6 ways I’ve learned to save time as a parent
Tori Bowman Johnson
Tori Bowman Johnson
Parents are time-poor. We all know this. Even when you manage to leave the house 15 minutes early, something inevitably derails your plans: a last-minute nappy explosion, a child needing the toilet, a refusal to wear shoes, or the sudden desire to bring every toy they own to your destination.
(Why do kids feel the need to bring all their things to all the places?)
And just like that, you’re forced to stop—change a nappy, go back inside, calm everyone down, negotiate, and diffuse the situation. By the time you check the clock, you’re running late again.
Sound familiar? Yep. I’ve been there. Many times.
Time often isn’t on our side when kids are in tow. That’s why I’ve developed a few habits to help me stay more organised and efficient. These aren’t groundbreaking hacks—they’re simple, practical, and highly effective ways to help minimise chaos and maximise precious time.
1. Bulk buy essentials
I know that in today’s cost-of-living crisis, not every household has the capacity for bulk buying. But when it’s possible, purchasing certain items in larger quantities can save both time and money in the long run.
Here’s what I bulk buy:
Nappies
My youngest wears pull-ups now, so I buy whichever brand is on sale. I grab two boxes at a time to avoid those last-minute daycare requests that send me to the chemist for overpriced emergency packs.
Wet wipes
These are my holy grail. I stash them everywhere—nappy bag, car, kitchen bench, kids’ bedrooms. Whether it’s wiping grubby hands, sticky tables, or snotty noses, wet wipes save the day.
Lunchbox snacks
Stocking up on snacks when they’re on sale ensures I’m never caught scrambling for something ‘passable’ as a healthy option at 8 a.m.
Pantry staples
For quick meals, I always keep items like coconut cream, canned tomatoes, stock, and curry paste on hand. It makes whipping up a one-pot meal easy when I only need to grab meat or fresh veggies.
Play clothes
When stores like Target or Big W have sales, I stock up on plain tees, shorts, and PJs in current sizes and one size up. You can never have too many basics!
Snaplock bags
I opt for sustainable brands and use these constantly—for snacks, travel, LEGO pieces, swimming lessons, and even arts and crafts supplies like bottle lids for daycare. Snaplock bags are endlessly useful!
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2. Schedule calls during chores
I used to tell friends, “I’ll call you when the kids nap.” But when that time came, I’d just want to rest or enjoy some peace and quiet. (Right?)
Now, I multitask. If the kids are playing independently, I fold laundry or tackle other chores while chatting with a friend. Catching up during these tasks makes them less boring and allows me to preserve nap time for me time—essential for my mental health and energy levels.
3. Cluster errands
Errands are the ultimate time-suck. I used to scatter them throughout the week—one or two here, one or two there—but this approach always left me frazzled.
Now, I write a comprehensive task list and let it grow for a few days (assuming nothing is urgent). Once it’s long enough, I dedicate a single morning to ticking everything off in one go.
By clustering errands, I avoid unnecessary trips, save time and petrol, and reduce the mental load of having incomplete tasks hanging over me. It’s a huge win for my sanity.
4. Batch cook and meal prep
I’ll admit, I’m not a savvy cook, but many of my friends swear by batch cooking to save time.
Here’s how they do it:
- Ask a partner to take the kids out for a few hours.
- Prep 2–4 meals in one session.
- Store everything in the freezer for the week ahead.
Popular options include pancake batter (frozen in ice cube trays), pasta sauces, curries, soups, and frittatas.
While I haven’t fully embraced batch cooking, I do keep a few ready-to-go basics in the fridge—cooked pasta, baked veggies, steamed corn, banana and oat slices, and meatballs.
These are lifesavers on daycare days when the kids come home starving and need food within three minutes of walking through the door.
5. Maximise bath and mealtime
When my boys are in the bath, I sit on the bathroom floor and churn through emails. I know they’re safe and entertained, which allows me to focus.
Similarly, when they’re eating dinner, I sometimes let them watch a cartoon or movie (no judgment if screen time isn’t your thing). By this point in the day, they’re usually quiet and content, giving me another chunk of uninterrupted time to tackle work tasks.
This approach also helps counteract the guilt I feel about being on my phone or laptop while they’re awake. It’s not ideal, but it’s practical, and I’m learning to give myself grace.
6. Buy two-in-one products
This might sound simple, but two-in-one products are a major time-saver.
Here are my go-tos:
- Shower products: I love body washes that double as post-shower moisturisers.
- Day creams with tint and SPF: I always go for SPF 50+, applying it to my face, ears, neck, hands, and shoulders in one quick step.
- Face masks with built-in applicators: I use these for a quick skincare boost without the mess.
- Sample-sized toiletries: I save all the mini products and samples from stores to use when travelling, so I don’t have to shop for travel-sized items.
Small time savings like these add up, leaving more room for activities that energise me—like catching up with friends, pottering around the shops, or simply sleeping!
Final thoughts
Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, and time is one of our most precious resources. While these tips may not work for everyone, they’ve made a huge difference in my life—and I hope they inspire you to find little ways to save time and reduce stress.
The more we share ideas and support each other, the better!
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Tori Bowman Johnson
Follow +Tori, a freelance writer, has worked in production, talent management & branding since her agency role at Vivien’s Model Management in Melbourne in 2011. Tori has recently launched, The First Word; a conversational podcast for women, particularly those who juggle young children & paid work. Tori is also a very proud mum of two little boys.