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Corral cute socks

When washing my baby’s teeny tiny baby socks, I put them all in a lingerie bag that zips closed. That way they don’t get lost in the washer or inside any of the other clothes. Less time looking for socks means more time with baby! —Jennifer Suggs, Lombard, Ill.

Walk for two

Get outside and take walks with your baby in a carrier or sling. This put my son right to sleep, gave us both a healthy dose of fresh air and ensured that I got my daily exercise— with no need for a sitter or special scheduling. —Marian Daggett, York, Pa.

Soothe with sound

When I had trouble getting my son to sleep, I would place my breast pump close to his bed and turn it on. The swooshing noises made him fall asleep almost instantly. —Kim Empfield, N. Versailles, Pa.

Since my girls were babies, I have narrated everything we do with singing so they can remember it easily and find it familiar when we do a task, like changing diapers, taking a bath or trying a new food! It gets them in a positive mood every time! —Carol Chao, Bronxville, N.Y.

Don’t miss the photo op

Set up photo shoots with your baby! Take a shower, get dressed and put on some makeup. Then set the camera’s shutter on self-timer mode and be in pictures with your newborn. Or just dress him up, then prop him up on pillows and cute blankets. It’s an excuse to play dress-up with your baby and a fun way to pass the time. Surprise your hubby with a framed picture of the two of you for him to take to work! —Kathleen Brown, Lehi, Utah

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