TOP TIPS ON PARENTING
THE INSIDE EDIT Top Tips 2nd Editon 2017
WELCOME From Leti and Zac of The Inside Edit & Top 100 Baby Products
Welcome to a special editon book of parenting hacks, tips and wisdom by us at The Inside Edit. Our blog The Inside Edit is about family life in the city and how parenting can be made easier and more fun! As parents of two young children close in age we’ve been there and understand how overwhelming it all gets. That’s why we created Top 100 Baby Products a ranking and guide of the baby stuff everyone’s talking about. It’s honest, independent and completly unbiased.Our aim is to help parents save time, money and a whole load of energy. Here in this book we want to share with you as much encouragement as possible for your exciting new journey into parenthood. We have featured some of our favourite parenting Instagrammers with their pearls of wisdom too. For more on baby gear check the website below; top100babyproducts.com
“ a grand adventure is about to begin ” - Winnie the Poo
MUM SURVIVAL GUIDE By Leti Maciel @the.inside.edit
1. Follow your gut, everyone always says it and its true. I didn’t read all the books about how to and what to expect instead I went with the flow. Once I noticed something was wrong I spoke to the mummies that had gone through what I was going through. 2. Don’t take the first 3 months too seriously in terms of building a routine, instead take those months to learn about your baby and really enjoy it. 3. One thing I would suggest is baby massage, my daughter had really bad colic and I really suffered, and so did my family, so it was important I learnt how to address it. 4. Let your other half take the lead sometimes too, they may not do things the way you like it but it’ll give you a break, to pop out or have a bath! The baby will get used to others, including grandparents so make use of them.
7. Fill up the freezer with loads of delicious frozen fruit and veg, you’ll want to give yourself a nice healthy meals and sometimes cooking may be hard, especially if you’ve been breastfeeding non stop. 8. Don’t stress about breastfeeding! I had all these ideas that it would be magical but it took time, don’t stress, if it doesn’t come it doesn’t come! There are amazing alternatives to breast milk and it helped my baby not go hungry when I wasn’t producing milk. 9. Look after yourself, if it means going for a coffee by yourself or having your nails done or even having your hair blow dried- do it!! Don’t loose site of who you are you’ll eventually get to you again after your baby becomes independent enough. 10. If you can, go out with your partner on date night! Trust me it may sound mental but it’s good to have some adult time together.
5. Get a cleaner. If you can put some money aside for the first few months, then get a cleaner to come and help for a couple of hours. If you have OCD about cleaning it’ll help!
11. Remember it doesn’t last. Baby will grow and you won’t get these times again! So enjoy as much as you can.
6. Do a massive de-clutter before baby comes. If you haven’t worn it or used it for the last 6 months then it needs to go. You’ll be surprised how much space you need when your baby comes.
12. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Especially celebrities that bounce back after having babies. It’s not realistic, they have a lot of help to get them looking that way! Just concentrate on yourself and your baby.
Don't compare Whoever said comparison is the thief of joy wasn't kidding. Someone will fit back into their skinny jeans faster than you and their baby will be sleeping through the night from day 4 while your bundle of joy is waking on the hour, every hour. Mothers, babies, partners, children - all different and should never (ever) be compared. Trust me, nothing good will come of it! Mads @thelondonmother
In the early days I always felt like everyone else knew what they were doing while I floundered about and felt sweaty. I now know that they don't. You're vulnerable and tired and some people are good at looking like they know what they're doing but of every parent I've ever spoken to, all find it a huge challenge. Without exception. You are doing a far better job than you'll ever give yourself credit for, and you do know what is best for your family. Steph @stephdontbuynherflowers
PRE-BABY Create a mood board
Have a brainstorm exploring themes and products. Pinterest is great for this and you can very quickly collect a dozen images which will excite you and stir the emotions in preparation for the little one.
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Plan
Whichever furniture pieces you choose will mainly depend on the size of your nursery. Consider all your practical challenges along with any limitations on budget and space. Think about the long term plans for the room as well, which will impact on how adaptable you want the room to be. Take measurements and create a floor plan to take with you on any trips to retailers.
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Storage is key
You’ll be surprised how many things are needed at the beginning, and with constant changing of clothes, you will want to have everything stashed away nicely to give you easy access on demand.
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Make a safe environment
Consider the surroundings and ensure a safe play area is created. Inspect it for any sharp objects and edges, you want them to crawl and explore safely.
Get dressed first. Whatever you leave the house in is what you will end up wearing for the day. This is especially true when you have another child to get to commitments or school. If you throw on a dodgy old tracksuit to do the school run that is what you will still be wearing come dinner time. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, it’s just a fact.
Phoebe @mama.of.daughters
If you've spent the day in your pjs & haven't done any laundry, don't panic! You've just had a baby! Some of the best days are snuggling on the sofa with a packet of biscuits & your beautiful baby in your arms. Tala @fromwheremummystands
PUSHCHAIRS Daily Routine
If you are out and about a lot then think about a lightweight, compact pushchair for the busy spaces you might find yourself in. Unfortunately sometimes people can be impatient with you so bear in mind what your movements are likely to be. ___
Try before you buy
Take the pushchair for a ride with all your belongings, although the pushchair may be light at the beginning once you have your handbag and other items on it you'll get a clearer idea of what the pushchair will feel like. You can always scout around online for the best deal later when at home. ___
Think about your partner too
Can it be adequately adjusted for more comfort if he or she is significantly taller or shorter than you? Remember, they will also be pushing it from time to time. ___
Storage areas
If you carry a lot with you or do a lot of shopping then consider the size of the basket area and how you can get clever with the areas of the pushchair to store things. ___
Public transport
If you use public transport then having a compact pushchair is key, otherwise you may find your self unable to hitch a ride at all. ___
Bringing it home
Consider your home set up, if you’re on the top floor without a lift then there are obvious challenges but also check your front door size and where you plan on leaving the pushchair. ___
Don’t forget about your car
Think about the space the pushchair takes once placed in the car, will there be enough room for shopping or other items if you are outbound on a road trip?
One of the best bits of advice I was given as a new parent was to make sure that things that were said in the middle of the night were left in the middle of the night! When you're sleep deprived, tired and have an inconsolable screaming baby, you can say and think the most irrational and horrible things. It's normal, everyone does it, but somethings are best left in the dark and not worth worrying over or feeling guilty or angry about in the morning Sophia @manchestermama
Don't bother buying baby clothes apart from maybe about 2 outfits as they live in vests/sleepsuits for most of their first year. Jodie @wigan_mum
Ask for help and TAKE it Listen to the music to get you through. Sarada @wakeupgigsldn
CAR SEATS Don't buy second hand
Of all the things you might consider buying second hand, this is definitely not one of them. It's a bit like not buying a cycle helmet second hand - you just don't do it! ___
Buy according to your child’s weight ___
Check that the fitting along with the harness is firm
Watch out for the space between the car head rest and car seat, you might need to remove the head rest to ensure it's a snug fit. You should be able to get only two fingers between the straps and your child's chest. They will undoubtedly protest over the tightness as they grow older but it'll be your job to distract them whilst this is done! ___
Let them ride it out
You don’t need to change your car seat as soon as you think plus it risks more severe neck and brain injuries in a crash. Car seats that let you keep your child rear-facing until the age of four are becoming more common. ___
Get the most out of the Retailer
Please speak to your retailer who will be able to equip you on all the things you need to know about car seats. Take a pen and paper and make notes and consider all your options. In most cases, they should be able to fit the car seat into the car for you too.
DAD SURVIVAL GUIDE By Zac Ghaffar @the.inside.edit
1. Don’t be afraid to take the lead. She kinda needs you to do this, despite what you or her think. 2. Make a list of all the things you want to be as a father, the kind of father you imagined yourself as, and then check it 6 months down the line to see you you’re getting on. 3. Don’t eat too much. Pregnancy sympathy cravings for dads isn’t real, you’re just being a fatty! 4. There is such a thing as too much information. Read books, websites and other stuff but it’s not a science! Try to relax. 5. Don’t complain. Not at any point, about anything! Nothing compares to what she’s going through so just stay quiet. It’s not your fault she’s in this condition, but lets be honest, it kinda is.
6. Ease yourself into a new normal of restrained drinking. You can’t drink like you used to otherwise you’ll be punished severely with hangover vs baby care. 7. The pushchair costs more than your first car, get over it. Just spend some time checking out the wheels - it’s all about the rims. 8. Go to the gym. This is the start of your back issues. Get your lower back strong for when you need to pick things up, which is almost every 5 mins. 9. Create your man cave before it’s too late. Your home will see a hostile takeover by baby stuff and before you know it the only place for you will be the loo. 10. Do date night. This will save your relationship…seriously!
11. Your dad is not a reference point. Nor is Morgan Freeman, David Attenborough or David Beckham. 12. Don’t lie on your back and hold the baby above your head facing you. They’ll puke on you! 13. Your gut instinct is no match for her motherly instinct. So when in doubt just ask HER. That’s what the GP does, so who are we to question it? 14. Take your time. Give them your time not your money. These moments pass very quickly. 15. Be yourself. Keep your interests alive because soon enough you can share the same awesome stuff with your little one.
Team work is key. With out my wife I'd be screwed and likewise she inevitably needs time to herself also. Communication is everything, sometimes it feels like you barely get to interact as a married couple because you've become part of a relay team handing over this little human baton when you need to work, sleep or even go to the loo!
Josh @thedadhe
BABY CARE Consider your space
If you choose to get a bathtub remember they do take up a lot of space. There is always the option of having a baby bath seat, which doesn’t take up much space and the baby feels comfortable as well as secure. ___
Warm room and water
Make the bathroom or room nice and warm, newborn and babies can get very easily cold. Make the water warm before you put them in, and don't let the water run whilst the baby is in the tub. ____
Pay attention
Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a moment. Gather all you need such as a towel, clean nappy, clean clothes and anything else you may need in advance. Keep at least one hand on your baby while they are in the water. If the phone rings it can wait, otherwise if its important grab your baby in a towel and take him with you. ___
Be playful
Bath time is a great time to interact with your baby, so choose toys to keep them busy as it may be that your baby doesn't enjoy the water at first, but don't worry they will soon grow out of that. ___
Post bath relaxation
Choose a lovely massage oil for after the bath, it will relax the baby and also act as a great way of taking out any extra gas in case they have some colic irritation. Rub gently and bring their legs towards their tummy. ___
Be patient and stick to routine
As with most things with parenting, routine is key – it makes for a calmer baby and calmer parent. It may seem as though your efforts are in vain but soon enough they will begin expecting and respond wonderfully to the sense of comfort the end result offers. ___
Let the skin breath
Putting the nappy on too tight can stop the skin from breathing and restricts air circulation. Letting baby go nappy free is sometimes a good idea, it’s not only fun to watch but is good for their skin.
In the first few months of parenthood, if someone offers you help, say YES, and ask them to make you a few meals for your freezer. These will be a total lifesaver and give you two of the best gifts that all new parents need...food and time. Giles @youthedaddy
Make time for each other - Although there's a new family member or two taking priority you should never neglect your other half. Telling them they're doing a great job, talking to them (about non-baby stuff) and the occasional date day/night will make such a difference to your mood. Never stop having FUN!!! Frank @ciskokids
FEEDING Daily Routine
If you are out and about a lot then think about a lightweight, compact pushchair for the busy spaces you might find yourself in. Unfortunately sometimes people can be impatient with you so bear in mind what your movements are likely to be. ___
Try before you buy
Take the pushchair for a ride with all your belongings, although the pushchair may be light at the beginning once you have your handbag and other items on it you'll get a clearer idea of what the pushchair will feel like. You can always scout around online for the best deal later when at home. ___
Think about your partner too
Can it be adequately adjusted for more comfort if he or she is significantly taller or shorter than you? Remember, they will also be pushing it from time to time. ___
Storage areas
If you carry a lot with you or do a lot of shopping then consider the size of the basket area and how you can get clever with the areas of the pushchair to store things. ___
Public transport
If you use public transport then having a compact pushchair is key, otherwise you may find your self unable to hitch a ride at all. ___
Bringing it home
Consider your home set up, if you’re on the top floor without a lift then there are obvious challenges but also check your front door size and where you plan on leaving the pushchair. ___
Don’t forget about your car
Think about the space the pushchair takes once placed in the car, will there be enough room for shopping or other items if you are outbound on a road trip?
IF IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!' If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, ' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling
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