17 Parent Hacks We Know Actually Work Because We Tried Them

How I know it works: With our oldest, my wife and I constantly had to search the kitchen for bibs which were ALWAYS disappearing. We tried this hack with our youngest, though, and — praise hands — it eliminated all the drama. Super easy, super effective!

How I know it works: Can you use a fork and knife to cut your toddler’s pancakes? Of course. But we found that using a pizza cutter IS faster and easier, especially when your kid is like, "OMG PANCAKES I NEED THEM RIGHT NOW!" My son is only four, so I still cut his pancakes, and I use this hack every time.

See a video demonstrating this hack here.

How I know it works: This hack was a total "How did I never realize that's what those flaps are for?" moment for me. My son was still in diapers when I first learned/wrote about it, and a few weeks later it was a lifesaver when he had a major blowout in public.

How I know it works: This is another one we use IRL, and I no longer get grief from the wife because the kid has on socks that don’t match! Side note: Since little socks get lost so easily, they should make 'em the same color with no stripes! That way if you can only find two — they'll match! Anyway, until sock manufacturers listen to me, this hack will be help.

How I know it works: I've found that if kids don't think there are treats in the house, you can hide them pretty easily. BUT...if your kiddos think you're holding out on them they will look high and low. In those situations, this hack works wonders.

How I know it works: We used this one with our daughter (in fact, the photo above is of the bottle we used), and it made bedtime fun and magical for her — not scary.

Hack via C.R.A.F.T.

How I know it works: This one might be less of a hack and more of a product detail not everyone knows, but it’s a good one. I really appreciated not having to open my baby’s diaper to see if they were dry or not.

How I know it works: We used this one around the house from time to time, and it made life a little easier — especially when we weren’t in the mood to keep running back to the baby room!

How I know it works: Some people will tell you to put toilet paper over the sensor, but if the toilet paper falls off (as it tends to do) your jittery kid won't be happy. I kept a pad of Post-it notes in my back pocket, and it solved the "I have to go but I'm afraid!" drama.

Hack via Parent Hacks.

How I know it works: Our little guy was a “toilet paper un-roller,” so we tried this hack. It didn’t entirely stop him from doing it, but it did slow him down and make un-rolling the paper a lot less fun. Eventually he lost interest in doing it (for the most part, lol).

How I know it works: We have one of these in our kids' bathroom — and while I end up putting their toothbrushes away in it more than I like — it makes the room a lot more organized. Definitely recommend!

Find a how-to here.

How I know it works: We’ve given our daughter’s dolls a “makeover” using this hack. It won’t last forever — especially if your kids play with their dolls as hard as mine does — but it works!

How I know it works: I can’t tell you how many times this one saved us. You WILL forget diapers at some point no matter how organized you are, and, when you do, you will be glad for this hack. In fact, we used to keep an extra baby outfit back there too just in case!

How I know it works: After about 20 minutes your baby will be in a deep sleep and won't wake up when you cut their nails. Our stress levels dropped significantly once we stopped trying to cut our baby’s nails when they were awake. This hack definitely nailed it! (Sorry.)

Hack via Noise Covered In Dirt.

How I know it works: We tend to overpack, so we tried this one on our last trip. It definitely allowed us to bring fewer bags and made picking outfits out for the kids a lot easier. So, thumbs up!

How I know it works: We did this to one of our son's especially loud cars, and he didn't seem to notice the difference. We sure did, though!