It’s never too early to start picking up tips from more experienced mummies. In fact, thinking ahead a little, it’s probably easier to take advice now so I can filter it before the emotions and sleep deprivation kick in.

This week I took part in a Twitter party hosted by Mumsnet Blog Network, using the hashtag #NewMumHacks. I picked up lots of hints and to make sure I still have them on hand when I actually need them, I’ve compiled my favourites in to a blog post. Hopefully you will find them useful too.

 

Preparing for your new arrival

 

Stock up on dry shampoo!

@RoseGMargrem @MumsnetBloggers stock up on food as well and dry shampoo) #NewMumHacks

— My Little L Blog (@MyLittleLBlog) February 24, 2016

 

Fill your freezer

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks cook in bulk prior to your due date. Freeze tonnes of meals, so at least if you’re dog tired, you can eat!

— suzie wilder (@suziejwong) February 24, 2016

As it happens I was planning to do this. I can’t stand ready meals but love the convenience of being able to defrost something tasty. Hubby and I are also starting to put together an organised list of meals we love to save us trawling the recipe books every time we do a food shop.

 

Fill your wine rack

@MumsnetBloggers make sure the wine rack is fully stocked at all times #NewMumHacks

— Fiona Gee (@gambofi) February 24, 2016

I have achieved this already. It’s full of all the fizz and wine I couldn’t drink over Christmas. Good job wine doesn’t go off!

 

Don’t scrimp on items that will be used a lot

@MumsnetBloggers spend as much as you can afford on a pushchair. We went cheap for a twin pushchair – regretted it. #NewMumHacks

— Fiona Gee (@gambofi) February 24, 2016

I don’t want to be taking the wheels off to get my pram in the car, so I’d add; make sure it folds easily and fits in to your boot. And for tall mums, make sure the handle is high enough for you to push comfortably. Take it for a test drive before you buy if you can (or at least push it round the shop) and make sure your feet don’t kick the wheels.

 

Get used to your kit

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks practice folding and unfolding buggy before the first trip out. We had to be saved by another mum!

— Hannah (@Hannytravels) February 24, 2016

I can see why this is a good idea. Too many times I’ve been stuck like a lemon at the petrol pump trying to work out how to close the petrol cap on a new car – it’s the same principle right?

 

Adapting to the changes

 

Accept the mess 

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks things are going to be messy at first don’t stress about it! 🙂

— Jess Lambert (@JessLambert96) February 24, 2016

Living with the hubby is already preparing me for mess!

 

Preparation is key

@MumsnetBloggers if you are going out the next day pack everything the night before that way the mornings are less stressful #NewMumHacks

— Hannah Smith (@littlemisshan87) February 24, 2016

I love to think I’ll do this, but even now the urge to just get in to bed can make me tempted not to clean my teeth (although I always do) so we’ll see.

 

Keep yourself presentable 

@MumsnetBloggers wear a thin bathrobe over ur clothes until time to go to avoid getting spit up, baby food, etc! on you clothes #NewMumHacks

— Sammy (@Luckysammyg) February 24, 2016

 

You will make mummy friends

@MumsnetTowers @MumsnetBloggers dont push yourself to make mummy friends, you will have them when time is right #NewMumHacks

— My Little L Blog (@MyLittleLBlog) February 24, 2016

 

Shop online

@MumsnetBloggers Online grocery shops are your new best friend! Keep a shopping list next to computer. #NewMumHacks

— Sammy (@Luckysammyg) February 24, 2016

We already do this. Standing in the queue at the supermarket is bad enough without a child.

 

Block out the sound 

@MumsnetBloggers Buy some ear plugs so you get some rest #NewMumHacks lol

— §♥Hayley♥§ (@HLmulgrove) February 24, 2016

 

Relax and enjoy

@MumsnetTowers @MumsnetBloggers dont be scared or frightened go with the flow and enjoy becoming a parent i did #newmumhacks

— shaun james smith (@shaunsmithy2015) February 24, 2016

I really hope I can manage this.

 

Caring for your baby

 

Remember what’s important

@MumsnetBloggers Keep one end clean and the other end fed, everything else along the way will be a learning curve #NewMumHacks

— Vicki (@LoopyLouVix) February 24, 2016

The author of this tweet added later that lots of cuddles were also essential. I like the sense of practicality and not setting yourself up to fail.

 

You may not stick to your plans

@MumsnetBloggers ideals are fine, but not always doable. I said I would never let my children watch TV #NewMumHacks pic.twitter.com/6pnaPP19X3

— Vicki (@LoopyLouVix) February 24, 2016

 

Mummy time 

@MumsnetBloggers a door bouncer is great for when you want a shower! Simply clip it to the bathroom door! #NewMumHacks

— jodi hill (@jhill1105) February 24, 2016

To think I almost turned down the offer of a door bouncer thinking that a jumparoo would provide for all my baby’s bouncing needs. Should I be concerned about baby banging its head on the door frame?

 

Sofa zone 

#NewMumHacks @mumsnetbloggers @Philips_AVENT Tip:Create ‘easy reach’ sofa area (u’ll be here LOADS) water, charger, snacks, muslins & remote

— Maggie (@ImMagicalMaggie) February 24, 2016

I can see this becoming an excuse to invest in a pretty tray or box as part of baby preparations.

 

Dealing with nappy rash

@MumsnetBloggers Bicarbonate of soda in a bath helps soothe nappy rash #NewMumHacks

— lisa marie smith (@lisas1111) February 24, 2016

 

Dealing with colds 

@MumsnetBloggers Put folded towels under the cot mattress to keep baby’s head raised – helps when they get all bunged up 😤 #NewMumHacks

— Alexia (@Kitty_Kat41) February 24, 2016

One of my friends was advised to try this and reported that it helped her little one. Just hope I remember.

 

Accepting help

 

Now’s not the time for pride

@MumsnetBloggers Don’t be too proud to accept help #NewMumHacks

— Gemma (@twirlyswirl79) February 24, 2016

 

Trust yourself 

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks listen to your instincts, instead of everyone else!

— jodi hill (@jhill1105) February 24, 2016

 

If you are breast feeding

 

Involve Daddy too 

@MumsnetBloggers If your breastfeeding express some extra milk bottle & Refrigerate so Dad can do a feed and give you a break #NewMumHacks

— Traci Harman (@savvy69er) February 24, 2016

 

Eat productively

@MumsnetBloggers if you are planning to breastfeed, stock up on oatmeal porridge, helps with supply #NewMumHacks

— My Little L Blog (@MyLittleLBlog) February 24, 2016

 

Try anything! 

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks cabbage leaves down your bra helps relieve painful boobs

— lisa marie smith (@lisas1111) February 24, 2016

This was my favourite tweet. Apparently it’s known advice and the leaves are even more effective if used straight from the fridge. When the time comes I promise to try it and report back!

 

Practical hacks

 

Have essentials to hand 

@MumsnetBloggers pop a command hook on the back of a highchair it makes a perfect place to hang bibs so they are always to hand #NewMumHacks

— Tantrums To Smiles (@Tantrums2Smiles) February 24, 2016

 

Contain the mess 

@MumsnetBloggers buy ‘envelope’ vests, if there’s been a messy nappy nothing worse than trying to get it off over their head! #NewMumHacks

— Kirsty Kovacs (@mummabear99) February 24, 2016

 

Nappy sacks have lots of uses 

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks always carry nappy sacks! There useful for absolutely everything, dirty nappies, dirty clothes everything!💙

— Hannah Smith (@littlemisshan87) February 24, 2016

 

Think ahead 

Don’t get rid of old outgrown clothing to quick, it may not fit great but is perfect for future art 😀 #NewMumHacks pic.twitter.com/HmVa85A5iH

— Cassandra M Mayers (@MayersCassie) February 24, 2016

 

 Mud covers 

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks cheap shower caps make great pram wheel covers if they are muddy & baby is still sleeping, saves moving them.

— Mum of 5 Stay Sane (@Mumof5StaySane) February 24, 2016

 

Hygienic bathtime  

@MumsnetBloggers use a hot glue gun on rubber ducks to plug the hole they still float but won’t get mouldy #newmumhacks

— Kerryann (@kazo_86) February 24, 2016

Wish I’d heard of this before, it would have saved me lots of cleaning time.

 

And most importantly

 

Don’t take tea for granted

#NewMumHacks @mumsnetbloggers @Philips_AVENT TIP: you can reheat a cup of tea in the microwave! I never knew this before having kids!

— Maggie (@ImMagicalMaggie) February 24, 2016

@MumsnetBloggers #NewMumHacks start using an insulated mug to keep your tea/coffee hotter for longer. You may just get to finish it then ☕☕

— Lisa Mauchline (@lisa_mauchline) February 24, 2016

@tall_mum @MumsnetBloggers you also need to remember you made a cup of tea. The amount of times I’ve forgotten and its gone cold. good luck

— Lisa Mauchline (@lisa_mauchline) February 24, 2016

 

At this point there’s no way of knowing which of these tips I will come to rely on but right now, I’m off to enjoy a hot cup of tea while I still can – decaf of course!

What are your #NewMumHacks? Share the wealth in the comments below.