headed like Ellie.

Highchair that Reclines:  I remember thinking with Ethan (my oldest) that I didn't really need a highchair before he could eat table food, but I was really glad I had one.  From about 2 months on my kids are are in their highchairs at mealtime hanging out with the family (unless we are nursing).  There is something wonderful about having everyone at the table for a meal.  Even if everyone isn't eating.  I also use it for meal prep.  Jack is my kitchen helper.  We have a tall dining set and have a highchair that attaches to our chairs (love by the way).  I get to make dinner, he gets to watch me, I get to smile and talk to him and he smiles and coos back.  It is a total win win!  Its also nice because the older ones can come talk to him if he gets fussy and I don't have to worry about them picking him up.  You can use the infant head support from your carseat if you want to! 

Breakfast in a Cup:  I watched a new dad on some baby show try to eat cereal from a bowl and feed his baby.  It was rather humorous.  My breakfast usually consists of two cups.  One is coffee.  The other is a plastic cup with cereal in it.  I love Marshmallow Mateys (generic Lucky Charms) and I can easily nurse Jack and eat my cereal.  I also don't have to worry about spilling milk all over him.  As you can see I really have coffee with my cream so its never hot enough to burn him if I spilled it.  Which I haven't so far, although I have dropped a Marshmallow Matey on him before.