I'll tell you what, MacGyver, known for his ability to come up with clever solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, has got nothing on parents. Anyone who has been an active and participating parent for a minute or more has come up with some clever solutions to all kinds of situations. Parents are master hackers. Parenting hacks should be passed on because they really do make life so much easier.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Tips for surviving baby's first bath
I've got a few hacks to pass on that have served me well. I'm also always open to learning new hacks so if you have any to share with me, please don't hesititate. Check out my suggestions for 8 parenting hacks that will make your life so much easier. Let me know if you've ever used any of these because I know I'm not the only hacker out there.
Save old cellphones
Save old cellphones and let kids use them as cameras. If it's a smartphone, they can also keep using the apps on them to play.
Hair ties
Hair ties make good ties in general. The latch on this umbrella stroller broke so I use a hair tie to keep it closed when collaped. You can also use hair ties to bundle electronic wires and such.
Splash guard
Whoever invented this is a genius. My kids FREAK OUT if their faces get wet when I wash their hair. Splash guard ($12)
VapoRub
Most Latinos know that if you've got a cough or congestion, all you need to do is put VapoRub on the bottom of your feet and cover with socks when you go to bed. This works wonderfully on children.
Boxes
Don't be so quick to break down those boxes and recycle them. By all means let your kids re-use them. Kids UNIVERSALLY love boxes.
Baby wipes for cleaning EVERYTHING
If you are not a parent, perhaps all you see is a box of baby wipes. I am a parent so what I see is a magical towel cleaning dispenser. These magical pre-moistened towlettes can clean babies bums, furniture, spills, vomit on clothing, and in a pinch they make for a quickie-shower.
Keep bathtub toys within reach
You put your kid in the tub with toys and the toys keep floating away. Not anymore!
Impromptu hair tie
Find yourself out and without a hair tie for your child with the long hair because you've been using all of her hair ties as hacks for something else? No worries. Remember those wipes that are good for cleaning everything? They also make great impromptu hair ties. As fas as I know, my husband invented this hack.
