When you come home with a baby for the first time, it’s hard to know where to start. And one of the biggest question is where to put baby down?
Most new parents will confirm that it’s almost impossible to get have time for yourself. Your baby wants to always be with you, be soothed.At first a baby sling or scarf will do the job, but after a few weeks your baby will need a more permanent solution.
That’s what swings, rockers and bouncers are for. You can safely put baby in and get a shower or prepare a meal. The big thing is finding the right swing or rocker that will soothe your baby, and they are not all equal in terms of movement and durability.
We’ve divided our favorite ones into two categories:
Best bouncer chairs and baby seats with electric motion
Our Top Baby Rockers
Best electric baby swing to travel
The nap specialist
The ultimate baby swing
Hope our suggestions helped you find the perfect seat for your baby. I’d love to know which one you chose. Share a picture in the comments!
We chose to only cover the soothing seats that calm your baby and sometimes help them fall asleep.If you’re looking for more entertaining seats, we’ve the perfect guide of the bestactivity bouncers and jumpers for toddlers.
If you found this helpful and you’re looking for some help to find an activity gym for your baby head over our article on most entertaining playmats for babies, you might just find what you’re looking for.
Babies tend to toss and turn a lot (everyone who’s ever co-slept with a baby knows how much). Sleeping bags is a great way to make them feel safe and tightly snuggled, exactly like they were in the womb, guaranteeing you longer nights.
Plus it’s a great way to make sure your little one is warm and well secured at all times while they sleep.
It’s all about finding the best sleeping bag for your baby to be comfortable in. That’s why I prepared a little baby sleeping bag guide to help you pick the right one for you!
Choosing the right baby sleeping bag
A sleeping bag for babies can come in numerous designs, from knitted baby sleeping bags to Disney baby sleeping bags. But choosing the right pattern shouldn’t be your priority.
As with most things for babies, it’s the material that they are made of that is the most important. This is where a tog comes in. A tog is a unit of measurement that calculates the thermal resistance of a product. The higher the tog, the warmer the material will be.
To determine the right sleep bag for your baby, calculate the room temperature your baby will be sleeping in first. Then check out this list of products I made with the baby sleeping bag tog guide to make things easier for you!
Sleep bag for hot Summers Room temperature: above 24°C
For that kind of temperature you need a very light sleeping bag, maximum 0.5 togs.
Gro baby sleeping bags are some of the most popular ones. They start at 0.5 tog, up to 3.5 tog.
The brand offers different sizes and designs. Each one is made from high quality machine washable material. You just can’t go wrong with it, being probably one of the best baby sleeping bag available.
Sleep bags for Spring & Summer Room temperature between 20 and 24°C
Another option for a summer baby sleeping bag, a little warmer than 0.5 tog, is a baby sleeping bag 1.0 or 1.5 tog.
Sleep bags for Autumn & Winter Room temperature between 16 and 20°C
The 2.5 tog baby sleeping bags are obviously warmer than the previous suggestions and are designed for babies sleeping in lower room temperatures (which is said to be healthier). It’s the most popular tog.
Sleep bags for cold Winters Room temperature between 12 and 15°C
For really cold occasions like needing a baby sleeping bag for camping or just room temperatures around 12-15°, you should opt for a higher tog rating. A 3.5 tog baby sleeping bag with arms or sleeves is definitively the best choice here.
How often do you get up during the night to check if your child is tucked in properly? Way too many times… I know, me too. But the sleeping bag really gave me a piece of mind and surprisingly increase the night of my little one.
Let me know in the comments which one you chose and how you’re getting on with it!
Last note on the subject: once your baby learns how to get out of the cot, you should stop using the bag, also if you plan on using a cot duvet, too. And while we’re on the subject of baby beds – check out the best bedside cribs I’ve researched for you!
Becoming a mother is a time of joy during which your heart fills with more love and happiness than you ever thought possible. Your wide-eyed, finger grabbing, soft skinned bundle of warmth, noise and poop is simply perfect.
Laying in the hospital bed next to your gorgeous little bundle in their funny, plastic bedside crib; that’s when it hits you. The enormity of the fact that this baby is coming home with you and you’re going to have to keep it healthy and happy for, well forever!
Feeling anxious and worried about your tiny child is natural and normal, so don’t worry about worrying. There are many things you can do to stay away from ‘Panic Stations!’ and co-sleeping with a bedside cot or a ‘next to me crib’ is one of them.
From one Mother to another, these are my co-sleeper cot and bedside crib recommendations.
The Chicco Next2Me Crib was one of the first co-sleeper baby beds on the market. I love the adaptability, versatility and size of this bedside crib.
The soft, calming colours available are neutral and would suit any room, though to be honest it’s such a great product it could be sky blue pink with yellow dots and parents would still buy it.
Why choose the Next2me bedside crib?
A 3-in-1 concept which can be cleverly used as a bedside cot which can be attached to the side of the bed, as a separate Chicco crib for older babies or as a travel crib (it’s only 8kg and there’s a handy bag included in the price)
The side sleeping crib design has six height options and fold away feet so it will attach safely and securely to most beds.
When in stand-alone mode, the Next2Me crib is easy to move and then secure with sturdy braked wheels.
What I love most about the co-sleeping crib that Chicco have so thoughtfully designed, is the size of it. It’s still neatly compact so that you’re not tripping over it as you get up to go to the loo. However, the mattress is 50% bigger than the vast majority of Moses baskets.
Most new parents buy a prettily, flounced wicker Moses basket to find that it lasts about five minutes before baby’s feet are at the end. They also feel a little rickety on their wooden stands and well, most babies don’t really like sleeping in them!
Most retailers will also sell the Next2Me crib sheets which were designed by Chicco to fit their bedside crib perfectly.
This practical and stylish baby cosleeper won a respected Mother & Baby Magazine Bronze Award, a prize which means a lot to many UK mums.
Why choose the Cozee bedside crib?
Value for money. It can be used up until your little one is sitting up and, much like the Chicco crib, the mattress is large.
Six step height adjuster means this co-sleeper crib will fit onto most beds and the clever attachment system is simple to use. One reviewer thought that one quick look at the instructions was enough for her to operate the crib quickly and with one hand, so helpful when you have a baby on your hip.
A shelf for nappies and wipes for easy access in the night. Never have storage solutions caused so much excitement than when you’re a new parent. Am I right in assuming that your house is now covered in cotton wool, muslin squares and endless, bamboozling amounts of stuff!
Easy to wash. A zip off and on washable liner means that it’s super easy to whip off any icky covers and stick them in the washing machine.
Foldable: easy to fold flat and compact. You can store it easily between two kids.
Parents of babies with reflux or a snuffly nose will adore the incline option on this clever co-sleeper crib. It lifts at one end just enough to aid digestion for sicky babies and congestion for those suffering from a cold. Not having to use a nasal aspirator ugh to suck snot out of a tiny nose at 3am HAS to be a good thing.
The SnuzPod 3 is the third version of this cute co-sleeper crib. The company who make it are constantly looking at their customer’s likes and dislikes and altering their design to suit. I enjoy any baby kit company who listens to parent’s feedback and the reviews from parents buying the SnuzPod 3 for second and third children repeatedly applaud Snuz for this.
Why choose the SnuzPod 3 bedside crib?
The SnuzPod 3 is the best bedside crib in terms of being lightweight. It’s so easy to carry from room to room that you could use it as a bed for daytime naps downstairs. The bassinet is easily detached from the stand making it even more portable.
Rocking stand: you can soothe your baby easily in the crib.
Height adjustable to allow you to adjust it to the correct height of your bed
A new innovation with this bedside crib is that it has virtually transparent mesh on both sides. This makes it extra breathable and you can very easily see what your little treasure is up to. It’s a lovely idea but then they can also see you easily to and an eye-open shuffle back to sleep could turn into a ‘Oh look, there’s Mummy, let’s play!’
Made from high-quality English solid wood. An increasing number of parents are wary of products made from plastic and other artificial material so this is a great product for them.
The benefits of using a co sleeper or bedside crib for you and your baby.
Better sleep for both you and your baby. Closeness creates comfort and relaxation easing you into blissful, peaceful dreamtime. Your sudden urges to check on the baby are easily fulfilled and they will feel reassurance from having Mummy and Daddy so close.
Matching sleep patterns. You, your partner and baby will find sleeping together synchronises your bedtime and wake up times. The cues of when it’s time to go to bed and when it is acceptable to wake up for the day (NOT 4am!) will be learnt much quicker by a baby sleeping close to you.
Breast milk regulation. Should you be breastfeeding your newborn then being close to them as much as possible creates a consistent, constant milk supply.
Ease of feeding and changing. Leaning over to gently lift baby out of a co-sleeper cot right next to your bed is easy and quick and you will both stay warm and baby is more likely to settle quicker.
Have you chosen your perfect cosleeper?
The bedside cribs that are available to parents of new babies have developed a huge amount since the first parent decided to shove a drop-side cot up next to their bed and create an oasis of sleepy calm.
I believe that these three arm’s reach co-sleeper examples are the ones I’d be choosing to put my baby to sleep in. They do everything you need them to do and do it well.
Sleep is the ultimate obsession of nearly every new parent you will ever meet. Anything that will guarantee a good run of unbroken hours of shut-eye is essential baby kit.
Our articles on the ‘Best Cots’ for your nursery and ‘The Best Baby Pods’ will give you the advice and information to ensure that each transition to a new bed will be stress-free and lead to sweet dreams for everyone.
Pregnancy, birth and the early post-natal phase are pretty much all about feeling uncomfortable, sore and full of aches. Of course, your precious bundle makes it all worth it but wouldn’t it be nice just to feel a little less niggled by multiple parts of your own body. That’s why you need a breast pump that doesn’t drive you insane.
Every breastfeeding mother has her own lifestyle and a unique attitude towards breastfeeding. Choosing the best breast pump for you will depend on how you want to breastfeed your baby and how often you plan to feed it with a bottle.
Do you need to relieve breasts that are heavy and sore from too much milk?
Do you want your partner, children or parents to help feed your newborn?
Is there a need to boost your milk supply or store some milk?
Is your baby enable to not suck or eat directly from your breast?
Do you want to give breast milk to your child, but you do not want to breastfeed?
Are you the parent of twins?
If you answered yes to at least one of these question then you should consider a breast pump. You can’t be expected to breastfeed permanently and be with your baby 24 hours a day. If you want to continue giving your baby breast milk, a breast pump is a very effective way to maintain good milk production.
Having the right kit, such as a breast pump, oodles of breast pads, gallons of nipple cream and a nifty drop-cup bra to hand will make the first weeks much easier.
What is the best breast pump?
You could read breast pump reviews all day, every day and still feel confused about the right choice for you. It’s such a personal product as all bodies, boobs, women and babies are different.
I’ve selected the best breast pumps and tried to gather as much info as possible to help you choose the one that will fit you the best.
Manual breast pumps
The Pros
Cheaper. A good choice if you know it’s only for occasional use.
Light, compact and quiet. Ideal if you’re out and about a lot with another child or going back to work. The Haakaa breast pump is one piece, super lightweight and will fit in a handbag.
Easier to use than electric on full breasts.
The Cons
Pumping can tire hands and wrists so choose one with an ergonomic handle like the Mam manual breast pump.
You need hands to pump and hands to stop a toddler licking the cat.
Slower to produce milk.
May take time to learn the best rhythm to pump. A pump with ‘two phases’ one for initial pumping, the other for established milk flow.
Electric Breast Pumps
The Pros
Less effort. The cup is placed on the breast by you and then the machine takes over. No hand tiring pumping or fiddling with the suction controls.
Faster more productive expression. Electric breast pump reviews will consistently tell you how much quicker they are. Parents with more than one child will find this invaluable. Yay! Extra Peppa Pig time with the three-year-old.
More settings and adjustability to suit all boobs, any soreness and different levels of milk supply.
Choice. Spend more and enjoy extra clever features.
The Cons
Significantly more expensive, even for the basic models.
Noisier and less discreet. May disturb a baby feeding on the other breast.
Cleaning and sterilising are more of a faff with extra bits and pieces to drop or lose.
Usually bigger and heavier than manual pumps.
What about a double electric breast pump?
Many designs of electric breast pumps will offer a double pump version. The benefits of expressing from both boobs at the same time far outweigh the slight indignity and your new found sympathy with dairy cows.
More effective, faster milk production.
The milk produced has higher energy content when a double pump is used.
Thorough drainage of the breast which leads to an increase in supply and higher quality milk.
Tips to draw your milk
Breast feeding is an emotive subject for many new parents. If you’re planning on trying to breast feed your new baby you’ll need support, patience and time.
If you are breastfeeding mainly:
Draw your milk in the morning. This is the time of day when you have the most milk.
Draw your milk between each breastfeed, either 30 to 60 minutes after or at least one hour before. This will leave enough milk for the baby to feed.
If you’re exclusively using a breast pump to feed your baby:
Try to draw your milk 8 to 10 times a day, every 3 hours or so. Normal production of breast milk is 750ml to 1L every 24 hours.
Once you have reached maximum milk production, try to maintain a pace that allows you to reach that 1L every day.
Every mum and every baby is different. So you have to what’s best for both of you. If you want more tips we’ve written the ultimate guide to expressing your milk with all our tips and advice to do it like a pro.
Feeding your baby is a mother’s most natural and strongest instinct. It’s about choosing what makes YOU and YOUR baby happy and healthy. Breast, bottle, mixed feeding, electric breast pump, manual breast pump or hand expression are all perfectly wonderful ways to nourish your child.
Every parent knows that bath time can be both frustrating and highly enjoyable. One thing is certain, you need to make it as easy as possible for you.
In the sea of all things to buy, it’s to easy to be confused about what you need. That’s why I wrote this article to help you pick the most useful items that will make it a fun time you spend with your little one.
Most of my picks are unisex, but it often offer different colour options. So you can opt for boy’s colours (blue baby baths) or girl’s colours (pink baby baths).
Best Portable Baby Baths
A Portable baby bath tub is the best buy if you’re not bathing your little one in the sink or your bathtub.
Why a specific baby bath tub? It offers support and more safety with the grip on the edge and their small size. It’s only used for your baby so it’s much cleaner. Plus it can be used wherever around the house.
The Shnuggle Baby Bath System
Alternatives to the Shnuggle Bath Tubs
Space Saving Baby Bath Tub Options
Whatever you decide to get, remember that safety always comes first and you should never leave your baby unattended – not even to run out quickly to grab a forgotten towel.
Baby Bath Seats
Baby Bath Supports
If you don’t want to buy a bath, you can opt for another type of a baby bath support. There are different bath seats and supports you can buy that go directly into your own bathtub, and that can help make bathing easier and secure.
Picking the right baby bathing items can be tricky. I hope I made it a bit easier. What are your top choice for baby bathing products? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
How do we know what our baby needs? We can ask them, but we won’t get a verbal answer. Before they are able to speak to us, they experience the world in 5 important ways. Their senses.
Babies begin processing the world through their senses before they are even born. When the fetus is only a few inches long they can feel the vibrations from their mum’s voice echoing through her body.
Babies take in information from the world by what they see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. Babies develop stronger skills by interacting with their world and practising their sensory processing skills.
Sensory play helps build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways. This helps your child complete more difficult learning tasks. It supports cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interaction and problem solving skills.
What Are the Best Baby Sensory Toys?
There are many benefits to sensory play for babies. Here we look at what those are, before taking a look at the 7 best sensory toys you can buy today
Messy play and noisy play are fun forms of sensory play for younger babies, and can include sensory toys such as rattles, water mats and Play-Doh. Here are some of our favourite sensory toys:
For Infants
For Toddlers
Why Sensory Play is Important for Development?
Sensory toys to engages the senses
From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing.
Even adults learn best and when they engage their senses. Many of our favourite memories are associated with one or more of our senses: the smell of a summer night campfire or a song you listened to with a childhood friend. When you smell a campfire or hear that song, your senses are stimulated and your brain triggers a flashback memory to those special times.
Even though our senses are natural, as we are born with them, they can be strengthened through practice.
Sensory toys for babies have become one of the most popular trend among parents today. Sensory play helps babies learn about their world through their five senses while developing new skills.
Sensory toys to help the brain development
It helps babies enhance their learning and develop new abilities through a variety of activities by using specially designed sensory toys, that stimulate their senses. Some experts suggest that sensory toys can make your baby smarter!
How to create homemade baby sensory toys
Engaging your baby in sensory play at home can begin with something as simple as a baby rattle or a lightshow projector. You could also get hands-on and create some DIY baby sensory toys for your baby. Sensory toys can be made from food and household items. A few popular examples of DIY sensory toys include:
Glitter bottle snow globe
Empty a clear bottle and fill it ¾ with water.
Add a few handfuls of glitter.
Glue the lid shut and let it dry.
Your baby will enjoy tipping the bottle back and forth as they watch the glitter flow to the bottom each time. When they begin crawling they will love chasing it across the room.
Scrunchy sound socks
Take an old, clean sock.
Stuff it with left over wrapping paper.
Tie a knot at the end of the sock to keep the paper inside.
Your baby can safely scrunch the sock and be rewarded with great stimulation to their hearing sense. The sound is not annoying or loud, so it is parent approved!
Bottle cap bracelet rattle
Collect a few plastic bottle caps from sodas, milk, or waters.
Punch or drill a hole through the centre of each cap.
Insert an elastic string. Regular string will work as well.
This makes a great rattle which is light and easy for baby to grasp on to.
Recap: 5 reasons why sensory play is beneficial
Sensory activities encourage children to use scientific processes while they play, investigate and explore. The sensory activities ultimately shape the choices children make and impacting behavior. The 5 main reasons you should start using sensory toys for your child are:
Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
his type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory
Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child
This helps children learn sensory attributes (hot, cold, sticky, dry)
