17 women on the tips and tricks that helped them most with a toddler.

Have you ever had a really tough boss? Maybe you executed a task perfectly, only to have them, I don’t know, say, burst into hysterical tears and reprimand you for using the green cup instead of the purple cup?

No? Just my boss then?

If you’re about to send me a link to the Fair Work website, unfortunately, I don’t think I’d have a very strong case. Because I am, of course, talking about toddlers — those small but mighty creatures that rule your house with a tiny iron fist.

One day, quite suddenly, you look down at your sweet little gurgling baby and find that they’ve up and left. And in their place stands a very cute, very outspoken little prankster who apparently remembers when you said a 'bad word' on the drive to daycare and now uses it liberally. 

I don’t know about yours, but in our house, mornings are a circus. I can barely remember to brush my own hair, let alone my toddler’s. One thing that always simplifies things is a cupboard stocked with Bellamy’s Organic products. 

They’ve got you covered with everything from toddler milk drink to cereals and pouches for on-the-go. And for weekends when we’re off adventuring, they’ve got pastas you can easily transport in tupperware and grab-and-go fruit snacks that hit those essential nutritional goals while being certified organic and free from artificial preservatives, colours, flavours and GMO ingredients.  

Bellamy Organic’s have been in the game for 20 years as experts in toddler nutrition, and I’m a fan of anything that can take away some of the mental load of toddler-feeding.

Speaking of the toddler-parent mental load, we’ve got a list of hacks that are tried and tested by those in the thick of it. Excuse me while I take notes. 

"Pick your battles — if it’s not going to hurt anyone, it’s just not worth the argument. Let them wear their tutu to daycare every day if it means a smoother morning." — Eva

"For better sleep: never rush them during a bedtime routine to prevent meltdowns. Brush teeth after dinner, not in a rush right before bed! When it comes to sleep, warmth is key even for toddlers. Keep them cosy, and they won’t wake as much." — Ainsley

"Everyone knows that getting toddlers to sit and eat is usually a full negotiation… but if I can turn it into a picnic or a tea party there’s never hesitation to participate (and eat!)." — Casey

Image: Supplied. 

"Set up a craft station at home with watercolour pencils and toddler-friendly markers, colouring books and paper. Keeps them busy when you don’t want to use the screen, especially on rainy days." — Marnie

"If they’re having a meltdown, listen to them and make them feel heard. Get down to their eye level. Instead of repeating over and over 'Get your shoes on,' get on their level, look them in the eyes and ask what you need them to do. Works a treat!" — Eva

"For chronic illness mums — playing sleeping lions, or anything that gets you a lie down while they can run around. You can also give them little tasks like, 'Can you find something blue in the house and bring it to me?'" — Janna

"I set up a motorway on the floorboard with masking tape for my little one to play cars with; keeps him entertained for at least 20 minutes." — Jill

"I find using their favourite soft toys to give them instructions when they don’t want to listen to you telling them what to do. Give them little voices and get them to say, 'It’s time for bed, let’s get our PJs on.'" — Bonnie

Image: Supplied. 

"As a toddler, my kid was a really restless sleeper and she always had trouble going to sleep. I created this essential oil roll-on to put on her wrists each night, and it worked like magic. In fact, we still use it today (she’s now nine) and we call it her magic sleep potion." — Fleur

"Get them outside as much as possible; a cooped-up child has more tantrums, especially when they spend too much time in front of the telly." — Kate

"We were having trouble with tantrums when it was time to get dressed each morning, so we made it into a race. I now make a big show of starting my stopwatch and cheering her on." — Jenni

"I’ve just started doing this workout class that has a crèche. It’s the best thing ever. My toddler loves it. I can’t even get her out after the class finishes!" — Joanna

"Okay, these are my mealtime hacks:

• If they’re not eating dinner, split everything on the plate in half and say, 'Choose which pile to eat.'
• Have a random assortment of veggies on the dinner table (on a separate plate) and don’t say anything about them. It always makes them want them. And when they do, say, 'Ohhhhh, okay, I guess you can have one of the carrots then.'
• I’ve had a lot of success with platter-style meals that have zero pressure to eat. I do this for lunches on weekends." 

— Liz

Image: Supplied. 

"Toddlers don’t understand the concept of time, so don’t rush them. Plan ahead if you need to leave and get them ready slowly and ahead of time to prevent meltdowns." — Liz

"It can be a bit annoying when you’re trying to get things done, but I find letting them help me with the housework is a great activity for everyone, as long as you let go of timeframes and just make it fun. They love feeling useful and helpful, and it teaches them life skills." — Julia 

"I think my biggest hack is taking some time out for myself each week, I’m a much better parent for it. Also, try not to be the one to break a cuddle! I try and let them break the cuddle first when they are ready!" — Shreen

"A well-fed child has fewer meltdowns. Focus on protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then you’ll need minimal snacks in between." — Hayley

Shop Bellamy's Organic for easy and nutritious food solutions for your toddler.  

Suitable for children 12 months and older. Always read the label and follow directions for use. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.