Utilitarian Mom

Things I learned the hard way- Consider taking the frozen breast milk for the next day (or 24 hour period) out of the freezer to thaw in te ...

Things I learned the hard way- For quicker formula preparation, consider getting extra bottles.   Wash them and let them dry, then portion o...

Things I learned the hard way- Consider purchasing a rubber placemat to keep in the diaper bag for travel or restaurants.   I really like th...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- If you freeze breastmilk in bags, lay them flat while freezing them.   If you don’t have solid racks in your ...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- If you store your breastmilk in bags, pouring them into the bottle at feeding time can sometimes be a hassle....

Things I Learned The Hard Way- I’m not exactly sure what genius decided to package infant rice (and other grain) cereal in boxes, but it was...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- When your child starts eating rice cereal, consider portioning out the rice cereal powder ahead of time into ...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider keeping an extra washcloth or small towel near the highchair to immediately clean up spills before t...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- If you plan to nurse, consider buying re-usable cotton nursing pads.   They are also very easy to make your o...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider keeping two separate diaper bags; one for short trips (grocery store, etc) and one for longer trips ...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Layer clean sheets and waterproof pads on the crib mattress for quick sheet changes.   Cover the mattress wit...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- If you have open staircase or patio railings, you can purchase plastic or mesh sheets to secure to the railin...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Purchase a plastic or mesh drain cover for the kitchen sink.   It will prevent endless searching for the tiny...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider getting plastic bins, baskets or buckets to use while cleaning.   Keep one with cleaning products (c...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing or registering for a video monitor with an intercom from the beginning.   You won’t reall...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing quick zip crib sheets ( www.cloudsandstars.com ).   They are more expensive than regular...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Pin socks, mittens, and other small items together with diaper pins or safety pins as soon as you take them o...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Buy all clothing in outfits or pair them up and fold or hang them together.   This prevents wasted time sorti...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Buy some extra white or solid color long-sleeve onesies to fit your child in the cooler months.   You can lay...

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing multiple small, inexpensive diaper bags.   You may be able to borrow some, or purchase th...