My little one is now just over a year old, and as I wave goodbye to some of the challenges that came with the baby stage—lack of sleep, colic, not wanting to be put down (the list goes on)—I'm now welcoming a new set of challenges that come with this curious, energetic, and fearless stage (more about this in another blog).
Reflecting on my experience as a new mother, I sometimes feel guilty for worrying too much and putting too much pressure on myself, which kept me from truly embracing that exceptionally special time. While I'll never make the transition from not being a mother to being one again, there are certainly things I'll do differently next time.
When you're preparing for your new baby, especially your first, the number of gadgets and gizmos marketed as "essential" can be overwhelming (check out my blog onThings I Regret Buying For My Baby). In this blog, though, I'll be talking about the things I bought that really did make my life easier and allowed me to embrace the precious time with my new baby a little bit more...
The Pram
Choosing the right pram is likely one of the most significant investments you'll make for your new baby, so you'll want to get it right! Each family has unique needs, so it's important to consider what works best for your lifestyle. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
City Living or Off-Road? - Look for good suspension.
Public Transportation Use? - Opt for a lightweight and compact design.
Car Compatibility? - Ensure it fits in your car when folded.
Storage Needs? - Check the storage capacity.
Multiple Children? - Consider double/convertible prams or the ability to attach a buggy board.
Frequent Travel? - Make sure it has airline approval.
A great all-around option is the new Ickle Bubba Altima Pram. I love its stylish design with luxurious metallic details and leatherette finishes. It also features a super handy one-handed fold, which is incredibly convenient when you’re trying to fold the pram with your baby in one arm!
Ickle Bubba does an incredible job of including many extras as standard, so you don’t end up paying more than expected. Known for great quality at affordable prices, Ickle Bubba offers even more value with a 10% discount on the cubbi app. It just makes sense.
The Bottles
For all the bottle-feeding and pumping parents, finding a bottle that your baby will like can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you find the right bottle without breaking the bank:
Take Advantage of Free Samples: Look for free samples from sources like Boots Parenting Club and baby shows. These can help you try different bottles without spending a lot.
Share with Friends: If you've made friends in post-natal classes or playgroups, consider splitting the cost of a multipack before deciding to invest in a full set.
Be Prepared for Trial and Error: Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Don’t get discouraged if the first few bottles aren’t a hit.
I was lucky—my son took to the first bottle we gave him, which was the Tommee Tippee Natural Start Bottle.
The Pump
When I had my son, I always knew I wanted to pump if I could to give my partner the opportunity to share the feeding responsibilities. The thought, however, of spending huge chunks of precious down time, tethered to a wall to pump, simply did not appeal to me. I wanted to be able to pump on the go, so I could do other things - sleep, shop, drive, go for a walk, you name it.
I chose the Elvie pump because it met my needs for hands-free pumping. While it was great in terms of mobility, I faced some reliability issues, with the pump breaking several times over seven months of use. I also have a sneaking suspicion that if I try to use it again in the future, it might not turn back on.
Should that be the case, I’ve had my eye on the momcozy all in one wearable breast pump, which offers the same discreet on the go pumping as Elvie at nearly half the price. Plus get an extra 10% off on the cubbi app!
The Clothing
It's so easy to go overboard when it comes to baby clothes, but trust me, most of the time you won't have the energy (or the clean laundry) to put together cute matching outfits every day. That's why I strongly recommend investing in good quality, cute sleepsuits. Throw on a hoodie or a cardigan and voilà—pyjamas become daytime attire!
Even if you're more organized than I was, sleepsuits are essential. While many brands still produce standard sleepsuits with millions of tiny buttons, brands like MORI are seriously changing the game. No one needs to be fiddling with poppers after a 3 a.m. poonami, so trust me when I say, zippers are a must!
Not only that, but MORI sleepsuits are also incredibly high quality, super soft, and come in a range of beautiful designs. Plus, you can take 10% off with the cubbi app!
The Monitor
Monitors are a minefield. There are so many brands to choose from offering different features and resolutions and methods of connection.
I ended up going for the Award-Winning Owlet Dream Sock. I’m not going to lie, it is a bit pricey but my baby was quite poorly in NICU for a few days after he was born, so the peace of mind that this piece of kit gave me was absolutely priceless. This monitor meant I was able to sleep peacefully, even if not for long, in the knowledge my baby was safe. You can also take £25 off the price with the cubbi app.
I hope this helps!
Love Always,
Olivia x
コメント