Super tips for moms

There's no SuperMom, but there are a lot of moms with great advice.
By SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
WICHITA, Kan. -- Faster than a speeding toddler!
More powerful than a cordless vacuum!
Able to make Halloween costumes, find tap shoes, summon pets, give baths, hang backpacks, soothe boo-boos, bake brownies and drink extra-strong coffee in a single bound!
She's SuperMom!
She doesn't exist, of course. No one has all the answers. Heck, most of us can't even find the brownie mix.
But get some experienced moms together, and watch the advice fly: Savvy shortcuts. Ingenious ideas. Top-secret tips that aren't written in parenting manuals -- but should be.
We asked about a dozen mothers to share some handy tricks -- things that might save a fellow mom some smidgen of frustration. And today we pass them along to you.
Our only request is that you return the favor. If you have a time-, money- or sanity-saving trick, let us know. This just might merit a sequel. Send items to Life & amp;Work, The Vindicator, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501 or e-mail features@vindy.com.
BABY DAYS
UIf your child's beloved blanket or stuffed animal is still in stores, buy extras. But rotate them from the beginning, rather than trying to replace a well-loved animal with a new one. Also, make a rule early on that the lovey can't leave the house.
UIf you need to nurse your baby and you're wearing a buttoned blouse, unbutton from the bottom. The top of your shirt will keep everything hidden.
UMake several copies of your baby's birth certificate before placing it in a safe-deposit box. Chances are, the copy will be fine for most things.
UUse a backpack as a diaper bag. It frees up your hands, and husbands are more likely to shoulder a backpack than a pink bunny purse. Later, your child can use the backpack for school.
UWhen you have a newborn, take lots of pictures and have them developed right away. If the photos don't turn out, you'll have time to catch the next coo.
UStart a photo tradition on your child's first birthday. Take a photo of her at the exact minute she was born, beside a certain landmark (a tree in your yard), with a stuffed toy or wearing a college T-shirt.
IN THE KITCHEN
UInvest in high quality plastic dishes when the kids are small -- ones that are microwave- and dishwasher-safe. That way they can set the table and load the dishwasher without worry.
UAlways keep cake mix, brownie mix or frozen cookie dough on hand. You never know when you'll be called upon to make treats.
USnacks for school don't have to be sweet -- or complicated. Think popcorn, cheese blocks and slices of apples.
UFor cool bottled water by lunchtime, fill a bottle halfway and freeze overnight. In the morning, fill it up with water.
UHave your child practice opening containers at home before you send them in his lunchbox.
UFrom babyhood, water down juices, Kool-Aid, etc. It saves money, it cuts back on sugar, and kids get used to the taste.
TRAVEL TIPS
UBefore a long car or plane ride, wrap several trinket toys or snacks in gift wrap or tissue and haul one out every so often. It's a great distraction for cranky kids.
UFor babies and toddlers, "early boarding" just means more time in the cramped quarters of an airplane. Have a travel partner board early to get your things settled while you wait in the terminal with the kids.
UBring changes of clothes for each child AND an extra shirt for Mom. Kids spill and spit up along the way, and you don't want to arrive at your destination a complete mess.
UKeep a large, up-to-date picture of your child in your purse. It might come in handy if, heaven forbid, she wanders off.
UGive your child a disposable camera or inexpensive point-and-shoot for trips. You might be surprised by his perspective.
UKids hike longer and with less complaining if they have a big stick.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
UStock up on gifts for birthday parties your child is invited to, and keep gift bags on hand. For older kids, keep a stash of gift cards to discount stores, bookstores or electronics stores.
UFor low-maintenance birthday parties, serve cupcakes instead of cake and ice cream bars instead of ice cream. No slicing or scooping!
UDon't try to choose or anticipate what your child will be for Halloween, and don't buy the costume too far ahead of time. But set a deadline for picking a costume, to prevent last-minute panic.
COMMON SENSE
USet a rule early: No TV before school. Nothing can derail a morning like a kid stuck in front of the tube.
UIf you're planning something special, like a trip to the zoo, don't tell your child until minutes before the event. You never know what could come up, and that way you don't risk a grumpy, disappointed kid.
UBuy ONLY washable crayons and markers.
UBuy the brightest, splashiest swimming suit for your child so you can spot her in the pool. Think hot pink, orange or red.