Mum's genius hack means you'll never lose your toddler again

Who needs a leash when this is way more fun? However, not everyone thinks it's the safest of ideas...

It's a relatable and terrifying reality for many parents. 

You're at the supermarket and turn your back for one second to look at something.

Meanwhile,*poof* - your toddler has somehow vanished and has probably found their way to the other side of the store. 

We've all been there. But don't be hard on yourself.

This doesn't make you a bad mum. It makes you a regular parent trying to juggle multiple things at once.

But before you start frantically Googling toddler leashes (no judgment if you do) - may we introduce you to a mum hack that will let you keep an eye on your little one, no matter how many directions you're being pulled in. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: ‘I never, ever say no to my kids when they ask for food’

The genius and cheap mum hack 

Taking to Instagram, the influencer Goddard family are going viral for their innovative and frankly, super fun, hack. And the best part is, it won't set you back more than a buck.

Yes, really. 

The mum shared, "Mum Hack: Attach a balloon to your baby/toddler to easily spot them!

"One of the employees at the supermarket saw our son Nelio and came back with that helium balloon for him! Such a sweet gesture!

"Not that I would ever let my kid be out of my sight, but it was so adorable seeing him run around with that balloon. It was so easy to spot him, impossible to lose him and we had so much fun!"

In the clip, you can see a blue balloon seemingly floating above the supermarket stands and then her toddler comes out the other end. 

Then the video takes a funnier turn. As the mum is carrying her toddler later in the clip, her partner jokes that it's a "dad hack" to find your toddler and wife as well when you get lost. 

You can then see the balloon floating a lot higher than the shelves as he spots them in the store. 

Parental innovation at its finest!

Image: Instagram

RELATED: My best friend called my toddler a ‘spoiled brat’

"Do whatever you need to do"

Parents everywhere lapped up the simple trick. Anything to make shopping a bit less stressful, eh?

"Do whatever you need to do. No judgements here," one person wrote. 

Another said: "Love it - so smart."

And a third said, "My husband agrees, it's a great dad hack too!"

"Still don't want my kid free-roaming"

But every hack has its critics, and the balloon trick is no exception. 

Some people pointed out that letting your child roam with a balloon attached to them might not be the safest idea. 

"What if the balloon pops? What if the string gets tangled around their neck?" one person asked. 

Someone else said sarcastically, "Here’s a great mum hack, put your kid in the trolley, or stroller, and buckle them in."

Then a third concluded, "Get a toddler leash. Still don’t want my kid free-roaming. People are too quick to snatch them but NOT if they are attached to your wrist."

Originally published as Mum's genius hack means you'll never lose your toddler again