Keeping up with the kids can be tough.  Depending on their ages, you have to remember feeding times and amounts, weight for medicine dosing purposes, appointment times, days and times of sports practice, school stuff, and much, much more.  It’s hard to believe that all that information can fit in one brain.

When you’ve got all that information occupying your mind, it’s easy to forget things.  Things like getting the keys out of the car before locking it, putting wipes in the diaper bag, or putting on your socks may fall by the wayside.  This phenomenon is known as “mommy brain.”

New moms are often caught off guard by mommy brain.  Moms of two or more might have gotten used to it, but with each child it may appear to get worse.  But there are some things you can do to combat mommy brain.

When you need to remember something important, don’t take chances.  Write it down.  Phone numbers, addresses, and appointments are things that you might remember, but it’s quite possible that you won’t.  Write them down in a place where you will know to look for them.  Writing things down does no good if you forget where you wrote them.

Even if you just need one or two things from the store, it’s also a good idea to write them down.  Writing down your kids’ weight may also come in handy should they need over-the-counter medication.  Don’t feel silly.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A frequent contributor to mommy brain is lack of sleep.  A tired brain won’t remember things as easily as a well-rested one, and it won’t hold on to new information as readily.  So make it a point to get enough sleep each and every night.

Good nutrition will also help your brain function better.  There are also herbal supplements that are said to enhance memory and brainpower.  And it is always a good idea to drink plenty of water, because it is good for your body and mind.

Your body needs exercise to stay fit, and the same is true for your brain.  Challenging your mind daily will keep you more alert and better able to remember things.  Crossword puzzles, brainteasers, and the like will give your brain a good workout.

It’s also important to have conversations with adults.  When most of your day is spent talking on a two-year-old’s level, you’re not getting the mental stimulation you need.  If you’re at home with no one else around, call a friend for a nice long chat.  It will keep you connected with the outside world and get your brain going on an adult level.