Smart Sprogs

Blog

  • Four ideas to build a business while on parental leave

    Parental leave from work to have a baby is a precious time. The weeks before the birth of a first baby should be about rest, relaxation and self-indulgence. I adored those few weeks. I ate my (ever-increasing!) body weight in afternoon teas and had several gorgeous sessions of bliss at the expert hands of my reflexologist friend. 

    Once your little one has arrived, those first couple of months will be full of joy, fear, confusion and love. There will be very little headspace to concentrate on anything other than the wants and needs of your growing family and that’s exactly as it should be. 

    Eventually, the baby haze will lift and the ability to think beyond the next feed will return. The knowledge that parental leave isn’t endless will start to niggle and thoughts of “What next?!” are going to start getting louder and more insistent. 

    Most new mothers are keen to maintain a sense of ‘self’ beyond their new role. A career you love can give a fantastic feeling of identity and pride. Creating a new business that will blend into your new life is the perfect way to spend a proportion of your parental leave. 

    Will I have time? 

    Building a business while caring for a tiny baby requires balance. You need to be gentle with yourself. Don’t set ruthless targets, deadlines and time frames. Yes, you’re an entrepreneur and a badass woman who can handle anything. You’re also human and tired and at the mercy of tiny, tyrannical CEO. 

    Nap times, bedtime and the hours when baby is with your partner, family or friends, these are your golden hours of opportunity. HOWEVER, they are also times for rest, chilling with a glass of wine and maybe even a workout. 

    An hour or two a day on your business is more than enough when you’re a new mother. Each moment spent on your fledgling career is a solid building block and you should be proud of them instead of berating yourself that there haven’t been more of them. 

    The choice is, of course, entirely yours. A new business needs to make money, but it should also be something you enjoy. Here’s a list of general ideas that can be made specific to your own interests and skills. 

    Be a sales representative for a product you love

    When her children were little, my friend started to sell Usborne books and it’s something she has continued to do. It was a perfect fit. She’s a lover of literature and was determined to pass this passion down to her children. Usborne children’s books are gorgeous and they were a product she was proud of. 

    The highs and lows

    • Flexibility. Orders come in via email and text from friends and family. She sells at craft fairs and summer fetes on the weekends which suit her family. Usborne provides each sales partner with their own website. 
    • The children can get involved. Her older children have provided beautifully funny book reviews for the website and have always been enthusiastic salespeople (think Del Boy from ‘Only Fools and Horses’ in a pink dress and unicorn wellies!) 
    • It doesn’t make a huge amount of money. The ‘wage’ is based on commission from the books sold. It has paid for holidays and treats and has always been a great way for my friend to top up maternity leave pay and her salary from a part-time job. 
    • Freebies. Her house is like a library and that’s a wonderful thing for a family home to be.
    • Storage is key. My friend is lucky, she has a garage and no car so plenty of space for boxes of books. 
    • This is a good option if you enjoy your job and want to go back to work. 

    Create something beautiful or quirky and sell it

    Creative and crafty people should rejoice as this is a fantastic way to build a business that will fit around a young family. Think gifts, decorations and themes for your product and research potential selling platforms such as Etsy and Ebay. 

    At a Christmas Fair I once came across a gentleman who was selling mini LEGO figures in frames. He personalised them for each customer with pretty calligraphy on coloured craft paper. He was charging £45 for each one and they were selling in huge amounts. Simple, clever and unusual. A great gift!

    • Pride and happiness. Creating something unique that people love is a happy thing indeed. Enjoying making that product is a huge bonus and it won’t feel like work. 
    • Time. You can create whenever you have the time and energy. A website or selling space on a platform such as Amazon will do its thing once the photos and descriptions of your products have been uploaded. Packing and delivery needs to be done in Post Office hours but can be organised at night or in the early mornings. 
    • Money-making potential. The world is your art gallery! A beautifully hand-made gift that is perfect for the person in mind is worth paying for even if the amount it cost to make is minimal. 
    • Space and storage. A dedicated working space is ideal but not an option for everyone so finding room and avoiding mess in an already toy-filled home might be a challenge. 
    • Creating and selling your product can be done alongside your existing job or part-time job. Just make sure you don’t burn out trying to do it all. 

    Learn a new skill and create a business around it 

    Becoming a mother will introduce you to all kinds of new experiences. Baby Yoga, Tumble Tots, Music sessions for toddlers. There are so many options and none of them are free. Many of these baby-friendly activities are franchises and there is money to be made. 

    Love music? Want flexible hours? Research companies such as Jo Jingles or Music Bugs. They have centres across the UK and provide parents like you with the opportunity to deliver their fun programmes to other Mums, Dads and babies and get paid for it. 

    • Investment. The training course and/or cost of the franchise is unlikely to be free and you are taking a leap of faith. Make sure there is the space and interest within your community for the class before signing up. 
    • Renting space. You’ll need to deliver most classes in a large space such as a village hall or community centre. Check on the costs and administration involved to make sure it won’t become a headache. 
    • Your little ones can come to work. Teaching a baby, toddler and child-friendly class is a great way to make money in the years before your children go to school. 
    • Flexibility. Teach your classes when it suits you and in locations close to home.
    • This is a long-term business that may be tricky to run alongside your current career. 

    Use your existing skills and go freelance

    This is, of course, dependent on your skillset and your existing career. A journalist could become a freelance content writer and a graphic designer could work from home, but what would a nurse do?!

    Think carefully about your skills and how they could be used to create your own business. It doesn’t have to be connected to your career. What are you good at? How can that be developed? 

    This option is something that can be researched while on parental leave. Depending on what you choose to do it could work alongside your existing role with a view to leaving once established. 

    My sister-in-law studied Spanish at University. She then became an air hostess and only ever used her language skills on holiday flights to Spain. After my niece was born she wanted a job with flexibility and found inspiration in her degree. She now teaches Spanish to toddlers and primary school children from her home. 

    • Choose your own hours. As with all the business options we’ve included, flexibility is key here. Work as many hours as time and baby allow and increase the number as your child grows. 
    • Minimal training costs. Using existing skills means there is not necessarily the need to re-train. My sister-in-law doesn’t have a teaching degree but her knowledge of Spanish, an innate ability to communicate with children and a long list of glowing reviews from parents has helped her business flourish. 
    • May require taking the plunge and leaving your job.

    Where can I find help and inspiration?

    If the idea of becoming a business owner appeals to you then research is vital! Baby napping? The ironing can wait! Get yourself a comfy spot, grab your laptop and a notebook and head to these useful resources. 

    www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself

    www.moneyadviceservice.org 

    https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/money-and-work/work-and-maternity/making-money-on-maternity-leave-the-rules-you-need-to-know   https://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/

  • The Best Nursing Chairs

    Whether you’ve chosen to breastfeed or bottle feed or a mix of both, you know you’re going to spend countless hours sitting down feeding you baby.

    Finding the right nursing chair that is not going to wreck your back is a must. You need a very comfortable, easy to clean chair that will fit your nursery.

    We’ve selected our favorites maternity chairs here.

    Serenity Nursing Glider Maternity Chair with Footstool

    For a classic and comfortable rocking chair for nursery designing, look no further than the nursing glider chair by Serenity. 

    With beautiful wooden traditional spindle back design frame, and comfortable cream white colored corduroy cushions, this nursery chair would look at home in any traditional style baby’s room. 

    This chair has a safe, smooth and quiet glide, as well as 7 recline positions. The arm height is ergonomically designed to assist with nursing, and the cushions offer plenty of comfortable support, and have convenient pockets for storing your phone, a book, or snacks. 

    The wooden frame is available in either natural wood or in painted white. The frame has smooth, rounded edges and made of sturdy wood which is well designed to glide and recline safely. 

    The cushion materials is soft and conforms to Fire and Furnishings Regulations. Because it comes semi assembled, where you need only attach the back, arm and cushions, it is easy to put together on your own without hassle. 

    The dimensions of the assembled chair are 109 cm high, 68 cm wide, and 72 cm deep.

    Wing Chair and Footstool by STRANDMON

    When you want a nursing armchair that is comfortable to feed baby in, but that can also grow with your family, this simple wingback armchair by Ikea just might be what you’re looking for.

    The high back on this chair provides extra support for your neck, while the arms provide support for your arms while feeding baby. The small nursery chair size allows it to work in either the baby’s room or the living room. With medium grey color and simple design, it is easy to work into a nursery design scheme. 

    Easily customisable with your choice of pillow and throw blanket to make this baby feeding chair your own. The stool is optional, so if you already have a stool you like or want to select a different style, either also from Ikea or from another company, you have that option available. Ikea’s line Strandom also offers a very similar stool but with storage inside.

    If you are an environmentally conscious consumer, buying from Ikea is a good choice. All of the cotton Ikea uses since September 2015 for their products comes from are sustainably sourced. The cotton is either recycled, or grown with less water, chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which increases the profit margin for farmers. This chair comes with a 10 year guarantee. 

    The dimensions of it are 105 cm tall, 74 cm wide, and 54 cm deep.

    Blick Ducon Lounge Chair and Footstool

    If you are interested in finding a chair for a baby nursing chair that fits into a minimalistic style, the miljä line lounge chair and footstool set by Blick Ducon is the perfect choice. The modern Scandinavian look is very clean and calming, which is ideal as a chair for baby room design. 

    Minimalist furniture nursing chairs have a reputation as being cold or uncomfortable, but that is certainly not the case with the carefully molded and well cushioned ergonomic design of this chair. When you buy from Wayfair, you are able to get the look for less, with fast shipping and outstanding customer service. 

    This chair is easy to match to your room’s color scheme as it is available in 8 beautiful colors; oatmeal beige, dark and light grey, lime green, burnt umber, turquoise, and mustard yellow. Easily work this chair into the living room later on. The stool can be used as additional seating as well. The dimensions of the chair are 65cm tall, 60cm wide, and 72 cm deep.

    Gaia Serena Rocking/Feeding Chair

    Beautifully contoured with classic styling, the Gaia Baby Serena nursery rocking chair will add a contemporary feel to any nursery or living space. 

    This chair is the ideal shape for a nursery, as it will grow with you and your child. The ergonomic design to provides optimum comfort as a nursing rocking chair with extra lumbar cushion and padded armrests, while the generously sized seat easily accommodates both parent and child for bedtime reading.

    The durable woven polyester upholstery of the armrests is removable for easy washing, and comes in a choice of soft oatmeal or dove gray. The legs are a solid birch, contoured for a smooth rocking motion. 

    The optional matching footstool features a practical storage compartment for your bedtime books or spare burp clothes. 

    The dimensions of the chair are 94 cm tall, 78 cm wide, and 81 cm deep.

    More4Homes Swivel Recliner Massaging Chair and Footstool

    While not advertised as a nursing chair specifically, this chair is affordable and highly appropriate for nursing in. The Tuscany Swivel Recliner has an built in 8 point massager and great back support. 

    Can you think of a better way to spend your postpartum nursing chair sessions than reclined with back support and a massage? 

    Aside from back support and a foot stool, one of the most important things while you’re nursing is having comfortable support for your arms. While most breastfeeding chair recliners tend to look big and bulky, this one actually looks sleek and modern, without compromising on the comfortable cushioning. The design of this recliner stays sleek with the use of curved wooden legs which swivel, making reaching for your water or phone easy while you nurse. 

    The material is a bonded leather, available in either black, dark brown, or white. The reclining push tension is adjustable, so that you can customise how hard or softly you need to push back in order to reach a reclined position. 

    The 8-point massager includes massages the body at the upper back, lower back, thighs, and legs. It has 2 intensity settings and 5 different massaging modes! T

    he design of this chair is strong and long lasting, however it does not come preassembled. Included in the package are all the necessary parts and a set of instructions, but you may need a second person to get it all set up. This brand offers good customer service, and will quickly help you to replace and missing or broken pieces. 

    The total dimensions are; 103 cm tall, 79 cm wide, and 78 cm deep.

  • The ultimate guide to pregnancy travel insurance

    As exciting as a trip away can be, we all know that the planning is incredibly stressful.

    From working out how you are travelling, all the necessities you need to pack, where you are going to stay… the list feels like it is never-ending!

    Here is a guide to the best travel insurance companies that covers pregnancy.

    Best travel insurance for pregnancy

    Here is a list of some of the top-rated travel insurance companies that cover pregnancy.

    Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

    It is safe to fly up until 36 weeks into your pregnancy, after which it is not recommended due to the possibility of going into labour. Many women also prefer not to fly within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy due to feeling nauseous or morning sickness. Also, after 28 weeks your airline may need a letter from your midwife or doctor confirming your due date and whether you are at risk of any complications.

    Does travel insurance cover pregnancy? Is pregnancy a medical condition for travel insurance?

    Often, pregnancy is not classed as a pre-existing medical condition so it may not be covered in your standard travel insurance. You will have to check with your insurance company whether they will cover pregnancy. If not, you may have to find an alternate company that will cover you.

    Why may you need travel insurance in pregnancy?

    Travel insurance during pregnancy, in general, will cover the same as any other travel insurance, including medical expenses, personal liability, lost and stolen luggage and flight cancellation. 

    A good travel insurance for pregnancy may cover, pregnancy-related complications, early births, medical care during labour, emergency caesarean section and extra expenses if you give birth abroad and need to delay your return.

    What to consider when you are looking for pregnancy travel insurance?

    There is a lot to take into account when purchasing insurance, always be sure to read all small print to avoid being stung by unexpected fees or other potential problems with your cover.

    How far into your pregnancy you can fly:

    Each airline and insurer has different policies on how far into your pregnancy you are allowed to travel. Always check this first.

    What the insurer’s policy covers:

    You need to check exactly what the insurance company covers in their policy about pregnancy travel insurance. The policy must cover any pregnancy-related complications and medical expenses while you are abroad, and cancellation cover in case you are too unwell to fly or have been advised against it by a health professional.

    Documents that may be needed:

    Some insurers may need a document from your doctor or midwife stating your due date and whether you are at high risk of any pregnancy-related complications.

    Also, when travelling make sure to take any of your maternity notes with you, travel insurance documents and if travelling within the EU get a European health insurance card (EHIC) which you can get for free from the link provided. Please note, this is not an alternative to travel insurance.

    Source: NHS

    Affordability:

    Make sure the insurance policy you take out is affordable to you, including the excess. For example, if you lose your luggage with a value of £2000 and your excess is £500. You will have to pay the £500 out of your pocket and the insurance company will pay the remaining £1500. 

    In case of lost luggage, the insurer may ask for receipts and proof of purchase, try and find a company that does not require this.

    Overseas day and destination:

    Always check how long you are covered for while outside of the UK and whether the country you are travelling to is covered. A good policy will cover you for 120+ days.

    Company Reviews:

    Customer reviews are extremely important, they are the best way to tell whether a particular company is safe to take out a policy with. More often than not the reviews are brutally honest and will tell you what the company does not want to tell you.  You will probably never find a company that does not have at least one bad review as you cannot please everyone. Ensure that you read both negative and positive reviews, and ideally take out a policy with a travel insurance company that has at least a 4 out of 5-star rating. Always check reviews from an outside source instead of the direct website. 

    Recommended review website

    Travel insurance with pregnancy

    I recommend always getting travel insurance when you are planning on travelling. As stated above, each insurance company will have the odd negative review, when looking for travel insurance make sure it is tailored to suit your needs and requirements and ALWAYS read the small print. There are many fantastic insurance companies out there who will keep you covered completely and safe for your peace of mind in case any problems may arise.

  • Best reusable and disposable nursing breast pads

    As a new Mum we have so many things to think about, let alone breast pads and leaking boobs! Worst nightmare right? It does not have to be. Do not worry Mummy, we have you covered.

    One of the most commonly asked questions expectant mothers ask about breastfeeding is whether they will need maternity breast pads. In this article, I will guide you through my recommendations of the best nursing pads I found.

    Best Breast Pads to avoid the leaks

    You would think that a breast pad is a fairly easy product to choose but did you know there are so many different types? Five in fact. It is a matter of personal preference which one you opt for. You may have to experiment with a few in the beginning. Let us keep things simple for now. The first being:

    The best reusable nursing pads

    Best disposable nursing pads

    Homemade breast pads

    If you are feeling creative you can make your own homemade breast pads.

    Admittedly this would be very time consuming but you could make them ready for baby’s arrival.

    You can also tailor them to your taste and needs. You can choose which type of material to use whether that be bamboo or cotton. You can even have a fancy pattern or keep things plain. 

    Pros:

    • Choose your own material
    • Unique
    • Cost effective
    • Eco friendly
    • Easy to follow instructions on how to make

    Con:

    • Time consuming

    A step by step guide on how to make homemade breast pads can be found here.

    Do you need nursing pads?

    What is a breast pad?

    A breast pad is a removable liner which is placed inside a bra to absorb leaking breast milk. It can also help prevent staining your clothes. Breast pads need to be changed frequently to prevent infections from developing. 

    Do you need it? It’s indispensable for me. As an active mum I don’t want to always be peeking at my boobs to make tsure they haven’t leaked.

    Accident will happen, you won’t be able to control it or sometimes even feel it and the last thing you want is to end up with a stain on your shirt.

    Nursing pads will be your best friends to avoid awkward milk accidents.

    Help with breastfeeding

    So you have established that you want to breastfeed but somehow it is not quite as simple as that. There is all the paraphernalia that accompanies it like nursing bras, breast feeding pillows, expressing machines and nursing pads! Where do you start?

    I remember when I was pregnant with my son I had an overwhelming desire to breastfeed him. Mother’s instinct I guess. We only had a short breastfeeding journey but I cherish the short few months in which I was able to. I also feel like I learnt a lot and would be fully prepared if baby number two came along in the future. 

    There are so many resources available to help prepare you for your breastfeeding journey. Research your local antenatal classes. Here you will learn positioning techniques, attachment as well as common problems faced and how to overcome them. You will also meet other Mums who will be of great support to you.

    Other sources of help include your GP, midwife and health visitor. Never be afraid to reach out to someone whether that be a friend or a family member. Discuss your desires, fears and or concerns. 

    Each woman’s journey is very different and unique. There will be a lot of learning and experimentation until you feel settled and comfortable in a routine that suits you and your baby.

    Breastfeeding is a skill and a skill has to be learned. It will take time, hard work and perseverance but the rewards will far outweigh any difficulty. 

    Wrapping up

    As you can see, the world of breast pads can not only be daunting but confusing too! How do you know which one is best? With a little bit of research and experimentation you will find the one that best suits your needs. Will you be the Mum who will lovingly stitch her own handmade breast pads or will you be ditching the creativity for convenience and opting for the disposables? Either way, whatever breast pad you choose you can rest assured that you will not be that Mum wondering why people are staring at her breasts.

    Let us take one thing off your mind, breast pads.Did you know there are 5 different types of breast pads on the market?. Find out which option best suits your breastfeeding journey.

  • Cutest Baby Towels

    Baby bath towels are actually quite important to get right. They need to be made of softest materials (to keep the baby’s skin safe from harsh rubbing). I recommend getting those with a hoodie as it helps prevent any excess drops of water from annoying your baby’s face, plus they help the hair dry faster.

    And they’re cute, too! Get a whole set or at least two-three of them, to have enough to wash them and change them frequently.

  • Monthly must reads for parents – November Edition

    Parenting is a joy and a privilege. It’s also frustrating, heart-breaking and tiring. This month’s focus is on understanding that having children is incredibly hard work, no parent is perfect and sometimes life can be tough.

    What Part of No Doesn’t Your Kid Understand on Aha! Parenting.com

    Read this. Now! The empathy, wisdom and practical advice in this article from ‘Aha! Parenting.com’ is simply wonderful. The writer looks at ‘naughty’ behaviour from the child’s perspective while encouraging boundaries and introducing clever ways to diffuse a tantrum. 

    The Hardest Words at the Hardest of Times on ParentingPhils.co.uk

    This guest post on ‘ParentingPhils.co.uk’ during this month’s ‘Children’s Grief Awareness Week’ is beautifully written and achingly sad. A gorgeous tribute to a beloved Grandad and the toddler who adored him. 

    How do you tell a two-year-old that he won’t see his smiling, loving, patient Grandad again? Hopefully you won’t need it, but this is a wonderful example of how to do it with kindness and love. 

    What Kind Of Parental Involvement In Education Works Best? on ChildandFamilyblog.com

    Early years education is a source of worry for many parents. Sending your four-year-old of to school for the first time is difficult. The health, safety and education of your child has been entrusted to a teacher and their assistant. 

    This study from ‘ChildandFamilyblog.com’ into how a parent can aid their child’s development and education is fascinating. Written by an academic this blog is in-depth and wordy but will provide you with the confidence to support your child’s learning. 

    Building Resilience in Children on Fegans.org.uk

    Each stage of parenting has its challenges. In the early days you think that sleepless nights will be the hardest thing to deal with. During the terrible twos you decide that nothing will ever be as difficult as a tantrum in the supermarket. 

    Helping your child cope with upsetting things outside of your control will trump both the newborn cries and angry wails. 

    This blog from Christian charity Fegans.org.uk is a useful and practical guide to helping your child build resilience against the harder parts of life. 

    https://www.fegans.org.uk/building-resilience-in-children/

  • Mothercare closing. Genuine bargains not to be missed?

    It’s the end for Mothercare. After almost 60 years of existence, Mothercare has announced plans to put its UK business into administration.

    Mothercare was unable to find a buyer. They are now looking at closing over 140 shops, putting in jeopardy over 2,500 jobs in the UK. 

    The shops have announced a total clearance. It’s been reported that there were queues of people, waiting hours to grab some deals. So I went to the Warrington and Chester branches to see it with my own eyes and report on the best deals

    There were no queues there. The shop was still quite full of items. It may have been because it was a Monday morning but theme weren’t that many people there.

    Concerning the deals, everything is between 10 to 15% off. Let’s see if it’s worth it!

    Babybjorn Baby Carrier One

    On the Babybjorn website it’s £139.99. It’s the same price in Mothercare. If you add the 10% discount it’s £125.99. You’d save £14. However if you head over to amazon you can find the carrier for £112 So the Mothercare deal is still £13 over the best Amazon prime price.
    Not worth it

    Sleepyhead Deluxe Plus Pod

    In Mothercare I found the Sleepyhead Deluxe Plus pod with silver lining for £140. With the discount it will cost you £126. On Amazon it’s currently priced at £140. Mother care deals saves you £14.
    Worth it

    Medela products

    Swing flex

    It’s £139.99 in Mothercare, which makes it £119 after the 15% discount. On Amazon I was able to find it for £99.99. So despite the discount it still £19 more expensive in Mothercare
    Not worth it

    Swing Flex essential pack

    This essential pack is 144.99 in Mothercare. After discount you’d pay £123.25. On Amazon, today (11/11/2019) you can purchase it for £119.99, it’s £3 cheaper.
    It’s a tie

    Swing Maxi Flex

    The maxi Flex is 249.99 in Mothercare. The discount brings it down to £212.50. You can find the same pump on Amazon for £179.99, which is quite a good deal and £32 cheaper than Mothercare.
    Not worth it

    PersonalFit Breast Shield, X-Large

    It’s £13.99 in Mothercare, costing £11.90 after the 15% discount. On mazon you can find it for £14.99. Buying it at Mothercare you’d save £3.
    Worth it

    Breastmilk Storage Bags

    It’s both £7.99 in Mothercare and Amazon. However with the 15% discount you’d only pay 6.80 in Mothercare, saving £1.19.
    Worth it

    Tommee Tippee closer to nature newborn starter kit

    It’s £34.99 before discount, which make it £29.74 at the till at Mothercare. You can find the same kit, clear, for £12.99 on Amazon.
    Not worth it

    Tutti Bambini CoZee bedside crib

    It was initially  £185.00 in Mothercare. With the 10% discount you only pay £166.50, which is the same price than the one I found on Amazon.
    It’s a tie

    Silver Cross prams

    It’s hard to compare prams as they offer so many options in terms of colour and materials and some options are only available in some retailers.

    Silver Cross pioneer

    The Silver Cross pioneer brompton pram and pushchair in grey is £787.50 after discount (£875.00 initially). If you want this exact colour it’s not a bad price, however if you’re not too bothered, you can find it in different colour for £60 to £200 cheaper at some Baby centers and Amazon.

    Silver Cross Wayfarer

    The Camden one is £697.50 after discount (£775.00 initially). Similarly to the Pioneer, if you’re not bothered by the colour you can find cheaper deals £100 cheaper at Samuel Johnston

    Cybex cloud-z car seat

    It’s £202 after discount in Mothercare. It’s a better price than the £246 on Amazon, but still slightly over the £199.00 you can find right now at Natural Baby Shower.
    It’s a tie

    Snuz SnuzKot Mode Cot Bed

    I found it at £349 in Mothercare, which after discount bring it to £314. Which is £35 cheaper than all the other retailers online.
    Worth it

    Are some deals 100% worth it?

    Mothercare brand and Early Learning Centre branded items are the one you won’t find cheaper anywhere.

    This set of furniture: Lulworth collection 

    It is only sold in Mothercare. You save £29 on the bed, £33 on the changing unit and £39 on the wardrobe. Unfortunately the toy chest is not available anymore.

    The Early Learning Centre toys:

    Most of them are exclusive to ELC and Mothercare. Still check Argos and Debenhams as they offer some better prices for a small amount of them like the Pull-along building bugs

  • All you need to know about the “Development matters” guide from the Foundation Years

    What children learn is important, but how they learn is even more important. We want our babies to become life-long learners in today’s society.  If we can teach them how to learn, we have set them up for a successful life. 

    Early Education Specialists have launched a guidance manual to support the implementation of positive learning ideas and the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS).

    While this “Development Matters” document holds some very helpful information, it is filled with an overwhelming amount of information that takes hours to go through and is difficult to comprehend. Rather than reading through it yourself, we did the leg work for you. This article will give you easy to comprehend tips from the guide you need to help your baby succeed!

    Different Areas of Learning for your Child

    It is quite obvious that babies, toddlers and young children learn through different tasks and develop at their own rates and in their own ways.  No two children will develop at the same speed and in the same way. So if you are trying these tips from “Development Matters” on your second child, keep in mind the development may take place in their order. This article should not be used as checklists because some stages might be skipped.

    With that in mind, the document was created to understand what to expect during these vitally important years by focusing on the seven areas of learning and development.

    These are the seven areas of learning and development and their aspects

    • Personal, social and emotional development: focuses on making relationships, self-confidence and self-awareness, and managing feelings and behavior.
    • Physical Development: emphasis is on movement and handling as well as health and self-care.
    • Communication and language:  is aimed around listening and attention skills as well as understanding and speaking.
    • Literacy: is solely reading and writing skills.
    • Mathematics: helps with numbers, shapes, space, and measurement.
    • Understanding the world: focuses on children understanding people and communities, the world, and technology.
    • Expressive arts and design: allows your child to explore concepts by using medial and material and it exercises imagination.

    Sure it seems like a lot! But when you think about it, several of these aspects are used in one task at times. 

    How Do We Know Our Child is Learning Effectively?

    The four themes of early learning work together for children to learn effectively. These themes include:

    • A unique Child
    • Positive Relationships
    • Enabling Environments
    • The first three themes together makes the fourth: Learning and Development

    A Unique Child

    The first theme, “A unique child”, suggests that every child is different and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. It is important to observe your child’s development and learning, assess their progress, and plan for next steps. Not all children will learn in the same order however they need support and positivity to develop their own identity. 

    Each child has their own ideas, makes their own links between ideas, and chooses the way they do things. It is important for them to feel safe and valued. Allow them to do things their way.  If you don’t know how to observe your child’s learning, here are a few things to look for:

    • Is your child thinking of ideas to solve small problems or finding new ways to do things?
    • Are they making links between words and objects?
    • Are they able to predict what is going to happen after observing a process?
    • Do they change the way they do things to better their activity?

    Positive Relationships

    Positive relationships help children thrive at a young age. This theme focuses of what the parent can do to help their child with effective learning. Children learn to be strong and independent through encouraging and positive relationships. They need to have a warm and loving sense of belonging. It is important for you to be sensitive and responsive to your child’s needs, feelings and interests. Supporting their efforts and setting clear boundaries helps a positive relationship emerge. Try some of the following:

    • Model behavior of a “thinker” by being curious and sometimes puzzled.
    • Give children time to talk and think. Patience with this isn’t always easy.
    • Support their independence and allow free play.
    • Encourage your child to describe problems they encounter and suggest ways to solve them together.

    Enabling Environment

    The environment your child is in has a great impact on their development. Enabling environments aid to their individual needs and create a strong partnership between you and your child. When planning activities, ask yourself, “Is this an opportunity for children to find their own ways to represent and develop their own ideas?” You don’t want your child to simply repeat someone else’s ideas. A few ways to help create an enabling environment for your child includes:

    • Offer stimulating resources
    • Provide resources that are relevant to the child’s culture and community
    • Use rich learning opportunities through play and playful teaching

    Learning and Development

    The final theme is “Learning and Development”. All children develop and learn in different ways but when your child is encouraged to learn their own way, you will see development flourish. With the first three themes in place the fourth theme follows automatically. Learning will occur and development will improve. Allow your child to play and explore the world while engaging them. Parents should provide motivation for their child to keep trying. Make learning enjoyable for them. 

    Start Early

    Babies can begin learning from birth. They will mimic what you do and will look for familiar faces. You can provide them with engaging and playful interactions from day one. They will mirror your actions and copy what you say, but they will begin to understand there are other ways to do things. 

    You will begin to notice your child’s confidence in trying new activities as they grow. Allow them to experiment so they may find activities they enjoy more than others.  The development of your child will become a positive experience leaving you with one less worry!

    Alternatively to “Development matters, there is a very informative and easy to read leaflet for parents to help them understand the development of their baby: What to expect? When?

    Resources from the Foundation Years website:

    Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage
    What to Expect when?

  • 1.5 Tog Baby Sleeping Bag Guide

    The sleeping bag is the most secure and comfortable way to sleep baby. Indeed blankets, sheets, pillows, soft toys are prohibited in the bed of a baby until 2 years old, as your baby may end up underneath and suffocate.

    A sleep bag, besides its practical and functional side, presents the enormous advantage for your child to ensure a constant body temperature throughout the night, ideal so that your little angel does not sweat during his sleep and does not wake up, without risk of suffocation.

    There are different types of sleeping bags, different togs and different sizes. While the size is easy to figure out as it is the age of your baby, the tog is less intuitive.

    We’re reviewing here the best  1.5 tog sleeping bags, which are perfect for Spring and Summer

    The best 1.5 tog sleeping bags for baby

    Finding a 1.5 tog sleep bag is actually pretty difficult. They are not easy to find and often out of stock. We’ve found the best ones available to purchase today.

    1.5 tog baby sleeping bags offering all sizes till 36 months

    1.5 tog sleep bags from 6 to 12 months

    1.5 tog baby sleep bags from 0 to 6 months

    When to use: 1.5 tog baby sleeping bag temperature guide

    1.5 togs is on the light sse in terms of thickness. It is ideal for warm spring days and summer days.

    The recommended room temperature to use a 1.5 tog sleeping bag is between 20 and 24°C

    What to wear under a 1.5 tog sleeping bag

    What to wear under a sleeping bag is a recurring question. It all depends on the temperature of the room.

    Since this 1.5 tog sleeping bags are for warm days, the best is to have our baby wearing a body inside the 1.5 tog sleeping bag. If your room is colder pajamas with sleeves are advised.

    I hope this article helped you find the perfect 1.5 tog sleep bag for your baby. If you’re looking for more information about different togs headover our ultimate baby sleeping bag guide.

  • Monthly must reads for parents – October Edition

    Colder weather is an easy excuse to stop getting out and about in the outdoors. Resist the urge to let your kids hibernate until spring, even if the threat of rain and wind occurs there’s still so much to do and see. 

    Fresh air and exercise are vital for healthy happy kids. Most of them would be quite happy to be plonked down in front of their screens all weekend and it’s our job to encourage them away from the blue light for at least a few hours. 

    5 Ways to Keep Kids Away From Their Screens on Not a perfect parent

    ‘Not a perfect parent’ is a relatable parenting blog which provides comfort in the knowledge that we all struggle sometimes. Their thoughts on how to tempt your little ones away from the TV and their phones is super helpful. A craft day using leaves and feathers collected on a walk is an especially lovely idea. 

    This fab guide on Get Out with the Kids’

    Dark nights, Halloween and wild weather are the perfect excuse to have a day out in a spooky castle. Take your imagination, a sense of adventure and enjoy exploring some of the most magnificent buildings in the world. 

    This article has lots of inspiration for stunning castles to romp around. Children who love stories, history or Harry Potter will have a fantastic day out, just pick the one nearest to you. 

    Ways to enjoy your garden in winter on Gardener’s World Magazine

    The garden is your family’s private outdoor sanctuary and the most convenient place to involve your children in nature and encourage a love of the outdoors. 

    Winter is not a busy time in the garden but there is still plenty for little ones to help with. This article from ‘Gardener’s World Magazine’ isn’t aimed at children but it offers lots of ideas and tips on how to enjoy your outside space. 

    The section on how to encourage wildlife into your garden is perfect for animal loving children. Choosing and planting colourful flowers and shrubs into winter post would be a gorgeous way to spend a Sunday afternoon.