2017 was a big year in the world of breast pumps when John Chang created the first wearable device. The big difference is that the milk collection unit is curve-shaped so it can be worn inside the bra. They are becoming increasingly popular so what are the pros and cons will women all now be finally breaking free from the shackles of the standard breast pump?
Read MoreA child goes through seven sizes of baby clothes in their first two years. That’s a lot of clothes needing to find a new home or ending up in landfill. Which explains the rise in popularity of renting baby clothes. But how does it work, why is it better for the environment, what are the downsides, and how do all the rental services compare?
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a single-syllable girl’s name, this list is different to all the others. It’s in order of popularity according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). So you can easily see how popular or uncommon your preferred names are. It also includes alternative spellings, meanings and what the name could be long for.
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a short and snappy one-syllable boy’s name - this is the list for you. And they’re not in alphabetical order like other lists. They’re in order of popularity so you can easily see if the names you like are very common or more unusual. Here’s why one-syllable names are so great and 96 of the best ones for baby boys.
Read MoreCot bumpers are often used to prevent a baby’s limbs from getting stuck though the bars and soften any impact. But traditional padded cot bumpers are no longer recommended due to safety concerns. Are the new breed of mesh, breathable cot bumpers/liner/wraps any safer and what should you look out for when choosing one?
Read MoreAfter the 3459th read of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you may need to remind yourself why reading to babies is so important. We all know it’s something we should do. But why? Here are seven reasons why it is so beneficial, where to get free books and thirteen of the must-have books for babies.
Read MoreSmart, wearable baby monitors are devices worn by a baby that alert parents to changes in heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels and sleeping position. But can they actually prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), do they give the peace of mind intended or are they just a way to make money from anxious new parents?
Read MoreFeeding a baby formula milk at night is a massive faff compared to breastfeeding. Having to make up a bottle to the correct temperature and following all the guidelines is so much harder than just getting your boob out. So what are the best ways to make up your baby’s bottle safely in the night? Here are your options.
Read MoreWhat have Cheryl Cole, John Betjeman, Anna Friel, and Benedict Cumberbatch got in common? They were all born during a heatwave. Let’s spare a thought for their parents who had to cope with a newborn in tremendous heat. However hot it gets this year, there are some things you can do to make life easier and cooler with a summer baby.
Read MoreThe first time you stay overnight with family and friends could mean excitement at an extra pair of hands and a much-needed break. Or it could mean you are feeling overwhelmed by all the packing involved for a tiny human. If that’s the case, here is a complete packing checklist for your baby and some things to make a short stay easier and the journey lighter.
Read MoreWe all know about the baby essentials - the pram, the nappies, the baby grows. But there are also many lesser-known products. Some of which you definitely don’t need. Like the tool for applying nappy cream. Yes this exists. There are some that are super useful though. While they are not must-haves, they might make your life easier. Here is my top ten.
Read MoreVegan and cruelty-free products are becoming increasingly popular. But what does this actually mean with baby products? And if you want to avoid animal testing and animal products with baby bath and skincare, wipes, nappies, nappy cream, nipple cream and baby laundry detergent, which brands should you buy from and which should you avoid?
Read MorePre-loved, pre-owned, vintage, hand-me-downs, nearly new. The fact that euphemisms exist for second-hand suggests that it’s still considered preferable to buy new baby products. But what if you can’t afford it, are on a budget or just want to try and reduce waste and live more sustainably? What baby items can you safely get second-hand and what should you avoid?
Read MoreThere’s a new steriliser in town for baby bottles. The UV steriliser. It’s making steam seem old-fashioned and the cold water method look medieval. Even though the technology has actually been around since 1878. So are they any good? What are the pros and cons? And is this now the best way to ensure your baby’s bottles and dummies are completely germ-free?
Read MoreThe first pram in 1733 was a carriage pulled by a dog, pony or goat. Sadly things have moved on a lot since then and we’re expected to do all the hard work ourselves. But there are some things to make it easier like buggy clips, Snoozeshades and pram toys. Here are the eleven most popular pram accessories. And a brilliant way to keep pram wheel mud and dirt away from your clean floors.
Read MoreBaby sleeping bags are not like ordinary sleeping bags. For a start, you don’t have to spend up to an hour trying to stuff them back into that carry bag. They are basically wearable blankets, kept on with poppers and zips and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Here is the answer to every possible question you might have in this ultimate baby sleeping bag guide.
Read MoreWhen entering a home of small children, the child-free are often secretly horrified by all the garish plastic. They may promise themselves they will never live like that. But then they do have a baby and before they know it there’s the giant hulk of a Jumperoo taking up half the lounge. But there are some easy ways to try and reduce the amount of plastic in our homes when we have a baby. And not just because of it how it looks.
Read MoreMost children are toilet or potty trained by the age of three. But there are some doing it a bit sooner. From birth. This is the practice of Elimination Communication. Also called infant potty training and Nappy Free. I could only potty train my toddler by using chocolate bribes, which is definitely not suitable for newborns. So how do you do this? And, perhaps the much, much bigger question - why?
Read MoreThe first time I heard of a baby nest, outside the context of a little bird, it was 2017. I was reading through a list of ‘must-have’ baby products in the comments of an Instamum’s post. The Sleepyhead came up time and time again. Parents called it a lifesaver and an absolute essential. Then in 2018, the Lullaby Trust deemed them unsafe. So should you get one? Are they safe? And why are they still so popular?
Read MoreIt can take a while for your body to resume normal business post-birth. Unless you have a baby that painlessly slides out like an eel. All the stuff that may follow - the stitches, the bleeding, the piles, the fear of the first poo - none of it really matters as you’ve just expelled a real live baby from your body. You just won’t care. But there are some things you can get to make it all a lot easier.
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