Now that I’ve officially crossed the one-year mark as a mom, I finally feel qualified to share some thoughts on this incredible journey. That first year was all about finding my footing in this new world I was now in. I had to figure out how to embrace my new identity as “mommy” while still holding on to the parts of myself I loved before becoming a mom. And let me tell you, that process takes time.
If you’re in the thick of that first year, I want to encourage you to give yourself grace. Learning to balance your new life with the person you used to be is no small feat. Yes, you’ll change—but I promise, it’s for the better. Which brings me to today. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been jotting down tips, tricks, and little hacks that have worked for me and made motherhood feel a bit more manageable.
If I had to sum up the early months of motherhood in one word, it would be whirlwind. There were chaotic moments, yes, but there were also peaceful, beautiful ones too. “Whirlwind” feels like the perfect way to describe that season of my life. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how much becoming a mom would shift my life, my routines, and my habits.
If you’re a mom or mom-to-be, you’ve probably heard others say those first few weeks are a blur—and they’re absolutely right. But once the haze started to clear, I found myself leaning into new habits, routines, and hacks that made navigating this new normal so much easier.
Ready to dive in?
I’ll preface this by saying these aren’t revolutionary tips or earth-shattering hacks. But they did help me feel more put-together and efficient during those early months—and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
Style Hacks for New Moms
When I became a new mom, one of my top priorities was to hold onto my sense of style. Sure, my outfit choices had to adapt, but I still wanted to feel put-together and confident. Here are some of my go-to fashion hacks that I’ve incorporated into my routine—and still rely on today.
Neutrals are the move.
I know neutrals aren’t the most exciting choice, but they were a lifesaver in those early days. Black, white, and shades of nude, beige, and brown became my best friends for hiding all kinds of stuff. As Gisele’s gotten older, the food stains have gotten more colorful and creative, so I’ve been reaching for black pieces even more often. They help me feel polished and ready to tackle the day—even if I’m secretly covering up a big food stain.
Create a capsule wardrobe.
This is a game-changer for anyone but moms will really benefit from it. When you’re juggling getting yourself and a toddler ready in the morning, a capsule wardrobe is a lifesaver. A few versatile pieces make pulling together an outfit effortless. For quick inspo: grab a light and dark wash of your favorite denim, a few basic tops (tank tops, tees, or long sleeves), a pair of sneakers, chic loafers, a lounge pant, a good pair of slacks, and a blazer. Voilà—an easy, go-to wardrobe for casual, on-the-go days. I’ll be sharing a more detailed post on this soon!
Invest in belt bags (aka waist purses).
These have been a total game-changer for me, especially when I’m out shopping with Gisele. Toddlers are a handful (understatement of the year!), and the last thing I want to worry about is my purse sitting unattended in the cart. A belt bag keeps everything—phone, credit cards, keys—secure and within reach. Plus, they’re stylish and come in so many colors to match any outfit.
Springback earrings + studs.
Whenever I would wear my gold hoop earrings, people would always ask, “Aren’t you afraid she’ll rip them out?” My answer: not at all. I used springback earrings that would pop off safely when tugged. Gisele used to grab at them all the time, but thanks to these, my earlobes remained intact . Now that we’re past the grabbing phase (for the most part), I still love this little hack—it allowed me to keep wearing my jewelry without worry.
Keep press-ons handy.
I’ve been a fan of press-ons long before they became trendy. I love switching up my nail look, and press-ons make it so easy to do that without spending hours at the salon. As a mom, they’ve been a lifesaver—20 minutes, and I have a fresh mani that makes me feel polished and put-together. There are so many beautiful styles available for under $10. Here is one of the brands I always turn to.
Master the five-step face.
This beauty hack has been a staple for me since my days working at Estée Lauder. It’s all about creating a quick, polished makeup look in five minutes or less—perfect for busy moms. I’ve fine-tuned this skill over the years, and it’s my secret weapon for looking fresh and put-together even when I’m short on time. Keep an eye on my Instagram—I’ll be sharing a Reel soon to show you exactly how to master it!
Efficiency Hacks for New Moms
Create a “Brain Dump” list on your phone.
Label one of your phone lists “Brain Dump” and use it as a catch-all for every thought or idea that pops into your head. Since I try to minimize phone use in bed, I keep a small notebook on my nightstand to jot things down before I sleep. The next day, I transfer everything from the notebook to my Brain Dump list so I’m not juggling a million lists scattered everywhere.
Invest in a label maker.
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that efficiency is everything, and clutter is the enemy. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been on a mission to declutter and streamline our home. My secret weapon? A label maker. I’ve labeled everything (okay, maybe not everything, but close!). Think Khloé Kardashian’s pantry goals—IYKYK. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping things organized and easy to find.
Park near the cart corrals.
When grocery shopping, always aim for a parking spot close to the cart return. It makes loading your baby and groceries into the car so much easier, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. On rainy days, I’ve been so thankful to park just a few steps from the corral—no extra stress, just a quick dash to get her inside the car safely before getting completely drenched in rain.
Try online grocery shopping.
If you don’t need to pick out your groceries in person, opt for online grocery shopping. My personal favorite app for placing grocery orders is Instacart. Placing an order during naptime feels like a double win—productive and efficient. Grocery check? Nap check? It’s honestly one of my simple pleasures these days.
Make friends with a smartwatch.
I used to think I’d never own a smartwatch, but when my husband gifted me one a few years ago, I was hooked. Now, as a mom, it’s been a total game-changer. My hands are often full, but with a quick tap on my watch, I can send a text, set a reminder, or add something to my to-do list. It’s helped me dump all of my ideas on that brain dump list I was telling you about (haha!)
Start your day with a soapy sink.
Before making breakfast, fill your kitchen sink with warm, soapy water. It’s an easy way to stay on top of dishes, bottles, bibs, and anything else that needs cleaning first thing in the morning. This small habit keeps my kitchen running smoothly throughout the day and prevents dishes from piling up into an overwhelming mess by bedtime.
Use baby tracking apps for sleep and feeding schedules.
Before becoming a mom, I was amazed at how other moms got their little ones on schedules. Once I had Gisele, I discovered the secret: baby tracking apps. I downloaded one the week after she was born, and it was a lifesaver. By logging her naps, diaper changes, and feedings, I started noticing patterns. When she got fussy, I’d check the app and realize it was time for her next bottle or nap. Over time, these patterns became a schedule we could follow, and it made life so much easier. I used the app until she was about 15 months old—by then, I stopped tracking bottles and diapers but still monitored her naps and sleep times. Now, she’s on an amazing schedule, and I owe it all to that app. (Here’s the one I used—it even allows you and your partner to share logs!)
Budget Hacks for New Moms
Sign up for a Sam’s Club or Costco membership.
I know it might seem odd to pay for the privilege of shopping at a store, but trust me, you’ll make that money back in no time. We signed up for a basic Sam’s Club membership years ago (around $45/year at the time), but when Gisele came along, we upgraded to the Plus plan. The main reason? Free pickups with no minimum order. That means if I’m out running errands and Gisele falls asleep in the car, I can place an order for milk and pick it up without ever leaving my car. It’s been a lifesaver more times than I can count!
Check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
If this program is available in your area, sign up—it’s a gem! Your child can receive one free book every month, and it’s been such a joy in our home. We’ve already built a small library of books Gisele loves, and nothing melts my heart more than hearing her run to her room saying, “Book, book!” when she wants me to read to her. You can learn more and see if it’s offered in your area, here.
Consider buying second-hand clothes.
Don’t get me wrong—there were certain “firsts” where I wanted everything brand new, like Gisele’s Easter dress or her first Christmas outfit. But for everyday clothes? Second-hand has been a game-changer. Babies grow so fast, and gently-used clothes are often just as good as new. Stores like Once Upon a Child even offer buy-back options where you can earn store credit or cash for items you bring in. I have an ongoing tab there, and it’s saved me so much money over the past year.
Skip the extras.
This one was tough for me as a first-time mom because I wasn’t sure what I truly needed versus what everyone said I needed. It wasn’t until I was in the thick of motherhood that I realized a lot of those “must-haves” were more about convenience than necessity. Sure, some extras were helpful, but many weren’t worth the money. I’m so glad I figured this out early on—it saved me from countless late-night Amazon purchases that could’ve added up to hundreds of dollars.
As I mentioned, these tips aren’t groundbreaking, but they’re things I’ve learned since becoming a mom. It can be overwhelming to cut through the noise and figure out what works best for you, so I hope some of these ideas resonate. At the end of the day, do what makes your mama heart happy! We’re all out here doing our best—sharing tips just makes the journey a little easier.
I’d love to hear the tips and hacks you’ve picked up along the way! Drop them in the comments—especially if you have any advice for navigating the wild world of toddlers. Let’s swap some advice, mama!
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