New mom’s viral shower hack is giving parents a game-changing idea
Credit: Instagram/kaileygdavis
Struggling to shower as a new mom? Kailey Davis’ viral hack shows how a simple trick turned a chaotic moment into a win for both mom and baby
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For new moms, even the simplest routines, like taking a shower, can feel like climbing a mountain. Kailey Davis, a 32-year-old mother, captured that struggle perfectly in a viral Instagram reel that’s struck a chord with hundreds of thousands of parents.
In the viral clip, now racking up over 1M views, Davis shares the unusual hack she used to squeeze in a much-needed shower without waiting for her husband to come home. “I made the mental health decision to not wait until my husband came home from work to take a shower because I simply stink so bad that it’s making my mental health plummet,” she says in the video.
A clever DIY solution
Using the tie from her bathrobe, Davis ingeniously fastened it to the baby’s rocker. While she showered, she could hold the tie and gently rock Finn if he started to fuss, giving him a sense of comfort without needing to leave the bathroom.
It was a simple, low-tech hack, but it allowed her to get a few uninterrupted minutes of self-care while still keeping her baby safe and content. The solution highlighted the kind of creative problem-solving new parents often rely on when juggling basic needs with constant caregiving.
Related: Mom shares cleaning hacks that use mere shaving cream to tackle messes
A small act that makes a big difference
For Davis, the shower became as much about mental clarity as hygiene.. “Sometimes doing just the littlest act of service for yourself can switch up your day. So getting that potentially peaceful shower with that hack was exciting to want to try and not rely on anyone else,” she explains in the video,” she explained to Newsweek.
Reactions from fellow parents
The reel quickly caught the attention of other parents online, who shared words of encouragement and admiration for her creativity. Many celebrated her resourcefulness and the little ways she made time for herself while caring for her baby.
- “Women in stem.” — @_jaderade
- “Meanwhile dads will go out and golf for 6 hours for some “me time” and not think anything of it 😮💨.” — @bigkidproblems
- “Home with a baby AND you get to shower!??? Pfft so spoiled.” — @nyletak684
- “I’m so proud of you momma❤️ You are a rock star!!!” @ashleygracehillis
A conversation about safety and self-soothing
But not all responses were glowing. Some questioned whether it was safe or appropriate to bring a baby into the bathroom while showering. Others debated letting babies self-soothe versus intervening.
Davis acknowledged the discussion but kept the focus on her experience. “I know the baby could cry for 10 minutes and be fine, but it’s not about the baby—it’s more about me wanting to have a calming shower,” she explained to Newsweek.
Finding balance in early parenthood
Her advice to other parents? Use the resources you have, experiment, and remember that self-care doesn’t have to wait. Whether it’s a bouncer, a bath seat, or just a clever hack, the small acts of self-care can feel like a lifeline in the early days of parenthood.
Related: 3 baby food hacks recommended by a registered dietitian
A reminder for new moms
Davis’ reel is a reminder that new moms don’t need to wait for perfect circumstances to care for themselves. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity—and maybe a very understanding baby—to turn an impossible task into a moment of sanity.
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