Baby Born Surprise [Review]

Surprise packs, eggs and blind bags are all the rage with children at the moment. Isla is especially keen on any type of toy you buy with absolutely no idea what is inside- it’s a bit like a present you have to unwrap and she loves the concept of collecting.

Baby Born Surprise is exactly the type of surprise toy she loves- there are twelve to collect, and ten individual surprises to discover when you open and interact with the doll!

When you first open the plastic casing, the baby surprise is wrapped inside a beautiful pink branded blanket, keeping the contents hidden. Once this is open, you discover your first surprise- which collectible swaddle is your baby wrapped in? Each swaddle is assigned a birth month, so you can find out your baby’s birthday with this and your children’s favourite numbers. They can also find out their baby’s star sign with this information!

Isla now has the butterfly and duck- for some reason she thought the duck was hilarious. I must admit, they look adorable sleeping in these little swaddles. The fabric is exceptionally soft and really well put together as well- the attention to detail for such a small product really makes it feel worth it.

The next surprise is baby’s hair- as I said before, there are 12 dolls to collect and each one has its own hair style. Isla loved this doll as she had the cutest pink hair band and brown hair.

The most exciting part for Isla was the eye surprise. Each baby arrives “sleeping” and with a little water and some gentle wiping, your child wakes the baby up to discover their eye colour.

Combining the eye and hair colour will reveal the first letter of your baby’s name- Isla had “F” for this doll!
/

Next up, we found out our little baby was a bouncing girl by opening the surprise containing either a pink or blue bottle. We filled it with a little water and Isla gave her her first feed, ready to discover the next surprise in her nappy (the concept of which, Isla found absolutely hilarious- what child doesn’t find pee and poo hilarious at times?).

The inside of the nappy will fill with water and a pattern will be revealed- each pattern lets you know what your baby’s favourite food is. 

We did find it a little bit difficult to get the baby to do the "wee" but I figured that an extra bottle of water was enough to get it working- just the one didn't do the trick fast enough for Isla!

It was actually really exciting to join in and help Isla with this surprise toy- it took a lot longer than the usual ones she comes home with and we did a lot of talking and chatting about what each of the things she discovered meant for her baby. Having so many different characteristics also fascinated her, and she’s been telling Daddy and Archer all about her new babies and what they’re like!

I’d really recommend these little dolls for a stocking filler or a small birthday present- they’re the perfect size and definitely something I believe she’s going to play with consistently even though the surprise aspect is over. Being an egg shape, they could even be used as an alternative to chocolate at Easter! It’s nice to know she hasn’t just unwrapped a surprise containing more plastic that she will look at once just for the sake of opening something- a baby is a wonderful interactive imaginative toy. 

I was gifted two Baby Born Surprise dolls in exchange for this honest review. All words and opinions are my own. All photos are my own. 

Kinder's Easter Range 2019- Review

Easter is definitely a highlight in my children's year- who doesn't love chocolate and an excuse to eat their body weight in it? We were absolutely thrilled to be contacted by Kinder and sent a whole bunch of goodies from their huge Easter range for 2019.

From the well known and well loved Kinder Eggs, to the absolutely huge full sized Powerpuff girls egg (and I'm being honest, it was about as big as Isla's head) there's something for everyone's taste and budget this year.

It's a lot more than chocolate, the eggs all have wonderful quality toys inside, meaning that even when the chocolate is gone, the fun can carry on. They're also offering an Easter egg hunt kit jammed full of treats and fun, easy to put together signs and pointers which keeps the tradition and excitement of the Easter egg hunt alive.

Getting into taste, my two loved having the job of taste tester (so did Jack who told me through a mouth full of chocolate that this was the best review I've ever had to do) and it's safe to say that they gave two sticky thumbs up each. Isla loved how different the Kinder Joy was- it still had a toy but had the novelty of scooping out soft kinder chocolate with a little spoon, and Archer has eaten more Kinder Chocolate Mini's than I can count.

The toys are amazing too- they've had loads of fun putting their things together, and the giant toys inside the larger eggs definitely surpassed our expectations. I won't show you what we got in the giant ones, as I don't want to spoil the surprise for any little eyes that may be peeking over your shoulder at this post... I can definitely see why there is such a hype for all those unwrapping videos now though!

So yes, Kinder's 2019 Easter range also has two very chocolatey thumbs up from me and I've definitely had to cave on my healthier diet at least 10 times in the last week.

As I said, there's options for all tastes and budgets. Ranging from just 99p to £15, as well as multiple options for toys (Powerpuff Girls, Minions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...) and even soft toys for the younger babies who can't have chocolate but can't miss the fun. The giant eggs are available in Tesco and Ocado only, so be sure to grab them while you can!

Thank you so much Kinder for all the wonderful treats, I'm going to have to go to the shops and grab some more for Easter now!

I received a hamper of Kinder's 2019 Easter range in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own honest words, and all photography is my own.

Taking the #BepanthenProtects Challenge

As a parent, from the moment your little one is born, you want to do everything you can to make them happy. Whether it be ensuring they are fed before they start to cry with hunger, or that they get that cuddle before they need to ask for it, it's always been an aim of mine to ensure I try to cover my children's needs before it turns into full melt down mode!

This aim of course, means I've always got to keep their bottoms in check, and ensure I do what I can to prevent nappy rash and irritated skin before it can appear and bother them. For a long while, we actually used cloth nappies with Archer (we managed 7 months before the laundry became too much!) and as they aren't as absorbent, making him more prone to irritation, I actually started using Bepanthen nappy ointment before being asked to take part in this challenge and was thrilled to be able to tell you all about it.

The important thing to remember with Bepanthen is that it not intended for treating or preventing or curing nappy rash, but using it regularly and making it a part of your normal routine when changing a nappy can help to protect your babies skin when the rashes do threaten. A baby's skin is 40% thinner than an adults, which means it's far easier for them to get irritated.

I can't count how many times teething or new foods have given my little ones the type of filled nappy that could cause a rash... but keeping on top of it with cream before it hits really does help keep their skin protected. Apply a thin layer after changing them and letting their bottom dry, and their skin will be protected with a breathable layer that stops irritation from rubbing and moisture.

Bepanthen is kind to skin, and gentle, something I'm sure you will agree is very important when finding a product for your little one:

- No Fragrances
- No colours
- No Preservatives
- No Parabens
- No Antiseptics

There's even a handy travel sized bottle, perfect for throwing in a changing bag. It's definitely something I would recommend.

This post is an entry for the #BepanthenProtects challenge, sponsored by Bepanthen. Learn more about how to protect baby’s sensitive skin on https://www.bepanthen.co.uk

Christmas Gifts For £5 and Under #sdfiverchallenge

When I think of Sports Direct, my mind is instantly overwhelmed with football boots, gym clothes and an odd memory of the horrible taste you get when setting your gum shield for school.

That's why I was initially sceptical when Brit Mums asked if I wanted to take on their fiver challenge with Sports Direct. The aim was to find the perfect Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for friends or family, for five pounds or under.

We have a massive direct family so Christmas is getting super expensive, so if I could do gifts on a budget- especially for the children who have a rather expensive taste sometimes- I was willing to give it a go.

When browsing the site, which has a handy section for Christmas organised by the type of gift, brand/character or the age and sex of the person you're shopping for, I was super impressed almost instantly. Never in my mind would I have thought you could buy such a huge range of non sport items from Sports Direct!

I decided I was going to try and get Isla and Archer some presents for five pounds or under. Isla loves everything Disney, and I wouldn't be exaggerating by saying our last trip to the Disney store blew the bank!

I found the following gifts:

Crayola Giant Princess Colouring Book £3
Disney Princess Pop Game £4.99
Disney Princess Three Pack Wood Puzzles £5.00
Disney Princess Jewellery Making Kit £4.00
My Little Pony Mug & Chocolate Gift Set £3.00
Monster Moving Car Gift Set £3.50

That came to an amazing SIX gifts for less than £25. For some young children, that would be plenty of gifts! I literally am gobsmacked at the prices.

The fantastic thing is, the quality wasn't compromised at all. Every gift came and was as perfect as you would find it in any name brand toy shop. I am so so impressed and I think for young adults on a budget, people with multiple children or even just someone with a huge family like me, it's a fantastic way of giving something nice without spending all your hard earned cash.

This post is an entry for BritMums #sdfiverchallenge, sponsored by sportsdirect.com

Appy Kids Co Drinks- Review & Giveaway

It can be a massive headache insuring Isla stays hydrated. She sips water here and there and will chug a cup of milk before bed, but she's never been a big drinker and I think part of it is because being two years old, a bottle of water just isn't that appealing OR tasty. Kids are fickle right?

I honestly wish I could put into words how excited she was, that being said, when she realised the massive box of juicse covered in some of her favourite cartoon characters the postman dropped off were for her. The Appy Kids drinks come with a variety of character designs that would appeal to most ages- Dora, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Spongebob and even the Ninja Turtles!

There's even mobile friendly activities on the box for the bigger more techy kids.

Taste wise, Isla was definitely sold. We tried the Mixed Berries, Apple and Orange variations and she most often asked for the mixed berry. I personally favoured the slight tartness of the apple. Jack did like the orange but he couldn't get the straw in most times...!

The only downside I would say to the drinks is the fact that being made from proper fruit, they do have a good amount of sugar in. Not the best for the tiny teeth so we ensured that Isla only had one or two a day (as you would whenever sugar is involved). There isn't any added sugar though so you know they aren't drinking anything unnecessary which is a huge bonus as some drinks on the market are packed full of rubbish.

We did sometimes struggle to get the straw in and drip a little in the process but that was just due to poor technique I think (mostly on Daddy's part I might add)

They're such a handy thing to throw into your changing bag or take to the park and I've even found myself grabbing one to take out with me just in case.

Do you think you'd want to give them a try? If you would I've got a fantastic competition for you to win EIGHT boxes of Appy Kids Co Honestly Good Juices!

Check out the widget below.

Appy Kids Co Honestly Good Juices

I received a selection of Appy Drinks Co drinks in exchange for this honest review. All photos and opinions are my own. Prize to be supplied direct from Appy Kids Co. Over 18 UK residents only.

Nimble Milk Buster- Review and Giveaway

As I've been breastfeeding Archer, I've only really used bottles on rare occasions, using milk from a breast pump. I recently went into my cupboards to move some bits around and I found my bottles were a mess- they looked greasy and grimy and when I opened one, they really smelt!

How had this happened?! I hadn't used them for ages, but I had washed them and put them all away dry. I could literally smear the grease with my fingers. Apparently, because my breast milk is high in fat, it can leave a residue film across all my pump parts and bottles. It can even happen with formula.

It was perfect timing really for me to test out the milk buster sprays by Nimble. The handy spray is designed to get into all the nooks and crannies of bottles and tiny pump parts (as well as bowls and spoons if you're weaning!) and get rid of the cloudy smelly residue, leaving them crystal clear and germ free as the day they were bought.

To make the test fair, I took out two of the bottles we have yet to use and filled them both with some pumped breast milk and gave them a shake, then left them to sit for an hour.

(splashed with milk)

I then washed and rinsed one in just water, and the other using the cleaning technique on the back of the milk buster bottle.

I was honestly sceptical at first, but after having to re wash all my bottles and pump parts multiple times between uses, I was willing to try anything.

(After washing)

The difference was clear almost instantly- the bottle on the right was with milk buster. Look at how crystal clear the teat is compared to the already cloudy bottle on the left! I wash and sterilise so thoroughly but the difference really is as clear as day using milk buster.

You can buy it in full size bottles and a handy travel size which you can throw into any travel or changing bag. You can also rest assured as the product is plant based, so no chemical nasties.

Now, if you're interested I'm offering two readers the chance to win a full sized bottle of Milk Buster to try for yourself! Enter in the widget below!

Milk Buster by Nimble

I recieved a full sized and travel bottle of milk buster in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own, and all photos are my own unless stated otherwise.

Prize to be supplied directly by brand. All entrants must be UK residents aged 18+ and supply valid contact details. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by myself. Winners will need to confirm details by responding within 14 days or winner will be re-selected.

Toddler Favourites- September 2017

September is over and gone already- and boy did it go fast. We were gone for a week in Great Yarmouth, Isla started attending a playgroup every  and we've had barely five minutes to stop and notice we're now in October.

A lot of the things Isla has talked about and enjoyed this month were discovered on our holiday! It was the first one we've been on where she actually understood what was going on and we had a wonderful time. With that said, here are Isla's favourite's from September.

1. The Aquarium

Watching penguins at the aquarium.

During our trip to Yarmouth, we visited the Sea Life Aquarium. We've been to pretty much all their branches now it feels like! Isla was always quite young though and didn't overly get the point before, but this visit she was loving life. She ran around collecting stamps, learning, and searching for Nemo and Dory who we found at the end. It was weeks ago and she's still talking about it like it was the best day of her life. I'll be doing a post about the aquarium later this month.

2. The Clever Sleeping Bag

We stayed in a static on our holiday, and with the adult to child ratio... Isla ended up needing to be in a travel cot. Some toddlers her age are still in cots and use the travel version, but she's been using a big girl bed since around 18 months old so we spent months looking out for a travel alternative comfier than a sleeping bag. We found this- and honestly it's amazing. She was comfy and warm and it's the perfect size for 2-5 year olds. It wraps up compact and she loves the fact it has ponies on it.

3. Magazines

Mostly because of the gifts, but she does get a good kick from the pictures and stickers too! Isla got several magazines this month- Peter Rabbit, and a Swashbuckle one being her favourites. She finally got her hands on some "Gem's Jewels" (Swashbuckle fans will know) thanks to that mag and they were great for quiet time on our holiday too.

What're your little ones enjoying at the moment? Let me know!

Ecover Laundry Challenge

Do you ever feel like you're literally drowning in laundry? I do. I thought it was bad enough when it was just me and Jack- back then I was drowning in going out-out clothes- but since my first baby was born I feel the pile has been growing and growing at an alarming rate. We actually moved to our second home together WITH a designated box for laundry I hadn't managed to do!

Now that I have TWO children... well it's safe to say some laundry days I don't see much of Archer as he's small and easily lost in the mountains of clothes.

(This was just one week of clothing, sheets and muslin bits!)

My usual laundry routine involves sobbing and avoiding the matter starts on a Monday morning. I gather all the clothes from every laundry basket, random bedroom floors and the weird pile of socks my daughter likes to make down the side of the sofa. The laundry routine is literally never ending day by day.

I've had to convince my two year old that the washing machine is the most exciting thing in the world- she thinks it's a treat when I let her load it up now!

As my son is young, I've gotten used to using a completely separate cleaning product for him so that his sensitive skin is protected. I also separate Isla's bits as I used a certain softener for her and a different one for myself and Jack. That all sounds ridiculous right? It means I usually do 5-6 separate loads including towels, sheets, clothes... that's not even including when I wash soft toys or sofa cushions!

I've desperately sought out a detergent that means I can put all our clothes in together. It's a nightmare feeling like the washing machine and tumble drier are permanently on- but most scented products aren't suitable for sensitive baby skin, or aren't tough enough to get stains out of my toddlers clothes, or don't give that "fresh" laundry smell... nothing ticks all my boxes.

Recently I've been taking part in the Ecover laundry challenge with Britmums. I've switched my own products out to try the new non-bio detergent by Ecover for the past week and honestly it's made such a massive difference.

I've been able to get my laundry pile mostly depleted in three loads. Three! That's including towels, bed sheets, my clothes, Jack's work shirts, baby clothes- you name it. Not only smell amazing, it suits our varying needs as it's strong enough for whatever my toddler manages to embed into her clothes and soft enough to keep my sons babygros soft and fluffy for him.

I honestly don't think I'll be going back to my masses of powders and bottles- it made laundry more of a chore than it needs to be. If I stick with the Ecover, I'll be able to just throw everything in at once at the same temperature and it'll not only save time, it'll save us money as I won't be constantly doing little loads throughout the week.

Do you love or hate your laundry routine? Have you ever seen the fabled "bottom" of the laundry basket? Let me know!

This post is an entry for BritMums #EcoverLaundry challenge, sponsored by Ecover

What's in my Changing Bag- Baby & Toddler Edition

Now that I'm a mum of two, my changing bag has reverted back from a backpack full of snacks and a few nappies (when it was just Isla) to a whole sack of "just in case" items and "you never know" essentials.

Since there is a risk of either child ruining their clothes/needing the toilet/being hungry at any moment, I like to ensure I have something for all occurrences and keep the bag ready to go so I don't have to do the mad scrabble before we leave.

I got my bag off of Amazon- a brand called Kidzzone- and it looks close enough to handbag to still be fashionable, with a lovely waterproof inside and lots of pockets to lose biscuit crumbs in.

For the toddler:

• Spill Proof Cup: We use both the Nuby variety and the Munchkin 360
• Snacks: For nutrition and bribery purposes
• Spare pants and shorts/trousers: Potty training has gone well, but we still like to prepare for an accident just in case
• Spare outfit: Because you never know
• Fold up raincoat: If it's cold, Isla will wear a coat out but I like to keep something waterproof handy in case she isn't under the raincover on the pram
• Sun cream: This is for the baby too, to keep them both protected
• Sunglasses: For the rare sunny day
• Toys: We usually have a handful of cheap toys that Isla can fiddle with if she is stuck in the pram for a long time
• Plasters: Isla is a little bruiser and scrapes her knee every other day

For the baby:

• Nappies: I try to keep at least 5 in here for a day out, around one an hour and a half although he rarely needs changing that often
• Wipes: helpful for both the toddler and baby, for everything from bums to hands to wiping tables
• Nappy Cream: We use most brands, but at the moment we're using E45
• Muslin Clothes: For spit up, dribble, and Archer loves them to snuggle as he falls asleep. Also good as a cover for breastfeeding if it's windy or I want to cover up a bit
• Spare Outfit (x2): For the inevitable poo or puke explosions
• Spare dummy: Archer can shoot a dummy two metres through a crowded area, never to be seen again. 
• Sun & Winter hats: I keep both handy because British weather is ridiculous and unpredictable
• Coat: An easy to add layer if it gets cooler
• Nappy Bags: Great for stuffing dirty nappies in till you find a bin, and also to use as wet bags to bring home any soiled clothes or toys
• Travel Changing Mat: For if we can't find a baby change- any surface becomes suitable or cleaner at least

For mummy:

• Purse
• Hand santiizer
• Reusable breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Snack
• Sterilising anti-bac surface wipes

What's in your changing bag? If you have anything you can't live without let me know!

Steph xo

Toddler Holiday Essentials- What's in Isla's suitcase

I know that summer is basically over, but because of the cost increases in the school holidays we usually go on our holiday after the children go back at the start of September. This does mean unless we get a rare hot September, our holiday is cooler (and as we holiday within the UK it's often wet), but the resorts are always much quieter which is great if you've got toddlers or very young children.

We're off on holiday in the next months, so I'm sharing my essentials you should pack for a toddler, and what's in Isla's suitcase.

Clothes

We are going away for a week in Autumn so we will be taking outfits where layers can easily be added and taken away for the changing temperatures. I always pack for the possibility of an outfit change a day (potty training toddlers are unpredictable) but don't over pack more than this- if she were to need more, there are always shops around.

Just in case it is sunny, we're taking sun hats for good measure to keep her protected!

Swimming

• Huggies Swim Nappies. Isla is potty trained in awake times but all that exercise and time in the pool.. I'd rather play it safe and I love the Huggies swim nappies- we've never to this day had a leak with them.
• Swim ring & Armbands. Previous years, Isla has had one of those inflatable seats or been limited to our arms but we find that with a ring and arm bands she can swim freely without being held. The armbands stop her slipping through the ring so with supervision we are confident she is safe.
• Beach Ball. Even in an indoor pool, it isn't a proper holiday without one!
• Swimming Costume (and a spare just in case!)

Travel

• Mess free colouring (so she doesn't stain anything where we stay or in the car)
• Snacks
• Spill free cup (Nuby and Munchkin have some trustworthy options that wont flood your car or aeroplane seat)
• Travel Potty, for the inevitable stop

Toiletries

• Travel Potty Seat. Isla is dry in the day so we will need this for in the caravan and about the town.
• Sun cream. Even on cloudy days she will need protecting as we are outside most of the day.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Shower Gel
• Night nappies
• Talc (Throw it at them after being on the beach and the wet sand dries up and drops off!)

Do you think there's anything we've forgotten? We will of course be taking a few toys but will 

probably be too busy to stop and play!

Let me know what else you'd take in the comments!

Toddler Favourites- August 2017

Isla is a few weeks short of being 2 and a half years old, and is deep into the phase where she knows exactly what she likes, and when she wants it (usually NOW).

Here are some of her favourite things from this month.

1. Sylvanian Families

We got Isla the Cosy Cottage starter set for her second birthday as she had shown quite an interest in role play imagination toys. Well, she has been hooked since and her collection of dolls, houses and accessories now trumps anything I'd amassed as a child. From pirate ships to school buses, she loves all of it. I've even started collecting the furniture sets which she uses in this old victorian style dolls house I've been fixing up for her.

2. PJ Masks

As much as I am pleased she is moving on from the likes of Justin's House and more baby directed TV, I can't express too much joy at her new found love for PJ Masks. I don't really understand it further than the fact she keeps smacking me with a coke bottle sword and calling herself Cat Boy... all jokes aside, she seems to get super psyched to watch this and it gives me 15 minutes of quiet to get stuff done.

3. Munchkin Apple Plates

We've been using these plates to make some cheap and simple, but super exciting toddler lunches. Isla was going through a bit of a phase where she didn't want to eat much at lunch time. I figured she was getting bored of the sandwich & snack combo. We've found using these plates and arranging different foods and presenting them in a fun way has got her motivated to eat again. You can read a whole post featuring these meals here.

4. Infacare Ultra Mild Baby Bath

It just isn't a proper bath without bubbles according to my toddler, and unless those bubbles last all the way through a hair wash, Archer dipping in and out for a quick wash, and another fifteen minutes of furious playing...well then they definitely aren't worth it. These bubbles really do what they say on the bottle and last for the entire bath. They smell lovely too which is a bonus.

If you have a toddler, share below what they're loving at the moment in the comments!

Steph xo

Baby Favourites August 2017

As a baby, Archer does not have the skill to tell you about his favourites or interests... luckily I'm here to help share what seems to spark some reaction or happiness from him and what products seem to keep him calm and content.

1. Tommee Tippee Air Soother

We have tried around 8 brands and styles of dummies for Archer. He just spat them out, or retched- he wasn't having it. He is a booby man through and through... but then we found these, and he hasn't looked back. We haven't experienced any nipple confusion and I can tell when he just wants comfort rather than food, so popping one of these in as he fusses has literally changed our lives. Isla was never fussy and would take any bottle or dummy, but every baby is different I guess.

2. Summer Infant Deluxe Bath Seat

Archer is definitely more of a water baby than Isla was. She had to be in the tub with me, on my chest. She still gets nervous when laid down in the big bath when I rinse her hair and can't stand water on her face when she swims. Archer does not care. He just wants to be in the water and with this chair he can get in every time Isla does. I just have to keep an eye on him and he is lightly dipped in while still supported so can happily kick and I have a hand free for each child.

3. Nuby Wacky Teether & O-Rattle

I touched on the Nuby teether in Archer's 12 week update- it's one of the only things he can hold and get into his own mouth. Now that he is going into the CHEW EVERYTHING phase, these two easy to grip toys keep him from clawing at his own face chewing his fingers, and keep him from biting the boob. They're also nice and lightweight so he's only smacked himself in the face a few times now...

What is your baby loving right now? I'm always on the look out for new things to try, so let me know!

Steph xo

Archer's 11 Week Update

This week marks Archer entering his last week classed as a newborn. He was only 3 weeks early, so we don't adjust his age for milestones- so yes, when he hits 12 weeks old at the end of this week he will officially need to get himself a proper baby job because he will be an infant.

It's had me all sorts of emotional- especially since he has officially outgrown his preemie, newborn, and 1 month clothing. Putting it all away I've realised I will never have another fresh baby (we're done with two!) and he's started to look and feel huge to me.

Length: >61cm (51cm at two weeks)

Weight: >13.5lbs and to be weighed next at 13 weeks (6lb 12oz at birth)Clothing size: 0-3 months and Up to 3 Months

New this week: Purposefully kicking his piano play mat, sleeping in his own bed for most of the night, having a "bed time" and sticking to it, keeping hands open and not in a fist when playing, able to smack toys hanging above him

Likes: sitting up with support, squealing and cooing at daddy, chewing his fists, the elephant hanging toy on his swing & playmat

Dislikes: getting out of the bath and dried, the majority of dummy brands, when mummy puts him down during his nap

Mummy & baby product shout out this week: Fisher Price Kick & Play Piano Mat. I hate the music, and he loves it. It takes up room as we now have two mats in the living room, but it's been so worth it. He absolutely loves it and the second we put him on it he starts to kick and pant with excitement. The toys dangle at the perfect height for him too. He's getting more into toys now so it's nice to have something so colourful to stimulate him.

Newborn Must Haves- The First Weeks

You'd think after my first baby was born, I'd be all clued up on products when it came to the second. I thought that I'd make do with the same things I had the first time around- but boy was I wrong.

When I got pregnant with Archer, I didn't see myself getting tempted by any of the new tech for kids, so a trip to the shops to just look was harmless...nope!

On top of what most people end up unable to cope without- nappies, muslin cloths, dummies etc. here is a small sum up of the things we use day in day out and really are a must have for us.

Muslin and Velcro Swaddles:

We didn't swaddle even once with Isla after we left the hospital. We didn't own any, and I couldn't seem to replicate the technique the NICU nurses had used with her blankets. So we just prayed she would sleep and held her till she was quiet and then put her down as gently as we could (often multiple times).

Now with Archer, I couldn't imagine not wrapping him up like a little fajita every night. He went through a phase where from 7pm-10pm every night he would scream bloody murder as he was so over tired and over stimulated from being tired- nightmare right? Not once we started swaddling. You can even get the type that velcro themselves so you don't have to fiddle and faff. I could not recommend them enough- we use the Groswaddle by the Gro Company most nights.

Fisher Price Take-Along Swing and Seat

Isla had a bouncy chair. It vibrated and was pink and adorable and played some awful and annoying but so catchy you can't help humming along tunes. But she liked to be rocked. So we would rock her for hours if we had to.

Archer has a swing. Me and Jack still fawn over it's ability to raise our newborn better than us. It has toys, music, and it rocks him so I can eat my KFC without worrying he will slip out my greasy fingers. Looking back, I wish we had splashed out for one last time. Other than our pram, it's Jack's favourite bit of baby tech for sure. It even folds down for travel and the cover is removable for washing (lets face it, it'll get dirty).

Gripe Water

Babies fart (just wanted to get the word fart out of the way fast, have a good giggle!) all the time. They do it so much I'm honestly surprised they don't visibly deflate after they're finished. The rubbish thing about newborn babies, is that they don't know how to fart by themselves. That means all that gas is stuck in there somewhere- and if it comes up, it'll push out all that milk onto your lovely outfit you finally found time to put on at 4pm.

We used infacol with Isla, but Archer just couldn't stand the taste. The poor boy kept himself up all night in the first few weeks because every fart would make him sob with effort. The gripe water worked by pushing all those gas bubbles together into one big one, so after eating they would shoot right out as a big bubble (either end!). So glad I invested in some just in case!

What product couldn't you live without in the first weeks? I'd love to know!
If you think there's anything I should get now Archer is getting older, do let me know too!

Steph xo

Note: I was not asked to post about any of these products- I chose to share them because I really do believe they're must haves x