I Believe I Can Fly!

Mummy says I'm going to take my first flight soon. I can hardly contain my excitement! I'm into everything new at the moment. If only Mummy were looking forward to flying with a baby. You see, Daddy's driving and he'll meet us there so Mummy will have to travel with me on her own. Lucky for her, it's just a short flight.

She's been asking lots of people for tips for trouble-free travel with an almost-toddler (no, I still can't do it on my own!) and she has quite a list coming on. If we were going further afield, we'd be printing Adventures of a Working Mum's tips and following them to the letter! Daddy says this is practice and if I'm good, we might go on a 'proper holiday' soon. If Mummy has an ounce of sense, and she's as desperate for a trip abroad as she says, she'll say it was a breeze whatever happens. Which means I could have a bit of fun!

I know she has a bit of a plan, along these lines:

Bribes! There is a bag of new toys for me to distract me at key moments. Knowing how much I like presents, Mummy is wrapping them individually for me to prolong the suspense.
Drinks: This is partly because she doens't want to remortgage to buy a drink on a 'low-cost' airline, but also because the drink will help me through popping ears on take off and landing. I think she might even take my dummy even though that's usually just for bed time.
Snacks: There are some chocolate buttons in the bag (illicit gems where the surprise will be as much of a distraction as the chocolate itself) but also the usual suspects; raisins, rice cakes, carrot crisps. We'll leave things like bananas and fruit purees at home because we'll assume we'll be sitting next to at least one stranger and you know what a messy eater I am.
The outrage is that I'm not old enough to get my own seat, I have to travel on Mummy's knee, but I still have to pay half price for the privilege! Travelling on Mummy's knee is going to be horrific. I really don't think I'll be able to sit still that long, and being totally honest, I've been a bit of a madam this week. I will not be put in my car seat without a fight at the moment, and I am prone to a terrible tantrum now and then, (at least three times a day!) where I throw myself to the ground and scream and bang my fists.

CB

What To Pack For Your Baby's Holiday

I think I need a holiday.  Moreover, I think Mummy and Daddy need a holiday.  Everyone we know seems to be planning something exciting at the moment, whether that’s in grown-ups’ eyes, or little people’s.  The problem is, we all seem to want something slightly different.  No, wildly different!  Mummy wants a beach and some heat, even if only for a couple of days, so she can just chill out and recharge her batteries.  Daddy’s a bit of an adrenaline junkie and wants “some action.”   As for me, I’m happy with some ducks to throw breadcrumbs at and maybe a spot of swimming. 

Given everything that’s going on with us at the moment , I suspect we’ll end up on a long weekend, maybe a week, somewhere in the UK.  Which suits me.  Pleasing one out of three ain’t bad, as long as it’s this one!

When Mummy and I went to France last year, she wrote a list of everything she needed to take for me, because she had such severe nappy brain.  Remember, this was the lady who’s left the house without the formula to make up a bottle and who’s left the change bag at home, so it was definitely a good idea.  She prints out two copies of the checklist whenever we go somewhere – one so we don’t forget anything on the way out, and one to make sure we bring it all home again.

I was only dinky last year so it’s aimed very much at very small babies.  It might be useful as it stands if you’re a new mummy, and if you’re an old hand at travelling with children, is there anything Mummy should add now she’s travelling with a toddler?

Travelling:

Car seat.  Very obvious is you’re driving, but perhaps not so if you’re flying.  Worth investigating if your hire car place have them to save you checking one in

Blanket x 2.  You never know when it’s going to get a bit nippy.  We always had a spare because I was a very sicky baby

Baby sling.  Mummy’s must-have item last summer when it was the only time I would sleep.  She walked miles.

Buggy wheels!  Mummy’s never going to forget these again after they forgot them on our very first outing.  Worth considering a lightweight, cheaper stroller if you need to put it in a hold

Eating:

Scarf.  Last year, I was still breastfeeding and Mummy felt more comfortable in some places being able to give us a bit more privacy – if the scarf was already part of her outfit, we blended in even more

Breast pump.  Mummy didn’t have enough milk to warrant the effort, but if you’re using one, don’t forget it!

Formula.  Take enough to last you (me!) for holiday in case your brand is not available.  Not likely to be a problem if you’re holidaying in the UK, but knowing how fussy some babies can be, it’s not worth the gamble.

Steriliser. If you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know we won’t be bothering with that this year.  In fact, we didn’t take it last year – Mummy boiled everything in a big pan every night – but if you’re in a hotel, it might be worthwhile

Snacks. For all of us!  Daddy and I share a special character trait whereby there is a complete meltdown if we get hungry.  Immediate food is the only cure.  Mummy packs emergency chocolate to calm her own nerves.

Food. Again, depending on where you’re going, it might be worth packing some jars or packets of food in case there isn’t always something suitable when you’re eating out.

Cutlery/Crockery/Cups

Bibs and wipes

Clothing:

At least 2 full outfits for every day you’re away.  Make sure the selection includes things with long sleeves and long legs to cover up if the sun’s really strong, and warm clothes because even hot countries can get pretty chilly once the sun goes down.

Hats. Whatever the weather, make sure you have an appropriate hat for your little one.

Sleepsuits

Cosmetics

Shampoo

Bubble bath

Flannels/sponge

Baby lotion

Nail clippers/file

Sunscreen

First aid kit

Calpol

Miscellaneous:

Nappies (including swim nappies) and associated kit, like wipes and nappy cream

Travel cot. (unless you know there will be one when you get there)

Sleeping bags/blankets.

Baby monitor, if you use one.

Blackout blind.  We didn’t have one last year, but Mummy wishes she’d had one and it’s on the list this year!

So, any hints for additions gratefully received.  Bon voyage if you’re off anywhere soon!

CB

The Two-Man Job

I’m making an application to the Olympic Committee for a new sport to be allowed in next year’s Games – Extreme Nappy Changing!

The rules are pretty simple; the mummy or daddy needs to replace the nappy with a new one, fasten it correctly, and dress the baby before the little one escapes.  The baby wins extra points for splattering nappy contents over clothes, the change mat, or the parent!  Points will be awarded for style.  Mummy or Daddy score points racing the clock.  Naturally, I’m lining myself up as a future champ.

Non-mobile babies make things pretty easy for the grown-up changing them.  They lie there patiently, cooing a little, and gazing round the room or into their parent’s loving eyes.  How much more fun to be had by rolling away!  Not just from the prospect of grossness spread everywhere, but also the added danger of a bit of height.  At least once a day at the moment I have Mummy or Daddy yelling for help as they run out of hands.  “This one’s a Two-Man Job!”

Let the fun begin!  I start yelling as soon I know I’m heading for the change mat.  It makes the Changer a little stressed before you even start.  Wears them down a bit.  As with many things, timing is everything.  I make my move as soon as my nappy’s undone.  Mummy has my feet in one hand and is reaching for wipes with the other.  Wriggle then, and she’s faced with the dilemma of how to stop dirty bottom and clean clothes from meeting, whilst trying to wipe, fold and replace with just the one hand.  And she must prevent me from diving off the change table.

She’s not dextrous enough to have perfected the one-handed nappy-fasten yet, so the advantage is mine.  Strange, as mummies seem to be able to do most thing single-handedly!

If I kick and struggle, I usually wait till she has a handful of nappy-rash cream. No chance.  “HELP! TWO-MAN JOB!”  If she drops her guard for a second, I have cream on my face, in my hair, between my toes – everywhere except the nappy rash.  Great sport!

Are there any tactics she could employ to win this game?  Well, possibly. 

Make sure there is something by way of a distraction.  The very nature of a distraction is such that I forget the game. I reserve the right for the ‘thing’ to change regularly, with or without prior notice.  A toy is so dull when I know she has nappy sacks and creams on the loose.

Be prepared.  Have everything ready before we start.  Now I’m mobile, she has one chance to get it right before she has a naked baby streaking around the house shrieking with laughter.

Keep the crucial nappy-change items out of my reach.  The sock or cuddly toy she gives me to play with has nothing on a tube of cream – what happens if I squeeze this?

Work quickly.  Even if I humour the nappy change to start with, my patience and concentration are limited.  

One your marks, get set, go!

CB

Monsters, Dinosaurs And Other Household Pests

I have to tell you today about my cousin. He has a terrible predicament: dinosaurs plaguing his room at night!  Can you imagine?!  He’s doing a great job at keeping everyone in the house up, so they don’t drop their guard and get eaten when they doze off.  So manful, for someone so young.

It must be a real nightmare for him!  I’m so grateful we only have the odd mouse! Imagine getting monsters or dinosaurs in your room.

Here are some suggestions in case they turn up at your house.

Get yourself a “beast-repellant” spray. Mark my words, mythical beasts can hide anywhere; in the wardrobe, under the bed, behind chairs.  You’d be surprised how small a space they can squeeze into.  My local toy shop sells a specific anti-monster spray, but you can make your own really effectively that covers all beasts.  Get one of those mister-spray bottles, fill it most of the way with water (we all know what happens when Gremlins get wet) and add some sort of scent.  Aromatherapy oil, that sort of thing – it just acts as a reminder of where you’ve sprayed.

Have your child help you spray round his room, wherever beasts might hide.  You might need to do this for a few nights, till the beasts get the message.

Recruit a “guard.” Obviously not a real guard, but monsters aren’t that bright, and when it’s dark in the room, they’ll be scared off if they see a shape beside the bed.  You’ll need either a really big teddy, or some sort of inflatable being.  Do it up with a hat and coat, and set him beside the bed to keep watch.  Any opportunist beasts will see him and run.  Giving him a name will help with the “team effort,” but try not to make it too threatening!

Alternatively, think of something that might eat monsters.  In the example of my poor little cousin, it’s a little lion.  We all know that a lion is the King of the Jungle, so my Auntie encourages him to cuddle his lion for protection.  No beast would ever dare!

Sprinkle some “anti-beast” pellets around.  Glitter is a good bet, and if you do it well, you won’t even need to take the lid off, such is its power.  This is one for last thing at night, and can be used in conjunction with either of the above.  I have to advise at this stage that you make sure your little one’s eyes are closed – these things are powerful and should be used carefully!  Shake the container around the bed, under the duvet, over the toys – if you’re good, just the noise will be enough to do the trick.  Not that you’d ever want to trick your darling children, just ensure the household gets some sleep.

Sweet dreams, everyone!

CB

Keeping Your Baby Safe In The Sun

The weather forecast for the weekend is looking great! Daddy's muttering about why it couldn't be like this last weekend, but I say let's enjoy it while it lasts! It's been an early start to the summer with lovely sunshine since April, but now it's getting hotter, there are more risks for everyone but little people in particular.

Think of sunshine and a lot people will immediately associate sunburn. That's a good start! It is a real risk for babies, whose skin is particularly delicate and not used to the sun's rays.

It's worth pointing out that I am not a doctor, although Mummy says I can be whatever I want when I grow up. These are my suggestions based on things I've read and my limited experience.

-       Put sunscreen on all bits that will be exposed to the sun. Don't forget the bottom of our feet, which are vulnerable if we're in a pushchair and don't have shoes or socks on. If you've ever burnt your feet, you'll know how sore it is!

-       Reapply sunscreen regularly, even if it's waterproof; it doesn't work so well when it's been washed or rubbed off!

-       Don't be put off if we struggle - it's our job to make things tricky for you! Any crying in objection is nothing on the crying we can do if we get sunburn, believe me.

-       You can get sunburnt through cloud - beware! Even if it's cloudy and/or windy, if we're outdoors for a significant time, slap the cream on.

-       Keep us out of the sun around midday (between 11am and about 3pm). That might be just making sure we're out of direct sun rather than indoors, but remember that sun rays can deflect off other surfaces. Sand and concrete are worth taking particular note of, even when you're sitting in shade.

-       Lightweight clothing is another option - long sleeves and trousers. A lot of materials carry a SPF (sun protection factor) rating on them, which are designed to protect from the sun without us overheating. We ought to be wearing at least SPF 30 creams or clothing.

-       If you think your baby will wear sunglasses, go for it! The sun's UV (ultra violet) rays damage our eyes just as much as yours. I have 3 pairs now, but a very definite favourite - Daddy says I look like Elton John when I wear them. I don't know what he means.

Please don't get so caught up with sunscreen that you forget to give us a drink! Sunburn isn't the only hazard for babies during nice weather; we'll dehydrate really quickly when it's hot so make sure you keep offering us a drink.

It's also worth mentioning that some sun is good for all of us - it gives us really important Vitamin D - but we can get what we need in about 15 minutes in the early morning or late afternoon.

Have fun, whatever you're up to.

CB

Tips on dealing with nappy rash

Nappy rash is a bit of a bummer.  A pain in the butt.   It often comes on without any warning, and contrary to some people’s beliefs, it isn’t necessarily down to poor hygiene; if you’re following a good routine changing nappies, don’t beat yourself up when you see it.  Just be thankful it’s on my bum and not yours!   It does vary in severity, from a little patch of red skin to really sore, burning, spotty skin.  And that might make us a bit grumpy for a while.

The most common cause of nappy rash is urine coming to contact with the skin, and given that we babies tend to wear nappies a lot of the day, it does happen to most of us at some point.  Thankfully, there are things you can do to help:

-          Change nappies regularly – it’s wet or dirty nappies that are the main culprit when left against the skin, even the ‘best’ disposable nappies that claim to last for hours

-          Keep up a good skin care routine – we have delicate little botties, so it’s important to be thorough.  Some wipes can be a bit harsh, so warm water and a pat dry is often the best way of cleaning up.

-          Use a barrier cream, like Sudocrem or Bepanthen (and there are lots of other brands out there) because as the name suggests, they keep the nasties from touching the skin.  Just remember, it will rub off so you will need to reapply regularly.

-          Give us as much nappy-free time as you dare!  Getting air about it definitely helps, just remember that we don’t really have much control about when we ‘go’ at the moment.

-          Use water (without soap) to wash the area – sometimes even the most sensitive wipes can sting a bit

Of course, if you’re doing everything I’ve suggested and it’s still not getting better, make us an appointment with the doctor.

There are things that might trigger a bout, so keep an eye out.

-          Teething.  I’ve heard everything blamed on teething so far!  But there might be some truth in this.  It might be that we’re swallowing more saliva, making things a bit looser down there, and so more squishy and likely to stick.  Or, it might be that babies that drool a lot with teething, so urine is stronger and more potent when it touches the skin.  Who knows?

-          Diarrhoea. As above – squishy nappies = more skin covered.  Yuck!

-          Antibiotics.  The very thing that might make one illness better could trigger nappy rash.  They can sometimes upset the delicate balance in our tummies, so watch out.

Some babies will hardly be affected at all, others get it so badly it bleeds.  It’s one of those occupational hazards of being a baby.  No-one said it would be easy.  At least I’m more likely to get away with scratching than you!

CB