Where to start?
At first, it may seem like there isn’t much to baby-proof as your little one might still be only a few months old and hardly capable of climbing or crawling around. On average, babies start crawling at around eight months old, which means your baby could surprise you and start crawling even earlier. That’s why we recommend baby-proofing your home properly the first time, keeping the crawling and walking stages in mind too. A crawling baby soon starts pulling, grabbing and reaching. You are going to want to make sure that your home environment is a place where your baby can grow-up, and you can experience all the special moments without having to deal with accidents that could easily be prevented.
Sharp knives, kettles, the stove – sometimes it feels best to keep your bub out of the kitchen altogether. But that’s not how life works. Some of the best family times are in the kitchen, cooking and talking and enjoying each other’s company. The key to keeping your little one safe in the kitchen is preparation, not avoidance. The all-around winner when it comes to keeping your baby safe in the kitchen will always be supervision. At times, however, it may feel like you can’t possibly keep an eye on your baby while you’re in the kitchen. Consider getting a play-pen nearby where your baby can still join in on the kitchen action, but you can keep an eye on them while they’re out of harm’s way.
Get child-safe locks and latches: These bad-boys work wonders and can be surprisingly difficult to open, even for full-grown adults. These are great to install on all lower cabinets, especially those that contain cleaning detergents that might fall into the hands of your little one. Be sure to put latches on all the doors of other appliances in the kitchen, including the stove. It may also be worth considering knob covers on all the stove knobs, so there isn’t a chance of your little one turning on the burners. Be sure to check every now and again whether the latches are still effective. Toddlers especially, are persistent and constantly testing boundaries and limits. So, as soon as you think that your little one might have figured out how to open the locked snack cabinet, it might be time to store the more dangerous items a bit higher up.
Remove the dangling dangers: If there is a cord in reach, your young one will pull on it. Make sure you keep appliances (especially their cords) away from hands tempted to tug on them.
Store your breakables high: Lucky for adults; we have the advantage of height (for now). Be sure to store any breakables like glasses and dishes, high enough so your baby can’t reach them. This is Newton’s fourth law. If something breakable lands in the hands of your baby – it will break. Not only will you have to say goodbye to your favourite china, but the glass can also easily cut your baby’s soft skin.
Pack knives away – always: There isn’t much debate or discussion about it. Although super handy in the kitchen, not so handy in the hands of a baby. Be sure to keep it high and out of reach. Double check where you place the knife while cooking, making sure your little one won’t be able to reach it. Have a designated baby drawer: The art of distraction, one of your many superpowers. Create a drawer filled with things that are safe for your baby to play with and investigate. This will keep their attention away from everything else in the kitchen. Those Tupperware bowls without lids – great! Big stirring spoons? A few plastic cups and a cloth or two. The drawer is your young one’s oyster!
Switch up the chemicals: Although you should store all cleaning detergents and other hazardous material out of reach, consider switching to safer, more natural products as well. Substitute the chlorine bleach for nonchlorine bleach or the window cleaner for an organic vinegar-based cleaner, beeswax and natural oils.
Keep plants out of reach: Some kinds of plants are toxic if eaten, and since babies are always putting everything in their mouths, you should keep these kinds of plants out of your home or away from your little one.
Baby-proofing the stove: When possible, only use the back burners, reducing the risk of your little one reaching and touching a hot plate. When using the stove, it’s important that you remember to turn the pot and pan handles towards the back, preventing it from being knocked or pulled down. When you aren’t cooking and aren’t using stove guards, it’s a good idea to remove the stove knobs altogether. It’s highly recommended, however, to use knob and plate guards.
Install a fire extinguisher: You can be as safe as you can, but accidents still happen. Having a fire extinguisher is crucial for controlling small fires and keeping accidents from escalating or getting out of control.
Planning the nursery is a very special and exciting experience of becoming a parent. It’s a safe space for you and your baby and the first space that will become their own. When planning your baby’s nursery, it’s important to know how to make your nursery baby-safe, removing any potential risks and safety hazards.
Install a baby monitor: The nursery is where your baby will spend most of their time and also where they’ll sleep. At times your baby will be awake while you are catching up on some much-needed rest. A baby monitor will pick up on any noises or activity. Some of them include a camera in case you want to check-in to see if everything is still okay in there.
Guard the windows: No, this is not the start of a modern day “Rapunzel”. But, it’s crucial to check if the windows in the nursery can easily open and shut. This step is especially important once your baby becomes an active toddler, ready to walk, explore and go on adventures. Place baby-proof guards in front of windows, preventing any accidents from occurring. When setting up your crib, it’s also important that you keep the crib away from the windows. Even if you have a window guard, cords from windows, blinds or curtains may get wrapped around your baby when they are within reach and can become a safety hazard.
Setting up the crib: Although it’s a bit more admin from the parent’s side when needing to lift their babies, drop-side cribs are often a big safety hazard for babies and not recommended. Once your little one starts turning into a wriggler and crawler, you’re going to want to remove the mobiles above the crib. As soon as they can get on their hands and knees, it won’t take much effort to pull down the mobile, which could be a possible safety or choking hazard. The same principle goes for any heavy wall decorations that might be within reach for your baby to knock down.
Baby proofing the living room
Carpets, and lots of them. Apart from the nursery, the living room is most probably where your family spends most of your time together. It’s where the family gets together, entertains guests and where your little one plays and crawls. That being said, it’s a good idea to consider carpeting on your living room floor. Fact: Little ones fall – a lot. Carpets will soften the blows from time to time while their tiny feet start learning how to walk.
Choose the right furniture: Realistically, your living room can’t consist of only fluffy, soft cushions and bubble wrap. So, when choosing furniture, especially coffee tables, look for ones that are baby safe, or at least, as baby safe as coffee tables can be. Maybe don’t choose the glass one with sharp pointy edges. If you have some furniture that you absolutely can’t get over your heart to get rid of (but it seems a bit wobbly), consider using furniture anchors. Furniture anchors will keep your furniture pinned to the wall or floor and could make all the difference in the world.
Check the door stops: Many door stops have caps that can easily come off. Make sure that all of them are screwed on properly. Once off, they can become a serious choking hazard for your baby. Putting things in their mouth is your baby’s way of discovering the taste and textures of the world around them, but can unfortunately also lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Make sure the doors can’t shut: Doors are the culprits for many stitched-up fingers. According to research, the usual cause of amputations among two-year-old’s and younger are doors. (https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/safety/toddlerproofing/home-safe-home-childproof-your-home-room-by-room/). So, be sure to check that doors can’t shut. You can do this with doorstops or even draping a cloth or towel over the top. Preventing doors from slamming during a game of chase, can save a lot of tears and trauma.
Mount your television stands: Make sure your television is firm or mounted. If it happens to topple over and land on your young one, the situation will quickly change into a horrible one. Mounting your television will also provide you with peace of mind that you’ve eliminated the possible risk, instead of always thinking up worst-case-scenarios when your child goes near the tv stand or is in the living room.
Make rules and stick to them: Children aren’t rogue vagabonds who climb and crawl as they please without there being any way to stop them. But, they are curious and adventurous and don’t always see the potential dangers or risks of what they might be doing. That’s where parents come in. Be sure to make rules as to what’s okay and what isn’t. For example, feet on the couch are okay, but walking on the backrest and seeing if they can land the jump to the coffee table – not quite. Establishing rules and sticking to them from a young age will vastly minimise the risks of getting hurt. But, just in case your little one decides to channel their inner gymnast, make sure your furniture doesn’t look like the tempting neighbourhood jungle gym.
Educate fireplace safety: A fireplace is a lovely addition to any home, keeping it toasty and warm during those cold winter nights. However, with a fireplace comes rules and guidelines which may seem obvious but need to be repeated multiple times as soon as you become a parent. Make sure you store the matches out of reach and that you explain and teach your baby from a young age that the fireplace is NOT a playground and can be very very hot and dangerous. Remember that even if your fireplace has protective glass screens, they get very hot and should not be touched.
Electrical outlets and cords: You are going to want to cover all the outlet points, so your baby can’t poke their tiny fingers in the intriguing hole in the wall. The same goes for those colourful cords that might be hanging from the television. Tuck all hanging cords behind the television stand, out of reach from curious little hands. For the first few years of your baby’s life, it is also best to say no to those handy extension cords. From tripping to chewing through them, they pose an unnecessary safety risk to your baby.
Removing choking hazards: The hero of this story? The vacuum! Vacuuming picks up all the small things that you might not have spotted lying on the carpet. The thing is, if you don’t spot it, your crawling baby definitely will and as predictable as ever – put it in their mouths. The vacuum will pick up things like coins, earrings, batteries and other possible choking hazards.
The toilet (or a nifty baby-size drinking bowl?): For reasons unbeknown to us, toilets look like a fun time for pets and toddlers alike. So, toilet lid locks are a must. Although it may seem a bit annoying to those who know that the toilet is not a toy, it’s very important in keeping your young one out of the toilet bowl. Small children are uncoordinated and extremely top-heavy, so apart from possibly wanting to drink the toilet water, your baby can easily peek into the bowl, lose balance and topple over, headfirst. The harsh reality of this safety hazard is that it only takes as little as an inch of water to drown.
Baby proofing the shower: Sometimes, being a mum is having to decide whether you have time to wash your hair or your body. There is no ‘’doing both.” So, in the seemingly never-ending world of multitasking and sleep deprivation, shower time may seem like the only (very) short break in your day. However, it’s very important that you are cautious and conscious of what you leave in the shower. Babies are used to bath toys and will grab for anything that seems interesting. Keeping your razor or pricey hair conditioning treatment in arm’s length is not ideal. Keep razors, scissors, nail clippers, and other sharp items in a locked cabinet or high up in a closet out of your baby’s reach.
Always keep your eyes on your bathing baby: With this one, there is absolutely no exceptions and no excuses. No matter what, it’s crucial that you never leave your baby unattended while they’re bathing. Even if you feel like they will be okay for those two seconds while you grab their pj’s from the other room. It only takes those few seconds to lose control of a situation. Put everything you and your baby might need in the bathroom before bath time. Pyjamas, towels, everything. Rather spend a few minutes to collect the items beforehand, than not having it when you need it during bath time.
Invest in Non-Slip mats: Non-slip mats are key in preventing many bathroom accidents, not only for your baby but mum and dad as well. A wet floor and a wet baby is a recipe for disaster, which is why you’re going to need one right outside the bathtub, as well as one inside the bath for some much-needed grip during soapy, shampoo filled bath time.
Check the bath toys: Harmless right? Well, not quite. Kids love bath toys, and it’s a great way to get the nitty-gritty of bathing done while they are distracted by Mr Yellow Duck and his friends. However, because they are almost always wet, bath toys can easily grow mould. Kids being kids, it is almost always guaranteed that they will place said bath toys in their mouths at some point during (or the entire) bath time. Be sure to check every couple of days that they are still clean. Throw them away as soon as they start to grow mould.
Plugged in items and water sources: Not only a baby hazard but the general rule for life. Keep any electrical or plugged in items far away from water sources.
Place rubber guards on taps: Place a rubber guard over the tap spouts. This is a good precaution to take in case any slips and falls happen in the tub, protecting your baby’s head against bumps and accidents.
Keep all cosmetics and medications secured: This includes your prescription drugs, make-up and even mouthwash (which contains more alcohol than some wines). It’s important to be extra-cautious with these. Even items that have safety caps and are “child-resistant.” Child resistant does not mean child-proof and should still be stored out of your little one’s reach.
Safety expert, Debra Hotzman, author of The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety and Healthy Living, recommends that mums spend a few minutes crawling around every room of the house. It may seem silly at first, but this gives you the best perspective as to what you need to baby proof in your home. While investigating every room, ask yourself these questions: “Where can I pull on? Will it break when it hits the ground? What can I grab that I shouldn’t? Where can I fall? What can I open?” Once you can answer these questions, you’re able to recognise which items still need baby-proofing.
Baby-proofing the outside:
Pool Safety: Children under five are the age group most at risk of drowning and swimming pools are known to account for a large proportion of drowning deaths. An average of 30 children under the age of five have drowned in Australia each year for the past ten years. (source: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/16448/RLSNSW_ChildDrowningReportLR.pdf). Make sure your baby doesn’t become a statistic. Gates, pool guards and education are absolutely crucial. Be sure to also strictly enforce the rule that your young ones may not go to the pool unsupervised. Have rules and be extra cautious. It’s also highly recommended for all parents to take a course in resuscitation.
Fencing outside: If it is in your budget and affordable, it may be a good idea to consider fencing off your backyard. This provides a safe space for your baby to explore the outside world without having to worry that they could run off into the street when they start walking.
Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and wonderful time. But at times, it can feel scary. No one knows exactly what they’re doing, and at some point, you will be in a situation where you’re honestly just going to have to wing it! However, we want to try and keep those stressful scenarios to a minimum. You can’t always keep your child on a tight leash or under a Hawkeye. They are active and curious and are going to want to explore this exciting new world they’ve found themselves in, and all we can do is to make sure we try to catch them when they fall.
Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and wonderful time. But at times, it can feel scary. No one knows exactly what they’re doing, and at some point, you will be in a situation where you’re honestly just going to have to wing it! However, we want to try and keep those stressful scenarios to a minimum. You can’t always keep your child on a tight leash or under a Hawkeye. They are active and curious and are going to want to explore this exciting new world they’ve found themselves in, and all we can do is to make sure we try to catch them when they fall.
One place where you don’t have to worry about accidents is with your baby’s nappies. Baby-proof, soft, comfortable and don’t leave red marks. See more about our CosifitTM Nappies here: https://babylovenappies.co.nz/our-products/cosifit-nappies/
Struggling to find a name for your baby? Here is a Baby Name Generator.
Sources:
https://momlovesbest.com/health
https://www.babycenter.com/0_childproofing-checklist-before-your-baby-crawls_9446.bc
https://www.babycenter.com/0_childproofing-your-bathroom_402.bc
https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/safety/toddlerproofing/home-safe-home-childproof-your-home-room-by-room/
https://mom.me/toddler/2058-how-to-toddler_proof-your-home/
Toddlers love physical activities are natural athletes – something that nappy brand, BabyLove is celebrating with its #toddlersareathletes campaign this month. And whilst most toddlers are naturally active – wouldn’t it be fun if you could predict a rising star in the making?
BabyLove asked some of our Olympic champions to share their childhood memories of their early sporting prowess…
“I remember loving Little Athletics when I was really young before joining the school netball team as soon as I was old enough. I then got into basketball and the more I was being recognised as a good player, the more I gave that my focus but for a while it could have been either Netball or Basketball,” said Shelley Gorman, three-time Olympic basketballer and founder of Urban Warriors fitness coaching. “I don’t think anyone at school ever thought I would play a sport professionally but my parents always encouraged me and it was incredible to represent Australia in three Olympics.”
The words ‘active toddler’ aptly describe ‘Dancing Hurdler’ Australian Sprint Hurdler, Michelle Janneke. Walking by 10 months, she quickly discovered dance, quad biking and soccer, and by the age of 10 was being coached in sprint hurdles. “I tried everything and must have run my parent’s ragged with my never-ending energy and was definitely sporty from a young age. However, I never thought I would end up competing in an Olympic Games and it is such a buzz!” Michelle represented Australia in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and now has her sights set on next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Physical activity is essential for the development of healthy children, according to parenting and child health expert, Cath Curtin. Guidelines recommend around three hours of physical activity every day and Cath Curtin says this can range from playground fun and backyard games, to walking older kids to school and ‘helping’ parents in the garden on the weekend.
“Not only does active play and exercise help children to build a healthy and strong body, it also improves their motor skills, dexterity and coordination. Plus, you will also be developing early socialisation as well!,” says Cath Curtin.
BabyLove’s Toddlers Are Athletes campaign showcases Nappy Pants – which are especially suited to curious toddlers on the go.
“Pull-up Nappy Pants are our most popular nappy for energetic toddlers because they have a 360-degree soft and stretchy waistband that provide youngsters with a greater level of comfort and the flexibility to move – which we know they love to do,” says BabyLove’s Jessica Trinh.
BabyLove’s Nappy Pants were enhanced this year with ultra absorbent DriWave TM technology, which absorbs moisture instantly, drawing it away from the nappy surface. A soft, wavy surface layer inside the Nappy Pant minimises skin contact and reduces the risk of skin irritations. They are also a winner for mums, who can change on the move – and remove with the easy-to- tear side seams. They are available in 4 sizes: Wriggler (7-11kg), Toddler (9-14kg), Walker(12-17kg) and Junior
(15-25kg).
This month, BabyLove is inviting parents to celebrate their little athletes and share an action photo on BabyLove’s Facebook page. On 13 November, BabyLove is launching a 4-week Facebook competition to win a $300 hamper of BabyLove Nappy Pants and Crayola, with weekly Winners and runner up prizes up for grabs.
Midwife Cath, BabyLove Nappies Spokesperson and Maternal and Child Health Expert
Parents often ask me about holidaying and travelling with young children, and my advice is that if the baby is under 12 months – just go! Yes, there will always be times on the trip when you think ‘I’m never ever going away with this child again!’, because it is really hard when a child changes their environment, but you can’t just stay at home. Just go with it, enjoy your holiday, and when you return you can then get back into your normal routine.
Little babies under 6 months are fabulous to go away with – especially if you’re breastfeeding – but once a child starts moving, it can be hard work!
Some tips for travelling with a bub:
If you’re worried about other passengers giving you that ‘please don’t sit next to me’ stare, remember most have actually been through this and understand. You also have the flight attendants to assist you with anything during the flight – they’re there to help so don’t be afraid to ask.
Travelling with little ones between 12 months and 4 years can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to reason with toddlers on the road.
Tips for travelling with a toddler:
What are the ‘must haves’ in the travel bag?
About Midwife Cath
Midwife Cath – Cath Curtin – is a trusted expert in women’s health, pre-pregnancy, antenatal care and education, pregnancy, labour and birth, postnatal care, breastfeeding, and parenting. She has delivered over 10,000 babies throughout her 42-year career. Trained and fully-qualified as a nurse, midwife and maternal and child health nurse, Cath has an incomparable depth of experience. Her book, The First Six Weeks, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2016 and is being translated for international markets. Her next book will be published in 2018.
Midwife Cath, BabyLove Nappies Spokesperson and Maternal and Child Health Expert
Leaving hospital to return home with a newborn baby can be frightening for parents, especially first timers. From the nerve wracking drive home – when you think every other motorist is a bad driver – to the absence of having your trained medical staff on hand. But there really is nothing better than being in your own home, eating your own food and sleeping in your own bed.
There are a range of ways to ease the transition into parenthood – and here are just a few of mine:
Grandparents – Having your parents or in law’s visiting is extremely handy, especially in the first few weeks! From assisting with meals to ‘guarding the front door’ from an overwhelming number of visitors – they can provide immense support. My advice to new parents – especially those who may have friction with their mother or mother in law – is to write a list, and request their help in getting everyday tasks done. Chores such as vacuuming, running down to the Chemist or buying groceries can appear insurmountable when trying to get through a new routine.
Visitor ‘etiquette’ – Well-meaning visitors will often pop in unannounced for a cup of tea and a chat, without realising how weary new parents are – especially mums, who may be experiencing pain, discomfort and mixed emotions in the first few days and weeks – from excitement and pride to fear about how they will cope. Sending a quick text to family and friends, or getting the grandparents to gently let your network know that you appreciate all their love and support but aren’t up for visitors for the first few weeks is reasonable. Remember, a lot of the people you know have been through this before and can empathise and relate.
Are you immunised? It is all about immunisation now! Today’s mums are savvier about this, and brave enough to say that they don’t want visitors in the first 6 weeks who haven’t been immunised for whooping cough. This is a great shift in parenting, and thanks largely to a strong public health message, which I strongly applaud. For those people who aren’t immunised, why not suggest a catch-up via Facetime or Skype and celebrate your baby news that way.
Unsolicited advice – I’m an expert in babies and parenting, however I always wait for people to contact me if they want advice – I never give it, not even to family. Yet many people have one baby and consider themselves to be an ‘expert’. Right from the start, new parents will receive advice. In hospital, you receive mixed messages from different nurses on how to breastfeed, and when returning home, mothers, mother in laws, girlfriends and closed social media groups will all offer different views on parenting. This can be extremely overwhelming! I always say to new mums that you have got to learn to trust your instincts and know yourself. Listen to your obstetrician and midwife!
Whilst every new parent will have a different experience, each will cherish the love and support they receive from friends and family. And remember, don’t forget to ask for help, especially in those early days!
Another important thing you have to remember is to baby-proof your home! You can find out more about this here.
Struggling to find a name for your baby? Here is a Baby Name Generator.
About Midwife Cath
Midwife Cath – Cath Curtin – is a trusted expert in women’s health, pre-pregnancy, antenatal care and education, pregnancy, labour and birth, postnatal care, breastfeeding, and parenting. She has delivered over 10,000 babies throughout her 42-year career. Trained and fully-qualified as a nurse, midwife and maternal and child health nurse, Cath has an incomparable depth of experience. Her book, The First Six Weeks, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2016 and is being translated for international markets. Her next book will be published in 2018.
Is being a millennial mum really all about social media and sharing of baby pics? Or is this just a small piece in the puzzle of being a parent in the digital age?
In reality, there are loads of benefits to approaching motherhood from a millennial perspective. It’s okay to approach parenting a little differently to your predecessors and embrace a new positive style of parenting that is adaptive to the changing world that your little one will grow up in.
To help you put to rest once and for all the negative rumours of millennial parenting,
BabyLove has sat down with Clinical Psychologist Leanne Hall to look at the upsides to some of the most commonly talked about rumours. Share these with your family and friends if they ever come up!
Rumour 1: They’re obsessed with posting photos online
This creates broad online support networks where other mums can seek advice and reassurance.
Rumour 2: They can’t sit still and their children don’t know how to occupy themselves or focus
The world is changing and millennial mums are preparing their children for a fast-paced world. The need to focus on one thing for long periods of time is a cognitive function that we might not even need in a few years! Instead, children will need to know how to adapt to change…. fast. This is also why millennial mums try and save time with everyday tasks. Nappy change is no exception – they look for no fuss super easy ways to save time such as Babylove Nappy Pants.
Rumour 3: They teach their children to over value appearance and looks including what they wear and how they pose
The children of millennial mums are generally more focussed on appearance – and that is okay! The key is to balance this out – focus on strengths and attributes you can’t see such as kindness. Overall, however, these mums are helping their children develop healthy self-esteems through embracing how they look and who they are!
Rumour 4: They teach their children to use technology when they are too young
Children of millennial mums are tech savvy, probably more so than their mums. They need to be, because technology is moving so fast!
Rumour 5: They make being a mum look too ‘perfect’ and ‘fun’
We all know that social media is the highlight reel of our lives. So, accept it. Better still embrace it, just like millennial mums. Often these mums will do fun things with their children, so they can post online. They may also have been inspired to connect with their kids or do something fun because of something they have seen online. This is a good thing!
Don’t let negative judgements influence your approach – it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s all a part of motherhood. However, do let others guide and support you when you need it – you might learn something new!
Find out more about motherhood and anxiety here!
If you have a 2-3 year old who wets the bed, you’re likely to be fairly relaxed about it, viewing it as ‘natural’ and a part of ‘growing up’. After all, nearly all children of this age wet the bed at some time. However, once a child progresses through primary age and beyond, and the behaviour becomes less common among their peers, attitudes can shift dramatically with both parent and child feeling increasingly anxious about the bedwetting.
BabyLove recently commissioned a survey of more than 200 parents of children aged 2 to 15 years, to gauge their experiences, views and behaviours towards bedwetting. In addition to finding that the child’s age heavily dictates a mother’s attitude towards bedwetting, the survey also found more than 8 out of 10 mums engage in a routine to help with their child’s nocturnal behaviour.
8 out of 10 mums engage in a routine to help with their child’s nocturnal behaviour. (BabyLove Survey)
“Something as simple as reading to a child before tucking them in, or going to the toilet before hopping under the sheets, can make all the difference to how a child sleeps,” said Leanne Hall, Clinical Psychologist and spokesperson for BabyLove.
“Establishing a bed time routine helps our body prepare for sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin (the sleep hormone). It also teaches children to take responsibility for their own behaviour, by providing predictability and accountability. This is empowering and can help reduce anxiety around bed time.”
Majority of mothers have sought out information about bedwetting. (BabyLove Survey)
The survey of 225 parents was undertaken this year, and revealed that mothers want ready access to bedwetting information – especially mums of older children, who deemed this as ‘extremely important’. This is to the fact that these mums report embarrassment and shame around their child’s bedwetting, hence are looking for accurate information to help reduce their own anxiety. Searching nappy and baby websites was a popular source of information, with just over one third of mums jumping online. Mothers of older children tended to rely on professional practitioners for advice, and family and friends were also another important source of information for all mums.
The survey found that for mothers of younger children, the behaviour is considered normal and part of their developmental growth. This is helped by the fact that bedwetting is quite common in this age group, so it’s possible that these mums tend to feel less isolated. For mothers of middle aged children (4-7 years), some viewed it as an inconvenience, but an occurrence their child will grow out of. For mothers of older bed wetters (8-15 years), their sentiment is more negative with feelings of embarrassment and shame, as well as stress and concern. An attitude also reflected by their child.
“It is important to find ways to reassure children and reduce feelings of embarrassment, anxiety and fear around bedwetting. We hope that by developing comfortable, easy to wear products that enable children to sleep more peacefully, we can at least reduce some of the stress and worry they may have about waking up at night,” says BabyLove’s Debra Smith.
Younger bed wetters have been doing so for less than 3 months, whereas older children for more than 5 years. (BabyLove Survey)
Psychologist Leanne Hall says the best way to address the behaviour is to reassure your child that it’s not their fault, and to remain calm, which can be difficult when your sleep is interrupted! “There is a high level of self-consciousness among children on this matter and the best way to address it is to be open and honest with the way you communicate with your child about their behaviour. Let them know they are not alone, and reassure them that the behaviour will eventually go away,” says Leanne Hall.
BabyLove’s Tips on removing anxiety around bedwetting – Clinical Psychologist, Leanne Hall
Unlike regular nappies, BabyLove’s SleepyNights are specifically developed for night time use. Like a pair of underwear, they feature a stretchy waistband, and have a highly absorbent core and leakage protection around the legs and waist, which also make them more comfortable. Available in three sizes, from toddler through to mid-teens, they are aimed to support children throughout their physical development and allay their fears of waking up wet from a night time accident.
By BabyLove Spokesperson and Clinical Psychologist, Leanne Hall
Toddlers are certainly curious. As soon as they become mobile, life is all about exploring. It can be an exhausting time for mums, however it’s a critical time in their child’s development.
As toddlers explore they learn. Whether it’s learning about the environment, or about what they can now do. Life is about acting and reacting – experimenting with the senses and learning to manipulate surroundings.
So what can parents do to help develop their child’s motor skills? Here are my top 5 tips.
An important job as a parent is to encourage and support independence while at the same time supporting the development of a healthy self-esteem. Toddlers are always on the go because there is so much to learn, and sometimes the challenge for mums is simply to keep up!
But most importantly, treasure the time with your toddler.
Leanne Hall, BabyLove Spokesperson and Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a mum is an exciting time. However, it can also be an anxious time for a lot of women. For the most part this is very normal, partly because there are just so many unknowns. However, for today’s mums, they face the added pressures and expectations of social media, and living up to society’s idealized expectations of motherhood. And the trouble is, unless you live in a completely technology free zone, don’t own a smartphone, and avoid all magazines and TV, these expectations are everywhere!
Anxiety doesn’t just come from striving to achieve the unachievable. Around 60-70% of new mums will feel anxious from time to time. For many this will come and go. Most of this anxiety comes from learning to adjust to their new role as “mum” (or their expanding family), while juggling the demands of multiple roles. However, combine this with the added pressure of trying to be the “perfect” mum – and you have a double dose of anxiety.
But what drives anxiety?
We all like to think that we have control over tomorrow, we plan and we think ahead. Anxiety is our brain’s way of reminding us that in fact anything can happen! Curve balls can be thrown, the unexpected can hit at any time. When you’re a new mum, this curve ball comes in the form of a baby! You simply can’t predict what tomorrow will bring when you’re a new mum! The reality is that “perfection” doesn’t exist. We can’t live up to idealistic expectations, and sometimes nothing goes according to plan!
Anxiety can manifest as a range of symptoms; such as sleeplessness, appetite and weight changes, feeling overwhelmed and on edge, and poor concentration and memory.
So what can mums do to help manage their anxiety? Here are my top 5 tips.
As a parent, you will most likely always experience some level of anxiety about your offspring, and so it is important to try to make anxiety your friend. Think of it as tap on the shoulder rather than a bad thing.
BabyLove has a range of nappies, nappy pants and wipes to assist mums in their parenting journey.
Struggling to find a name for your baby? Here is a Baby Name Generator.
An easy-to-change nappy for mums on the move
Need to change a nappy on the go? BabyLove knows just how frantic motherhood can be especially when you add into the mix the fast-paced world of online. From researching the internet, to sharing advice and posting the latest baby snap on Facebook – our new generation of mums is operating at faster speed than ever before.
“We know that today’s mum is fulfilling multiple roles and often multi-tasking as she goes – including juggling a speedy nappy change whilst trying to keep a wriggly baby or curious toddler still,” said BabyLove’s Jessica Trinh.
The nappy brand’s solution for fast paced mums is BabyLove Nappy Pants, enabling a faster nappy change for little ones, thanks to their stretchy waistband which allows mums to pull up pants quickly and easily whilst bub is wriggling or attempting a fast exit. There are no tabs to struggle with, and instant absorption for comfort.
BabyLove’s Spokesperson, Clinical Psychologist Leanne Hall says Millennial mums are the Queens of multitasking; “Research shows that the brain changes according to generational changes in the environment. So, if you consider today’s fast paced social media driven environment – this means that Millennial mum’s have brains designed for multitasking!”
Other Traits of our Millennial Mums:
Leanne Hall warns that the modern expectations of the ‘perfect’ life – as often shared through the social media lens – can be an issue for young mums who feel pressure to live up to perfect images of parenthood, or experience competitiveness, anxiety and even guilt.
“Today’s parents face the added pressures and expectations of social media, and living up to society’s idealised expectations of motherhood, but the reality is that perfection doesn’t exist and sometimes nothing goes to plan,” said Leanne Hall.
BabyLove and Leanne Hall have collaborated on their top tips to help mums juggle the demands of multiple roles:
“Watching a child grow is an important and joyful time for any parent and BabyLove strives to continuously develop outstanding baby products that help parents and their baby on this exciting journey,” says Jessica Trinh.
BabyLove’s newly enhanced Nappy Pants feature highly absorbent DriWaveTM technology, which absorbs moisture instantly and draws liquid away from the nappy surface. The ultra-soft soft, wavy surface layer minimises skin contact and reduces the risk of skin irritations. The 360-degree soft and stretchy waistband provides not only a quick change for mum, but delivers a greater level of comfort and flexibility for youngsters to get on with exploring the world. The nappy pants can be pulled up whilst a toddler is standing, and include easy-to-tear side seams so mum can remove easily.
BabyLove Nappy Pants are available in 4 sizes – Wriggler (7-11kg), Toddler (9-14kg), Walker(12-17kg) and Junior (15-25kg)
All you need when it comes to potty training is the three P’s; Patience, Perseverance and a Plan of action! It’s as simple as that. As parents, we know that with every exciting new stage of your child’s life, also comes unique challenges. We decided to put together 7 handy tips for toilet training, to help you put together a potty training strategy that works for your family.
1. Timing is Everything
The question on every new mum’s lips is: When should we get started with toilet training? Your toddler not only needs to be interested and willing to give the potty a try, they also need to be physically able to exercise control over the bladder.
Seeing that every child develops at his or her own pace, there’s no right age. Some might be ready to potty train by the time they’re two years old, while others take a little longer to gain sufficient control to go off the nappies completely. And that’s OK. Don’t let anyone try to tell you when the right time is for your family to attempt potty training.
2. Lead by Example
Children do as they see, not necessarily as they’re told. They are great imitators, and therefore, the best way to teach them anything, is by setting the example. Whether it be table manners or the use of the toilet. Of course the technique will differ depending on who’s setting the example, mum or dad! When boys are learning to use the loo, it helps if they first sit and later start standing up like dad.
3. Whose Potty’s that?
A toilet can be an extremely intimidating thing to a small child. Things disappear down there, it makes a loud noise and there’s splashing of water. It’s a strange, mysterious concept. So, buy a small colourful potty to place next to the toilet so that your young protégé can sit comfortably next to you and feel at ease. You can later upgrade to a specially designed adaptor seat that fits onto the rim of the toilet. This is where patience is a virtue. Don’t rush them. Just wait it out and let them see that it’s perfectly fine to take their time in the bathroom.
4. By the Book
Take out a colourful, fun book about toilet training at the library, to help your little one process all the information and relate to the character in the book who is also learning to use the toilet. Stories are a creative and enjoyable tool to teach children new things.
5. Try Some Baby Bribing
BabyLove’s NappyPants are ideal for this period. Thanks to the 360’ stretchy waistband design, they can be pulled down easily if in a hurry and pulled up again if it was a false alarm. They are designed to look like real underpants and help with the transitioning from nappies to big boy or girl underwear.
Real cotton underwear can later be used as motivational encouragement. Buy some cool underwear that your little one can only wear if he or she is willing to move on from nappies. The idea is that they won’t want to mess up those pretty new underpants and will be more alert to any feelings prompting them to go to the toilet.
6. Sleep Tight
Some people view daytime and night time dryness as two different milestones. Generally speaking, children manage to stay dry for longer periods at a time during the day, before they manage to stay dry all through the night. Thanks to BabyLove’s SleepyNights Pants, you can take it one step at a time without fussing or losing any sleep over it.
7. Like Clock Work
Most nursery schools or crèches follow the simple technique of setting up a schedule when everyone should try to go to the toilet at certain intervals during the day. Little ones often forget to go. Their minds are preoccupied with all the adventures, new things to explore and playing with friends.
Hopefully you feel more confident as a family to start toilet training. Don’t be too hard on yourself or your munchkin, this is just another phase in the shared journey that has its ups and downs, but we all get through it somehow. Have fun and remember to flush!
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