Tips To Help Introduce Your Baby To The Bottle

Readers of this blog may recall that my own attempts at breastfeeding were not particularly successful and, after 10 weeks with sitting with Caitlin for what seemed like hours, I swopped to formula feed and never looked back.  Caitlin wasn't putting on enough weight and as soon as I made the change she started to really thrive.  

Perhaps the problem was, as an older mum at 43, my milk just wasn't up to the job.  When Ieuan was born just 19 months later, he went straight on to formula. 

At some point, though, most children learn to take a bottle and it can be a bit of a daunting experience - particularly if you need them to learn this new skill in a bit of a rush.

There are many reasons why you want to introduce your baby to a bottle. You might want to start using a bottle so that you can start feeding your little one some expressed breast milk; or, know that you will need to leave your baby when returning to work, and you want to ensure they have some milk while you’re away from them.

Whatever the reason, here are some useful tips from Tommee Tippee whose bottles got both my two through their early years. 

The guide sets out how to go about giving your baby their first bottle, top tips in the early stages of introducing your little one to a bottle, and tactics that you can use when your child resists a bottle:

How to give your baby their first bottle

The common issue for babies being introduced to a bottle is that they will need to use a different sucking action compared to when they were breastfed and, it's likely to take them some time to get used to this new feeling.

To help, give your child their first few bottles when they are relaxed and happy as opposed to instances when they’re hungry and more likely to want to get fed by a method that they are used to. 

It is also a good idea to offer your baby a bottle in the evening once their regular feeding has been complete — you don’t need to give them that much milk in this instance, as it will be more about getting your child used to the feel of a bottle’s nipple.

Another tip is to get someone else to give your baby their first few feeds — the dad or a friend or family member — as that way your baby will not be near you and smelling your breast milk. 

It may also be best if the mother is out of the house while the baby is being bottle fed, as many youngsters can smell their mother even from a distance. You only need to do this a handful of times until your child is used to drinking from a bottle.

Refrain from forcing your baby to feed from a bottle too much, and only feed them enough milk until they let you know that they’ve had enough. This needs to be a smooth transition, so your child will be more likely to rebel if they aren’t enjoying their bottle in the early stages.

What to do if your baby is resisting

If you are struggling to get your baby to make the transition from breast to bottle, there are some techniques that could help.

You should take the time to find a suitable product for your baby. A bottle with a nipple that is similar to your child’s dummy will likely make it more appealing to your little one, for instance. A slow-flow nipple can get around times when your baby gags due to regular bottle nipples delivering them with too much milk at once.

A First Sippee Transition Cup from Tommee Tippee ticks all of these boxes, not to mention the fact that they are specially designed for a baby’s first sips and has a super soft spout that is gentle on your child’s sensitive gums. 

These cups may well be known to you, following a dad’s desperate search last year to find a replacement cup for his autistic son. The plea received over 12,000 retweets and the full story can be read on the BBC website.

It’s not just the design of the bottle or cup that can help your baby with the transition. Your baby may start sucking from the cup or bottle’s nipple if you place some breast milk on it and your child tastes it and enjoys the familiar taste.

Let your infant get used to their new bottle or cup in their own time too. Don’t be quick to take the product away from them if they begin to chew on the nipple — let them do this for now as they may switch to sucking on it once they are familiar with the feeling.

Babies may also feel more comfortable drinking from a bottle or cup when they are held in a different position to how you breastfeed them. Feed them from a bottle or cup when they are in a semi-upright position in a car seat, for example, or by having them on your lap but with their back to your chest.

Hopefully with this advice, your baby will be reaching for his bottle or cup for their feed before you know it.

Read more

Baby On The Way? Sommer Pyne's Home Hacks For House Proud Parents

I don't know about you but housework often comes at the bottom of the to-do list when it comes to fitting in work and kids.  By the time you've run the kids to their various social engagements and after-school clubs and chucked something in the oven, there's very little time to flick a duster about.

There are though some parents who still manage to keep a stylish home when they have small children.  

I think I've missed a trick because I probably should have got myself a bit more organised before I had kids and, when you're in that nesting phase, it's a great time to prepare yourself for the nappy onslaught whilst still maintaining an elegant home.

If you'd like to know how your home can look more polished than demolished, then here are some tips from Tommee Tippee ambassador, Sommer Pyne, owner of House Curious and mum to Lyla and Indy.

And read on because I have another great giveaway.

Sommer says:

1. Get organised

As boring as it may sound getting organised and having everything in its place before the baby arrives will help you feel empowered and in control.

· When you have the energy, start sorting through your cupboards and do a big clean out. Get rid of anything that you don’t need to make space for all your new baby supplies!

· Some things you’ll want to store away; like bottles, sterilising equipment and toys, but there may be other things that you need on display for quick and easy access. The Tommee Tippee steriliser from the Complete Starter Set is handy to keep within easy reach because of its compact size and it looks stylish.

· Go through each room and think about how you’ll use the space.

· Make a list of the things you need quick access to or that can be put away.

2. Feeding

I had such a hard time with breastfeeding the first time around, I was feeding hourly and my daughter never seemed to get enough milk. My saving grace and something I recommend to all my friends is to swap the night feed for formula. It was life changing for me and my daughter slept through and gave my body a much needed break.

With formula feeding you have a lot more equipment so that’s why it’s good to be organised. Make things easy for yourself so when you need to prep the baby’s bottle at 3am you have everything to hand.

The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine is brilliant because it looks cool and matches my black steriliser, so I don’t mind having it on display and it makes prepping a bottle a breeze, even when I’m half asleep. I’ve got the black version and have it on my kitchen counter. It’s quick and easy to use and anything that makes my life easier is welcome to stay!

3. Storage solutions

· Baby station

In the rooms that I spend most of my time like the living room, bedroom and kitchen I’ve set up baby stations that have all my baby essentials neatly packed away and on hand whenever I need them.

· Baskets

My daughter has a lot of toys but we cleverly hide them away so our house doesn’t look like a toy shop. Baskets not only look great but can also hide a mountain of things. Buy a decorative basket, put a sheet inside and fill it with all your child’s toys. Tie it up or just twist the top so it keeps everything together. On top place a lovely woollen blanket or throw to hide the sheet and toys. This makes a great decorative piece just like you’ve seen in those stylish boutique hotels.

· Chest

If you don’t have money to buy storage units or cupboards, a nice vintage chest is a great way to store games, toys or even blankets. You can also use them as side table for when guests show up.

· Built in units

If you’re doing a renovation or redecorating it’s worth investing in good storage. Don’t go to branded cupboard designers, a good carpenter should be able to knock something bespoke up for half the price.

4. Practical and fuss-free interiors

I don’t like to compromise on my interior style so I still have velvet and fabric sofas. My house probably doesn’t seem that kid friendly but it is in so many ways.

· Sofas

Comfort and style are high up on my list. So, what can you do? The simple answer to this is to have a large throw or sheet to hand that can be easily stored under the sofa or in a cupboard. When you are nursing, or playing with your baby on the sofa cover it with the throw or sheet so that it’s protected. Let’s be honest there are going to be moments of projectile vomit and if you’re already a mum/dad the chances are you have enough poo stories.

· Flooring

If you’re redecorating consider the flooring carefully because this not only has a huge impact on the overall style of your home but we also know how messy kids can be… carpet may not be the smartest idea! In our house we have concrete floors and wooden floors. So, no matter how many accidents we have they’re easy to clean.

· Clutter free

Get rid of the clutter and simplify your space with just the essentials and decorative pieces you absolutely love. In our family room there is no coffee table in the middle and most of my decorative pieces are up high on the fireplace or on shelves. This way my daughter can run around freely without bumping her head on sharp edges. The other alternative is to have a soft ottoman.

· Different zones

We have areas that are no go kid’s zones. We have a great family room and Lyla’s bedroom for her many toys, but there are certain rooms that are out of bounds.

· Low cost interiors

It can be expensive prepping for a baby’s arrival but there are so many low cost options. Ikea is brilliant for nursery furniture, Primark Home and the baby section for your essentials and Next is great for affordable clothing.

5. Decorating your nursery

Decorating the nursery can be a lovely experience but I know for some parents it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of my tips to help ease the pain:

· Don’t worry about matching furniture I think it looks more eclectic and fun when you mix it up.

· Don’t be fooled into thinking you must buy nursery furniture. Other than the cot the rest can be furniture that you already own. For example, for my first baby I didn’t buy a changing station I simply used my vintage chest of drawers and placed a changing mat on top with all my essentials on display.

· Be bold and creative; think about what colours appeal to you and how you want the room to feel. The baby won’t notice the décor but you will and you’ll be spending a lot of time in the nursery.

· It’s important to create a relaxing environment so you will want to invest in a comfy chair – you don’t have to buy a nursing chair buy something you like that will outgrow your children. Soft rugs are always a good idea and don’t forget your favourite candle.

Sommer Pyne is an ambassador for Tommee Tippee.

The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine

The Giveaway

I have one Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine to give away.  The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep machine makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes. It is specially designed to make preparing formula bottles quicker and more accurate, a boon for those night time feeds.

Please note the colour of the machine you receive may vary.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below and the usual terms and conditions apply which you can find on my competitions page.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th June.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck.

Read more

Get ready for the great outdoors this summer with Milton (giveaway)

Festival and camping season is approaching as is, hopefully, the warmer weather. And if you are taking your little ones with you, hygiene is even more important.

Milton, the UK's number one sterilising and hygiene expert has a great range of travel essentials and read on because there's a giveaway coming up.

It can be a nightmare ensuring that your kids' feeding equipment is properly sterilised but it's easy to use the trusted Milton Cold Water Method even away from the safety of your own home. Milton is clinically proven to kill 99.9% of germs, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, leaving items sterile, and keeping nasty bugs at bay.

Here's what you can use.

The Milton Solo Travel Steriliser is 2-in-1 microwave or cold water steriliser, ideal for sterilising when on the go. It cleans and sterilises bottles, teethers, plastic toys, breastfeeding equipment and other small baby equipment from 2 minutes in the microwave and in 15 minutes for cold water. RRP: £10.99.

The Milton Combi Microwave or Cold Water Steriliser - not only will this clean and sterilise bottles from 2 minutes in the microwave, you can also take it camping because it can be used for cold water sterilisation, killing up to 99.9% of bacteria in just 15 minutes.  Back home, it's small enough to fit into most microwaves but will take up to 5 bottles from any brand. RRP: £24.99

Practical and portable, Milton Sterilising Tablets are ideal to use when travelling. Made up with regular tap water, items are sterilised in just 15 minutes and stay sterile in the solution for 24 hours – meaning you can sterilise baby’s feeding equipment again and again. RRP: 2.46/ 28 tablets.

Milton Sterilising Fluid (500ml/£2.35) is a camping essential, as not only can it be used to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment, but you can also use it to clean the following:

· Outside of tents and gazebos

· Caravans inside and out
· Camp kitchens, even the outside kind exposed to all weathers
· Paddling pools

Camping is tremendous fun but let’s face it, it can get pretty messy so keep you family safe and well with Milton’s range of hygiene products.

Banish mucky fingers with Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel. Ideal for keeping hands clean and fresh when you are on the go and even when in the middle of a field! Kills 99.9% of germs in seconds, non-sticky and dries quickly. With an added moisturising agent to protect the skin, the gel is gentle, with a pleasant fragrance. RRP £2.20/100ml.

New and improved Milton Antibacterial Surface Wipes with ‘no rinse’ & food safe formula means parents can use them to wipe clean soothers, teats, teething rings plates and cutlery without worrying about the need to rinse afterwards. The formula is bleach free, preservative free and fragrance free, they kill germs quickly and leave no residue or odour so they are perfect for disinfecting babies’ small accessories as well as their general environment including high chairs, potties, changing mats, car seats, and buggy chairs/handles. RRP £2.19.

The Giveaway

If you would like to try a selection of Milton products for your next family camping trip or a solo festival adventure, enter my giveaway to win the following:-

Milton Combi Steriliser 

& a Milton Hygiene Kit comprising 

*Milton Antibacterial Surface Spray

*Milton Antibacterial Surface Wipes

*Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel 

*Milton Washing Up Liquid

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below and the giveaway ends on 14th June at 11:59 pm.  Terms and conditions apply which can be found on my Competitions Page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Read more

My Recommended Ways To Bond With Your Toddler

Bonding with my children is essential for me, as I'm sure it is for you too. I try to make sure I spend one-on-one time with them, as well as doing things with them together. Our bonding time can be anything from sitting down to do their homework to running around at the park.

A lot of newer parents can worry that they're not doing enough to bond with their kids. Once they start to explore and observe the world, you might wonder about the best ways to help them experience it. I'm here to tell you not to worry too much! Spending valuable time with your children isn't rocket science. If you're looking for some activities to help you bond with your toddler, try some of my favourites.

Music 

Although I'm very careful not to play it too loud, I love enjoying music with the kids. Sometimes we put something on and dance around, just for the fun of it. Music is a great way to connect with your children in lots of different ways. And it's especially good for toddlers to help them learn rhythm, language and other skills. There are so many ways to introduce music into your daily activities. You could sing some nursery rhymes when you get up in the morning or just have music on while you go about your day. Some basic musical instruments like drums and xylophones are fun too.

Johnathan Nightingale  

Swimming 

If you want to do something physical with your toddler, swimming is an excellent option. Unlike chasing them around the park, swimming can be quite relaxing, as well as fun. You can take them to your nearest pool on your own. However, if you want them to start learning to swim, swimming classes for toddlers can be a good option. They can start using the pool soon after they're born and can look amazingly at home in the water. If you think about it, they did spend 40 weeks swimming about! Getting into the pool with your toddler can be a fantastic way to bond with them.

Story Time 

I'm a big believer in doing lots of reading with your children, from as early an age as possible. There are so many benefits to reading to and with your kids. Even if they're not old enough to understand what you're doing, it can help them to engage with your voice. Story time doesn't have to be saved for just before bed. You can read with them at any time of the day, and it's a great excuse for a cuddle. You can also do funny voices and actions, turning the story into a more immersive experience. 

Bedtime Routine 

Bedtime is one of my favourite times to bond with my children - if they're cooperating, that is. Having a bath, getting into PJs and enjoying a story and a cuddle help them to wind down at the end of the day. There are no other distractions, and you can create a little bubble of just you and them.

You have lots of opportunities to bond with your toddler, but it's up to you to make them. Sometimes you have to put in some extra effort to keep your relationship strong.

You can find loads more tips and tricks for parenting by clicking HERE.

Thanks for reading Mother Distracted.  I really appreciate your support and I'd love it if you could share this post across social media. If you’re new to Mother Distracted, why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram. 

Read more

Essential Fashion Guide For Your Children This Winter

This winter is looking to be particularly chilly, so I’m already thinking about wrapping the kids up warm.

They’ve reached the ages where they want a say in their fashion choices.

They want to look like all the other kids and wear the big brands and the right movie merchandise.

It’s not always easy to get hold of the things they want, so I’m spreading my search on the internet to see what is looking good this winter.

Baby wear in winter is really easy.

Babies can’t regulate their body temperatures in the same way we can so it’s essential to provide layers to trap their body warmth in.

Protecting little fingers and toes is important too. I really cringe when I see barefoot babies in buggies at this time of year!

Lots of mums are looking for designer baby clothes to ensure the quality is good, and the look is just right too.

Toddlers are trouble with a capital T!

They run around and make a mess in no time.

When you’re looking for winter fashion for a toddler, you need to find clothing that moves with them.

Most toddlers are quite wobbly on their feet, so it's important to avoid any clothing that restricts them too much.

I love those cute, fluffy snowsuits, but they can be hard for a toddler to move about freely.

For a baby, they’re perfect because they’re easy to take on and off in a nappy emergency.

Pic from Flickr.com 

Preschoolers are very determined little people.

They don’t want to wear scarves and socks, and good luck getting them to wear a jumper!

If your preschool has a uniform, I would recommend buying it, if your budget can stretch to it.

You may have more chance of getting them to wear things like jumpers and hats if everyone is wearing the same thing.

Snow boots are the big thing in footwear right now. They’re warm and robust, and muddy puddles are no cause for concern!

Once kids are at school, they are determined to be wearing the latest thing but I avoid V-necks and Tees at this time of year.

Long sleeves and warm collars help keep chesty coughs at bay.

Gloves, hats and scarves get lost a lot, but if you choose a set featuring their favourite movie characters, the kids are more likely to keep them safe!

With the bad weather coming in, I prefer to stick to clothing I can run through the tumble dryer.

Pic from Flickr.com 

When it comes to teenagers, you sometimes have to give them a clothing allowance.

Let them make their own choices.

Appearance and fashion are very important to children at this age.

If you get something they don’t like the look of, they simply won’t wear it - and boy can they be stubborn!

It’s important not to panic if they don’t look appropriately attired for the weather.

Teens are hardy creatures, but they won’t let themselves be cold or wet for long!

When it’s cold and wet outside you want to wrap your children up in long coats, hats, scarves and gloves.

But not all kids will be willing to wear what’s needed!

Have a warm and healthy winter.

Thanks for reading Mother Distracted.  I really appreciate your support and I'd love it if you could share this post across social media. If you’re new to Mother Distracted, why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

Read more

How To Give Your Baby The Best Night's Sleep

Getting your baby down to sleep can sometimes be one of the most difficult parts of raising a baby. Making sure your baby gets enough sleep is crucial to you both. Take the stress out of bedtime for you and your baby with these tips on how to get the best night’s sleep.

Establish a good routine

First and foremost, before you try any other tricks, it’s good to establish a nighttime routine for you and your baby. Creating a bedtime pattern will not only help you in the immediate, but also in the long-run. This will help to calm and settle them before bed. And, as your baby gets older, they will become more familiar with this routine and respond well to bedtimes.

Picture Source

Stop them scratching

Many parents find their babies suffering from a sleepless night because they’ll be scratching itchy rashes or eczema. Try putting your baby in gloves to stop them scratching. Or if you find that they are pulling off their gloves in the night, try ScratchSleeves which are impossible to remove.

Night and day are different 

Showing your baby from a young age that night and day are different is crucial. Not only will it be great for helping newborns sleep, but it will also teach them the importance of bedtime for when they are older. Make your baby’s room as dark as possible with dark curtains. Keep noises to a minimum if you can, or try quiet, soothing sounds. Changing them into their pyjamas will also establish that nighttime is for sleeping.

No midnight snacks

Try not to feed your baby just before they go to bed, or they will link bedtime with dinner time. This will make it much harder for you to get them back to sleep if they wake during the night. They’ll think it’s time for another feed.

Let them sleep

If your baby wakes up during the night, it can be tempting to pick them up and cuddle them. Try to avoid doing this (unless you need to change their nappy). Instead, make soothing noises and stroke their forehead to see if they will fall back to sleep by themselves.

Give them a comforter

Whether it’s a cuddly toy or a baby blanket, there’s no harm in giving your baby a comforter. This will help them feel secure at night time without you there. Just remember to buy two for when one is in the washing machine (or if you lose one!).

Share night times with your partner

It’s important for babies to get used to both parents, and understand they way they comfort them. Not only will this share the work between you both, but it will show your baby that breastfeeding isn’t always an option.

If you are having a really hard time getting your baby to sleep, it may be something medical. If you’ve tried And whatever you do, don’t forget to get some sleep too! Whenever your baby is sleeping, try to catch some sleep yourself when you can.

*PR collaboration

Read more