6 must-have items to simplify your busy mum routine

Mothers tend to put their entire family before themselves. Coupled with an incredibly busy schedule and significant mental load, it can be easy to fall behind on (or completely skip) the things you want or need to do for yourself.

While it’s not possible to eliminate the hectic nature of motherhood completely, there are strategies you can employ and tools you can use to make things more manageable. That’s why we’ve put together this list of items that can transform your day-to-day experiences, streamline your routines, and make life more enjoyable. 

1. A life-proof water bottle

When you’re busy worrying about whether everyone else is hydrated, you’re probably not focusing on your own water consumption. Because of this, many mothers are going about their days dehydrated, and this can make you feel less than optimal. To help combat this, be sure to have a water bottle with you wherever you go.

It’ll serve as a handy reminder to drink more water, while also modelling healthy habits for your little ones. Choose an insulated bottle that is spill-proof and BPA-free. This way you’ll always have a nice cool (or warm if that’s your thing) drink easily available whenever you need it.

2. A time-saving kitchen tool kit

One of the biggest time drains that mothers face is preparing healthy meals for their family. Meal prepping can be a great help with this, so items such as insulated containers and meal prep containers with separators can be major time savers.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a slow cooker, as this will allow you to simply pop everything in and come back at dinner time. Other gadgets that can be helpful include bullet blenders with chopping attachments and vacuum sealers for keeping things fresh for longer.

3. A trusty organiser

When you’re trying to keep on top of everyone else’s schedules as well as your own, having a good planner is key. Digital calendars and planners are ideal for this as they can sync across multiple devices ensuring that you always have access to your schedule. Applications like this also allow you to tag events and see a quick overview, so you’ll always know who has to be where at any given time. 

Pro Tip: Ensure that you add time for yourself into your schedule. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to add me-time into your day.

4. A self-care pack

Speaking of me-time, one of the best things you can do—both for yourself and your family—is to set aside time for self-care so you can recharge and rejuvenate. Having a self-care pack ready to support you in this makes it easier to carve out time for yourself, so be sure to create a collection of items that bring you joy and help you relax.

This could be something as simple as your favorite book and a mug for a warm beverage, or as complex as a multi-step pampering skincare routine designed to be enjoyed after a nice long bubble bath, complete with candles and your favourite scent in a diffuser.

The point is to find things that help you create moments of tranquillity, and prioritize these small indulgences regularly. 

5. A versatile tote bag

You probably have a million and one things that you need to take with you everywhere, so it’s vital you’ve got a good tote bag to keep everything together. This helps ensure you won’t forget to take anything with you, or worse, lose anything while you’re out and about.

Bonus points here if your chosen bag has compartments for organizing essentials like snacks, your drink bottle and personal items.

If your tote doesn’t come with sections for this, we recommend getting a bag organizer to make your life easier.

6. Apps to help keep you on track

Finally, technology can be a great help in keeping on top of your routines. Wearable tech allows you to track many vital body metrics, and apps allow for personalized support at your fingertips.

Finch, for example, offers a free version and is perfect for tracking your self-care. There are also plenty of free workout apps that provide short, targeted training options, as well as meal planning apps and options that help you find fun activities for the family.

The possibilities are endless, especially if you have the budget for premium options, so if there are any areas where you feel you could do with a little extra support, don’t ignore your app store. 

Being a mother is a tough but rewarding job. These items will help simplify your busy routine, so you can spend more time with your family. Enjoy!