1. Whether you use real or disposable nappies your nappy pail or bin can tend to get a little stinky. Avoid this by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the bottom of your nappy pail or bin.
2. Don’t have a black-out blind? Can’t afford one/fit one due to tenancy rules? That’s OK – find an old bath/ beach towel, open your window, fit it over the top of the window opening and close the window. Hey presto – a darkened room!
3. Do you ever think you’re “just nipping out” so don’t take the changing bag? That’s usually the time when you get caught out with a wet, dirty and uncomfortable baby! Always keep a spare nappy (or two), nappy sack, packet of wipes, vest & baby grow in your car. All this baby stuff may seem a lot but it’ll fit perfectly in your glove compartment!
4. Do you want to practice co-sleeping but don’t have a big enough bed or scared of rolling over on to your baby? Don’t purchase a co-sleeping cot, take the side off of the one you already have and fit it next to your bed. Most cots have adjustable heights making it simple for you to attach to your bed! *warning – make sure there is NO gap between bed & cot.
5. Is your baby fussy and need to be near you all the time? Are you breastfeeding and want to encourage milk production & baby bonding? Or perhaps you have other children who need your attention too? Buy a baby sling/carrier so you can have your hands free to do the household chores, play with your other children/push pram, breastfeed etc. I recommend Victoria the Sling Lady for slings.
6. Even though your baby may go through a few outfits a day, it still takes a long time to build up a “full load” of washing if you separate colours, darks and white items. Don’t bother separating them, wait until you have a full load of washing and pop a colour catcher in the load!
7. At least once a day (we do 2-3 times if we’re at home), give your baby some “nappy off” time to help or prevent nappy rash. Pop baby on the changing mat with a towel under the bottom – unless you have a boy then surround him with towels because it can be somewhat like a sprinkler!
8. Does your baby have dry skin or do you want to practice baby massage at home? Don’t spend loads of money on that all organic, baby friendly, posh, attractive labelled baby oil – simply use organic olive oil! Comes in bigger bottles for a fraction of the cost of baby oil and you can’t get any more natural than olive oil! *note do not use oil on your baby during the day in sunny weather.
9. Join baby forums, talk to other mums and take any help offered to you. Other mummies know what you’re going through and can often offer practical advice. Lots of forums and baby sites can inform you of sales, product reviews and advice.
10. Take time out for YOU. When hubby comes home from work, pass him baby and go get yourself a nice long bath with a book, magazine or just your own me time thoughts. Also, once a week make a “date night” once baby is in bed – put your phones on silent, turn off the laptop and just BE with each other, even if that means watching a TV programme or chatting about your day. Once a month, try and have a “date night” outside your house, get a babysitter and treat yourselves to a meal at your favourite restaurant, a night at the movies or a romantic walk together. Happy babies are born from happy mummies and daddies.
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