MY TOP 5 STROLLER ESSSENTIALS

The more organised I am, the happier both me and my little bubs are. Babies soon learn what being put in the car seat means and the more efficient I can be, the smoother the trip goes.

These are my 5 top tried-and-tested stroller essentials that I am never without:

1. Muslin Squares - George
   These light cloths are perfect for light cover of your little one or to keep the sun out. Easy to wash and can be tumble dried they are super convenient. I initially bought mine in the UK but Game Stores now stock a small selection of baby goodies from the UK brand, George
   
2. Lilly Lamb Stroller Toy - Tiny Love
   This little jittery lamb is fun to pull and touch. With bright colours and scrunchy legs she keeps a little one entertained. Available online from Baby Group
   
3. Pram Pegs - All 4 Ella
   These great clips hold the blanket in place on your stroller or car seat. They are available in a number of fun colours. Order yours online from Babies n Cream
   
4. Stroller Hook - Munchkin
   This oversize and nifty hook makes for easy grocery shopping. The grippy rubber sleeve protects your stroller and helps keep the hook from sliding around. Available in a variety of colours from Baby City
   
5. Stroller Bag Grips - JJ Cole
   These are the perfect solution to attach your diaper bag to your stroller. Not only safe and secure but it is very convenient to grab a toy or your wallet when needed. They simply loop over the strollers handle and have quick release clasps to attach your bag. Available from Baby City or Amazon
   

What are your essential goodies and gadgets?
 

My Busy Little Boy

So my little 8 month old is a really busy little guy. His motto is currently "why lie when you can sit, why sit when you can stand!" He is pulling himself up to standing on anything solid and crawling around quite contentedly.

Whilst I am thrilled at these milestones, it does make for a challenging day as I cant take my eyes off him for a minute. That is why we have ordered a playpen for him. In fact we have ordered two which can be joined, giving him a wonderfully big and, most importantly, safe play area. I can't wait for it to arrive! It means just that little bit of freedom to be able to leave him long enough to make a cup of tea...ahhh!

The play pen is natural wood and the flooring I am laying down are the interlocking foam squares. I want to put a cushion or beanbag in the playpen for him too so that if he wants a little rest or just to chill quietly he can do that. In this search I have come across these great options I thought I would share. Now how to decide...

These floor cushions are from Zana in Cape Town. 

They are screeenprinted and washable and great for kids or pets. 

Baa Baa Blacksheep has a selection of beanbags that can be customised.

This crocheted floor cushion is from Mono Online Shop and is made by Pomme Pomme. These colours would be perfect for a little girls room.

Little Love Kids have these fun round floor cushions in lovely fabrics.

Sophie La Girafe

 At six months old my little man is showing some signs of teething and I want to try to make this process as comfortable for him as possible. Thats where Sophie La Girafe comes in! She is a sweet little giraffe with big black eyes and rosy cheeks revealing a cheerful little smile.

This little giraffe was born in France on May 25th 1961.  She is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the latex of the Hevea tree. She was one of the first toys to be created in such an exotic design.

The rubber has a unique smell and is totally soft and pliable. Sophie lets out a little squeak when squeezed which gets my little man smiling every time. He is also able to hold her very easily and enjoyed chewing on her from the very first minute.

The only negative so far is the rather heavy price tag but if it brings him comfort I will pay it again and again! I bought mine online from The Baby Group.

Naartjie Kids: Spring

Naartjie Kids spring range is now available in store and is a gorgeous combo of pastels and denim. Shop in store or online here.

Mr Price August Haul

Mr Price has got some super cute gear for littlies. I bought this stash from their online store. The delivery was swift and efficient and I didnt even have to get out of my slippers!

1.  Striped Shorts - R69.99
2.  Printed Golfer - R49.99
3.  Denim Joggers - R109.99
4.  2 Pack Long Sleeve T-shirts - R49.99
5.  Printed t-shirt - R35.99
6.  Printed Shorts - R79.99

Grubs up!

I have done a lot of reading on when to start solids and SA certainly has a very different concept to the UK. Here most babies are started on rice cereal at around 3-4 months. In the UK baby-lead weaning is followed by most mums. 

What is baby-led weaning? It is forgetting about weaning spoons and purees and letting your baby feed himself. This is encouraged from 6 months onwards and has babies eating proper food with you, exploring naturally by themselves. 

So which is right? Unfortunately babies don't come with a manual and we simply need to listen to our maternal instincts and our babies. 

I decided to do purees but to start them later. I tried rice cereal at first as it is meant to be the least allergenic and easy on baby's tummy, but my little bubs had a terrible reaction. One brand gave him a rash and another brand had him projectile vomiting! ...not pretty when it happens in a car seat a couple of hours later! I decided to scratch this step and a just doing veggies. I do one veggie for three days to make sure there is no reaction and then try a new one the next day. I steam, blitz and sieve and feed him no more than 2 teaspoons. I plan on starting to leave some texture now as he is swallowing like a little champ. So far we have tried: sweet potato, butternut, carrots, mushy peas and baby marrow. The clear winner so far...carrots! I'm raising a rabbit!

Two lessons learnt quickly: 
1. You can never have too many bibs
2. Butternut stains

Game has started stocking some great baby brands and I bought a set of 3 Playtex bowls and set of 4 Playtex weaning spoons from there. I also picked up a set of 5 bibs that are the UK brand George for R70.  

The Little Company

The Little Company is an online store offering quality baby and toddler clothing made locally, in Durban. Their fabrics and patterns are all about comfort and style. They have some gorgeous combos that are sure to make your little bubs look and feel great. With a great selection of girls clothes, boys clothes and accessories there is something for everyone.  Follow them on Facebook to be informed of their sales.

Peep show or Mommyhood

Ahh - breastfeeding in public...peep show or one of natures most natural instincts? Between Facebook, Twitter and your next door neighbor, everyone seems to have an opinion.  When one looks at the celebrities dress sense on the red carpet, it is surprising that this is still such an issue.

I never anticipated being able to breastfeed; my mom always said she only managed a very short while before her milk ran out and not being blessed in that department (size wise) I thought I would have the same experience. I also totally underestimated the bonding experience that you share with your precious little bubs. You have been nourishing and nurturing for 9 months and to be able to continue to do so after your bubs arrival is an absolute privilege. There are some interesting biological aspects too, like how a newborn can only see a short distance initially which, you guessed it, is the distance between the two of you during breastfeeding.

We all know the benefits of breastfeeding for a baby's wellbeing and yet there is still a stigma of breastfeeding in public. To be clear I am talking about discreet and covered nursing, and not the brazen whip-it-out-in-public variety! Baring a breast in public is definitely not my thing!

I have found that very few public places offer a feeding room and many don't even have a changing room for little ones. I have been surprised by this as life has to go on after your baby is born, there are still groceries and chores, travel and more and you don't always have the luxury to time your feedings so that you are back home in time. The simple truth is when your little one decides it is time there is no amount of soothing that is going to quiet your crying baby. So yes - sometimes you need to feed your baby in a restaurant, at the mall or even in an airplane (not my fault the flight was delayed)!

It is daunting at first but a really good trick is to look confident and not like you want to crawl under the table. Remember that it is a natural moment of motherhood. Anther important trick is be prepared - don't wear that pretty dress that is difficult to access; wear the right bra and clothes for you both to be comfortable. I also have a feeding blanket that is weighted in one corner which you throw over your shoulder. Lastly...remember that you are being a good mother and that is what mommyhood is all about.

GRATITUDE

Having a little bubs in your life really puts a lot of things in perspective. We rush through life chasing goals and material things, constantly looking for something bigger and better, brighter and shinier. But a sweet, vulnerable, trusting baby shows the purity of how we all started, where having basic needs met and receiving attention and affection was enough to make us content. So...these are some simple blessings to be grateful for:

Small victories:
Whether it is getting a shower or making it through the day without tears, as a mommy you should celebrate these small triumphs. 

Your circle:
Your spouse, mom, BFF, neighbor or moms group who understands our frustrations, hug us when we have spitup on our clothes or bring us a chocolate after a trying day...thank you!

Favorite cuddles:
For that blankie or soft toy that soothes your bubs when nothing else will. 

Automation:
Keyless cars and automated doors are the worlds best invention when you are trying your best to manage a stroller, diaper bag and the groceries. 

Magic moments:
Those little moments where your little one looks at you and smiles. For giggles when you tickle his little feet. For their sweet, heavy breathing as they fall asleep on your chest. For that gorgeous scent of wash and lotion after bath time...these moments are magic...enjoy them!

ANVIL & I

I came across these gorgeous pendants during a midnight nursing session. I was looking for something with the initial "m" to celebrate the arrival of my son, Matthew. 

These heart pendants are available from Anvil & I through www.iheartthis.co.za. I ordered mine and a few days later a beautifully packaged necklace arrived. The silver chalks delicate and feminine and the initial is subtle yet perfect for anyone who is as sentimental as me... 

 The only problem now is convincing myself not to wear it for fear that Matthew, who is learning the strength of his hands and fingers, might pull on it too hard!

Visit their website for more gorgeous pieces: www.anvilandi.co.za