Travel Baby

For any new parents the first few months after the arrival of the new addition to their family is going to be a challenge. Not only are they looking to make sure that their baby’s life is happy but also safe especially when bathing, changing and taking them out. When it comes to baby bath safety there are certain things that new parents need to do.

In this article we offer some guidelines to ensure that not only is the new parent’s baby’s bath time safe but also enjoyable.

Tip 1 – If you are intending to use your own bath for washing your baby in then it is a good idea to put a slip proof mat or even some towels into the bath on which your baby can be placed. But if you can afford to there are baby bath chairs that can be purchased which allow the baby to sit comfortably in the bath whilst being washed.

Tip 2 – To ensure that the temperature of the water is right for your baby not too hot or too cold there are several things as new parents that you can do. You can either test the temperature of the water using the traditional method of dipping your elbow or wrist into the water as your mother would have done. The other way is to purchase a special thermometer which changes colour when the water temperature is correct. These thermometers will turn red if water is too hot, blue if it is cold and green if the temperature is just right.

Tip 3 – When giving your baby a bath make sure that you only use products suited to them instead of the kinds you would use on yourself. Also when it comes to washing their hair it is a good idea to place a flannel over their eyes in order to prevent shampoo from getting in them.

By: Kendra Dumont

When your baby is born what you really don’t need is to be rushing off to the shops for muslins and another nursing bra. So we’ve put together a shopping checklist which includes everything you’ll need to see you through those first six weeks.

Do remember that the only two things you need to buy new are the carseat and your baby’s mattress. Everything else – clothes, travel system, baby bath etc – can all be borrowed or snapped up at a local NCT sale. And don’t forget to write a wishlist. Friends and family are going to shower you with gifts galore so steer them gently (but firmly!) towards what you actually need.

Sites like Raising Kids, Think Baby and Babyworld have heaps of advice and product reviews so before you splash out do your research!

And when you’re ready to hit the shops make life easier by doing it online. Our favourite stores like John Lewis, Mamas and Papas and Daisy and Tom all have excellent websites with good customer service and returns policies.

Carseat, check. Change bag, check. Baby, check!

Equipment

New car seat

Cot (including sheets, blankets and a new mattress)

Travel system, pram or buggy

Sling or baby carrier

Baby monitor


Clothes

Six sleepsuits/long sleeved suits

Six vests/ short sleeved suits

Two cardigans/ jackets

Shawl or snow suit

Hat, mittens and bootees


Feeding

Breast pads


If bottle feeding or mixing breast and bottle you’ll need:

Nursing bra and Bottles/teats/bottle brush

Breast pump

Steam steriliser

Bibs and muslins (galore!)


Changing and bathing

Changing mat

Nappies

Cotton wool pads

Baby lotion

Baby wipes

Bath thermometer

Baby bath

Nail scissors

Nappy sacks or nappy disposal system

Change bag


By: Danny Concannon