The aim of the HDDChallenge is to share the way you organise or approach different aspects of home life. You will either find inspiration for a better way of doing things or be happy with the way you organise/clean.

Week 1

How do you organise your sheets and duvet covers ?
I’ve been using the tip below for the past couple of months. I also include a fitted sheet along with the duvet cover and pillow cases. Makes changing beds a lot less painful

Try the Burrito method of changing the duvet covers. You'll never change covers the same again!

1. Weaning Basics [Amazon]

To get started with weaning at between 4 - 6 months, you can start with a sippy cup, spoon, bowel and plastic bib. All the equipment you need to start the transition from a milk to solid foods.

2.. Fresh Food Feeder [Amazon]

 

This innovative fresh food feeder is great for stage 1 weaning. Fruit or cooked veges can be placed into the plastic section.  The fruit and vege squeezes through the small holes, in small amounts preventing choking. This is a great way to get your baby to try different textures without a big mess.

3. Doidy Cup [Amazon]

The clever design of the Doidy Cup allows your baby to transition to a cup. This trainer cup has a slanted side so that it can be tipped forward into baby's mouth without spilling.

4. Baby Spoon Trainer [Amazon]

 

For stage 1 & 2 weaning this spoon trainer can be used with any plastic spoon, training the baby to hold the spoon correctly this is a handy learning tool.

5.  Koko Baby Food Pouches and Pouch Spoons [Amazon]

 

If you prefer to prepare your own delicious, homemade baby food, KOKO Food Pouches are perfect

Holds 150ml / 5oz of baby food. Easy to read measuring scale to ensure accurate portion control. Self standing for easy filling. Double zip lock seal to prevent any leaks. Suitable from 4+ months. BPA, Phthalate & PVC free. Microwave and freezer safe. Perfect for freezing homemade food. Dishwasher safe - top rack only. Pre-sterilised and leak proof.

 

Combine the pouch/s with one of the Boon Food Pouch Spoons for an even easier mealtime.

 

6.  Squirt - Baby Food Dispensing Spoon  [Amazon]

7.  Chillpeeps Muti-purpose Teats [Amazon]

 

Award winning multi-purpose teat that solves a common problem many people experience when out and about with young hungry babies and no clean sterilised bottle to use, by allowing a teat to be attached directly to a carton to feed your baby and many mineral water bottles to enable you to rehydrate your baby.

8. Weaning Pots   [Amazon]

 

These innovative weaning pots click together for easy filling and storage, Safe to go straight from the freezer to the microwave and comes with a special pen included for writing contents on the pot.

 

9. Beaba Spoon [Amazon]

 

Amazing design with 360° rotation to alleviate the frustration of spilt food when babies start to feed themselves. The spoon is designed so it is always horizontal, regardless of the position of the handle, preventing the food from falling off. When the first feeding stage is over the handle can be locked rigid for older children.

10. Seat or High Chair

To prevent choking hazards, the baby should be able to hold their heads up and be able to sit independently in a seat or high chair.

1. Antenatal Course

Look out for government or private anntenatal classes. In the UK, NHS and NCT offer fantastic courses. These courses are a wonderful way to learn all about pregnancy, labour, child birth and new born but also a wonderful way to network with other mums and dads in your area.

2. First aid course

You will be the prime carer of a new baby, if you dont know the basics of first aid already, it is an area worth reading up on or taking a course. Hopefully you will never need to use these skills but if you do, you’ll be grateful you know the basics.

3. Perineal Massage

Undertaking perineal massage from 37 weeks onwards is known Stretch the mouth of the cervix assisting in stretching and flexibility during labour. Olive oil or perineal oil can be used. 

4. Raspberry Leaf Tea

Drinking raspberry leaf tea from 37 weeks onwards is known to stretch and flex the cervix ready for labour. Two cups a day is said to help childbirth. 

5. Yoga

Pre-natal Yoga can help with child birthing positions and pain management. Yoga can also help all the way through the pregnancy to manage back pain and prepare the body for childbirth. Look for a local class through NCT or netmums or  get a DVD such as the Tara Lee pre/post natal series.

6. Read

There are plenty of topics that are worth reading up on before the baby arrives which include: Breast Feeding, Nappy Changing, Sleeping patterns, Baby massage, Baby discomforts(Colic & Reflux), Baby Vaccinations, baby lead weening, childcare etc;

7. Washing

Using a non-bio washing liquid and fabric softener, wash all the baby clothes ready for the baby’s arrival.

What did you do to prepare for labour day ?

1. Burp, burp burp

To prevent wind which is very common for new borns burp as much as possible post a feed and if possible during the feed.

2. Keeping ceases clean

Keeping creases around the neck, arms and legs clean is difficult as sweat and saliva can make them red and bleed. To prevent this, bath every second day and wipe with a warm wash cloth every alternate day. Moisturise with a non-scented cream and cover with talc powder. The powder will absorb moisture between washes.

3. Nappy rash 

Always apply a barrier cream at every nappy change to prevent nappy rash and keep a nappy rash cream handy, and apply at the first sign of redness. 

4. Swaddle 

Babies find being swaddled comforting and sleep better as a result. 

5. Cradle cap

The yellowish patches that sometimes appear on a baby's scalp. This condition often clears on its own and is not harmful. Shampoos such as detinox or an emmoilent can be used as a head mask and washed off to help clear the cradle cap.

6. Dry Skin

Aqueous Cream is a light, non-greasy moisturiser that is made from a mixture of emulsifying ointment (which contains paraffin oils) and water.  Apply after a bath and as required to prevent skin from drying.

 Emmoilents are used as soap substitutes for babies to help the skin retain more moisture. An emmoilent an be used as a head mask for cradle cap and washed off after 15 minutes. 

7. Baby colds

Baby colds can be very distressing as babies don't naturally know they can breath though their mouth. Saline nose drops and nasal aspirator can be used to help unblock the nose.

8. Conjunctivitis

An infection in the eye should be seen by a GP to ensure is it properly diagnosed. Some mothers swear by breast milk to clear up the infection.

9. Vaccinations 

Most countries have a government vaccination schedule. The coverage and requirements are constantly changing. Follow your GP advice to ensure your baby is properly immunised.

10. Teething 

Some babies start teething from birth. Use gels sparingly and try teething granules made from natural ingredients such as teetha. A variety of tethers are available to help soothe inflamed gums. 

1. Adjustable Wrap[TrueWomb or SwaddleMe]

The Adjustable Swaddle blanket comprising of two pockets for the arms and a compartment for the legs which are closed using velcro straps. Mimicking  the motion of a baby in the womb the swaddle allows for the arms and legs to move within the swaddle but not out. 

2. Winged Swaddle blanket [Mothercare] 

The Winged swaddle blanket is designed with sections which are held in place by the baby's weight. Tucked under the baby's back the arms are held snuggly in place. The legs have a separate pocket and there are outer layers which are then wrapped around the baby for a snug fit.

3. Swaddle pod [Mothercare]

The Swaddle pod design are zipped bags that allow the baby's arms and legs to be contained within the bag.  Designs like the Mothercare version contain the arms next to the body and the version that positions the hands next to the baby's face.

4. Traditional Swaddle [gro]

The traditional swaddle comes in many fabrics and sizes. Any regular cellular blanket or the custom cut fabric like the gro swaddle below can be used.

Which Swaddle type worked for you ?

1. Swaddling   [Swaddle Types]

It is highly encouraged to swaddle a baby from birth. This gives the baby the sense of closeness when he/she is sleeping and prevents hand and leg movements from waking themselves up.  Many parents find this difficult to adopt as babies generally do not like it but it is a safe approach to assist in babies developing a good sleep pattern.

2. White noise 

White noise comes in many forms and is used by many parents to calm and help babies drift to sleep. White noise applications can be downloaded onto smart phones or a white noise toy can be used. Ewan the sheep as pictured below mimics the noise of a beating heart and womb noises as a continuation from womb to the outside world.  This clever sheep also has a light and turns off after 20 mins.

3. Co-sleeping Alternative [NCT]

Co-sleeping is discouraged due to the higher risks of SIDS. As an alternative to co sleeping the below bed attachment can assist for babies that benefit from a mothers touch and smell without the increased risks of cot death.

4. Blanket 

Babies can be receptive to smell, some babies can benefit from a blanket that mum has slept with to be used for the baby.  The comforting smell of a mother can calm some babies allowing them to drift to sleep with an increased sense of security. 

5. Projector [Amazon]

Lullaby projectors can calm babies before sleep time and assist in helping the baby fall asleep. This calming distraction is easy to adopt and can work well at bedtime.

6. Quiet and darkness

Distinguishing the difference between night and day by putting the baby to sleep in a quiet and dark room helps the baby fall into a routine and will associate quiet and darkness with sleep.

7. Dream feed

This technique involves a final feed at night between 10 - 11pm while the baby is asleep. This approach can be tried by breast and bottle fed babies. Conceptually it is known to extend the length of the babies sleep overnight.

8. Pacifiers (or dummy) 

Pacifiers are commonly used to calm babies and assist in the sleep routine. Some mothers swear by this method to help put their babies to sleep. 

9. Controlled Crying

Many mothers find this technique difficult but rewarding. Involving set times where the baby cries but learns to self soothe and fall asleep.

10. Walks 

Taking baby on walks can calm and relax the baby.  Movement and night time noises can make babies fall asleep.

11. Water 

Warm baths are known to relax a baby and help them fall into a deep sleep. Try lavender based bath products to help the baby wind down.

12. Baby massage 

Baby massage can benefit baby and often can make them sleepy. With the sense of touch this can be both relaxing and aid digestion. Use a vegetable non saturated oil such as olive, coconut or vegetable oil.  

 

What approach works/worked for you ? Please comment below. 

3 - 6 months Never leave a baby unattended during sensory activities 

1. Helium balloon

Loosely tie the streamer of a helium balloon around the baby's fingers and  palm. This activity is visually and aurally stimulating and the noise the balloon makes 

2. Bubble gun 

Watching the shapes and colours made from a bubble gun can provide hours of entertainment for a baby. Visually stimulating this is a fun activity for baby and parents. 

3. Inflatable pool and balls 

A small baby inflatable pool and a bag of colourful balls can be a great visual simulation for babies. With or without water this provides fun activity for baby. 

4. Sensory toys 

There are a huge range of sensory toys available. One very popular brand is Lamaze.  With a huge variety of toys available.

Some particularly good picks from this brand are:  The foot finder and wrist rattle set,  puppy tunes and bend and squeak penguin.

5. Yoga 

Baby yoga can be rewarding for baby and parent. For mums it helps the body get back to pre-pregnancy form and for baby assists in muscles and joint flexibility as they grow.  Find a local class or a popular and recommended DVD is the Tara Lee series for pre and post natal yoga.

6. Glow Sticks

Visually stimulating glow sticks are

Fascinating for babies to play with. They can also be cut up and put into a clear plastic bottle with water to create a glow jar. This activity also gets baby familiar with light and dark. 

7. Walks 

Taking baby on walks is visually and aurally stimulating. Listening to birds, traffic and rustling trees and seeing sunshine through trees, lakes and hearing people speak are all valuable Experiences.

8. Water 

By either introducing playtime during baths or swimming lessons getting baby familiar with baths is a great way to stimulate baby visually and by touch. 

9. Baby massage 

Baby massage can benefit baby and parents bond with baby. With the sense of touch this can be both relaxing and aid digestion. Use a vegetable non saturated oil such as olive, coconut or vegetable oil.  

10. Discoteck

Dancing and listening to music can be a wonderful experience for baby helping aurally and bonding are developed. This can also be a good activity for mummy to get back in shape too.

11. Beach ball 

Allow the baby to kick a beach ball. You'll find that they enjoy the motion of movement and the bounce back from the ball. You can also lie the baby over the top of the ball and gently rock from

Side to side.

12. Read 

It's never too early to start reading to your baby. Point to things as you read and sound out words. You can try pop up or puppet books. 

13. Sheer fabric

Sheer fabric is a great sensory activity for baby's. sheer fabric in different colours and textures is very enjoyable for babies without feeling claustrophobic. Try playing peak a boo or where is <baby name>.

What activities do you/did you do with your 3 - 6 month old ?

1. Baby Shower

Becoming popular in the UK, baby showers are a nice way to catch up with all your friends before the birth of your child and a fun way to spend an afternoon playing games and opening presents.

2.  Shop

Shop for baby essential & basics for the arrival of the new born. There are so many gadgets and gizmos that are available, do your research and speak to friends who have had children about what items were actually useful and required.

3. Pamper yourself 

Take this opportunity to pamper yourself: get a haircut, manicure, pedicure or massage. Once the baby arrives these luxuries will be alot harder to enjoy so do it while you can.

4. Organise 

Commonly known as the 'nesting' period although heavily pregnant many women spend the last few weeks before the arrival of a baby to reorganise their house. It might feel therapeutic but don't over do it, do it at a reasonable pace and be careful not to lift or carry anything heavy. 

5. Stay active 

It is easy in the last weeks to laze around on the couch. Try and walk everyday, muscles and joints get very stiff and all the extra weight can cause back pain.  keeping active will help make you feel energetic and at your best ready for child birth. 

6. Sleep 

Sleep as much as you can! When the baby comes uninterrupted sleep will be a distant memory. Sleep on your left hand side so that the baby gets maximum oxygen.  

What did you do on your Maternity Leave ?