Odd parenting hacks that actually work

Published on June 8, 2026 at 11:42 AM

You've heard all the standard parenting advice. But you don't want to miss these out-of-the-box solutions for babies and toddlers.

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1. Glow-in-the-dark pacifiers

Yep, you read that right. Someone gifted me glow-in-the-dark pacifiers at my baby shower, and I remember thinking how ridiculous that seemed. My newborn could hardly move, let alone lose a pacifier! I couldn't see how that would possibly be useful until my baby was crawling, walking, running, and throwing that pacifier out of her crib. When your baby or toddler is crying in the middle of the night, believe me when I say it's impossible to locate that pacifier. But the glow-in-the-dark ones? A lifesaver. We've used both MAM and NUK, and they've both saved us from nighttime frustration.

2. Invest in an activity cube

Babies and young children lose interest in toys fast. Before you know it, there are 100 small toys scattered across your living room. Over time, you lose storage space, baby's interest, and sanity. Getting a large wooden activity cube has been a game-changer for us! It can help your baby practice sitting and standing and is still enjoyable as they grow (just ask my 2-year-old nephew). It's one piece (not 100) and includes so many fun activities. So basically, it's a mess-free educational toy with 20 toys built in!

3. Redirect tantrums with an activity

Toddler brains only have the capacity for so much. Teach your child a song that includes an action, such as "If You're Happy and You Know It". Then, next time they start having a tantrum or you need to redirect them, sing the song. Just watch, they'll pause and clap their hands!

4. Use the bouncer or car seat before you leave the house

Ever heard a baby bouncer referred to as a "poop chair"? Yeah, a car seat works the same way. Save yourself from having to stop two minutes after you leave the house by giving your baby a little time to handle business at home. 

5. Keep a prune pouch on hand

Starting solids? Babies who are new to solids or cow's milk can get constipated easily. Keeping a $1 prune pouch on hand can help your baby get relief fast. It's 100% worth it!

6. Put a large trash can in your bathroom

Freshly postpartum? Yeah, you're either going to want to buy an extra trash can (think kitchen-sized) to keep in the bathroom or move some things around. The amount of trash that accumulates while you're healing is insane. You'll thank me for this one later. 

7. Use a bracelet to keep track of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and sleep deprivation are each difficult on their own. But together? That's another level. Wearing a bracelet can help you remember which side you fed from (or started the feed on) last. If you're starting on the right side, wear the bracelet on your right wrist. When it's time to feed again, you'll know to switch the bracelet to the left wrist and start on that side. 

8. Leave a cabinet unlocked with safe items

Babies and toddlers love getting into things they aren't supposed to. When you're babyproofing, consider leaving one low cabinet or drawer unlocked with safe items (wooden spoons, plastic bowls, etc.). It'll become your little one's favorite toy box and keep them occupied while you're cooking. 

9. Brush their teeth upside down

Until they get the hang of it (or, let's be honest, enjoy the toothpaste flavor), babies can be awfully wiggly when you try to brush their teeth. This method does wonders. Lay your baby on their back and sit behind their head. I don't know why it works to brush their teeth from above, but it does! 

10. Invest in things that save you time, money, and sanity

As I was writing this list, I kept thinking of baby products I would consider "hacks" themselves! I've listed my favorites below. I own each and every one of these items and can attest to their usefulness. 

 

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