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You have just found out that you are expecting and now you have the exciting, but expensive, task of kitting out your new baby’s nursery. The cot is undoubtedly the focal point and central feature of a baby’s nursery and therefore choosing one that is high quality and in-keeping with the rest of the nursery is vital.
If you are looking to buy a new cot, we have found five of the best cots for both quality and value for money currently on the market.
John Lewis Anna Cot
Costing just £100 the John Lewis Anna Cot is great value for money. This sturdy and robust cot is made from birch wood and features a unique foot and one-hand operated drop-side, meaning lifting your baby in and out of his cot is much easier and does not break your back.
The Anna Cot is available in both white and natural wood and would make a great addition to any nursery without breaking bank.
You can purchase the John Lewis Anna Cot at johnlewis.com.
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If you are an enthusiastic hiker your summer days spent walking through the beautiful countryside need not be numbered just because you have young children.
Follow our tips for hiking with babies and toddlers and you’ll be better prepared for taking your new-born, baby or toddler on a hiking expedition that all the family can enjoy.
Babies 0 -6
You may not believe it but young babies can benefit immensely by accompanying their parents on hiking trips. Being in the fresh air, looking at different flowers, wildlife, and rock and cloud formations can help with a young baby’s development.
Be sure to put your little one in a strong and durable carrier or a big-wheeled stroller that has a head and neck harness as it is likely your little one will not have control of her neck yet. As your baby’s skin is so delicate always ensure you put plenty of high factor sun cream on her as well as a protective hat before you start the hike.
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A baby’s first teeth usually begin to show at around 6 – 12 months. It is important that you start to care for your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through. Knowing how to care for your little one’s tiny teeth can be daunting and confusing.
Below are several baby teeth care tips to help you ensure your baby has healthy teeth from the start.
1 – Use cotton buds
If the thought of stuffing a toothbrush into your baby’s tiny mouth to clean one little tooth at the front that is barely cut does not fill you with confidence, you could try using a cotton bud with water to clean those first front teeth. Cleaning first teeth this way, is not only much gentler and less abrasive than using a toothbrush and toothpaste, but it will also help introduce your baby to the idea of having their teeth cleaned.
2 – Let your child watch you brush your teeth
Babies and young children love to copy, therefore letting them watch you brush your teeth will help them get used to the idea and encourage them that it is just part of the normal daily routine and is nothing to be scared of.
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Your baby is quickly approaching six months and you will soon be introducing him to solids. It is good practise to get your baby used to ‘sitting up’ at the table with the family at meal times at around six months.
A highchair is a great parental purchase, as not only will it help your little one get used to food, but many mums find that putting some toys or a colouring books and crayons on the highchair will keep you toddler well entertained and safe whilst they can get on with the vacuuming or washing up!
Either way, a decent, strong and dependable highchair is a great buy, after all your little one could be still using in two or three years time. Here’s our helpful guide to buying a highchair.
1- ‘Self contained’ highchairs
‘Self contained’ highchairs, which come with their own little tray, have advantages over ‘tray-less’ highchairs. The mess your baby will inevitably make whilst he is being introduced to food will (mostly) fall onto the tray, making cleaning up a lot easier. Also, as mentioned above, highchairs with trays can be a good place for your child to sit and play safely. Although the benefit of highchairs without trays is that they can be pushed right up to the table, making your child feel like he is ‘joining in’ the family meal more.
2 - Adjustable height
Your baby grows extremely quickly at this age and therefore buying a highchair which the height can be adjusted to ‘grow with’ your toddler is sensible.
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The arrival of a new baby is a life-changing event. Parents are utterly devoted and absorbed to the ceaseless joy their little creation gives them.
Whilst your new baby is naturally one of the most important things in your life, who relies on you entirely, it is easy to become too absorbed in being a mother and ‘mother’ only. It is important to establish a balance and endeavour to find some precious ‘you’ time.
Spend time with your partner
Having a baby can play havoc with your love life, which can often cause rifts between partners. It is important that yourself and your partner spend some time alone. Ask a grandparent or a friend to look after the baby and go for a walk, meal or a trip to the cinema with your partner.
Go out with friends
It is easy for mums to become so wrapped up in their baby, that they loose grip with the rest of the world, including their friends. Finding time to go out with your friends is important, as it will not only boost your self-esteem and help you recapture your ‘pre-mum’ identity, but spending some time away from your baby will also help to boost your enthusiasm towards caring for your little one.
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