parenting Archives - Page 5 of 6

The new mum starter kit: my fave baby products

26th May, 2017

I remember when I was pregnant with Sophia and the list of things I needed to buy seemed quite overwhelming and endless. To avoid drowning in endless amounts of baby paraphernalia it helped that I had recommendations from family and friends about what I would actually need and use as opposed to things that may seem nice but would end up sitting in the nursery gathering dust. Over the years, after a little trial and error, I’ve also managed to narrow down my can’t-live-without essentials and I often share this with friends who are about to become mums or gift things on the list when I’m attending baby showers. Here’s what I’ve found to be musts in my new mum starter kit…

Bugaboo Cameleon

There are so many types of prams out there but I’m a Bugaboo girl. I have the Bugaboo Cameleon and I’ve use it for both Sophia and Grace. I go on lots of pram walks so I like the fact it’s really sturdy and easy to manoeuvre but quite lightweight. The pram has lots of features that I like such as being able to easily recline it right back or sit it right up, adjustable handles and I now also have a little seat for Sophia which is handy. I’ve found it to be a really comfortable pram for the girls too—Sophia loved to sleep in it and that’s a definite bonus when you’re trying to get an unsettled bub to nap!

Baby Zen YoYo

Let me preface this with the fact that you technically don’t need two prams, however when I travel I like everything to be really super easy and light and for those reasons the Baby Zen YoYo pram is definitely a great option. I’ve taken mine on overseas trips and found as it’s easily collapsible and compact it was not too cumbersome to deal with. I think it’s good to have a really great pram but I think it’s handy to have a stroller that you can just pack up. I now leave the YoYo in my car so I always have a pram on hand without having to pack my Bugaboo in and out of the car all the time.

Baby Bjorn carrier

When I’m on foot with Grace while Sophia is at kindy, I’ve found the carrier is ideal, especially when I’m going to the shops as it allows me to have my hands free. It’s also great if baby is a bit unsettled and wants to be close to you as you can carry them for awhile without completely doing your back in! This carrier is easy to take on and off so doesn’t require too much fussing around with straps and buckles.

Sapling Child onesies

My kids just lived in onesies so I’ve tried a few different brands and have become a huge fan of the range from Sapling Child. Not only are they made from organic fabrics and have beautiful prints and patterns they also do up with a zipper. This is SO important as I hate buttons on onesies as they’re so fiddly. I love the fact that I just need to zip it up. They also doesn’t have any seams so there’s nothing that could irritate baby’s skin.

Mama Maya wraps

Muslin wraps are a must for swaddling in the newborn phase but it’s often hard to find one that’s the ideal size. I love Mama Maya wraps because they’re oversized which I found makes it much easier to wrap baby snugly. Also, they’re made from organic cotton muslin which makes them lightweight and breathable and come in a range of great colours in their signature polka dot print. They’re also great for using as a pram cover, a cover up while breastfeeding or a light blanket so you’ll definitely get plenty of use out of them. An added benefit is that Mama Maya have partnered with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia so with every wrap purchased they provide funding for one clean birthing kit and caregiver training to help women in developing countries experience a cleaner and safer birth.

Uniden baby monitor

I’ve found a baby monitor to be a must and is the kind of thing that you’ll use as the baby gets older. It’s obviously great for keeping an eye on the baby wherever you are in the house and I found it to be especially handy when the girls started sleeping in their own rooms at night as I was able to check on them remotely which helped put me at ease.

Pigeon baby bottles

I’ve always liked Pigeon brand bottles but recently my sister in law got me onto the glass version. They’re easy to clean and sterilise which is great when going through so many bottles throughout the day.

Baby washes

There are lots of different bath products out there for babies that it can be a little hard to decide on the best one to use. At the moment I really like the baby wash from the Milk Baby range and QV bath oil which I used on Grace as she had really dry skin when she was younger.

Madreperla bed linen

It’s inevitable that you’ll go through lots of baby bedding so it’s important to have multiples of everything. You don’t have to spend a fortune but if you’re wanting something a bit special then I highly recommend the Madreperla luxury baby linen range. It’s 300 thread count and 100 per cent flax linen so it’s super soft. Their quilts are also filled with pure cotton and free from polyester and synthetics. I find anything from this range also makes a really nice baby shower gift.

Baby Bjorn bouncer

Grace loves her bouncer! I’ve gotten a lot of use from the one we have as the bouncing motion is great for soothing a cranky baby plus it’s handy if you just need somewhere for bub to safely sit and stay in the one place. It’s also a great spot for baby to sit when reading to them or playing with toys together.

What are some of your baby essentials for new mums?

Date with Kate, Fashion

Date with Kate: Jayson Brunsdon and Aaron Elias

16th April, 2017

Aaron and Jayson Brunson chatting to me about their son, Roman

Fashion designer Jayson Brunsdon and his partner, Aaron Elias, built the Jayson Brunsdon fashion label into one of the most recognised in Australia. In 2015 they became parents via surrogacy in Thailand but faced a devastating setback when the country stopped surrogacy in the wake of the Baby Gammy case and the IVF clinic they were using was closed. The couple open up to me about the struggles they faced, Elias’ motivation for writing his new book, Designer Baby: A Surrogacy Journey from Fashion to Fatherhood, and Brunsdon’s fashion plans.

What inspired you to write your book?

Aaron: [Roman] was the biggest inspiration. It is about love. So it is about love for him, our love, when we first met, and it’s about our careers and fashion. It’s about … our journey into parenthood and what went on [in Thailand] and how we managed to bring him home.

What were the biggest issues you faced in your surrogacy journey?

Aaron: Surrogacy issues here are hugely controversial, so the law hasn’t really changed much over the years … We used an altruistic surrogacy because my cousin donated her eggs to us, so we had to actually bring her to Thailand … to start the process there.

Jayson: She had to inject herself daily and it’s about three weeks to get it done because she didn’t have enough eggs and it just kept going on and on and on … [Later] I turn on the television one morning and I saw this whole Baby Gammy story and they said the Thai government … have illegalised the whole IVF.

How did that make you feel?

Jayson: I didn’t even know what to do … I couldn’t contact him until the night, so I sat there all day on my own just thinking, “Oh my God, we’re not going to be able to get him out. What’s going on?” … [Later] we were very panicked.

What was that moment like when you finally got to bring him home?

Jayson: It was pure joy … There was a lot of bureaucratic stuff you have to go through.

Was the journey home how you expected it to be?

Aaron: No, we were almost arrested at the [Thai] airport. The embassy told us that we would have no problems whatsoever and that we just needed the exit permit … We got to the airport and we were fine; Qantas had organised a chaperone to take us right through … And then it all just started – [Customs] started making really horrible jokes about us, about our sexuality.

Jayson: As we walked towards immigration, all the officers came around towards us and that is where we were detained [for nearly three hours].

Aaron: They said they wanted the surrogate mother there and started screaming at us …

Jayson: They were accusing us of human trafficking … I thought I was going to go to jail … Finally the Australian Embassy [assisted us] and they were fantastic.

What were your objectives for the message of your book?

Aaron: I think it is a very imperative conversation that needs to take place in Australia because, not just about surrogacy itself, but also about gay marriages, equality, all of that. [We have been] together for 18 years … We want to paint a picture that we are not villains, we’re normal people … and we shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens.

Jayson: We think surrogacy needs to be seriously looked at.

What do you hope has changed in the world when Roman grows up?

Aaron: I really want him to be able to live in a country that his parents could get married and let it be a happy environment and to help people – childless couples and parents that have been going through the strains of motherhood and pregnancy.

How are you going to explain things to him?

Jayson: We’ll just explain it completely the way it was. We already have. We’ve started because his mother lives here, she lives in Bondi and we see a lot of her and her children, and he plays with his siblings all the time. He is really close to them.

How has parenthood changed you?

Jayson: Completely. I think it brings out the best. It brings out a better version of yourself.

Do you guys have plans to have more children?

Aaron: No. We get asked this question every day of our lives. But initially it was about having another one at least, so that Roman could have a brother or a sister, but I think we’ve been so blessed, blessed with Rebecca, blessed with her children.

How is everything going fashion-wise?

Jayson: I’ve kind of just stepped away from it quite a bit. I found it really hard to try and concentrate on both because … when you fashion design it’s like a six-day-a-week job and it’s 24/7 … I knew that at my age, the time was precious and I really wanted to experience as much of it as possible. So I stepped back a bit from it … I’ve started painting again … That’s how I started 30 years ago – I was a fashion illustrator … I’m going to turn that into a bit of business.

What has been your biggest career highlight?

Jayson: I guess showing in New York fashion week, the first time. That was fantastic.

You’ve had so many celebrities wear your clothes. Who stands out in your mind?

Jayson: Princess Mary [of Denmark] … There is something about royalty that seems to transcend celebrity somehow … She is so fabulous.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Jayson: I see myself painting more, just looking after Roman, he will be six by then.

Aaron: I see ourselves in a Spanish villa!

Have you always been passionate about writing?

Aaron: Always … but I never really thought that I was going to write a book. It was always the intention to write a journal for Roman and I wanted him to see the whole thing when he was old enough to read it. I wanted all the facts in there, every single detail that happened, just in case if I’m not around or something happens to us … I was fortunate to have it published and … we never expected it, but it’s happening.

Designer Baby: A Surrogacy Journey from Fashion to Fatherhood is now available on the shelves.

BITESIZE

We went to Reuben Hills, Surry Hills

We ate French toast with bacon crumb, charred banana, bacon custard, basil black pepper gel & berries and sourdough with jam

We drank a cappuccino, soy latte and flat white

Jayson wore UNIQLO and Aaron wore H&M.

Kate wore a Trenery shirt.

Designer Baby: A Surrogacy Journey from Fashion to Fatherhood is now available on the shelves.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Family time

16th February, 2017

Spending quality time with the girls on the weekend is one of my favourite things to do. We’ll do everything from go for walks around our neighbourhood to go to the beach or step out for a bite to eat and when we do comfort is definitely key as far as my outfit goes. I find throwing on a dress is the easiest way for me to get out the door quickly but opting for a fun bird print like that on the above Karen Walker dress helps give it a little personality. My new Nicholas Kirkwood slides are an easy footwear option as they look quite polished but are easy to slip on and off should we find ourselves doing an impromptu visit to the park or the beach. I am really loving the trend towards pointed flats, I think it’s a really modern look and is a great alternative to traditional flats. Any bag that I take with me when I’m out with the girls must have a strap to keep my hands free but I also like to keep things on trend which is where my favourite new Gucci handbag enters the picture. I love the applique on the bag which helps complement the playful nature of the dress.

Shop my favourite dresses for a family day out

Pair the outfit with some slides to match

Credits: Kate’s Dress, Karen Walker; Shoes, Nicholas Kirkwood, Bag, Gucci; Sunglasses, Celine. Sophia wore Chloe and Amelie

Photography: Sophia Athas

Lifestyle

What I do if I know I need to get out the door fast

8th February, 2017

If I need to get me and the girls out door fast then preparation is key. Gone are the days when I could just grab my bag and walk out the door! When I need to be somewhere first thing in the morning then I have to get everything ready the night before, if I don’t it’s always a disaster and it never quite works out. I’m generally not the most organised person around so this is definitely something I trained myself to do.

One of the key things I do is make sure I have the baby bag packed up for Grace, Sophia’s essentials ready and have everything I need already in the pram so I just need to walk out the door. This saves me from having to run around trying to locate various things in the morning as I will inevitably not be able to find it. Plus this is often how I’ll find myself out and about and missing something crucial because I’ve forgotten to bring it with me. I also lay out the girls’ outfits the night before so I just have to dress them and I also plan what snacks I’m going to bring. I make sure the lunchbox is ready to go but I’ll often cut up anything perishable like fruits in the morning so it’s still fresh – I have to make sure I factor in time for this though!

If we’re going down to our family farm then this process becomes even more involved. Often I’ll drive down ahead of Luke so I don’t get stuck in traffic and this requires having to pack up the whole car and the girls and it ends up being quite a mission. To get around this I make sure I load everything into the car the night before so Luke is around to help in case I need him. I make sure to pack the pram, pack the girls’ bags and have their outfits ready to go so all I need to do is give them breakfast in the morning. We often bring food as well so I’ll do all my grocery shopping ahead of time so we have the right food for the kids and also Luke and I as well. I think when time is of the essence the more that can be done in advance the better otherwise it all ends up being a rather stressful experience which is definitely the last thing I need when I’ve got the girls in tow!

What are some of your tips for getting out the door fast when you have kids in tow?

Lifestyle

What’s in my baby bag?

31st January, 2017

As every mum will attest a baby bag is a lifeline when out and about. Now that I’m going through the baby phase a second time with Grace I’ve managed to keep her baby bag to the key necessities and resist the temptation of taking everything in the house with me so I’m not lugging around something that weighs a ton. Here’s what I’ve got it down to…

Spare nappies

Nappies are of course a no-brainer inclusion in a baby bag but the number depends on where we’re going and if we’re likely to be out the entire day. I bring a couple with me in case I need to change Grace a few times while we’re out.

A disposable change mat

You can never be too sure of the state a baby change room is going to be in so I always make sure to bring a disposable change mat with me. They’re a great option as I can just flush them down the toilet as soon as I’m done which makes them a little more hygienic.

Nappy bags

Carrying around a soiled nappy is not entirely pleasant so I bring nappy bags to keep the odours at bay.

Spare clothing

I bring 1-2 spare outfits for both the girls in case disaster strikes and I need to change their clothing entirely. Also if the weather seems a little unpredictable I bring a jumper so I can have it on hand for Grace.

Blanket

If it seems a little cool outside I always make sure to bring a blanket with me just in case.

Wraps

Lightweight wraps are so versatile as I can use them for everything from a makeshift summer blanket or to shield Grace’s pram from the sun.

Sunscreen

I always make sure to pop sunscreen on the girls whenever we’re out and about so I have a bottle in my bag at all times.

Water

I’m always going on pram walks with the girls or taking them to the park so having bottle of water in the baby bag is always handy.

What do you carry with you in your baby bag?

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion

Behind the scenes on my Grace magazine cover shoot

22nd December, 2016

I am so thrilled and honoured to share the news that I’m covering the new issue of Grace magazine with my family.

I’ve known Georgie Abay, the editor of the parenting website The Grace Tales since her days at Vogue and have been a long time fan of her site which is all about motherhood, stylish mothers and all things children and is a great website for mums. Recently Georgie launched an online magazine called Grace which I absolutely loved reading so I felt very honoured when she asked my sister-in-law Hoda and I to appear on the cover of the second issue with our children.

It was a Christmas themed shoot that took place in a studio in Sydney’s Waterloo. I always love seeing the outfits the stylist has pulled for a shoot and this time around we got to wear some fabulous outfits, in really bright colours and a handful of metallics to reflect the fact it was an issue celebrating the festive season. It was a nice way to mark the start of this great time of year.

Sophia was particularly excited about the shoot as she was able to “go to work with mummy”. Photo shoots are long days so by the end of it I think her excitement had waned slightly and going to work with mummy was no longer quite so fun but she loved spending time with her cousins, Rose and William. As with most little girls I think her favourite part of the day was playing dress ups. As soon as she walked in she was trying on shoes and trying on different dresses and she just wanted to be in everything Rose was wearing so a lot of the shots they’re wearing the same thing. It was an honour to be asked to be in the shoot with Hoda and the kids and we had such an unbelievably fun day shooting it. I hope you like the end result!

To check out the story head to The Grace Tales.

With my sister-in-law, Hoda

Hoda and my niece Rose and nephew William on set

Sophia inspecting the accessories for the shoot

Selfie time with Hoda and Rose

If there’s one thing you need on a shoot it’s coffee!

Hoda getting her hair styled

Lifestyle

The 3 things I’m doing with my kids this Christmas

8th December, 2016

Now that I have the girls and my brother has two kids, Christmas for us is all about the kids. I think it’s really nice having young children running around on Christmas Day as it really helps to bring the spirit of the season to life. Whilst Grace is still a baby and is a bit too young to understand what’s going on, Sophia is old enough to know what Christmas is about so she’s getting more and more excited about it. Christmas was always such a great time of year with my family when I was growing up so I’m trying to ensure that it’s the same for my own. Here’s how I’m tackling the festive season with my children…

Start traditions

I believe this is one of the things that kids remember the most about Christmas, it’s the little things that they always do with their family. For us it’s getting our Santa photo taken. We always go with my brother and his kids and we visit Santa and get a pic taken every year. It’s a nice memento to look back on as we’ve watched our family slowly grow.

This year’s Santa photo as a family of four

Quality not quantity

This is the first year that Sophia is understanding the concept of Santa and that he brings presents if you’re a good girl. It’s really exciting seeing her getting so excited about it. I don’t like to go too crazy around Christmas time as I don’t want to spoil my kids with a million gifts but this year, Sophia has told me many times that she wants Santa to bring her an Elsa doll so I’ll definitely be trying to get my hands on one. I think it’s all about looking for one gift that she’ll really love as opposed to several things that she may lose interest in.

Get them involved

I’ve ordered a tree and we’ve already put the lights up at home and we have stockings with the girls’ names on it so we do like to create quite a festive atmosphere at home. As the years go on I think we’ll get the girls involved with this process. For now, we we’ll try to include Sophia in the Christmas preparations such as making gingerbread houses or wrapping some of the presents. I think getting involved in the lead up to the festivities is half the fun!

How are you getting your kids involved during the Christmas season?

Lifestyle

What I took in my hospital bag when I gave birth

9th August, 2016

With Sophia when she was just a little bub

Packing a bag to take to the hospital when I was giving birth to Sophia was a little daunting as there were so many things I knew I would have to deal with while I was there – post-birth recovery, breastfeeding, and looking after a new bub were all things I knew I needed to be prepared for. Being a first-time mum it helped to have a list of recommendations for things to take to the hospital so I’ve noted down some of the necessities I packed below. I hope it comes in handy!

What I packed for me:
6 x large full brief underpants in black

If ever there is a time to wear the comfiest underwear possible it’s after having a baby. I opt for black and go up a size or two bigger than my regular size to accommodate wearing maturity pads which are quite thick.

2 x packets of maternity pads

You’ll need to wear a pad after giving birth and change it every couple of hours so make sure you come prepared with a supply for your entire stay.

Maternity singlets in black and white

These are great for breastfeeding. Bonds make some great singlets which are really comfortable.

Long loose tops

You don’t want anything to restrictive as you’ll be breastfeeding so loose tops are ideal.

Loose cardigan/jumper

Pack something to keep you warm as hospital rooms can get chilly. Plus as above, you want to wear something loose when you’re breastfeeding.

Loose black pants

Comfy and practical, a pair of loose black pants will take you through your entire stay. Plus you’ll be walking around the ward so you may not want to be in your pyjamas the whole team.

Toiletries

Pack all your necessities as it’s nice to have familiar things like your regular soap and shampoo and conditioner when you’re away from home.

Socks

As I said hospital rooms can get chilly so it’s a good idea to pack a pair of warm socks.

Slippers/Comfortable shoes

Pack comfy shoes only – this is not the time to get all glammed up. A pair of slippers or just something you feel comfortable in such as flats is great for when you’re walking around the hospital.

Snacks

Hospital food isn’t always the tastiest so be sure to pack yourself some snacks to graze on throughout your stay.

Breast pads

I use the brand Pigeon and have found them to work a treat.

Panadol

You never know when you may need a packet so be sure to pop some in your bag just in case.

Metamucil

It’s less than glam but your digestive system can be in all sorts after giving birth so be sure to pack some Metamucil to help things along.

Gel breast discs

Expect your nipples to be sore (breastfeeding will do that…) so these are great for soothing and healing.

Lip balm

I found my lips tended to get dry so I made sure to have this on hand to moisturise.

Hot/cold pack for the pain

Yes, you will be in pain. Pack one of these just in case.

Tech gear

You’ll need your phone, a phone charger and camera but these can get lost in the mad rush to get to the hospital so make sure you pack what you can in advance.

Recovery shorts

These help with support and separation in the weeks after birth. I used the SRC ones for the first 6 weeks and found them to be really helpful.

Hair brush/Beauty bag

You may not use the makeup you’ve packed but let’s face it you’ll end up having a lot of photos taken so better to be prepared just in case.

A present

This is great for those having their second baby. I’m bringing a present for Sophia “from the baby” for when she first visits to help her feel included in the whole process.

What I’m packing for the baby

6 x size 0000 singlets

Pack both short and long sleeved versions.

6 x size 0000 jumpsuits

I love Bonds jumpsuits but buy any brand you prefer. I do make sure to get the type that cover the baby’s feet

Note: in case you have a big baby it’s good to buy jumpsuits and singlets in a size 000 just in case.

2 x lightweight swaddling wraps

There are some really cute options out there with great prints and colours so find one to suit your style.

1 x woollen or cashmere blanket

I like to pack a cosy blanket to wrap the bub in in case it gets chilly in the hospital.

Do you have other recommendations you can share? What did you take with you?

Lifestyle

My tips for travelling with kids

15th December, 2015

We’ve always travelled with Sophia a lot but most of our trips were interstate trips. However earlier this year we had to fly to Sweden to attend a relative’s wedding which meant we had to face the daunting prospect of doing a long haul flight with a very active 14 month old! I’m a big routine person but when you’re on a plane generally all rules fly out the window and the aim is just to make the flight as comfortable as possible for you and your child. We’re heading off on a family trip overseas this week and these are some of the tips I’ve picked up along the way that I’ll definitely be using.

Bring entertainment

It goes without saying that you need to come armed with toys and activities to keep your child amused. However schedule the toys so they’re given one new toy at a time and introduce a new toy only once you see boredom start to set in. Toys that can keep them amused such as colouring books and puzzles are great and if you have one at your disposal bring an iPad. I usually load one up with Sophia’s favourites, such as episodes of Peppa Pig and Peek-a-boo farm apps. I also try and bring one of Sophia’s toys (or you could also bring a blanket) to give her something familiar from home during the flight.

Load up on snacks

Airline food can be a bit hit and miss so I bring plenty of snacks for Sophia which keeps her fuelled up.

Time your long haul flights

If you can, try and schedule yourself to fly on an overnight flight to help to fall in line with your child’s sleeping times.

Come with a well stocked baby bag

Arriving to a new, unfamiliar destination and frantically running around trying to find a place to buy nappies does not make for a great start to a trip. This is why it’s important to come armed with all the essentials you’ll need for at least two days to give yourself enough time to acclimatise to your destination without having to factor in replenishing your supplies. I always bring:

Nappies
Baby wipes
A change mat
Bottles for milk and a spill-proof sippy cup
Snacks
A first aid kit with kids’ Panadol, thermometer, band-aids, nappy rash cream, teething gel
Hand sanitiser
Spare clothes

Accept help

Spending hours on a plane trying to keep a baby or toddler entertained and under control can be exhausting so if someone offers to help, take up their offer. This can be everything from entertaining your child while you quickly eat your meal or even just letting you in front of them in the queue to board the plane.

Board early

Speaking of boarding, be sure to try and board early. This will enable you to have plenty of time to store all your belonging and get your child settled.

Book a bassinet

Sophia is now too big for the bassinet so she sits on our lap but if your baby is young enough definitely get the bassinet if you can, ring the airline well in advance because usually you have to reserve it. If you can, also ask at check in if you can be seated somewhere with a vacant seat next to you as this gives you a bit more room.

Bring plenty of milk

I find Sophia drinks so much more milk on planes so I always pack more than needed as I don’t want to be stuck without. I also give her a bottle during take off and landing to help relieve the pressure in her ears.

Organise a small go-to bag of essentials

It can become quite cumbersome having to lug a baby bag around every time you need change a nappy so pack a zip lock bag with some nappies, wipes and a change mat to help make it easier. Those small toilets are hard enough to navigate without bringing a big baby bag into the mix!

Always bring extra clothes

It goes without saying you’ll need some spare clothes for your child but don’t forget about you too. Accidents happen and you don’t want to spend the rest of your flight in a t-shirt covered in milk because you have nothing else to change into.

Invest in travel specific accessories

We bought a Baby Zen YoYo pram for our last trip and it was great as we were able to take it onto the plane. It’s compact enough to tuck away into the overhead compartment so we didn’t have to go through the hassle of checking it in. Plus it’s great for when you’re in transit. Also if the hotel we’re staying at doesn’t have a cot I bring a Baby Bjorn travel cot. It can be set up and dismantled quite easily so it’s handy to have around plus it’s something Sophia is already familiar with.

What are some of your tips for travelling with kids?

Lifestyle

The baby things I can’t live without

27th August, 2015

Most mums will know that you tend to accumulate a lot of stuff having a little one running around. There are things I thought I’d use but never do and then there are those things that are constantly in high rotation and make life just that little bit smoother. Here’s my list of must-have, can’t-live-without baby things.

Baby Bjorn travel cot

I have sometimes ended up at hotels and there hasn’t been a cot so I like to take a travel cot with me when I travel. It folds up into a nice little suitcase and it’s just really easy to travel with and really easy to put up and dismantle.

Baby Bjorn carrier

I loved my Baby Bjorn carrier. It was always great for travelling and it meant my hands were free. Luke was a fan as well. (If you’d prefer to wear a sling, the designer Kirrily Johnston recently launched her own sling line and it’s called Wandersling. I actually just bought one for my friend who is having a baby. It’s the nicest sling I’ve found and it’s got a little zipper so you can carry a nappy or wipes with you.)

Bugaboo Cameleon

I do a lot of pram walks so my pram gets a lot of use. It’s a really great pram. It is a bit bigger so a lot of people don’t go for it, but I think it’s fantastic. It’s super comfortable and Sophia loves it. It’s also great for any terrain, it can even go in sand.

Babyzen Yoyo

I recently bought a Babyzen Yoyo to take on our overseas trip. The reason I bought it is because it’s the only pram you can take right up to the aircraft and put up in the overhead compartment as it folds up quite small. I just like to make everything super easy when I travel. You don’t need two prams but the benefit of this is it’s great for travelling.

Uniden baby monitor

I couldn’t live without my Uniden baby monitor. As it’s a video monitor it’s great because when Sophia sleeps I can see her wherever I am. It’s got great night vision as well so I’m never worried at night. It’s also handy when we go away to our family farm as I often can’t hear Sophia crying so it’s great to be able to hear and see her wherever we are in the house. I tell all my friends who are having a baby to get it.

B.box sippy cups

I’m so often just throwing my stuff in a nice handbag so I don’t want any leakage! A friend recommended these to me and I’ve found them to be really great. They have a little weight at the end of the straw so it rarely leaks. Sophia loves it. Compared to every other sippy cup I’ve used they’re great.

Little Baby Bum nursery rhymes

I’ve downloaded these onto my computer and my iPhone and Sophia loves them. When we’re travelling in the car and she wants a bit of music I just play these songs. I have so much music on my iPhone for her but these songs are the ones that she’ll dance along to.

Tommee Tippee plastic bibs

These were a lifesaver during weaning. If you’re like me and don’t like doing too much washing and going through a million bibs a day these are a great alternative as you can just wipe them down.

What are some of your baby must-haves?

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