Amazing 'parent hacks' that could help you save time and money

You'll be surprised at how simple some of these ideas are.

Published 21st Jul 2016

Being a first time parent can be a daunting experience for many, so 'Muddled Up Mummy', a 'first time mummy' on Facebook has been blogging her experiences.

Below are some of the best tips she's discovered and shared with her online audience.

Younger kids

When your kids are young then having a spare bib close at hand can be a saviour. Adding a simple stick-on hook to the back of the high chair will mean there's no more searching in a bag or your clean washing for a bib when you really need one.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Add a hock to the back of the highchair for storing bibs.> > > Posted by

Haven't got a playpen? Then get a large box to contain adventurous kid. Make sure they have plenty of space though.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > A large box and colored markers will create hours of fun for little ones.(Credit: Berrysweetbaby.blogspot.com)> > > Posted by

Older kids

Sometimes giving kids pens near your furniture and walls can be a bad idea, but did you know that you can remove the ink with toothpaste?

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Permanent marker on wooden furniture? Not a problem, toothpaste will get it off.> > > Posted by

Make sure kids learn about not wasting toilet paper by giving them a length they can use, once the paper reaches the line they've got enough!

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Put a marker on the wall so toilet paper isn't wasted. I would probably make the marker lower though so they at least have a reasonable amount of paper to use. Also I must turn that toilet roll around!!!> > > Posted by

And while they're in the bathroom make sure they don't get locked in by mistake by tying an elastic band over the lock.

> No more children locked in the bathroom with this simple hack> > > Posted by

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Once your kids have grown up a little they'll obviously want to use the sink, but sometimes their little arms just aren't long enough, so try out this 'parent hack' by adding half a bottle to the tap.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Turn an old Lotion Bottle into a faucet extender so the little ones can reach.> > > Posted by

If you're kids complain of being bored there's always something for them to do with these 'activity sticks'.

> No more complaining about being bored with these pre-labelled "activity sticks." Sit down with your children and...> > > Posted by

Learning left and right can take a while so help them along with a simple sticker in their shoes.

> Ensure your kids put their shoes on the right feet with the help of a sticker cut in half.> > > Posted by

And for all those games that need dice, this is the perfect way to make sure that none of them go missing.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Put dice in a small see through container. Keeps them together and less chance of losing them.> > > Posted by

More than one kid

It can get confusing with more than one child, especially if they're similar in ages or tastes so this is a great method to quickly work out whose clothes are whose.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); > Put dots on the tags of your children's clothes with each child having a different number of dots. Makes sorting clean laundry a breeze.> > > Posted by

Have you got any similar hacks? If you have comment below!