The post How To Prepare For Baby When You Don’t Know The Gender appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>So you’ve decided you’re going to wait until bubs arrives so you can have that traditional ‘It’s a [insert gender here]!’ moment. Maybe you’re happy about it or maybe you just lost the argument with your partner over the issue. Either way, you have yourself a dilemma – how on earth do you prepare for a baby when you don’t know the gender?
A quick scan of any of baby stores awash with pink and blue will tell you that manufacturers are assuming you asked that all-important question at your 20-week ultrasound!
Don’t panic, you can still make sure you’re prepared without buying double of everything, just in case.
There are some really gorgeous gender-neutral prints out there – jungle scenes with impossibly sweet giraffes and monkeys; circus clowns with brightly-coloured beach balls balancing on the nose of happy seals.
The beauty of this approach is you’ll be able to use the same sheets and sleeping bags for any future little brothers or sisters!
It can be as simple as a delaying the purchase of a throw rug to draper over the chair and keep you warm during the midnight feeds; or leaving a space on the wall for a beautiful pink butterfly picture or a montage of dump trucks.
These final touches can easily be added in the days or weeks following the birth of your precious bundle.
Let’s face it, nobody likes lemon. It makes babies look jaundiced even if they’re not. Unless you’ve found a lovely pattern which combines lemon with other colours (crimson or navy make great contrasts), steer clear of pale yellow onesies!
White, green and red are great options, and good for staples like onesies and singlets, but they’re not particularly exciting on their own.
If you’re really looking for something that will really brighten up your baby preparations, consider opting for patterned clothing. The availability of gender-neutral patterned clothing is limited, but you’re certain to find a few lovely items that you can feel proud to bring baby home in.
Obviously you need to make sure you’ve got something to pop bubs in when he or she is first born, and the last thing you want to be doing is hitting the shops when you get home from hospital!
However, there’s nothing wrong with waiting a little while to buy some really pretty pink or handsome blue outfits. What you may not realise is those first few weeks are often such a blur of highs and lows you probably won’t much care what baby is wearing – as long as they don’t cover them in poo and let you get some sleep!
And remember – there’s always online shopping, which you can do from home… on your phone… during the 3am feed if you like!
Baby showers are great fun, but if your friends and family don’t know the gender of the baby, you may end up with piles and piles of grey and white clothing and wraps that they didn’t really want to buy. You’ll be miserable and so will they.
Consider gently suggesting to your guests that they spend the baby shower having fun with you and celebrating your pregnancy. Point out to them how much more fun they’ll have shopping for your baby when he or she is born – they’ll be able to happily fling their way through racks of frilly pink dresses or robot-encrusted rompers!
Rebecca Bowyer is a Melbourne mum of two preschool boys. You can find her writing about all things parenting at Seeing the Lighter Side.
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]]>The post Swaddle UP And Sleep Like A Baby appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>My daughter is now 6 weeks old and unlike her older brothers and sisters, loves to be swaddled. My other three children couldn’t stand being wrapped up tight or swaddled and would kick the wrap off and cry until they were freed from being swaddled.
My new little miss on the other hand, loves being swaddled, just as much as being free to kick around. She likes to move her hands though so traditional swaddling doesn’t work. This is why we adore the Love To Dream Swaddle UP Summer Lite so much. I find that because she can still move her arms, she settles herself by sucking her hands or rubbing her face. The fact her hands are secured in the Swaddle UP also prevents her from scratching her face during the night. The fabric is light which is perfect for summer as the material breathes which keeps her cool. The fabric is extremely soft to touch making it ideal for fresh, new and sensitive skin.
The arms and hands are positioned in an infants natural resting place which makes them comfortable but still allows them to be snuggly swaddled. My daughter is a great sleeper, she only tends to wake once a night for a feed and I think the Swaddle UP plays a large part in her sleeping so well.
Nappy changes are easy as well, thanks to the two-way zip. If your bub is easily woken, these zips will assist you in checking and changing their nappy with minimal disturbances.
The Love To Dream Swaddle UP Summer Lite comes a range of colours and prints, these include: Cream, Ice green (0-4 months) and Multi-stripe (50/50 Swaddle UP Summer Lite – 4-8 months). Sizes include: Small – 3-6 kg, Medium – 6-8.5 kg, Large – 8.5-11 kg , X large – 11-14 kg.
You can purchase these amazing sleep savers from the Love To Dream website and other good baby stores.
3x WINNERS!!
Each Prize Includes: 1x Love To Dream Swaddle UP Summer Lite. (Winner can select size and colour) RRP $41.95-$49.95 each. Maximum Total Prize Pool: $149.85.
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received the item for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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]]>The post Love To Dream Nuzzlin Sleep Bag + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Babies love to be swaddled and wrapped up tight, right? Well if your children are anything like mine, you will know all too well that some simply cannot stand their movements being restrained. My first three children despised being wrapped up and their arms being tucked in, whereas my newborn (currently three weeks old) doesn’t mind it either way.
As a result of the older children not liking swaddles, we adapted to the use of baby sleeping bags from almost day one. Some are better than others, some have better features than others but I can say with all honesty; I am absolutely adoring the Love To Dream Nuzzlin Sleep Bag.
It is light and unbelievably soft, which is a must on sensitive baby skin. Created with a new generation muslin, it is 100% cotton knitted fabric and is extra comfortable thanks to the amount of stretch in the fabric.
I love the extra long zipper because it allows nappy changes during the night even easier as you don’t need to remove the Love To Dream Nuzzlin Sleep Bag, simply unzip and change. If that wasn’t benefit enough, we all know that new babies can be prone to throwing up regularly which is why I love that it can be machine washed. Due to the sleep bag opening flat, you can hang it on the line and it will be dry in a matter of minutes!
The Love To Dream Nuzzlin Sleep Bag is so simple to use. Lay the bag flat, place baby on top, fold shoulder strap over and clip it, zip it up all the way and it is done! The zip has a cover over the handle as well so you don’t have to fear your baby getting scratched.
I cannot rate this Nuzzlin Sleep Bag highly enough!!
The Nuzzlin 1.0 TOG Sleep Bag is the perfect all rounder. Available in Pink with a happy elephant, Aqua with a fun pear and yellow with a cute watermelon motif. Sizes include: 4-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-36 months. RRP $59.95.
Follow Love To Dream on Facebook or click over to see their website!
3x WINNERS!!
Each Prize Includes: 1x Love To Dream Nuzzlin 1.0 TOG Sleep Bag. (Winner can select size and colour) RRP $59.95 each. Total Prize Pool: $179.85.
This print not available. Winner must select from the 3 shown above.
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received the item for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
The post Love To Dream Nuzzlin Sleep Bag + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post 5 Gift Ideas For Newborns appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Welcoming a new person into the world is always exciting, but you know that their parents will be absolutely exhausted for a while to come. Even if they have tried to prepare for their new arrival as best as they can, there are some things they may have forgotten or run out of time to buy. And then there are items that just don’t fit in the budget. If you are in the market for a gift for a friend’s new baby, here are some ideas you might want to consider.
Personalising a gift will make it all the more special, both for the parents and the newborn. You want an item that will be practical and memorable yet will also last a long time. It may even be worth trying to make something with your own two hands. But if you aren’t that handy or crafty, you might prefer to take advantage of specialists in personalising gifts such as Personalised Favours.
A newborn can never have enough blankets, especially if they are born during the colder winter months. There are so many different types of blankets, made from a variety of materials, so there are endless possibilities for gifts. You might want to also consider personalising such a purchase (with the child’s name or initials, for example) just to add that extra bit of flair.
Clothes are always a great gift, and you will always have fun shopping around for them. The number of outfits available for children is enormous, so make sure you look for clothes that have been constructed and sewn well and are also easy to wash.
Even though they may not be able to read yet, every child needs their own library of books. This is often an overlooked gift, thanks to the advent of technology and eBooks and the like, but the tactile sensation of holding and reading a book is something that cannot ever be replicated.
Every child loves toys, and almost everyone will have fond memories of a cuddly toy that stayed with them through their childhood. You can also buy a variety of educational toys for newborns, and these can range from simple puzzles to the ever-popular set of alphabet blocks. If you want to buy something special, you may want to consider visiting a workshop where you can construct your own toy for your lucky recipient.
These are just five types of gifts you might want to consider getting for a newborn. This is not a prescriptive list, and there are plenty of other fantastic presents out there for you to purchase. If you are still really stuck, consider asking some of your friends who have children for their ideas and thoughts on different types of presents; they should be able to point you in the right direction.
What types of gifts would you like or would you have wanted? What is the best gift you’ve received for your baby?
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post Dreambaby Travel System Insect Netting GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The warmer months are upon us which unfortunately means so are the flies, mosquitoes and every other bug known to man.
The last thing you want is for your baby to woken, irritated or bitten by these critters, especially when it has taken you so long to put them to sleep.
Thankfully there are products out there that combat this issue with minimal effort and a small price tag as well. The Dreambaby Travel System Insect Netting is designed to protect your baby from insects while fitting most strollers, porta cots and baby carriers (aka capsules).
The elastic edging allows for a better fit reducing (if not completely eliminating) the insect issue all together. The 100% polyester netting is long lasting and durable, in addition to being machine washable.
The Travel System value pack contains two pieces – 1x Dreambaby® Stroller & Play-Yard Insect Netting and 1 x Dreambaby® Carrier Insect Netting. RRP $19.95.
For more information visit the Dreambaby® website at www.dreambaby.com.au.
3x WINNERS!
Each Prize Includes: 1x Dreambaby Travel System Insect Netting Value Pack. RRP 19.95. (Total Prize Pool RRP $59.85)
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
The post Dreambaby Travel System Insect Netting GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post Love To Dream Swaddle UP Reviews + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Every baby is different. Some love to be swaddled whilst others prefer to be able to move freely. I have experienced both of these from my children when they were born.
My eldest preferred to be wrapped nice and snug, my second liked to be loosely wrapped and my daughter despised having anything around her from birth. I wonder what baby number four will be like. As I said, each baby is different!
It is common knowledge that most babies feel secure when they are swaddled as it is a familiar feeling for them, having grown in such a tight space for 9 months. Unfortunately for parents who are already trying to figure out the whole parenting thing, some infants find comfort in being swaddled however prefer their hands to be able to move about. Just in case you weren’t struggling enough already!
For more information about swaddling babies with a blanket, see how to swaddle a baby correctly.
Thankfully Love To DreamTM are changing parents lives by allowing them to rest easily knowing their child is sleeping safely without being derived the use of their hands. The Swaddle UPTM allows newborns and infants to sleep in their natural position with their arms up but still having some control to calm their startle reflex. Research has shown that babies swaddled this way settle faster and sleep for longer as they are getting a better rest.
I love that Love To DreamTM create practical and comfortable sleepwear for babies, but their skills don’t end there. They now embrace current trends so your little one can be a stylista and on trend instead of sticking with a simple pink, blue or white swaddle blanket. The new limited edition Swaddle UP Denim Stripe is a classic denim design. The arrangement is fun and features a mint green stripe making it an ideal unisex pattern.
This gorgeous swaddle is made from soft fabric and features no seams inside for maximum comfort. The twin zipper makes it easy for nappy changes without having to completely take it off and disturb your baby. Travelling with little ones can be tricky when they enjoy being swaddled however the travel slot on the back allows for peace of mind and comfort.
Available in two sizes, the Love To Dream Swaddle UP comes in small (3-6kg) and medium (6-8.5kg) for $41.95. You can purchase this adorable and practical swaddle from Love To Dream Australia.
3x WINNERS!
Each prize includes: 1x Love To Dream Swaddle UP Denim Stripe (Winners choice of size: S or M). RRP $41.95ea. (Total Prize Pool: $125.85)
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
The post Love To Dream Swaddle UP Reviews + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Before you start your baby on formula, read this, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby.
You are finally holding your precious little baby in your arms after a long 40 weeks of pregnancy. You just want to admire their precious little features but they are hungry. Often mothers have to overcome struggles; maybe you think you aren’t producing enough milk or perhaps your baby won’t attach to your breast properly. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to end there and here is why.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend further than just ‘breast is best’. Yes it is amazing for your baby but it is also beneficial for you, the mother. These benefits include:
We know it is best for babies to have breast milk over formula but often we don’t know exactly why. The benefits of breastfeeding your baby is a list that goes on forever but the main ones you can identify with include:
It is great that breastfeeding benefits both mum and baby but the positive results don’t end there.
Breastfeeding benefits come in many different forms but just because it is natural, does not mean it is always easy. If you are struggling and want to breastfeed, ask for help or visit Australian Breastfeeding Association online for more information. While breastfeeding is best for your baby, it is sometimes not what is best for the mother or family. This is perfectly OK as well; your baby is being fed, loved and looked after. Parents of formula fed babies should not feel inadequate or guilty by their decision.
Did you find breastfeeding easy and natural? Did you struggle? Was it simply not for you?
Share your tips below to help other mums on this journey?
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]]>The post Breathe with Ease this Winter + GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Anyone with little kids whether they are a baby, toddler or child will know that when they get sick and their nose is blocked it can be a nightmare to help them breathe easily. The blocked nose not only causes pain and irritation for the child but it ultimately affects the parents as well; often resulting in lack of sleep, the sense of helplessness and often frustration at not being able to help.
There are many different ways you can relieve a child’s blocked nose. Steam from shower, if they are old enough to blow it out or a nasal aspirator. With so many nasal aspirators on the market now it is hard to know which one worth buying. I’ll be honest, I saw the ones at my local baby shop that require the parent to physically suck on the end of a tube. I thought it was a joke! Needless to say I passed on that one. Many others you see require you to empty and clean the ‘snot catching’ part which potentially holds bacteria. So I passed on those as well. After searching and searching with no luck (I have been searching since B1 was born, he is now 8) technology has clearly advanced and Oricom have created the best hygienic electronic nasal aspirator available and have been generous enough to provide me one to review and another one to giveaway to one of All Mum Said fans.
I love the Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator (as much as one can love a gadget designed to suck out snot). There are so many things that make it great and stand out from others on the market. It is so unbelievably quick and easy to use! This is a must when you have sick little ones as their tolerance is often slim to none so the job needs to be done swiftly. The Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator allows you to unblock stuffy noses in a matter of seconds by simply covering a small hole with your index finger and pressing the button with your thumb. You then release the hole. Your child now has a clean, unblocked nose.
The Oricom CleanOz is hygienic which is another must in my book. There is no transferring germs and trying to make sure you have killed them all before using it again. The tips are single use which means you use and throw away. Replace with a new tip for the next stuffy nose, these have been designed to be easily inserted and removed. The flexible silicone tips can be purchased in boxes of 10 from your local baby store or online at Oricom for $19.95.
Requiring only 3 AAA batteries it is cheap to run. It isn’t overly loud which means it won’t scare your little one and because it is so quick and easy to use, you have finished before they even know what you are doing. The RRP for the Oricom CleanOz nasal aspirator is $69.95 which may seem like a lot but when you can use it for years and relieve your little ones stuffy nose and restore peace to the home it is absolutely worth it! I just wish they had released them years ago because it would have saved me a lot sleepless nights.
Prize Includes: 1x Oricom CLEANOZ Nasal Aspirator (RRP $69.95) and 1x box of 10 Disposable Reservoir Nozzle Tips (RRP $19.95) Total Prize: $89.90.
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
The post Breathe with Ease this Winter + GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The post BabyBjorn plate and spoon appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>When babies start eating on their own finding quality eating implements that are easy for them use is priority number one. There are so many options available and it can often get confusing. There are non-slip, suction, characters and the list goes on. What works for your little one may be different to what your friends child prefers but if you are aware of some of the options available it makes purchasing easier. Poppet has been using the BabyBjorn Plate and Spoon for the past couple of weeks and it is fantastic. I am a huge fan of BabyBjorn products, not for their well-known brand but because of their amazing quality.
The BabyBjorn Plate and Spoon is suited from 4 months and will be used for years to come. The plate sits firmly on the table eliminating the usual tipping of food everywhere. The three leaf clover design allows the food to be easily scooped up without your little one having to chase it around the plate and will have a better chance of using their spoon rather than their hands. The spoon is perfect for little hands; it has a short handle making it easy for little hands to grip. Tailored to rest on the side of the plate instead of sliding into the food, this spoon is ideal.
Underneath the BabyBjorn plate you will find rubber edging that prevents it sliding off the table. I love that the BabyBjorn plate and spoon are dishwasher and microwave safe, these are a must in our house. They are also BPA free and so far the white hasn’t stained at all, even after eating spaghetti bol. These wonderfully designed BabyBjorn plate and spoon sets are sold in a pack of 2 and are available in 2 colour options (each plate is a different colour); orange/turquoise or pink/purple. For more information on these gorgeous sets click here to see the BabyBjorn website or to see where they are available from see the stockists here.
Disclosure: I received one of sets mentioned above for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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]]>The post BabyBjorn WE baby carrier + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Anyone with little kids knows that it isn’t always possible to take a pram with you. Often prams and strollers don’t even fit down isles at the shops so you will need another option. Baby carriers are a great alternative as you have the privilege of having two spare hands. It isn’t a common choice for parents with children older than one though as most carriers only cater to the needs of infants and more often than not parents aren’t aware that there are convertible baby carriers that satisfy the needs of newborns up to approx. 3 year olds. When we go away for a night or two camping or exploring somewhere new the last thing we want to take is a pram and will always opt for a baby carrier, just in case. Poppet is one year old and I have always thought she was too big to be carried in a carrier until we got the BabyBjorn WE; it is a 3 way front and back carrier. 1. Optimal newborn position: this carries your baby high up on your chest and has adjustable head support to ensure stability for your baby. 2. Inward-facing comfort: This is ergonomically designed for both you and your growing little one. 3. Easy back carrying: you can put your toddler (min. 12 months) on your back in one safe and simple motion without assistance.
The BabyBjorn baby carrier WE has been a life saver these school holidays as we have been fishing, camping and experiencing a night in a cabin at a Big 4 holiday park. We have done so much walking and this carrier has made it hassle-free. Poppet has been able to enjoy the sights and activities while on the move, as well take comfort in not having to walk her little legs kilometres at a time. We started her with the inward-facing carrying as she was tired and she fell asleep almost instantly. She appeared to be so relaxed and comfortable. Once she woke, we were still out and about so swapped her to the back carrying position and she loved being able to look around and see everything. It is basically like a piggy back but I have 2 free hands! Poppet has also slept in this back carrying position on more than one occasion.
I love that it is so easy to swap positions of carrying and that the straps are adjustable enough that I can swap over with Mr C with minimal fuss and it only takes a few seconds to re-adjust the waist belt and shoulder straps to fit you comfortably. The sturdy waist belt and well-padded shoulder straps allow carrying your child in as much comfort as possible. The waist belt enables you to transfer the child’s weight to your hips to relieve pressure on your back and shoulders. Another benefit to the BabyBjorn WE baby carrier is it rolls up small making storing or keeping it with you on the go a breeze. The clips also have a safety click so you know when they are clipped correctly. For more information on the BabyBjorn WE including the stockists check out their website here.
PRIZE INCLUDES: 1x BabyBjorn WE baby carrier. RRP $150.00 *Black, Cotton*
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
The post BabyBjorn WE baby carrier + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.
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