5 Time-Saving Tips for Getting Littles Out the Door
(From a First-Time Mama Who’s Also a Publicist)
While my little guy isn’t in school yet, this time of year always feels like a big shift, whether your kid is entering Pre-K or just tagging along to Grandma’s house a few days a week. As a first-time mom, I’ve learned quickly that it pays to be just a little over-prepared. Before becoming a mom, I spent years planning events and managing last-minute chaos for clients as a publicist. Now, that experience helps me handle a much more unpredictable (and adorable) client, my toddler.
Much like prepping for a launch event or press day, getting out the door with a small child requires strategy, timing, and a good bag. I treat our day-to-day like I would any professional production: What needs to be packed? What are the backup options? What can go wrong and how can I be two steps ahead of it?
Below are my go-to time-saving strategies that help me keep mornings moving, avoid toddler meltdowns (mine or his), and make space to actually enjoy the day. Whether you’re packing up for daycare drop-off, heading to work, or trying to squeeze in an errand with a clingy little one in tow, these tips will hopefully help you start the school year feeling more prepared and less frazzled.
Get (and Stay) Organized
One of the simplest but most effective things I’ve done is using zipper pouches to organize everything. Think of it like your own mini filing system, but for snacks, diapers, and sunscreen. I’ve designated pouches for extra clothes, snacks, diapers + wipes, and one just for sunblock.
Baggu makes fun, cheerful designs that I actually enjoy pulling out of my bag. You can also find affordable sets on Amazon, or repurpose cosmetic bags you already have. What’s great is that these pouches can be transferred between my diaper bag, my work tote, a beach bag, or even tossed in the car. That means no more scrambling to find the wipes while your toddler is loudly announcing they’re “all done” in the backseat. It’s especially helpful when we’re on the go and I only have one hand (or less!) free.
This pouch system is also great for kiddos that have after school activities. You can designate a pouch for gymnastics and dance leotards and soccer clothes and socks or even let the big kids pick out their own pouch to transport items between school and activities.
Pro Tip: I also keep a “mini meds” pouch with infant Tylenol, nail clippers, band-aids, and an emergency lollipop. You just never know.
Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks
This might be the most universal parenting truth: snacks are everything. They can buy you five extra minutes in the car, hold off a meltdown at the grocery store, or keep your child occupied while you answer an email.
This summer I discovered “tackle box” style containers at Target, small plastic organizers with divided sections and they’ve been a game changer. I fill them with dry snacks like cheddar bunnies, puffs, fruit leathers, and pretzel sticks. Something about the variety, the tiny compartments, and the fact that my son can hold it himself makes this a total win. These snack boxes are especially helpful if you’ve got a little one hanging out on the sidelines while their older sibling is at practice or an after-school activity. It keeps them entertained and fed, which feels like a double victory.
For younger toddlers or babies, bento-style silicone containers also work well. I like to fill them the night before and keep them in the fridge to grab-and-go.
Establish a Morning + Nighttime Routine (That Works for You)
Let’s be real, routines in toddler life aren’t perfect, but I’ve found that sticking to a loose morning and nighttime rhythm really helps my son know what to expect, and makes transitions easier (for everyone).
In the mornings, we keep things simple: wake-up, breakfast, change/get dressed, brush teeth, shoes on. It’s predictable, and he knows what’s coming next. If we skip breakfast or try to rush through too many things at once, it throws the whole day off.
Evening routines have also become sacred in our house. Bath, Pj’s, books, bedtime. That little bit of structure sets the tone for more restful nights and calmer mornings.
One thing that’s been a game changer for me personally: carving out 10–15 minutes in the morning and again at night to do my own routine alone. Whether that’s making coffee in silence, doing skincare, or simply scrolling TikTok in peace, it helps me start and end the day with a little intention. If you have a partner, talk about how you can each get a few minutes of solo time built into the day. When we each feel human, we show up as better parents.
Shop Smarter (and in Advance!)
Once I learned how fast kids grow (and how messy they are), I started taking full advantage of end-of-season sales. Gap, H&M, Old Navy, and Zara are my go-to spots for quality basics that don’t break the bank. I usually keep a digital shopping cart going and wait for a sale or promo code to click purchase.
My rule: I only buy things I know will transition into the next season or size. Think sweatshirts a size up, layering leggings, jackets for cooler weather, and versatile shoes. It also helps to have a small “stash” of back-up clothes in the car or your everyday bag, especially if your child is newly potty trained, or just prone to messy adventures. Bonus tip: Label everything with name stickers or a laundry-safe pen if your child is going to daycare or school. You’d be surprised how many kids have the exact same sneakers.
Keep Things Clean (Without the Hassle)
When my son started walking, I was thrilled until I realized just how fast his shoes (and everything else) would get dirty. His white Converse? Covered in dirt within the first 10 minutes of wear. I didn’t want to waste time scrubbing every pair of shoes or constantly replacing them, so I found a better solution: Propr’s Cleaning Mitts.
They’re non-toxic, disposable mitts designed to clean sneakers, bags, and accessories without any mess. I use them to wipe down his Crocs, Converse, even the soles of his sandals after the park. They help keep everything looking like-new, even when it’s definitely not.
My other favorite use: cleaning around his car seat. Between snack crumbs, sand from the playground, and whatever mystery stickiness shows up, it’s so satisfying to do a quick wipe-down without needing a full detailing. They’re also great for backpacks, lunchboxes, and my own shoes. (Yes, even moms need to keep their white sneakers white!)
Bonus Tip: Leave Margin in the Morning: This is less of a product or strategy, and more of a mindset shift. Try giving yourself just 10 extra minutes in the morning to breathe. Not rush. Not scroll. Not pack lunches. Just breathe.
The biggest stressors during back-to-school season often come from feeling like we’re racing against the clock. But if you can build in a buffer, even if it means waking up slightly earlier or simplifying the routine, it can make the entire morning feel less chaotic.
