Crunch-time solutions rescue busy moms

For busy moms, anything that shaves a few minutes off an errand or makes a chore a little easier is a lifesaver. With that in mind, Parenting magazine provides crunch-time solutions to help mothers get through the biggest time drains they face throughout their days — from the morning mayhem to dinner prep to getting the kids ready for bed. In Parenting’s October issue, the “Get Organized!” guide gives advice and showcases innovative new products to help moms ease through the day’s hot spots. Lisa Bain, executive editor of Parenting, was invited on “Today” to tell parents about some products that can make those busy times of day a little bit easier. Here’s the complete list:

Morning rush
Family catchall
With the Luns Notice Board, you can stash the stuff you always forget — keys, cell phone, sunglasses — so you can just grab what you need on your way out. Plus, there’s a magnetized chalkboard for reminders, invites, permission slips, and more.
(Ikea, $15; ikea.com)

Java in a jiffy
Brew your morning jolt faster with the Deluxe Coffee Maker. Just put the coffee pod in, and 30 seconds later you’ll have your cup of joe — or even a cappuccino!
(Senseo, $69.99, senseostore.com; pods $5 for 18, available online and at grocery stores)

Cool countdown
Get your kid moving with the Time Tracker Visual Timer and Clock. The colors tell her when she’s getting close to departure time, and if those aren’t enough, she can choose one of six fun sounds (such as a siren or a buzzer) to go off when the lights switch.
(Learning Resources, $35; onestepahead.com)

Rise and shine
Let the retro Moonbeam Clock soften the blow of waking up. At the appointed time, a light flashes for five minutes. If you’re still not up, a bell chimes until you shut it off or hit snooze. Available in yellow, periwinkle, blue, green, and pink.
(L.L. Bean, $36; llbean.com or 800-441-5713)

Every bling in its place
Keep those curious fingers off your baubles with a Hanging Jewelry Keeper, which goes in your closet. You’ll be accessorized in no time when you can see your entire tangle-free collection at a glance.
(Hagerty, $30; organize.com)

Help yourself!
Put out the Indispensable Professional Dispenser and your kids can fill their own cereal bowls. Or let 'em pour their snack into a container while you fix lunch.
(Zevro, $40; zevro.com or 800-313-8588 for stores)

Chill out
Pack lunch the night before inside the Lunch on the Go carrier. The next morning, just toss in the ice pack (included) from the freezer to keep food fresh for up to six hours.
(Fit & Fresh, $10; fit-fresh.com or 800-299-5704)

Bright idea
Press the cap on Firefly Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste and it’ll flash for one minute (dentists recommend 60 seconds each for top and bottom). Your child will know when it’s OK to switch and rinse.
(Dr. Fresh, $3; at drugstores)

Errands
Meter aid
With this Parking Meter Alarm you’ll never get another ticket. It beeps when time’s almost up and holds 10 quarters.
(Kikkerland, $10; shiptheweb.com)

Collapse and carry
The Cosmo DX stroller folds twice, weighs a mere 13 pounds, and has a carrying strap. Plus, it opens with just one hand.
(Combi, $100; combi-intl.com for stores)

Stylish stash
Everything’s in its place! The Hobo Bag has a divider, plus three pockets on the inside and two on the outside for easy access.
(JCPenney, $38; jcp.com)

Beyond crosswords
Your child’s fast asleep in the car. Why wake her? Pass the time with Scratch & Solve Tough Hangman #3.
(Sterling Publishing, $6; at bookstores)

Get a grip
This Shopping Bag Carrier will keep grocery bags from cutting into your fingers, and the sturdy handle will let you heft multiple bags at once — fewer trips from the car to the kitchen!
(Active Forever, $4.50; activeforever.com)

Divide and conquer
Not only will the ClearAway Car Organizer determine once and for all whose side is whose, it’ll keep the backseat battleground tidy. Put it on the hump to store toys, books, and snacks. (Talus, $20; talusproducts.com)

Fun on wheels
The I Spy Game Book has images of 25 items that can be flipped over once your child spots ’em. Best part: It can be played over and over — silently. We spy a happy mom!
(Latitude Enfant, $30; kidsonthirdstreet.com)

Combo deal
Store snacks in the top portion and a drink in the bottom of the Crunch & Sip 2-in-1. When the snack top is open, the spillproof straw automatically folds down; when the straw’s up, the snack top is snapped shut. The result: fewer messes to clean up en route.
(Snack Knack, four for $20 with cartoon designs; target.com)

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