ADVERTISEMENT

Winter parenting is a unique form of survival. The idealized vision of snow angels and cozy movie nights is quickly replaced by the stark reality of being held hostage by tiny, perpetually sticky dictators with cabin fever.

It's a relentless season of wrestling kids into 18 layers of clothing just to go outside for six minutes, a constant battle against the daycare petri dish of germs, and hearing the phrase "I'm bored" on a soul-crushing loop. Before you start looking up the legal definition of "hibernating until April," take a breath and check out these genius products that serve as the ultimate parenting hacks to help you weather the storm.

#1

The Constant Whining About Frozen Fingers Will Officially Be Replaced By Blissful Silence With These Rechargeable Hand Warmers

The Constant Whining About Frozen Fingers Will Officially Be Replaced By Blissful Silence With These Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Review: "Very cute and convenient they heat up so fast and they keep my hands nice and warm! I have lupus which cause’s raynauds and my finger tips go numb this helps me not have numb tips! I love that they magnetize together so they can just fit in one pocket or I can share one with someone else! They are the perfect size!" - Shanese Hamilton

amazon.com , marybell Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Roast Marshmallows To Perfection And Enjoy S'mores With Ease, While Keeping Little Hands Safe From The Flames, With The Extendible S'mores Sticks

    Colorful marshmallow roasting forks and a fire pit with marshmallows being toasted, family-friendly fall parenting hacks ideas

    Review: "We love how convenient they are! The size, the little pouch and the way the turn while roasting the marshmallow is fun! Highly recommend!" - Michele Weaver

    amazon.com , Crystal Harpham Report

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We've had these in our family for years. Long sticks work just as well

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #3

    Send In The Warm, Cuddly Backup For Tummy Aches And Bedtime Chills In The Form Of This Axolotl Microwavable Heating Pad

     Send In The Warm, Cuddly Backup For Tummy Aches And Bedtime Chills In The Form Of This Axolotl Microwavable Heating Pad

    Review: "As big as my forearm! My 10 year old is obsessed with his cute face. Much better of a start to womanhood than a heating pad!" - Cherie

    amazon.com , Cherie Report

    Savannah greenleaf
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the last thing I would have wanted as a 10 year old would be stufed menstrual mascot.

    #4

    The Annual Tradition Of Greasing Up Your Sick Child Like A Thanksgiving Turkey Is Officially Over Thanks To Wearable Mess-Free Vicks Aroma Patch

     The Annual Tradition Of Greasing Up Your Sick Child Like A Thanksgiving Turkey Is Officially Over Thanks To Wearable Mess-Free Vicks Aroma Patch

    Review: "I love these, they are so great for kids that hate having any type of ointment or lotion on them. I find it hard to place them on my kids shirt because they take it off. So I place it near their pillow at night and it really makes those sick nights a bit better." - Jaqui

    amazon.com , Heather Brown Report

    Gareth
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There have been several studies all concluded that Vicks does nothing except smell of menthol.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    The Fastest Way To Tire Out A Child With A Severe Case Of The Snow Day Zoomies Involves A Plastic Toboggan Snow Sled

     The Fastest Way To Tire Out A Child With A Severe Case Of The Snow Day Zoomies Involves A Plastic Toboggan Snow Sled

    Review: "Just like the one I grew up with 20 years ago. Don't fix what ain't broke. At one point we were able to fit myself, my niece, and my baby all on the sled at once - but barely and we are all small. It didn't break." - Kelly

    amazon.com , Kelly Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    The Seemingly Endless Negotiation Over "Five More Minutes" Of Screen Time Will Finally Have A Definitive Ending With This 60 Minute Countdown Timer

     The Seemingly Endless Negotiation Over "Five More Minutes" Of Screen Time Will Finally Have A Definitive Ending With This 60 Minute Countdown Timer

    Review: "We wanted to get a timer for our toddler so he can have a better idea about how to tell when a certain time is up before we move onto a new activity. I picked this one because it’s colorful and fun and it’s sturdy (for when my toddler decides to hold/drop it). The missing star is because I wish it didn’t have the cloud right where the rainbow is (it’s hard to tell cloud vs time done when it’s a short tine) and because the sound is pretty shrill and my toddler doesn’t like it (so it has to stay on silent, but it has lights that go off instead of a sound). Besides that, we love it." - Annie

    amazon.com , Annie Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Child playing inside a decorated cardboard castle, showcasing creative parenting hacks for an easy and fun fall season.

    Review: "My kiddos love this. I have an 8,5, and 1.5 year old. All three love coloring, playing in, and exploring this box. Definitely worth the price!" - Rachel Pollard

    amazon.com , Rachel Pollard Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We get one of these for the kids every Xmas. It's great because lots of them can all be coloring at once. And it's something to do while they're waiting to open gifts or before dinner, etc. Plus they can play in it too. There are lots of different versions so we've never had to repeat one yet.

    Digital alarm clock with warm light on a bedside table next to a cup, illustrating parenting hacks for fall mornings.

    Review: "It has a lot of buttons, however it is very simple to use. Setting and editing alarms is very easy with the alarm buttons. The Big snooze knob also works as a night light which makes it easy to use. Overall it takes a few minutes to learn, but well worth the price." - Connor Gambos

    amazon.com , KatieM Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The winter parenting playbook is written in equal parts desperation and genius. One minute you're negotiating with a toddler over the structural integrity of a blanket fort, the next you're trying to discreetly take their temperature without waking them. Ready to stock up on more sanity-savers?

    #9

    Prevent Their Poor Little Nose From Looking Like It's Auditioning To Guide Santa's Sleigh With Some Unscented Boogie Wipes

     Prevent Their Poor Little Nose From Looking Like It's Auditioning To Guide Santa's Sleigh With Some Unscented Boogie Wipes

    Review: "Until I had kids I wiped my nose with toilet paper and Kleenex. And then my children got sick and their little noses couldn't handle the harsh paper on their delicate skin. I was GIFTED my first package of boogie wipes and it's been eye opening! Let me tell you that you yourself will not want to go back wiping your precious delicate nose with anything else. These saline wipes are GENTLE and WET. They do not hurt. They are soothing. I combine them with the Boogie nose gel because chap stick and neosporin aren't healing my crusty nose after catching this nasty cold. Game changer. ADD TO CART!" - Lauren Price

    amazon.com , Lauren Price Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Person holding a yellow leaf collector filled with dry leaves, demonstrating parenting hacks for fall cleanup tasks outdoors.

    Review: "They are great and sturdy for picking up leaves and grass." - paul

    amazon.com Report

    Gizmo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would probably work great when I'm trying to pick up the thorny clippings from my bougainvillea and rose bushes.

    Child in a pink raincoat holding a colorful polka dot umbrella on a sidewalk, illustrating parenting hacks for fall.

    Review: "I was a little hesitant about purchasing this for my 4 year old after reading some reviews but I am so glad I decided to purchase! My daughter is able to open and close it on her own, it’s super sturdy and super cute! We always get compliments on it!" - Karina

    amazon.com , Karina Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember having one of these in the 70s.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    Keep Your Little Ones' Locks Soft, Silky, And Static-Free This Winter With The So Cozy Leave In Conditioner Spray

    Bottle of kids curl leave-in conditioner held in hand beside child with messy curly hair, illustrating parenting hacks for fall.

    Review: "I have straight hair so having a kid with curly hair is cute…. But not when you don’t know how to properly take care of it! This stuff if fantastic! It’s not nearly as frizzy as it is the morning after bath and it’s not knotty anymore. I will definitely be buying more!!" - Pam

    amazon.com , Gladys Rodriguez Report

    #13

    The Perfect Answer To "Do You Wanna Build A Snowman" When It's Secretly Way Too Cold Outside Is This Modeling Clay Snowman Kit

     The Perfect Answer To "Do You Wanna Build A Snowman" When It's Secretly Way Too Cold Outside Is This Modeling Clay Snowman Kit

    Review: "I bought this for my two year old and I to do over the holidays. She had a blast making snowmen and we were able to reuse the material over and over again. If you’re hoping it would dry and harden, it really doesn’t harden that well. I actually ended up putting the dough in a zip block bag and reusing it multiple times. The items it comes with to decorate the snow men are cute too! Really fun! Pieces are small though so make sure you’re supervising and/or don’t use with kids who put stuff in their mouths all the time." - Brooke N.

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda

    Storage basket next to a toy organizer filled with colorful Lego pieces, illustrating genius parenting hacks for fall.

    Review: "Has a lot of storage space for the Legos ease to clean up the handles are super heavy duty and work great zipper works great love the organization for my son's legos." - Michael Jennings

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

    #15

    Make Lunchtime A Breeze And Create Perfectly Pressed, Crustless Sandwiches That Kids Will Love With The Uncrustables Sandwich Press

    Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches prepared with a crust cutter, shown with bread crusts and sandwich ingredients on a table.

    Review: "This works amazing! My daughter loves uncrusables! I love to make a bunch and freeze them. I save the crusts and put some butter on them and coat them in Cinnamon and sugar then bake them into sweet croutons!" - LG

    amazon.com , LG Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #16

    Get An Accurate Temperature Reading Without Waking The Tiny, Feverish Dragon You Worked So Hard To Get To Sleep With This Forehead Thermometer

    Get An Accurate Temperature Reading Without Waking The Tiny, Feverish Dragon You Worked So Hard To Get To Sleep With This Forehead Thermometer

    Review: "It was time to upgrade my thermometer game. This type of thermometer is a must especially during these unprecedented times. I'm so glad I was able to use my HSA card to purchase this. I love how easy it is to use and the fast results. I will never use a regular thermometer again. Would recommend and would purchase again if need be in the future." - Dimples_1971

    amazon.com , Dimples_1971 Report

    Sometimes the best parenting hack isn't a complex strategy, but simply having the right tool for the job. The parental glee that comes from effortlessly solving a problem that would have previously led to a 20-minute meltdown (yours or theirs) is indescribable. It’s about working smarter, not harder, especially when your energy is being zapped by the lack of sunlight. Let’s look at a few more ways you can reclaim your peace this winter.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    The More Time You Spend Trapped Indoors, The More Those Outlets Start Looking Like A Fun New Toy To Your Toddler, So End That Game Before It Starts With These Outlet Covers

    The More Time You Spend Trapped Indoors, The More Those Outlets Start Looking Like A Fun New Toy To Your Toddler, So End That Game Before It Starts With These Outlet Covers

    Review: "Love how they look! We have the square type outlet so we wanted to find something square that would look nicer than the average babyproof covers and these look good!" - Maria

    amazon.com , Maria Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #18

    Turn Bath Time Into A Splashy Success With The Tub Cubby Bath Toy Storage Organizer

    Bathroom mesh organizer hanging by tiled wall holding kids bath toys and toiletries for genius parenting hacks.

    Review: "No more tripping on toys. The suction cups hold well on the tile and the storage space is great for all the dinosaurs" - Ms. Jackson

    amazon.com , Flyover Mama Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #19

    Soak Away The Winter Chills With A Slipx Solutions Bottomless Bath

    Bath spout with a turquoise child safety cover, part of genius parenting hacks for easier fall routines.

    Review: "It is definitely bigger than expected but does keep water out of the overflow area. Would buy again." - r.stgo

    amazon.com , Christina W. Report

    Eggwodd
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many of those "overflow" metal discs twist so you can put the hole up on top, giving you a few more inches of water.

    #20

    Banish Tough Stains And Spills That Come With Winter's Messy Activities, Like Apple Picking And Pumpkin Carving, With Grandma's Secret Spot Remover

    Side-by-side comparison of a child’s swimsuit before and after cleaning illustrating parenting hacks for fall.

    Review: "And I love this stuff!! I will continue to buy this because of the stains it removed! I followed the instructions and scrubbed the spot treatment in with a wet wash cloth and as soon as it came out of the dryer the stain was completely GONE!" - Bethany

    amazon.com , Bethany Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #21

    Your Nice Ceramic Plates Will Survive The Great Cabin Fever-Induced Meltdown Of The Season With A Set Of These Nearly Indestructible Wheat Straw Reusable Plastic Plates

    Your Nice Ceramic Plates Will Survive The Great Cabin Fever-Induced Meltdown Of The Season With A Set Of These Nearly Indestructible Wheat Straw Reusable Plastic Plates

    Review: "This plates are perfect for camping or travel trailer or even everyday Kitchen use! They are very sturdy but yet very light. The colors are nice and soft and will complement any kitchen. The dishes stack nicely and are a good size." - Kba

    amazon.com , Kba Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    Safeguard Your Little One's Curiosity And Sense Of Adventure With The Corner Protector For Baby

    Clear corner protector on a wooden table edge, demonstrating a genius parenting hack for child safety this fall season.

    Review: "I like how subtle these are you can barely see them at all they compliment the furniture and they don't catch your eye much. Very easy to install and quite sticky which is awesome. I have other ones that I keep picking off the floor and sticking back on. I haven't had to do that with these yet. So far so good." - v.muzyka

    amazon.com , v.muzyka Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    Create A Little Aromatic Force Field Around Your Child Before They Head Into The Daycare Petri Dish With This Immune Boom Kidsafe Essential Oil Roll On

     Create A Little Aromatic Force Field Around Your Child Before They Head Into The Daycare Petri Dish With This Immune Boom Kidsafe Essential Oil Roll On

    Review: "Love immune boom I have used it since I gave birth and I truly believe it helps my son and I." - Sami

    amazon.com , C. Lestik Report

    #24

    The Relentless Winter Demand For Perfectly Quartered Grapes And Sliced Strawberries Will No Longer Break Your Spirit Thanks To This Fruit & Veggie Divider

     The Relentless Winter Demand For Perfectly Quartered Grapes And Sliced Strawberries Will No Longer Break Your Spirit Thanks To This Fruit & Veggie Divider

    Review: "Kid #3 and I just found these! So easy and convenient! Awesome product! I’ve only cut grapes and strawberries… not gonna lie, I tried cutting an apple slice and it was weird but it definitely sliced it LOL." - Kindle Customer

    amazon.com , Kindle Customer Report

    ADVERTISEMENT