Mom Tips
1,186 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsWelcome to Mom Tips, your 60-second dose of positive parenting content from the team at Mom.com. Created with your busy morning routine in mind, these hacks and motherhood anecdotes are perfect to listen to while you're scrambling to get your family up and out of the house!
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Episodes
5 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks
August 09, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1020 KBStaying on top of clutter often seems impossible. From the junk mail that arrives almost daily to the kids' toys and school work, these things can take over your home pretty quickly if you allow them to. But don't worry, we've found five amazing solutions that will help you get your house in order. 1. Take It Slow Rather than become overwhelmed by attempting to declutter the whole house, break it down one room at a time.
Fun Activities for Road Trips That Don’t Involve Electronics
August 08, 2019 15:41 - 2 minutes - 1.02 MBWe’re nearing the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean that some of us don’t still have vacations and weekend getaways lined up. If you’re taking a road trip with your kids before they head back to school, the thought of keeping them entertained as you make your way from point A to point B can be, well, pretty daunting.
4 Cool Life Hacks for Your Kitchen
August 07, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.11 MBWe’re always looking for ways to make home life work with us instead of against us. Here are four cool hacks that will inspire you to up your kitchen game. 1. Use Gelatin to Make Slow-Melting Popsicles Homemade popsicles are great treats for the kids, but there’s nothing worse than watching your delicious frozen treat melt all over their clothes.
My Baby Fell Off the Bed … Twice
August 06, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 899 KBThe first time it happened, my son was 4 months old. My husband was changing his diaper on our bed and turned his back for one second. The next thing he knew – BANG! – our son was on the floor, crying. I rushed into the room, and by the time I got there, my son was totally fine, lying on his back, kicking his tiny legs around, looking up at me, like, “What the heck just happened?” He broke into a gummy smile when I picked him up, so I knew he was fine. But I wasn’t. ...
Genius Tips for Saving Money
August 05, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.03 MBNo matter how much money your family makes, saving is always a worthwhile pursuit. Not only does it ease stress in your household, it also teaches your kids responsible financial habits they’ll carry with them for life. By making a few simple changes, your piggy bank could soon be overflowing. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Save at the Grocery Store Who says you can only use one deal at a time? The only way you can find out is if you ask.
4 DIY Child-Proofing Hacks to Keep Kids Safe
August 02, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 967 KBUnless folks are living in a padded room, odds are they'll have to babyproof their home to keep their infants' bruises, bumps and boo-boos to a minimum. And while there are plenty of babyproofing products on the market, many people might look at them and think, Hmmm, 20 bucks for little plastic cabinet latches? That's ridiculous! So what's a mom to do? Well, we've found some DIY childproofing hacks that are not only cost-effective but they also work. 1.
Mom Confession: The Epidural for My C-Section Didn’t Work
August 01, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 848 KBI was 39 weeks pregnant when I was induced. I labored on a Pitocin drip, my body fighting to not give birth, for 24 hours. My baby got tired, his heartbeat dipping with each contraction. So a C-section it was. A nurse anesthetist assured me that he’d boost my epidural — which I’d received the night before — to the point where I would feel absolutely no pain. “There,” he said after a few minutes, pinching my belly.
4 Must-Know Tips for Traveling With Little Kids
July 31, 2019 13:41 - 1 minute - 830 KBThrough the years, my family has traveled a lot. Heck, we drove all the way up the coast from Southern California to Vancouver, Canada, in two days with a 2-1/2-year-old and a 4-month-old. The kids are definitely troupers, but there are a few things I’ve learned along the way that helped make all of our adventures a whole lot smoother: 1. Get the kids comfortable in the car, and if you can avoid it, don’t give them an iPad. Save the iPad for special occasions like flying...
Mom Confession: I Ignored My Puking Kid
July 31, 2019 13:40 - 2 minutes - 1.04 MBLet’s be honest. Every single mom out there has a parenting moment or two in life that she’s not particularly proud of. It’s impossible to do everything perfectly all the time, and given how overwhelmed and exhausted we all are, sometimes we reach a point when we just can’t “mom” anymore.
Genius Baby Food Hacks Every 'Lazy' Mom Needs to Know
July 29, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1020 KBFeeding a baby can feel like a full-time job, especially now that everything a mom does is supposed to be organic, DIY, and Instagram-worthy. But moms can still guarantee that their little one is well-fed without spending all day in the kitchen juggling fruits and veggies. Luckily, there are lots of super simple tricks and shortcuts out there to help moms save time while also making sure baby gets all the awesome nutrients she needs to grow up and rule the world one day....
How to Have Date Nights When Date Night Seems Impossible
July 26, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 570 KBParents constantly hear about how important date nights are for maintaining our relationships, yet no one ever mentions the money, the sitter, and, let’s be real, the energy it takes to actually get out. A real date night doesn’t have to mean finding a sitter so you can go out and eat at a nice restaurant.
Dear 'Fat' Mom: It's Time to Go to the Doctor
July 25, 2019 10:01 - 3 minutes - 1.62 MBDear Fat Mom, I'm going to put this bluntly — I need you to go to the doctor. And not because you "need to lose weight." Not because your weight means you're "unhealthy." But because your fear of the doctor might be holding you back from discovering a bigger problem than your weight. I get it. I'm a fat mom, too. I'm not scared of that word — it's no different than saying "I'm tall" or "I have blue eyes." I'm fat, and it's a fact.
5 Hacks for Keeping Kids Entertained at a Wedding
July 24, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 845 KBFor anyone who has a baby, just know that all of them cry at weddings, and that's totally OK. Of course, it's always been during a really important moment in the ceremony, or during a really touching part of the best man's speech. It's a baby. Babies cry. Older kids are expected to be kept a bit more in line, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Luckily, there are ways to keep them from screaming (or even talking loudly) during the ceremony or more speech-oriented parts of ...
Mom Confession: I Bribe My Kid
July 23, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 969 KBAll right, moms, let’s go ahead and admit it — some days this parenting thing is a whole lot easier than others. Sure, there are those straight-out-of-a-movie moments when our kids are perfect angels, use their manners, and do whatever we tell them to without any complaints. But then there are those other times when we have to resort to extreme measures to get them to do what we want them to do. You know what I’m talking about, right? Yep. You guessed it, and I’ll admit ...
4 Awesome First Foods for Babies You Haven’t Thought of Yet
July 22, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 736 KBSo your baby is ready to start solids, but you have no clue where to start? Rice cereal is so 2002, so listen up for the new best foods to feed your new little foodie: Avocados are a great first food that can be served without cooking. It’s soft enough to mash or mix up with breast milk or formula and is an excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, and folate among other nutrients. Full of healthy fats, probiotics, and calcium, yogurt is a fantastic first food for bab...
4 Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach
July 19, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1 MBAhhhh … is there anything better than a lazy summer day spent by the ocean? The sun. The sand. The surf. It all makes for such a relaxing experience — unless you have a baby with you, that is! Taking a baby to the beach can be downright draining, since it’s not exactly the best environment for an infant, who has a million different needs. Even though it’s a little tricky, having an enjoyable beach day with baby really is possible, as long as you follow a few simple tips....
Make the Most of a Grocery Store Trip With These Tips from a Top Butcher
July 18, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 685 KBWhenever I make it to the grocery store, I have one goal: Get out, and fast. I try to squeeze in food shopping around my busy schedule. That means I arrive at 7 a.m. after dropping off my kid at day care, and then I rush around so I can leave and get things put away before work. Because of that, I'm not the most attentive when it comes to my selections. Things are given a little squeeze or poke, then tossed into my cart before I barrel through the next aisle.
The Biggest Food Choking Hazards for Babies
July 17, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 731 KBSo your baby is ready to start solids. It’s super exciting, but also kind of scary. When babies have very few or no teeth and are still learning to eat, choking is a real concern for many parents. Here are some foods you should avoid feeding your baby until she’s old enough to chew food thoroughly. Nuts — This might seem obvious to some, but just in case you missed the memo, hard foods like nuts, which can’t be easily mashed down, are potentially dangerous for little one...
5 Ways to Sneak in Self-Care in 5 Minutes or Less
July 16, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 700 KBHere’s one simple truth all moms should know: In order to take care of someone else, we also need to take care of ourselves. But here's another truth: Ain't nobody got time for that. So here are five simple self-care tips that can be done in five minutes or less. Because most days, that's all the time we have. 1. Put on a little makeup. Swipe on some CC cream, mascara and lipstick. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel if you look just a little put together. ...
5 Diaper Bag Hacks Every Mom Should Know
July 15, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.06 MBFor being so adorably small, babies sure do require a lot of stuff. When it comes to putting together a diaper bag for a day out, knowing what to put in and how to organize it all can get overwhelming quickly. Spare diapers and wipes are obvious, but what else? Will she need a change of clothes? Toys? What about feeding? And why didn't we register for a bigger diaper bag? Here are five essential hacks that will change the way you pack a diaper bag 1.
Why Parents Shouldn't Let Kids Use iPads In the Car, and It Has Nothing to Do with Screen Time
July 12, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 743 KBTechnology has posed a variety of opportunities, challenges, and even risks for our children. Parents are trying to find the perfect balance for their kids, and when it comes to screen time, people definitely have opinions. For some, screen time is heavily monitored and limited to only certain times and places. For others, screen time is more flexible, and parents will happily take the iPad along to keep their little ones occupied while out and about.
Brilliant Summertime Hacks to Survive the Heat with Kids
July 11, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 740 KBSchool's out, the days are longer, and the sun is finally out. You know what time it is: Summertime! And while the kids are back home, enjoying their vacation, finding ways to keep them entertained and safe during the summer is Mom's No. 1 priority.
4 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy Sex
July 10, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 799 KBIf you’re wondering what to expect in the bedroom when you’re expecting, here are four things I wish someone had told me: 1. The “Don’t Even Look at Me” phase is real. The first part of pregnancy is a lot like PMS on steroids, plus vomit. Getting busy got you into this miserable mess, and you no longer want anything to do with it. Tender breasts and a quick gag reflex don’t exactly add up to a whole lot of sexy time.
Old-School Summer Activities That Kids Will Love
July 09, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 968 KBWe’re all excited that summer is finally here, but it’s already July, and the time is going by so fast! Although, those of us who have kids home from school who aren’t enrolled in summer camps might argue that while the weeks go by quickly, the days can actually feel pretty long. Sometimes it’s tough to come up with fun activities to keep the kids occupied, especially activities that don’t involve lots of screen time.
5 Real Back-to-School Tips You Won't See Anywhere Else
July 08, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 861 KBThe new school year will be here sooner than you think, and we know there are already tons of “practical” tips out there about how to get ready. These are not those tips. These are hard-core, real-life tips from hard-core, real-life moms that you won’t want to miss. 1. First, give up already. Don’t even try with the lunches. You aren't fooling anyone with those organic, homemade bento boxes and kale salads.
3 Awesome Ways to Play With Ice This Summer
July 05, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 718 KBIt’s summer, it’s hot, and the kids are bored — what’s a desperate mom to do? Ice play, that’s what! Take the kids outside (or stay inside) to try out these super fun activities that require nothing more than some frozen water and simple household items. This one couldn’t be more simple: Take a bunch of ice from your freezer or ice machine and dump it into a large plastic bin.
Hilarious Pregnancy Brain Stories From Real Moms
July 04, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 706 KBWe don’t care what anyone says: Pregnancy brain is SO REAL. Just listen to these hilarious stories about the crazy things some moms do when they’re carrying another human inside of them. Britt K. says, “I tried to unlock my house with my car key clicker." Posey P. reveals, "I found my phone in the refrigerator the other day. Not sure what happened there." "I poured water into my cereal. That was upsetting, to say the least,” says Jada D. At least Joanna G.
4 Sunscreen Tips to Remember This Summer
July 03, 2019 05:23 - 2 minutes - 947 KBSummer is officially in full swing, which means tons of outdoor time. But this also means remembering to be on top of putting on sunscreen. By now we should all know about sunburns, premature wrinkles and skin cancer, but here’s just a reminder about how crucial it is for us to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays — and not just when we’re laying out by the pool or soaking up rays on the beach.
5 Foods That Are the Biggest Choking Hazards for Toddlers
July 01, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 807 KBIn addition to knowing infant and child CPR and brushing up on your skills regularly, it's important to know which foods are considered choking hazards for young children. You may think your child has fully grasped the concept of chewing and swallowing all foods, but it only takes one time for things to go irreversibly wrong. Terrifying fact alert: Choking is one of the top five causes of death in children under the age of five.
5 Baby Girl Names Inspired by Disney Villains
June 27, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 806 KBPeople never give Disney villains the credit they deserve. After all, many of the “evil” women are actually more complex versions of the princesses we love so much. Whether or not you think they’re worth at least a sliver of admiration, you have to admit that they have some pretty cool names. And if any pregnant Disney fanatics need a sassy moniker for their little feisty queens, here are a few worth considering. 1.
Mom Confession: I Steal My Kid’s Food When He’s Not Looking
June 26, 2019 15:10 - 2 minutes - 1 MBI am one of those moms who eat a pretty healthy diet about 90% of the time. I make nutritious meals at home, and whenever I go out to a restaurant, I usually order a salad or a piece of grilled fish or grilled chicken. I mean, as a mom in her early 40s, I don’t have the luxury of eating anything I want without it immediately showing up on my hips.
Here Are Some of the Best Places to Snag Plus-Size Activewear
June 24, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 791 KBOne of the most frustrating ironies of being a plus-size person is when people constantly berate us about hitting the gym but refuse to make that space safe for us or give us clothes to wear there. For many people, working out isn't all about reducing their size — it's about keeping their bodies moving and as healthy as possible. That includes plus-size women, too.
The Differences Between an SUV and a Minivan
June 20, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 827 KBWe know exactly what you’re thinking: You really don’t want to get a minivan, but it just seems so convenient. You’ve also got your eye on those three-row SUVs, which might be just as good as a minivan without the soccer mom feel. So what exactly are the main differences between the two? Let us break it down for you: Minivans have a sliding door — SUVs do not. This is the No. 1 reason many parents cite for making the switch to Minivan Land.
5 Things Your Child Should Know How to Do by Age 2
June 19, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 765 KBEvery child is different and moves at his or her own pace. Unfortunately for moms, there isn’t a play-by-play book that applies to all kids at all times. So sometimes we end up worrying if our little ones are “on the right track.
How These Moms Knew They Were Ready for Baby #2
June 18, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 768 KBThe decision to try for another baby is a big one. So how do you truly ever know if you’re ready? Real moms talked to us about how they knew it was time for Baby No. 2. Kat says, “One day, I saw my son playing alone in our living room and talking to himself as though he was his own playmate. It was then when I knew we needed to become a family of four." Mom Manda makes a good point.
5 Ways to Get Through the Morning Without Coffee
June 17, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 983 KBBy the time 10:30 a.m. rolls around, you've practically lived an entire life. You got yourself, your kids, and your partner dressed, fed, and out the door. You sat in unnecessarily heavy traffic, you spilled your coffee on your favorite blouse, and you somehow managed to empty your inbox.
5 Reasons Being Pregnant in the Summer Isn’t So Terrible
June 14, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 686 KBBeing pregnant in the summer — especially REALLY pregnant — is tough, without a doubt. The heat feels extra hot, the swelling is awful, and, man, do you miss those sweet summer cocktails. But the good news is that it isn’t all bad. Here are a few bonuses to being pregnant in the hot summer months. 1. There is no pressure to have a perfect beach body. Not that you should pay attention to this anyway, but rocking a bump in a swimsuit looks cute on every woman. 2. ...
4 Potty Training Hacks All Moms Need to Know
June 13, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 519 KBThe time that every parent dreads has arrived: potty training! But before you freak out, we’ve got some awesome hacks to help make the whole process a little more bearable: If you’re toting around a portable potty in your car, make sure to place an open diaper inside before your kid uses it to make cleanup a total breeze! No one wants to be driving around with a poopy potty in the back! If you’re potty-training a boy, toss some Cheerios in the toilet before he goes to he...
Mom Hack: How to Safely Clean Up Broken Glass
June 12, 2019 17:49 - 1 minute - 706 KBAs the resident family klutz, I have broken more glasses and dishes in my lifetime than I care to count. It's never been a hugely big deal, save for the inconvenience of losing a dish and having to clean it up. But when my son learned how to crawl, I became hyper aware of the real damage that broken glass could inflict. Because I am literally never going to change (I've accepted it, and everyone else should, too), it's a good idea to have a foolproof cleanup method. ...
3 Superfoods to Eat While You’re Pregnant
June 11, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 764 KBIf you’ve just learned you’re expecting, or you’re in the deep throws of pregnancy, congrats! While now is a great time to indulge your cravings, make sure you’re also getting some of the essential vitamins and nutrients your baby needs with these pregnancy superfoods. We know spinach might not be on any pregnant woman’s top list of cravings, but its benefits are undeniable.
Mom Confession: My Kid Is Basically Doing Nothing All Summer
June 10, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.12 MBThe time has come! School is finally out for the summer, and we can all take a break from the mad rush of our daily morning routines to relax a little for the next couple of months. Of course, for lots of moms, summer just means a new crazy routine. Shuffling kids to and from school becomes shuffling them to and from camps and other activities, which can honestly make summer feel like more of a headache than a much-needed reprieve. That’s why I have a confession to make....
4 Super Easy Backyard Hacks for the Summer
June 07, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 526 KBLots of backyard time inevitably means dirty feet. So how do you not track dirt and sand into the house? Set up a little waterproof box filled with flat stones near the backyard door. Then, before the kids come back inside, have them stand in the box and rinse off their feet. Voila! Don’t have a fire pit to make s’mores? No problem! Get a simple terracotta pot and line the inside of it with foil.
4 Practical Life Lessons We Need to Teach Our Kids
June 06, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 742 KBThere are some basic skills we all need to have — even in the era of digital everything. But somewhere between changing diapers and researching preschools, we forgot to teach our growing kids a few of these basics. Like how to ... Make a bed. What’s that? Your kids just leave their blankets in the crazy pile they slept on? Kids as young as 3 can start learning how to make their bed, even if it’s something as simple as just laying the comforter flat on top. Make a phone c...
The One Thing You Can Do to Get a Bikini Body This Summer
June 05, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 583 KBIn the months leading up to summer, the Internet, television and radio all ask us the same insane question: "Is your body beach-ready yet?" It's a stupid question, one designed to nag at you every time you walk into a store to pick up a swimsuit — all so you'll buy into the latest dietary thing they're selling. However, there is one way to get the perfect bikini body. I truly mean the kind of body that looks ah-mazing in a two-piece. The kind that makes your partner do a...
Cold Season Needs to End. Now.
June 04, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.14 MB"The kiddo's sick again," I tell my husband with a dramatic moan that is truly Oscar-worthy. "What are you talking about?" my husband asks me. "Does he have a fever? Did he puke? Is he wheezing?" "No … he sniffled," I say matter-of-factly. My husband rolls his eyes while simultaneously shooting me a death glare. "Babe, he sniffled, relax. People sniffle." But I know the truth. That "innocent" sniffle means I have two more days before the coughing starts. And then the whe...
Fun Summer Activities That Don’t Cost a Thing
June 03, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.23 MBThe time has finally come, moms! Summer is here, and the kids are out of school — or will be soon. Everyone can take a deep breath and relax, right? Well, sometimes! Don’t get me wrong, the break from a strict routine can be nice, but after a couple weeks of having the kids home, it can get kinda hard to come up with fun things for them to do, especially when you factor in the whole money thing.
5 Things Only First-Time Moms Do
May 31, 2019 14:33 - 1 minute - 684 KBYou probably thought all of your friends were crazy when their lives turned upside down after their first child. But now that you’re about to be a first-time mom, you’re going to see what it's all about. Here are five things every first-timer does: 1. Check that the baby’s alive. OK, so even second- and third-time moms do this, but running to the baby every 20 seconds in a panic is definitely unique to first-time moms. Try to just breathe — it’s going to be OK. 2. ...
5 Parenting Myths You Can Ignore
May 30, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 967 KBWhether you’re pregnant or raising a 10-year-old kid, everyone from your mother to the stranger at the grocery store will offer you unsolicited parenting advice. While most of it is relatively harmless, sometimes these “seasoned professionals” drop some ludicrous “wisdom” that can be safely ignored. Here are several parenting myths that some people still believe — but you shouldn’t: Dab whiskey on a baby’s gums to help with teething pain.
Helpful Reminders for Overloaded Moms
May 29, 2019 17:54 - 1 minute - 758 KBA mom’s brain is overloaded with vital information. We’re the keeper of appointments, the holder of endless dinner recipes, not to mention the Rolodex of doctor’s numbers, teacher’s emails, and more. In short — we are overwhelmed! That’s why it’s nice when we get a little reminder to handle the basic things on the regular.
4 Ways to Survive Being Pregnant in the Summer
May 28, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 586 KBSummer is awesome. Think giant slices of watermelon, late nights on the porch and parties on the 4th of July. So awesome, unless you happen to be pregnant in your third trimester. Then, it’s hell on earth. You’re basically a monstrous, sweaty version of yourself with no end to the discomfort in sight. Here are some tips to make those hot preggo months slightly more bearable: 1. Stock up on flowy cotton dresses. Trust us, you don’t need to wear anything else all summer. 2...