Whether we, as parents like it or not (or have the strength for it or not) – everything that touches the baby, especially in the first few months must be as clean as possible. When it comes to most of the equipment you will be using, like baby bottles, you will find that it to be sterilized (freed from bacteria) before each use. Not so long ago, our parents and their parents had to resort to boiling water for that purpose. Thankfully, in this day and age, we can just buy a baby bottle steriliser.
Bottle Sterilizers
Sure, you can go through the whole process of breastfeeding and formula feeding without investing in any additional gadgets. What I found, however, is that whatever I ended up buying or even borrowing, just ‘’to try out’’, I soon could not live without. It made my life so much easier to own a baby bottle sterilizer, which is why I have created a list of my recommendations for you, in case you are dwelling about purchasing one.
Baby Sterilisers Are Not Magic Wands
I’m sorry if my recommendation didn’t offer a magic trick solution to sterilising baby bottles – sure, the process still takes some time and it’s not like they are coming out with self-sterilising bottles anytime soon, but these gadgets do help a lot! How do you sterilise your bottles? Do any of you boil the bottles in the water? And if so, why? Let me know in the comments!
Hung above the baby cot, the mobile is a valuable companion that will distract your baby and sooth them. It’s often the first toy they will get familiar with. In addition to arousing your baby’s curiosity, it will also help develop it’s dexterity and imagination.
The Best Baby Mobiles to buy
Our top pick: Tiny Love Take-Along Mobile
The cute mobile: Nuby Little Fox Musical Cot Mobile
The best boy cot mobile: Mothercare on The Road Mobile
Ultimate Girly Mobile toys: Tiny Love Soothe ‘n Groove Princess Tales
Travel Mobile toys: Tiny Love Mobile Travel Princess
Another great baby mobile: Fisher-Price Sweet Butterfly Dreams
A changing basket is an ideal accessory to transform any chest of drawers into a stylish changing table. Beautiful and timeless, the basket will bring a touch of nature to the children’s room.
I love the originality of it, which makes it a sort of changing table like no other.
They are usually made of seagrass making them soft and light. For your baby’s comfort and ease of cleaning you can add an insert that you can match to your nursery bedding.
Where can you find a change basket
Original inserts, liners and sheets for your baby basket
Want to customise your basket? Why not add a unique insert. Here are my favorite designs:
Use a chest of drawers with a changing basket as a changing table
If you don’t want to break your back changing your baby on the floor or on the bed a changing table is a must.
For the mums out there that likes stylish functional pieces of furniture, using a chest of drawers as a changing table is often the solution. You can match it to your nursery, and when your baby grows up you can use it as it’s original purpose and store clothes and toys in it.
The only thing you’ll need to make it functional is a changing mat or changing basket.
Why a changing basket and not a classic changing mat
Pro of a changing basket
Very stylish
Vintage elegant feel
Can be used once your baby has grown up as a storage basket
Becoming a parent of multiples is wonderful, overwhelming and takes LOTS of patience and organisation. The moments that you spend with your twins while feeding will probably be some of the most peaceful times of your day.
A feeding pillow is one of the most useful and long-lasting products that you will buy. It will be utilised during pregnancy as a sleep and comfort aid. You’ll find it invaluable for feeds, play times and as a cosy place to gaze at your beautiful babies.
Our shopping guide to the best feeding pillows for twins
The Harmony and Twin Z pillows are very popular nursing cushions in the US unfortunately they are not available in the UK. After much testing, recommendations and reading breastfeeding pillow reviews we’ve created a guide to the best support, bottle and breastfeeding pillows for you and your gorgeous twins.
What to consider when buying a twin breastfeeding pillow
An excellent twin feeding cushion should have the following qualities:
It needs to be big enough for two growing babies and for you. A v-shaped pillow with wide ‘sides’ or a W-shaped twin specific cushion are both perfect options.
Make sure it comes with a removable, washable cover. If it doesn’t, make sure you can buy or make one. Leaking breastmilk, spilt formula, nappy explosions and frequent spit ups will mean your breast feeding cushion will need a ridiculous amount of washing.
Ensure the fabric is soft, smooth and suitable for delicate baby and boob skin. Brushed 100% cotton would be perfect.
Think about the level of support you and the babies will need. Breast feeding pillows with anti-sag filling and back support are vital. You need to be comfy so that you can concentrate on enjoying real moments of serenity with your little ones.
Accessories you might need when feeding twins
Feeding twins is time intensive, especially when they are tiny. We’ve picked out a few useful products that will make you life easier.
Breast feeding pillow cover
It’s a good idea to buy an extra cover for your pillow. Most products will come with a removable, machine washable cover which is great. However, an extra cover will be a life saver if you need to feed while the cover is washing and drying.
Gentle washing powder/liquid
If you’re looking for a gentle detergent for your baby clothes, we’ve dedicated an entire article on thebest washing powder for babies.
Breast feeding cover up
A nursing pillow is a great accessory to avoid back pains wether you chose to breastfeed or bottle feed. It’s even more important when you have to do the job twice.
I hope our little guide of the best bottle and breastfeeding pillows have helped you make your choice. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions.
If you have twins you also may be interested in our selections of the best double prams.
At weekends or in the school holidays, most parents of young children will be wondering ‘Are there any cheap or free things to do with kids near me?’ Entertaining the little ones without spending lots of money is a real challenge for many families, so we’ve put together a quick guide for you.
Free family days out Are you wondering ‘Are there any free family places to go near me this weekend?’ Look no further for some great free fun days out
The seaside -the most classic of all free days out
A day at the beach is the BEST idea when it comes to finding things to do on a sunny day with no money. If you’re lucky enough to live in a seaside town then you won’t even need the petrol money to get there!
Dig out the plastic buckets, spades and fishing nets from the back of the shed (or borrow a neighbour’s!) and head to the sea and sand for a day building castles, paddling and exploring rock pools.
A walk in the countryside – free days out with the kids who enjoy nature
Free things to do with children don’t come much better than a nature trail in the fields, hills or woods. My kids loved collecting leaves, twigs, fallen flowers and pretty stones. Once home they would make chunky collages with their treasure and lashings of PVA glue.
A picnic – free days out with kids who love to cook
Most young children love to eat. Empty your cupboards and let them use their imagination to plan the picnic of their dreams. You might just end up with baked bean sandwiches and orange squash but when it’s spread out on a picnic blanket at a local beauty spot it will taste delicious!
The garden centre -free days out for kids with green fingers
Local garden centres are HUGE! The range of plants and flowers will fascinate small people if you chat to them about the different colours and textures.
If you’re lucky you might just find small animals, reptiles, birds and tropical fish for sale, a freebie mini zoo!
The Park – great free days out with toddlers and older kids
Parks come in all styles and sizes. From large green spaces with Japanese water gardens to fantastic adventure playgrounds. Make the most of the parks near you to keep both toddlers and teenagers happy. Take a football, a picnic, sun cream and a bat and ball to make the fun last all day.
Cheap family days out near me – ideas to do with kids on a budget
Looking for cheap things to do with kids under 6? A big day out full of laughter and memory making doesn’t have to cost the earth. You have two options, either Google ‘cheap family days out near me’ or have a read of our inspirational list.
Boats on the river
Rowing down the river crashing into grassy banks and laughing till your sides hurt is the quintessential British day out. You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy messing about on the water. Just make sure that you have life jackets, sun cream, snacks and a collective sense of adventure.
A local museum
When you’re wondering what to do with kids who are bored, look to your local museums for exhibitions aimed at children. Dinosaurs, space, a history of toys and nature are just some of the themes that will engage the young.
An animal farm
Girl feeds the goat at the zoo
The fun things for kids to do near me include a fabulous animal farm that costs around £25 for a family of four. Watching a chick hatch, cuddling a lamb and learning about where their bedtime milk comes from would make a fun and educational day out.
The National Trust and English Heritage Properties
Your list of things to do with kids near me should include some of these beautiful old properties and areas of historic interest. The grounds of many of them are free to enter and provide adventure playgrounds, wide open spaces to run around in and ‘fun days’ during the school holidays.
The Art Gallery A search for ‘Fun activities for kids near me’ might surprise you. Art galleries love welcoming children and encouraging the next generation of creatives. Craft activities, kid friendly talks by artists and painting lessons will delight children who love to draw and paint.
Fun events for kids near me
Free activities for children in your local area might include some of these great ideas.
Events at your local library
Fun things for kids near me will absolutely include events organised by your local library. It’s so important to use the facilities on offer at libraries and story time, reading challenges and poetry workshops are perfect for kids who love to read.
School fairs
Free things to do with children are often organised by their playgroup or primary school. During the summer holidays and at Christmas the school fair is a wonderful place to be.
It might cost you a fiver in tombola tickets, lucky dips and ice cream but it’s worth it to help your kids feel part of their community along with their school chums.
A Village Show – free kid’s activities near me that take place at the end of summer
Your village show is a classic on the list of free things to do with kids over the summer holiday. Contact the show committee for a list of the prize categories and enthuse your small people will a little competitive spirit.
Dog, pet shows and open days at rescue centres
The parent of a child who adores animals should find lots of options for things to do with the kids near me.
Cat’s Protection and the RSPCA both have annual summer open days with educational talks, competitions and exciting games.
Dog shows are plentiful in a nation of dog lovers. Encourage your children to bathe, groom and beautify your furry friend and see if you can win ‘Prettiest Pooch’.
How to find out about things to do with the kids So, how do you find out about the things to do for free with kids in your area?
Join local Facebook groups – receive relevant notifications and reminder of free activities for kids near me.
Search engines – a search for ‘Things to do with kids in Reading’ will help the local in that area to find free and cheap days out.
Read local news and media. Read your local newspaper, the newsletters which pop through your letterbox and the local link magazine. The answers to your questions of ‘the things to do near me with kids’ will definitely be in there.
Adverts. Watch out for posters and leaflets in the window of your newsagents and post office.
Sunny days at home – things to do with kids for free
Paddling pool
Fill it with bubble bath one day and ‘bath slime’ the next. Watch your kids as they are playing for peace of mind and hours of splashy fun.
Messy play
Do you hate Play-Doh? Ohhh, me too! Finding the sticky stuff from hell in your carpet is a nightmare. Let your tiny sculptors loose on a plastic sheet covered patio, drive or lawn for lots of glorious mess for the tiny tots with less stress for you.
Sand play
Bring the seaside home with a sandpit full of buckets, spades, dumper trucks and collection of the seashells you collected on holiday. Make sure your sandpit has some form of lid to protect the sand from cats!
Gardening
Planting up tubs with pretty flowers is a lovely thing to do with kids on a sunny day. Let them dig in the fresh compost, smell the blooms and pick their favourite colour combinations.
‘Painting’ the fence
Top of my list of things to do outside when bored toddlers are driving you crazy is THIS! Give them a big fluffy paint brush and a bucket of water and let them ‘paint’ your fence. It sounds crazy but watching the posts change colour as they ‘helped’ around the garden kept mine occupied and happy for hours.
Rainy days at home – ideas for fun with the kids when the weather is bad
Drama – things to do today with kids who are budding actors
Raid your wardrobe for glitz, bring out the dressing up box, drape your living room in tablecloths for stage curtains and provide an old white sheet to design the background scene.
Spark their imaginations with character ideas and story possibilities and watch as your tiny theatre actors create a show fit for the Edinburgh fringe.
Puzzles and games – free activities for kids can be found on educational websites.
Classic board games such as Junior Scrabble and Snakes and Ladders.
Simple maths puzzles and word games.
Boxed games like Connect 4 and Balloon Lagoon.
Baking
Looking for things to do when you have nothing to do? Bake! Biscuits, buns and traybakes are all easy to make for toddlers and young children.
Cooking is perfect. You’ll have fun with the kids and provide a delicious, healthy pudding for the rest of the family.
Drawing and craft – things to do today with kids who enjoy creating art
What you will need:
Flattened out cardboard boxes, scrap paper or a giant roll of brown paper bought for £2 from the Post Office.
The biggest box of felt tips you can afford.
Items from around the house to draw around such as cookie cutters and ornaments.
Potatoes, your cutting skills and a tray of poster paint for printing.
Imagination from the child.
Patience and enthusiasm from you.
Ways to make days out free or cheaper
Memberships/subscriptions to organisations such as ‘Historic Houses’ or The National Trust
Finding fun things to do with your kids can be expensive, especially for a large family. Invest in a membership or subscription and you can then visit your favourite places as often as you want for free.
A ‘Local Resident’ discount card
Listings from local authorities entitled ‘Things for kids to do near me’ will often mention residents discounts. Have a look at your local council’s website and see if and how you can register.
Often having ‘proof’ that you live in the area will entitle you to family days out for free or at a lower price than tourists.
Pay once and then get entry free
Paying once at a museum, gallery or attraction may mean your next visit or visits there will be a free day out. Look carefully at the ticket to see if this is the case for your favourite place.
Repeat visits to much loved places are great for very small children who enjoy the familiarity. Free things to do with toddlers are like treasure when their most used word is ‘again!’.
Groupon or TravelZoo
Useful websites to look at when searching for new things to do for kids near me are Groupon and Travelzoo. They often have fantastic deals on family days out. You won’t find free things to do with the kids, but you WILL find discounts on special days such as trips to a theme park or safari park.
A moses basket is very practical as a first bed that you can move around in your house. It’s super cute and snuggle your baby.
But let’s not kid ourselves, it won’t last long. Usually after 4-5 month you will probably transition your baby to a bigger crib or a different chair. So I understand you wouldn’t want to spend too much on one.
To help you find the one that will fit your space and your little one we’ve selected our favorite moses baskets under £50.
The best cheap moses baskets in the UK
The best value moses basket
I particularly like the Kinder Valley Moses Baskets. Cute and affordable, they are beautiful first beds for your baby from birth up to 3-4 months.
The moses basket includes a mattress and coordinating coverlet, with an adjustable hood to keep baby shaded and comfortable during sleep times. They have been designed in neutral shades with very cute animal design.
You can buy the stands here:
Cheap grey moses basket
The cheapest moses basket with stand combo
The foldable moses basket on a budget
Other options for a cheap moses basket
Can you buy a second hand moses basket?
There are lots of used moses baskets on eBay or Facebook. But is it safe to buy one that has been used before? Mostly yes. The moses basket itself is ok, so are the bed sheet once you wash them. What you need to be careful of is the mattress.
Second hand mattresses have been link to an increased risk of SIDS. It all depends on how the mattress was stored and what it was exposed to. Here are the recommendation form the Lullaby Trust UK
To help reduce this risk, if you are using a second-hand mattress make sure the mattress you choose was previously completely protected by a waterproof cover, with no rips or tears and is in good condition. The mattress should also still be firm and flat to keep your baby sleeping safely.
If you want to be on the safe side, you’d rather buy a new mattress which is between £15 and £30. So at the end of the day even if you buy a second hand moses basket it might cost you more than you expect once you purchase the new mattress.
Can I use the carrycot from the pram?
Your baby already uses the carrycot to sleep when you’re out and about, so why not use it inside the house.
For the first few weeks the carry cot might be a bit big for your baby and they may miss the snuggling feeling that they would get from a moses basket. But the carrycot is a suitable alternative to a moses basket. If your pram comes with one it will spare you the cost of buying a dedicated basket or bassinet.
However make sure to check with your pram manufacturer to see if you will need to buy a separate mattress for night-time sleeping. The mattress must be firm enough to support your sleeping baby.
Which one is your favourite? We’d love for you to share photos of your Moses basket in the comment. I can’t wait to see the mix and matches of baskets and sheets.
While it’s true you will only use one for a few months, it’s such a cute practical item, that I think is worth the investment. And when your baby grow up you can transition them into a bigger cot. We actually have an article to help you choose the best cot for your baby.
A nappy disposal system may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, once baby has arrived, you’ll be knee deep in stinky nappies, constantly running to the outside bin and wondering how on earth your delightful angel produces that much poo!
Nappy bins will save your legs, keep your home smelling fresh and keep a curious toddler away from trouble.
So, whether you need a disposable nappy bin or simple bucket for environmentally friendly washables this is the guide for you!
Best Nappy Disposal System
Looking for the best nappy bin for your family and home? Based on personal experience and nappy disposal system reviews here’s our suggestions of what could be the perfect baby nappy bin for you.
What extras can you buy for your nappy disposal bin?
Depending on the baby nappy bin or diaper genie you choose there will be ‘extras’ to consider. Check the prices and ease of purchase of the following nappy bin refills before making your decision.
Nappy bin bags – a traditional bin bag to fit your nappy bin but with fragrance added.
Odour and germ control nappy bin liners – to fit the nappy system you choose but with anti-bacterial properties and fragrance added.
Nappy bin cassettes/ Nappy bin cartridges – these will fit into your nappy disposal unit and either seal each individual nappy or act as a multi-layered odour and germ barrier.
Learning that you are expecting twins can be a huge shock. It’s undeniably a joy and a blessing to be the parent of multiples, but it is also a drain on your budget, energy and organisational skills.
The best prams for twins are the ones which suit your family, maximum spend and lifestyle. There’s lots of choice and it’s difficult to know where to begin.
Some twin prams suitable from birth are expensive but are they value for money? The best pushchair for twins could be the luxury one with snuggly carry cots or it might be the lightweight stroller that folds up easily into your car.
So, before you choose your new-born twin prams, grab a cup of herbal tea and read our comprehensive guide to how to choose your twin pushchair and our best buys.
Best tandem pram – one in front the other
Best twin pram -side by side
Best ‘from birth’ twin pushchair
Best cheap Twin Strollers
Cheap twin prams are often a vital purchase when you are expecting multiples. There’s so much to buy! It doesn’t mean you won’t find some great cheaper options.
Things to consider when choosing a double pram
Age of the children
Double prams for new-born twins will recline flat and/or come with a carry cot. A double buggy for older babies will only have one or two back positions.
Terrain
Some twin pushchairs will navigate beautifully on country paths but feel heavy and hard to handle in city centre shops. Twin baby prams are an investment so not many new parents can afford to buy more than one. Make your decision based on where you will use your twin pram the most.
Your house
Do you have the space for storage? Double prams from birth can take up A LOT of room in your home.
Your car
Boot space, car seats and how often you use your car all need consideration. A twin baby pushchair that would be easy to transport is possible, they are available if you do your research.
Budget and value
Twin prams for new-borns can cost anywhere from £99 – £2500. The range is huge and ‘building’ a travel system is complicated. Start shopping early so you have time to suss it all out.
Features to look for in a double pushchair
Carry cots
A twin carrycot pram is the best option for new babies as they are cosy and flat.
Be aware that double pram from birth often doesn’t come with the carry cot included.
Travel system with car seat
The makers of travel systems for twins suitable from birth will offer the chance to buy adaptors for a range of car seats. Twin pushchairs from birth with car seat included are rare so keep that in mind when working out the total price.
Wheels
A baby born twin pram needs swivel wheels at the front and bigger fixed wheel at the back, those are essentials. Size and material choice will depend on the terrain.
Weight
The best pram for new-born twins is one which can be lifted into cars, onto buses and up kerbs without a struggle.
Twin buggies for new-born and toddler ages will be lighter than travel systems.
Comfort
Twin buggies from birth need to be soft, padded and suitable for the age of the babies.
A new-born twin pram should have a baby nest, rain cover and sunshade.
Forward or parent facing
A parent facing double pushchair offers maximum comfort and reassurance for you and baby. Some side by side twin pram systems have useful, easily reversible seats.
As glorious and empowering as motherhood is, having a baby takes a huge toll on a woman’s body. Your incredibly clever and magical self has grown a baby, birthed them and is now feeding it. You are truly amazing!
Rest, recovery and getting a bamboozled brain around the massive life change should be the priorities over ‘getting back in shape’. However, exercise is a wonderful balm for the soul and mind and a trip to the gym or run may help you feel more like yourself.
Finding a nursing sports bra that fits well, is supportive and feels comfy is the first step to successfully combining breastfeeding and training.
A maternity sports bra in your new, no doubt bigger, cup size could work. However, consider a specific breastfeeding sports bra so that it’s easy to pop your babe on the boob as soon as you get home or pick them up from the gym creche.
The best nursing bra for sport – a shopping guide
It’s a great idea to shop for a bra based on the sports that you’re planning to do. The best maternity bra for CrossFit or running will differ to the best maternity bras for Yoga and Pilates.
Make sure you use measuring and ‘what’s a good fit?’ guides to make sure you buy the sports nursing bra that is perfect for you.
It’s best to measure for and buy your sports bra once breast feeding has been established. Your breast size and shape may change a lot in the first few weeks after birth.
She fit bra is one of the leaders in maternity sports bra, unfortunately it’s almost out of stock across the UK. It’s almost impossible to find one due to a ‘supply and demand’ issue. So we’ve selected here the best alternatives to the Shefit bras available in the UK.
What is a breastfeeding bra and what features to look for?
Hopefully you’ve managed to find some comfy, pretty and supportive nursing bras that have seen you faithfully through your pregnancy. The best nursing bras are designed with ease, access and support as a focus.
The best breast-feeding bras will have the following features:
A clasp on each side to drop the cup so baby can feed without restriction.
Wide supportive straps.
Straps to hold the bra secure while the cup is dropped.
Adjustability in the shoulder straps and back strap to allow for changes in breast size during the breast-feeding journey and as milk supply ebbs and flows.
Soft fabric with some stretch. Preferably a quick drying, moisture wicking cotton in case of leaking.
No wires at all or flexi-wires that won’t dig in.
A pocket or padding in which to tuck a breast pad.
What size of nursing bra should I buy?
Once your tiny bundle of love has arrived and breastfeeding has begun most new Mums will find they have much bigger boobs. An increase of two cups sizes is common.
It’s important to get fitted properly for a supportive nursing bra by a specialist in shops such as John Lewis, Debenhams or Marks & Spencer.
There are complex factors to consider including both the increase in boob size and shape and the decrease in band size as you lose pregnancy weight.
For a guide to at home measuring and how a correctly fitting bra should look and feel follow this link.
How is a breast-feeding sports bra different?
Running while breastfeeding is perfectly fine if you’ve fully recovered from the birth and you’re wearing a super supportive maternity bra or nursing bra.
Buying a specific bra for sports while nursing will make sure your boobs stay bounce and pain free and here’s why:
Extra wide straps with lots of hooks and eyes.
A design to prevent bounce.
Padded shoulder straps.
Fabric designed to be supportive, moisture wicking and quick drying.
Full coverage of the breast.
A clasp on each side with which to drop the cup for unrestricted feeding.
