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Mom Tips

1,186 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratings

Welcome 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

3 Daily Practices That Will Instantly Boost Your Happiness

May 27, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 976 KB

Staying positive and happy all the time are definitely common themes in this day and age. I’ll bet you $100 that if you look at your Facebook or Instagram feed right now, you’ll see that someone has posted a quote about focusing on the good and how being happy is a choice, rather than something that needs to be achieved. For the most part, I believe that rings true, but let’s be honest.

4 Sneaky Ways to Hide Veggies in Your Kid's Food

May 24, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 602 KB

Whether you have a picky eater or a child that just hates the color green, we know you’re constantly trying to think of ways to get more veggies into your child’s diet. First of all, the blender is your best friend. Simply pour in spaghetti sauce along with spinach, broccoli, carrots, onions or whatever other veggies you have, and blend away. Just be careful not to mix in so much that the color of the sauce changes. Particularly perceptive kids might pick up on that. ...

Mom Confession: I Make My Kid a Separate Meal, If He Wants It

May 23, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 796 KB

As moms, we all know what a chore dinnertime can be. Kids tend to be picky, and it’s so daunting to keep trying to find meal ideas that the whole family will love. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve prepared what I think is a totally over-the-top amazing dinner, only for my son to look down at his plate in disgust, as if there’s a live tarantula sitting in the middle of it that he’s expected to swallow whole.

5 Things You 100% Shouldn't Actually Worry About

May 22, 2019 23:23 - 1 minute - 932 KB

Being a mom is synonymous with being a worry wart. We fret over everything. And when we worry, we worry a lot. While part of it is just our nature, a lot of it stems from the pressure of the outside world. Some things are worth the anxiety, but others are just a waste of headspace. Do yourself a favor and check these items off the worry list. We’re officially giving you a pass. 1.

5 Tips for Surviving a Disney Vacation

May 21, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.03 MB

Disney World is truly a magical place for a family vacation. But it's also wicked expensive and can get massively crowded. There's the cost of tickets, food, lodging, possibly airfare, and the souvenirs the kids won't stop begging for. Combine that with the fact that there are lines for everything from the rides to the bathroom. Needless to say, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated in the hot Florida sun.

5 Unisex Baby Names You Haven’t Thought of Yet

May 20, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 687 KB

If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gender-neutral baby name, check out these five: Hayden — We love this name, and it works for a boy or girl. What else it has going for it, besides the fact that it means “fire,” is that it’s not super popular yet. It’s also not so obscure that people will constantly be asking you how to pronounce your baby’s name.

4 Things You Don’t Know Until You Have a Baby

May 17, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 712 KB

If you’re thinking about having a baby or you have one on the way, there are some things that experience hasn’t taught you yet. But it will. Oh, it will. Here are four things you’ll understand once your bundle of joy arrives. 1. How precious sleep is. Until you’re a mom, you never truly understand what a gift sleep is. Sleeping in is long gone, and napping when the baby naps is impossible. Getting six straight hours of sleep is a cause for celebration. 2. How fast you ca...

Tweets Only Parents of Toddlers Would Understand

May 16, 2019 22:12 - 1 minute - 872 KB

Kids say the darndest things. And now, thanks to Twitter, so do parents. Moms and dads of toddlers know that this magical age is both wondrous and wondrously vexing. If you are currently parenting a toddler or recently just made it onto the next stage, you know there is nothing quite like these, uh, “special” years. Here are a few of our favorite toddler-parent tweets that totally nail what it’s like.

4 Easy Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store

May 15, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 622 KB

You’re not the only one to hit the check-out line at the grocery store only to feel your eyes go wide at the total bill. So if you’re trying to cut back on expenses — and who isn’t? — try out these super easy ways to slash your tab at the supermarket: 1. Shop on a full stomach. Research has shown that hungry shoppers tend to make decisions they wouldn’t have made otherwise — like buying all those new snack foods that you know you don’t need. 2.

In Defense of the Ferber Method

May 14, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 946 KB

“Honey, do you think Dr. Ferber is still alive?” I ask my husband as I look at my 7-month-old son sleeping peacefully in his crib. “Not sure, why? Do you want to send him a thank-you card?” he joked, sensing where I was going with this. I looked him dead in the eye and said: “I’m ready to sign over the deed to the house and include him in my will. Whatever that man wants, he gets.” I’m kidding … kind of.

How to Effectively Pack Your Child for Sleepaway Camp

May 13, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 721 KB

If you’ve ever been faced with the task of packing a kid to go away to sleepaway camp, then you already know it can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s get real — kids aren’t the best at putting their outfits together, and they can be notorious for wearing the same clothes over and over again, which is kinda gross. But I came up with this super easy, crazy effective method for packing and organizing my son’s things when I send him off to camp.

The ‘3-Day Potty Training’ Method Really Works

May 10, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 895 KB

Even though it’s such a relief to finally be rid of diapers, potty training can be, well, a bit of a nightmare, especially if you have a kid who is resistant to making the change. Trust me, I dreaded it as much as you when it was time to train my son, but it turned out to be so much easier than I expected. I used the “3-day potty training” method, and let me tell you — it worked like a charm.

5 Things You Absolutely Don’t Need for a Newborn

May 09, 2019 15:58 - 1 minute - 778 KB

Babies need a lot of stuff — just ask any mom who’s packing for her first road trip. Clothes, toys, a safe place to sit, eat and bathe, but walk into any baby store and you’ll be overwhelmed by all the things you never knew you needed. While there is a lot worth adding to the registry, there are also plenty of items to leave off. Why? Because you’ll never, ever need them. Trust us. Save your hard-earned money by skipping out on these unnecessary purchases: 1.

4 Life-Changing Laundry Hacks You Need to Know

May 08, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 729 KB

Let’s face it — laundry can be a pain. You’re literally never done. After all, the clothes you’re wearing right now will be thrown in the hamper in a matter of hours, kickstarting the pile all over again. Luckily, we have a few tips to make your life easier in this department. If you’ve ever felt the pain of folding the laundry only to end up with a pile of mismatched socks, this hack’s for you! Keep a mesh bag on hand to toss all dirty socks into when washing. ...

Getting Diagnosed With Postpartum Depression Was the Best Thing That Could Have Happened to Me

May 07, 2019 10:01 - 2 minutes - 1.22 MB

My little guy cried a lot — and it was due to a myriad of reasons. All of them were "normal" enough: acid reflux, constipation, being a baby. Logically, I knew that what he was doing was normal — he had no other way of communication — but every time that kid cried, I felt a pang of panic. And when he wasn't crying, I sat there in fear of his next outburst, because each one signified to me that I was failing.

4 Mom Mantras to Help You Make It Through Today

May 06, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 620 KB

Sometimes we need a little encouragement to get through the challenging days of mom life. Here are four mantras you should keep on repeat for when you need that extra boost of confidence. “I can do anything, but I can’t do everything.” And you know what? That’s OK. Healthy, even. Just accept it and move on. “I am not a bad mom. I am a good mom having a bad day.” Even the best moms have the worst days, and you are definitely not alone.

Mom Confession: I Let My Toddler Sit In His Own Poop For An Entire Flight

May 03, 2019 10:00 - 2 minutes - 962 KB

We all know that flying with little kids is difficult, to put it mildly. Back when my son was 2, I learned the hard way that you can never be too prepared -- even when the flight is a short one. We were flying from DC to Jacksonville, Florida, and I was so excited when we boarded because the two of us had been upgraded to first class.

3 Toys for Your Baby Found Right in Your Kitchen

May 02, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 656 KB

Every seasoned mom will tell you there’s no point in wasting money on toys for a baby — and they’re absolutely right. Especially when your kitchen is filled with tons of things they’ll enjoy playing with just as much, if not more than, that $20 light up stacking toy they can’t actually figure out. The humble wooden spoon is a mind-boggler.

Mom Self-Care in 5 Minutes or Less

May 01, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 764 KB

In case you missed the memo, all moms need to remember this one simple truth, in order to take care of anybody else, we first need to take care of ourselves. But here’s another truth, ain’t nobody got time for that! Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be making it to the spa anytime soon, here’s a list of simple self-care tips that can be done in 5 minutes or less. Because sometimes that’s all the time we get. Try a minimalist makeup look.

4 Things I Wish I Did Before Baby Came

April 30, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 933 KB

I don’t regret becoming a mother. Though the early days were hard and the nights long, one look at my sweet baby’s face is all I need to remind me why I chose the path of motherhood. It’s far from being sunshine and rainbows all the time, but the rewards outweigh the difficulties by a mile.

What’s For Dinner?

April 29, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 642 KB

Every single afternoon, without fail, kids and partners start asking you your least favorite question: “What’s for dinner?” Despite having capable hands, somehow, you are the only one who can come up with a meal plan. And honestly, it’s kind of a lot of pressure. Deciding what to make (only to be met with groans and sighs) is super frustrating. Though we cannot promise that it’ll be groan-free, we can give you a simple idea to help make mealtime a little easier. ...

Genius Celebrity Parenting Hacks

April 26, 2019 17:13 - 1 minute - 812 KB

Contrary to popular belief, celebrities are not immune to the insanity that comes with being a parent. While they certainly have more help than the average mom or dad, that doesn’t mean their kiddos aren’t capable of being tiny tyrants sent to cause chaos and worry in their lives. And just like non-celeb parents, they each have their own survival tips and tricks — and believe it or not, some of them are pretty useful. Check out how these four actresses make it work. ...

5 Sleeping Tips and Tricks for Babies

April 26, 2019 16:55 - 1 minute - 893 KB

Ask literally any parent, and the one thing we’ll agree on is how much help we need when it comes to getting our babies to sleep. The sleep deprivation that occurs in those early months (and let’s be real, early years) can be maddening, and there is very little we wouldn’t try to make sleep happen.

Things Only a Mom Potty-Training Her Kid Would Do

April 25, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 702 KB

Well, Mama, it’s finally here. That time you’ve been dreading ever since you’ve had your baby. You know what I’m talking about — potty training. And as all moms who have “been there and done that” know, there are certain things only a mom potty-training her kid would do. Here are four of them. You bring a portable potty with you everywhere.

Mom Confession: I Let My Kid Swear & He Swears in Front of Me

April 23, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 812 KB

When it comes to raising a polite, well-mannered, highly articulate kid, I kind of have things in the bag. I’m not shy about asking him to remember his “pleases” and “thank you’s,” and he gets a stern glance from me if he forgets to do so. But I have a confession to make — I also let my tween kid swear, and I swear in front of him, too. Yep. Behind closed doors, we’re both a couple of potty mouths.

3 Natural Ways to Combat Spring Allergies

April 22, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 639 KB

Spring has sprung, and that means someone in your family probably has allergies that are going crazy right now. But besides drowning yourself in Claritin, what else can you do to stop all the itchy eyes, runny noses and puffy faces? Here are some natural remedies you can try: Drink apple cider vinegar. I know, I know, people tell you this cures all the things, but it’s natural, antibacterial and inexpensive. And supposedly the extra potassium helps get rid of runny noses...

Spring Cleaning Hacks

April 19, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 699 KB

For any of you mamas out there who haven’t gotten around to spring cleaning yet, don’t beat yourself up. Getting even the smallest things done is a win when you’re chasing after those tiny tyrants. Heck, some days we’re just proud of ourselves when we’re able to put our pants on the right way! Saying moms are busy is the understatement of the year. So to help you make time for that dreaded spring cleaning, here are a few hacks to make it as painless as possible: 1. ...

Our Best Parenting Tips for Meghan Markle

April 18, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 683 KB

The royal countdown is on! Meghan Markle is about to have her baby any day now, and even though she’s royalty, we still have a few tips on how to survive life with a newborn. Duchess or not, those first few weeks are hard, and she’s going to have to learn the ropes just like the rest of us. Let us help you, Meghan! First of all, forget sleeping when the baby sleeps. Sleep whenever you want, and let Harry take over. You’ve gotta break him in.

Travel Hacks

April 17, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 723 KB

Spring break is here, and summer is right around the corner. That means lots of traveling with little ones. So how do we parents best survive the endless flights, car rides and hours of waiting in line? Here are our best travel hacks to help you make the most of your vacation: Pack blue painter’s tape for quick and easy baby-proofing at hotels. It hardly takes up any room in your suitcase, and you can use it to cover up wall sockets, light switches and even sharp furnitu...

Reasons Spring Babies Rule

April 16, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 658 KB

If you’re planning to get pregnant and wondering when the best time of year to give birth is, we’re going to be honest and say spring. Not only is it the season of blooming flowers, birds and sunshine, it’s also an awesome time of year to have a newborn. Why, you ask? Let us count the ways … 1. The weather is amazing — not too cold, not too hot. Just right.

Monday Mommy Motivation: Taking Care of Your Sweet Self

April 15, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 752 KB

I don’t know about you, but some days, this whole motherhood thing can take a serious toll on my sanity. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, but it can be pretty overwhelming when you’re dedicating your entire existence to people under 2 feet tall who see you as their snack caddy. There are mornings when it’s hard to leave the bed (like, literally, because you know your 2-year-old has a vice grip on your pajama shirt).

Things You Never Knew About the Easter Bunny

April 12, 2019 10:01 - 1 minute - 732 KB

It’s almost Easter, and that means your kid will soon start talking nonstop about the Easter Bunny. That jolly giant creature that brings the Easter basket and gamely sits at the mall for pictures with kids has been around for ages. But what do we actually know about the Easter Bunny? Here are four fun facts you can impress your kids with today: 1. The Easter Bunny originated back in Germany in 1682.

Mom Confession: I Honestly Don’t Care About Screen Time

April 11, 2019 10:00 - 2 minutes - 1.02 MB

As we cue up what we call the "jazz version" of “Baby Shark”on Amazon Prime for the 70 billionth time, a familiar smile creeps across my cranky, tired infant’s face. We sit in our favorite spot on the couch, and I bring my knee up, letting him nestle between my thigh and stomach. He watches the popular sing-along intently for a few moments, then lays his head on my shoulder. Not long into the video, I hear the blissful sounds of baby snores.

Baby Products That Double as Beauty Products

April 10, 2019 14:30 - 1 minute - 570 KB

Welcome 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!

Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

April 09, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 830 KB

Throwing the words "self-care" at a stressed-out mama who needs to make time for herself is like telling Moses he could hold back the flood with an umbrella. Truly, the concept of self-care feels very out of reach to someone whose life revolves around caring for others. But as trite as it sounds, it is essential to work into your schedule if you're going to thrive as a mom and person.

How Not to Poop on the Delivery Table When Giving Birth

April 08, 2019 10:00 - 1 minute - 727 KB

You’ve heard all the rumors, and it’s true. Some moms poop while giving birth. I know you must be thinking, “That’s so gross,” but it’s totally normal and chances are you won’t even know it happened.