My Routine with a 9 month old during lockdown

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I thought I would share my new routine as a Mum during lockdown (If you have not been following my journey on here or Instagram then I became a Mum to Winston in August 2019) and some insight into the Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™️-ADVANCE I have been using.

Before I became 'Mum' or 'Mummy' I really didn't have many decisions to make other than to choose what colour I should paint my nails this week (FYI it was usually a different shade of nude). I am nearly ten months into my motherhood journey and to say it’s been tough would be an understatement but it has already been an incredible journey. I am amazed by the female body and the power all parents have, it is the best thing I have ever done.

After having a baby, everything I am met with comes with a huge number of options and even more decisions. I am so glad for all the mum support networks out there, I have my NCT group and all the local online groups. Without them I am not sure how I would cope during these crazy and uncertain times.

I wanted to share my advice so hopefully if you have even just one of the many questions I had; maybe this post will help.

A typical day in the life of me right now is, (this is not exact but a rough guide):

6:30am: Winston wakes up in his cot. We then have some cartoons, usually Little Baby Bum on Netflix and quiet play in bed whilst we fully wake up. My husband is currently home so he gets to see Winston awake which is one of the positives of the current situation. I then change out of my pyjamas into leggings or day pyjamas.

7:30am / 8am: Winston will have a feed and usually stays in his PJ’s, ready for breakfast - currently we have a mix of apple pancakes, porridge or toast.

9am: Feed and nap time - I then tidy up from the morning. There is usually a bunch of toys and one or two nappies strewn about the place.

11am: Wake up and get changed, have a feed and get ready for our virtual sensory class. We used to do swimming (which we do in a paddling pool) and a messy play class which we can’t do.

11:30am: Virtual sensory class in the lounge - this week was Magic week. 

  

12:30pm: It is lunch time for Winston and I have my lovely husband home who does lunch time and makes something for me. 

Some favourites for the babe are: puff pastry pinwheels, spaghetti bolognese and kiwi. He will also have water or Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE from a beaker. Lunch currently consists of purees and some strips of fruit and veg but that is for another post.

1:30pm: gets a top up of milk, Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™  ADVANCE   for nap time - currently persevering with getting him asleep in his cot for this nap.

2:15pm: Play time, or we will pop out for a walk. Key toys currently are a wooden spoon and metal pan to hit it on, bubble machine and Thomas the Tank Engine book.

3:30 / 4:00: Breastmilk time

5pm: Feed Winston dinner, again with water or Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE from a beaker.

6pm Bath time (every other day)

6.15pm: Get Winston dressed for bed usually in a short sleeve baby grow and a sleep-suit and a sleeping bag, currently 1 tog.

6.30: Book and FINAL feed time!

6:45-7pm Bed time along with his favourite rhyme 'Hush little baby'.

And that my Mummy friends is my typical day at the moment! I am sure you are interested to hear more about how I do my feeds. I am currently combination feeding and above is just a rough guide. I feed Winston on demand but I think its typically every three hours for a core feed.

The follow on milk I decided to use when Winston turned 6 months was Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE. To be honest, no other brand crossed my mind. Most of my NCT class use Aptamil Follow On Milk and I have always heard it being recommended even before I got pregnant. All my decisions have been on recommendations and when I am stuck, the Mum community is my key resource.

The brand behind Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE is known for their scientific research into breastmilk. They have around 500 scientists that continue researching into this area of nutrition, which resonates with the brand packaging and as a Marketer I feel safe in the knowledge that they are experts in their field and want to promote the science behind this. I think this is one of the many reasons why I trust the brand so much; 

Talking more about the fantastic 'mum community' and needing someone to go to for advice; Aptamil Follow On Milk have a 24/7 care line in the UK which, being honest, I never knew about until I recently spoke to the brand. This service is so fantastic during times like these where parents are more isolated and may not have access to their usual support network. You can get advice on anything from how to prepare a bottle, tips on feeding, to just having a chat because Mum life can be very overwhelming at the best of times!

Sometimes, I just want to have a quick chat with someone who is knowledgeable on topics such as 'is Winston feeding enough?', advice when starting solids, his weight - and the list goes on and on so knowing about this resource is such a valuable tool.

Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE Stage 2 is for babies over six months the formula contains:

• Vitamins A, C & D - Vitamin D supports the normal function of the immune system

• Iron which supports normal cognitive development

• Omega-3 LCPs (DHA) to support normal visual development (benefit obtained from a daily intake of 100mg DHA).

• A blend of Galacto- and Fructo-oligosaccharides.

One thing which I have found to be important after Winston turned six months was making sure he was getting enough Iron in his diet. His and all other babies iron stores from being a newborn are depleted at six months so it’s important he is getting iron from his meals and with Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra™ - ADVANCE having that included was just a bonus.

At 6 months I introduced Winston to the 360 beaker which he uses to drink water or Aptamil Follow on Milk with his food. Preparation is so easy! Follow the back of the packaging if you are in any doubt but you can also find some tips here.

1. Watch out for hot spots, avoid using a microwave to heat

2. Do not add extra scoops or anything else to the feed

3. Discard unfinished feed straight away but always within 2 hours

4. Never leave your baby alone during feeding. 

Aptamil Follow on Milk with Pronutra™ADVANCE is available in powder format (800g pack) or the ready-to drink bottles (4 x 200ml & in 1 litre), which are easy to pop in your handbag. It also now comes in brand new Ready to Mix Sachets so you do not need to count out the scoops of powder making it easy when your away from home. 

Like my friends recommended to me, I will confidently recommended Aptamil Follow On Milk to all my mummy friends out there.

Disclaimer from Aptamil Follow On Milk: Important Notice: Breastfeeding

is best for babies. Follow On Milk should only be used as part of a mixed

diet and not as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. Use on the advice of your healthcare professional.

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How to plan a Baby Shower

Second time lucky (I somehow deleted this blog post after I was about to press publish *cries into my baby sick stained clothing*) this is my first post since I gave birth to Winston - I will write about my birth but I thought that I need to catch up on all the posts I had lined up prior to labour that I never got out - trying to get my groove back and why not start with a party post, you all know I love a good party.

I originally did not want a baby shower as I had so much going on, it did not take much to twist my arm but I decided to host as I could be in the comfort of my own home and go to bed when I got tired and I have a big garden which I rarely get the excuse to have anyone round.

Theme

If you have read my wedding blog post you know I do not like typical 'themes' so I guess you could call my baby shower theme a love of food and balloons.

Decor

The decor as you can tell involved balloons:

Balloon arch from Aldi
Balloon wands from Bubblegum Balloons 
'Oh Boy' Balloon sign from Amazon
Large outdoor lanterns from Lights4Fun 
Ice cream pom poms from Bubblegum balloons
My food table decor was from Anthropologie I have listed some similar items below to shop. 

Food 

The food was the inspiration behind my baby shower I really wanted a grazing table, I contacted a few companies but the cost (although I probs spent way more in the end) and the fact I wanted to create it made me just go for it, I could also use my new CostCo card! 

To start the grazing table I started with crackers, I used ones from Peter's Yard, I first tried them last year and knew they would be perfect with all the different colours, textures and shapes - there is even black ones using charcoal and Rye.

Then fruit, pretzels, nuts and meat including my favourite, Parma Ham, large cheeses scattered throughout.

To finish off the table was the showstopper from Hummingbird Bakery, I had the rainbow pinata cake in blue and inside is filled with rainbow colours and m&ms and everyone was in awe, Hummingbird is always my go to the size of the cake, the taste and the price just makes it a no brainer.  

Drink

Even though I couldn't drink at my babyshower, the fizz was flowing and in these quirky champagne baby bottles from PrezzyBox

Games

1. 'My Waters Broke' - Get some little plastic babies and pop them in an ice cube tray, each guest gets and ice cube in their drink, the first baby to pop out of the ice you have to shout 'MY WATERS BROKE'.

2. Guess the baby - each guest brings in a baby picture of themselves and all guests have to guess, we actually went digital with this and guessed on a album on Facebook.

3. Can you guess the bump size? - Everyone gets to cut a piece of string and the closest to my bump size wins, everyone was way off, they thought I was HUGE. 

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15 'Nesting' Baby Essentials

I have already done some serious 'nesting', a strange term that everyone seems to call pregnant people when they start preparing their home for the baby...not sure I would say I am building a nest, but I have spent a small fortune, my babies wardrobe is better than mine and Adams combined and the nursery is at mood board stage.

You would of seen a lot of baby content on Instagram but this is the first baby blog. To catch you all up I about to turn 23 weeks pregnant and I am having a little boy, name is top secret but we have three choices. I will do more blog posts and go into more details about how I have been feeling etc but this one is all about SHOPPING.

 I thought I would share some of the key items I have already got for baby FK, I will do some separate post on clothing and the nursery when its complete so if you think I am missing the obvious of a cot...that will come later on.

1. Natural Knitted Moses Basket, Little Green Sheep, £79.95

The traditional moses basket comes in three colours; midnight, linen and dove grey. Most people see a moses basket as an essential for the first six months when the baby is sleeping in your room as an alternative have a look at number 6 on this list for a more modern take.

2.Organic Knitted Fleece baby Blanket, Little Green Sheep £34.95

I am guessing you will need a blanket at arms reach at any one time, so I think I will need to get a few but this one will get a special place in the nursery as its so soft and looks stylish, it comes in three different colours and I just got told you MUST get a cellular blanket to even leave the hospital but don't worry LGS have you sorted and its the nicest one I have seen so far.

3. Blink XT Home Security Camera System, Amazon, £149.99

One thing I wanted was my home to have more security especially as I’m going to be at home more often and the Blink system is battery powered so no electrician required - YES please. It links to my phone so I can see when the delivery man takes my parcels away without leaving them but it also give me peace of mind. 

4. BabyBjorn Carrier Mini, Babybjorn , £79

These come in jersey or mesh fabric and they are for babies from newborn to around 12 months. Being compact and super soft has made this carrier a winner, we have already been practicing with it, although Dylan (the cat) refused to be a model. 

5.Organic Babies Newborn Collection, Green People, £35

Something I have started to 'stockpile' is baby beauty products, when you go to places like The Baby Show you will end up getting lots of sample versions for you and baby.

The Organic Babies Newborn Collection is one of my full size versions and is such a great gift for a new mama with shampoo, oil, nipple balm and nappy cream, the perfect full size starter set.

 

6. SnuzPod3, Bedside Crib, Snuz, £199.95 

An alternative to the traditional Moses basket is the SnuzPod3 which is a bedside crib for the baby up to 6 months whilst it sleeps near you, in your room. You can easily lift off the bassinet and there is a reflux incline feature and fits perfectly with my room decor.

7. Organic Baby Gift, Odylique, £40

Odylique has the cutest packaging, I am already in love before using it. The set comes with baby gentle wash & shampoo, baby repair lotion and soothing salve.

8. bbhugme, Amazon, £138.50

One for Mama to be in this incredible pregnancy pillow, it was the only thing I didn’t think I needed but god once I reached 20 weeks I swiftly changed my mind - your neck, back and pelvic girdle is crying out for one and the BBHugMe does what it says, hugs your body!

9. Ewan The Dream Sheep Deluxe, John Lewis , £40

If you have ever seen a purple and white sheep around a child, that my friend's is Ewan - settling those sleepy heads he mimics the comfort of the womb with a pink glow and soothing sounds. The deluxe version also features smartCRY®, cleverly designed to automatically activate when baby stirs in the night.

10. The Little Green Sheep, Organic Cotton Bunny Hooded Towel, £26.95

Isn't this why we all have kids to dress them in the cutest of items that you shouldn’t skip this when it comes to towels. A hooded towel is important to ensure your baby gets warm / dry from top to toe quickly. The baby bunny towel is 100% certified organic micro-cotton that’s super soft and absorbent.

11. ergoPouch £34.99

A bit different from your standard baby sleeping bag the ergoPouch Clouds Cocoon swaddles the baby so he will be snug as a bug - remember to pick the right tog for the season this easily transforms into a sleeping bag.

12. Moby 3 stage bath tub, Skip Hop, £40

This bath grows with your little one is is a whale so what is not to love!!

13. Bouncer Bliss, Soft Selection, BabyBjorn, £144.99

This super soft bouncer is perfect for baby to get cosy. The bouncer will rock gently with the movements of your baby with no batteries required. Newborn - 2 years

14. Elvie pump, £249

I don't have this but I know a pump is an essential, I would love to hear of anyone who has tried the Elvie or other pumps as it looks too good to be true a silent breast pump that you can use whilst out and about - the dream right?!

15. Johnson’s CottonTouch selection

Johnson’s is a brand I remember when my little brother was born a brand loved my Mums for years and they have gone for a total re-brand.

CottonTouch products have a lightweight feel to enhance your touch!

16. Sleepyhead DELUXE+, John Lewis, £130

The must have for any new mama and so many stunning covers I was quite boring and went for white - I wonder how long that will stay shiny and new for?! The sleepyhead does seem to be the number one things on ever mamas lists and you can get accessories for your one like a toy arch. 

It’s a safe area for baby to sleep, play, change and tummy time. Suitable 0-8 months.

17. Quinny Hubb, Quinny, from £629

A pram is obviously an essential and the Quinny Hubb meets all my mummy needs, something to go to town, go for a forest walk and also have plenty of space for all my shopping with the XXL basket - so many have basically no space for my handbag let alone a baby bag.

The Hubb has three from birth solutiosn I went for the Hux Carrycot but you can also get the cocoon and matching maxi-cosi pebble plus car seat.

One key feature of the pram is the one-hand folding.

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Christmas Gift Guide: Kids

Christmas is all about the kids and with every year older I get…more kids appear and that means buying gifts I wish I had when I was younger. So I have created a kids gift filled with fun gifts, some of the key things I have:

 1. The Secret Life of Pets, DVD, £18.99: As an avid Disney / Universal / anything animated fan I was slightly disappointed with The Secret Life Of Pets, not sure why maybe I wanted a meaningful story line LOL BUT my nieces are in LOVE and this will go down a treat.

2. Baby Annabel Doll, £44.99: Every child wants a Baby Annabel Doll and the new one is a little scary how life like it is with sounds and movements like a real BABY. She can also wet herself, do kids really want to change nappy's? You've got a dummy and bottle and the baby cries real tears so its like your looking after a real baby.

3. Googly Eyes, Drawing Game, £19.99: A fun game for all the family, put on the 'Googly Eyes' to change your vision and then draw the best you can - my drawing is awful in the first place so I am sure this would be hilarious.

4. Hippy Chick Mouse, HippyChick, £59.95: This isn’t just for fun, its such good quality and looks amazing!

5. Chad Valley Music Station, Argos, NOW £19.99 WAS £24.99: This will be fun for the parents :-) with 8, I repeat 8 musical instruments so the kids can become the next Taylor Swift.

For a more gift ideas and the above have a look below – you can shop directly by clicking on the images.

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Check out Hevea!

Sponsored Post

 

I find it so hard to buy for babies and new mothers but this new brand ‘Hevea’ is so cute and helps the environment too with the prestigious Blue Butterfly Mark to their name, proving you can have luxury and be environmentally responsible, so what more could you want? 

Hevea has a long list of celebrity fans, including, Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom, Alicia Keys, Jessica Alba and Evengeline Lilly who have all been snapped choosing Hevea to comfort their babies. If there was a 'Get The Look' for a baby, Hevea would definitely be taking centre stage!

Check out these little cuties from Hevea :

Comforting pacifiers, from £5.99

These funky bath toys start at £19.99 for The Pond Collection, and £24.99 for Alfie the giant rubber duck!

Award winning Panda Teether, £9.99 and £1 from sales go to WWF

Clip-on pacifier holders keep both the pacifier and Panda off the floor for only £9.99

The Hevea products are all gift wrapped in Hevea's cute signature, eco friendly packaging :-)

*All made from sustainably sourced 100% natural rubber – biodegradable; accessories are made from GOTS certified 100% organic cot-tons; free from BPA, PVC, phthalates or synthetic colours; print-ing is in vegetable inks; packaging is made from recycled and recyclable and FSC certified papers. Hevea’s unique hygienicone-piece design means no perforations for bacteria to ac-cumulate. The nature of Hevea’s natural rubber is tactile and encourages early learning skills. All products are designed and manufactured to the highest safety standards.

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