Moms are busy, it's a fact. Sometimes we don't get everything done that we want to but there are a select few things that should never be forgotten. This is a list I put together with solutions to help you remember!
1. Never forget your infant/toddler is in the car.
I can't tell you how many times my stomach turns when I hear about a parent leaving their child because their routine got interrupted and they accidentally left their child in the car, often with horrible consequences. A sleeping, rear facing baby in the car on a stressful busy day could easily turn into a situation but here is something you can do to prevent your distracting thoughts of work from carrying you away...
Always put your purse or wallet in the back seat when you load up your toddler or baby in the car. I know it sounds asinine to imply you'd remember your wallet or purse before remembering your child is in the car but it is a habit that can truly save your child's life.
2. Wash your infant/Toddlers hands.
Again, this is a no-brainer but our busy schedules can prevent us from getting those germy hands cleaned when needed. Here is my idea...
Make certain doorways ones that require hand washing. So if you walk through the front door, a bathroom door, or the kitchen entryway you wash hands...every time. This routine will be picked up rather fast by your toddler. Obviously, there are other situations and places where hands need washed so adapt to those situations too!
3. Brush your infant/toddler/child's teeth.
I added child to this one because it is recommended that parents brush their children's teeth up to age 7 or 8. Teeth health is very important and is definitely an easy thing to forget even when there is an established nighttime routine. Here is what I did to make sure I remembered...
I bought several nighttime books that talk about brushing teeth, that way if I haven't done by the time we read we can get up and do it. It has been the best thing to help me remember. Here are some titles that have teeth brushing in them: Time To Sleep Sheep The Sheep, The Selfish Crocodile, Curious George Good Night Book.
4. Don't run out of diapers or wipes.
I dislike heading out of the house only to realize I didn't grab the diaper bag. Thankfully most of my trips are short enough that I rarely have to change a diaper away from home but for the times I do need to, this is what I have done...
I keep size 4 disposable diapers in my car because they fit both of my toddlers and a package of sealed wipes. This has helped me immensely.
5. Follow the 5-2-1-0 Rule.
I'll throw this one in here even though it contains multiple recommendations. Basically offer your child 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, limit television time to 2 hours or less (none for children under 2), 1 hour of physical activity everyday, and 0 sugary beverages...
This isn't always easy but there are creative ways to blend veggies into meals undetected, getting them outside (even in a small backyard) can help prevent television viewing and increase physical activity, and simply providing milk and water as drinks instead of juice and pop will eliminate the sugary beverages.
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