10 More Random Tips for Moms

If you're a mom, you're busy. Here are 10 more random tips I've found to make life a little easier, whether it's saving some time or money or just making things better. I hope you find them helpful too!

1.) It's Spring and time to ensure your little one is protected from the sun. Using the constant spray sunscreen all over and the sunscreen stick on your child's face is sure to make your morning routine, day at the zoo and/or afternoon at the park less complicated. Although you'll get less sunscreen for your money with the spray and stick options you'll save yourself time and energy without having to have a wrestling match and a big mess to clean up. Also, our pediatrician shared another tip; he says the name brands and generic sunscreens work the same. So buy the spray and stick, but buy the least expensive or the brand that's on sale. Oh, and while you're protecting your child don't forget you need sunscreen too.

2.) If you're a parent-to-be and shopping for a nursery you might be tempted to go all out and buy spectacular, matching baby bedding. Try to resist the urge. I read Baby Bargains, a great resource that warned me, but unfortunately I didn't heed the advice. Don't get me wrong it was beautiful, but it ended up in the closet much sooner that I'd like to admit. The reality is you can't use the quilt on a baby, you have to untie and remove the entire bumper when you change the crib sheet, not to mention as soon as your baby rolls over and begins to move the bumper becomes a hazard. If I had a do over I'd pick some really awesome crib sheets, save some money and call it a day.

3.) While you're saving money on the bedding, you can splurge on the SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket. My baby received one as a gift, and she loved it from the very beginning. We actually bought another one so she now has one for home and one for school. We did initially use the blanket for swaddling, but even though she was over that very soon, the size is great, it's super cozy and it gets softer after each wash. It's a winner.

4.) Looking for a money and a time saver? Try using your hair conditioner in place of a shaving cream or gel. It works fantastically, and one bottle lasts so much longer. You can buy a Suave Conditioner for a little over one dollar. Be sure to give this trick a try!

5.) If you know about LUNA Bars you should keep them stashed everywhere; if you haven't, run to the grocery store right now. Each bar has 9-10 grams of protein and 3-5 grams of fiber, and these are great for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. My favorite flavor is Nuts Over Chocolate, and my daughter is a huge fan of these too.

6.) If your family is into music like mine, constant repeats of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Baa Baa Black Sheep get old pretty fast. Don't get me wrong; there's a time and a place, but check out Rockabye Baby Music for renditions of classic rock tunes. They've taken legends like The Beatles, ACDC, Bob Marley, Aerosmith, etc. and turned them into fantastic lullabies. These tunes make the whole family happy, and that's pretty special.

7.) If you hate to iron as much as I do check out Downey Wrinkle Releaser. If you don't mind to make an extra stop at Dollar General they make a version that's just as good for about one-fourth of the price of Downey's. All you have to do is give you clothes a mist, and the wrinkles will smooth right out. It's obviously not going to put a crease into anything, but creases and pleats are out anyway, so you'll be good to go. It works like magic!

8.) Try Burt's Bee Diaper Ointment for the hands down best of the best diaper cream ever.

9.) Tis the season for pollen, allergies, colds and coughs. Pick up some Vicks Baby Rub (or traditional Vicks VapoRub if your child is two or older). Many people have forgotten about this old-fashioned treatment, but when my daughter is coughing and restless I rub it all over her chest and back, and it works wonders to soothe and comfort her.

10.) Boogie Wipes can save you and your child from a complete meltdown in public. These saline wipes are gentle on little noses and their mildly pleasant scent can hypnotize (not really, but they do work really well) your kids into thinking they actually enjoy having their noses wiped. Brilliant! Plus it's a mommy created and mommy run business. Click on the link above to join the Boogie Bunch and get a $0.50 off coupon (good through Dec. 31, 2011) emailed to you.

These are just a few things that have worked for me. I'd love to hear what tricks make life happier at your house.