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Caffeine Fix
Let’s be real; toddlers are like little daredevils. I once took my eyes off my baby for a second, only to find my 2-year-old racing toward a busy street. Start your day with a chai latte and then fuel up with about ten sweet teas to keep up with those tiny tornadoes!
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Outlet Safety Plugs
If you do nothing else, make sure those perilous electrical sockets are covered. Babies and toddlers are curious creatures, and they’ll stick their fingers in just about anything—be sure to eliminate that risk.
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Internet Access
Being home alone can feel isolating. Keep connected! Share snapshots of your adorable little one on social media so fellow moms know you’re still in the land of the living.
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Improv Toy-Making Skills
Got a rambunctious kid? Grab some construction paper, tape, and a cardboard box to create an impromptu playhouse. Sure, it might only entertain them for 15 minutes, but that’s a golden quarter of an hour when you need it!
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A Wise Mom Friend
Every new mom needs a seasoned friend to text at all hours. You’ll find yourself asking questions like, “Is it normal for my baby’s poop to look like this?” or “How much dog hair is too much for a baby to ingest?”
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Deodorant in the Car
Because when your little one is rummaging through the trash while you’re getting ready, you might forget to apply it. I manage to remember about 65% of the time—so a backup in the car is a lifesaver!
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Time Management Skills
Set the oven timer a couple of minutes earlier than needed. When you’ve got a crying baby or a toddler creating chaos, you won’t be able to dash to the kitchen on a dime.
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Freezer Meals
You’ll have those moments of realization: “Oh no! It’s dinner time, and I forgot to thaw anything!” Always have a few meals ready to go for nights like these.
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Comfortable Bras
Forget fancy nursing bras. In the early days, when you feel like you’re carrying around boulders, opt for comfy cotton and spandex. You’ll be living in those oversized tees anyway!
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A Go-To Parenting Mantra
You’ll find yourself bombarded with questions about your parenting style—be it attachment parenting or co-sleeping. Have a snappy response ready, even if it’s just to keep the peace.
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A Sense of Humor
Embrace the chaos! You might’ve once been a trivia whiz, but now you’re talking to birds as if they’re your best friends. Just roll with it; it’s all part of the mom life.
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DIY Skills
When my partner was away, I had to assemble an entire wooden play kitchen by myself. Let me tell you, it was a true test of patience!
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A Battery Stash
Spend a few minutes organizing a drawer full of every battery size imaginable, along with various screwdrivers. You never want to be caught without power when the sound machine stops working at bedtime.
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Baby Wipes Galore
These aren’t just for diaper changes. They’re handy for cleaning up all sorts of messes, from spilled milk to that mysterious moldy juice lurking in the fridge.
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A “Mind Shank”
You didn’t see that coming, did you? Keep this metaphorical tool handy for dealing with judgmental remarks from well-meaning strangers. Just remember—keep it away from the baby!