Baby Care Archives - millie mummy melbourne Your Motherhood Guide Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-millie-mummy-melbourne-high-resolution-logo-32x32.png Baby Care Archives - millie mummy melbourne 32 32 The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now https://milliemummymelbourne.com/the-maternity-bra-your-boobs-need-right-now/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/the-maternity-bra-your-boobs-need-right-now/#respond Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/?p=263 From the first trimester through the postpartum period, your breasts undergo incredible changes while pregnant or nursing. As these fluctuations unfold, finding supportive and comfortable maternity and nursing bras becomes a top priority. In this post we talk about The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now. But between shape shifts, sensitivity spikes, and perpetual ... Read more

The post The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
From the first trimester through the postpartum period, your breasts undergo incredible changes while pregnant or nursing. As these fluctuations unfold, finding supportive and comfortable maternity and nursing bras becomes a top priority. In this post we talk about The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now.

But between shape shifts, sensitivity spikes, and perpetual getting-drenched-in-leakage situations, identifying the RIGHT bras for your evolving breast needs proves incredibly frustrating for many soon-to-be moms. Consider this your cheat sheet for navigating every pregnancy and new mom bra challenge with flying colors!

First Trimester: Flexible Fuller Cup Wirefree Bras

Breast changes kick off super early in pregnancy thanks to a flood of new hormones. As mammary tissue expands, blood flow increases, and milk duct foundations activate, most women go up one or even two full cup sizes within initial months.

Since shape and size shifts continue unfolding week to week, first trimester bras must offer flexible support with:

• Comfortably stretchy fabrics
• Full coverage cups
• Wide underband (go down a band size if too loose later)
• No underwire or rigid cup structure
• Removable padding as sensitivity spikes
• Easy on/off clips and clasps

Perfect early pregnancy bra picks include:

• Warner’s Easy Does It No Bulge Wire-Free Bra
• Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra
• Motherhood Maternity Full Busted Seamless Clip Down Maternity & Nursing Bra

As trimester one wraps up, getting professionally sized by specialty boutiques ensures you pick an optimal bra size baseline before exponential growth really hits. Sizing into better-fitting bras now reduces painful chafing and strain as your bustline continues expanding. Stock up on at least two or more versatile styles to rotate through non-stop laundry cycles and frequent early milk leaks.

Second & Third Trimester: Structured Support Nursing Bras
Through the second trimester, breasts swell even larger thanks to proliferating milk ducts preparing for lactation demands. More defined cup shapes with rigid underwire and side support prevent the exponentially heavier girls from sagging painfully down your torso.

However, as the due date approaches toward the tail end of the third trimester, opt again for soft nursing bra styles without constricting underwires to avoid blocked ducts when milk comes in after delivery. Prioritize choices with easy single-handed open/close clips plus drool-catching cotton inserts to manage unpredictable leakage as hormones fluctuate.

Among the most recommended nursing and maternity bras for mid-to-late pregnancy includes options like:

• Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra
• Motherhood Maternity Full-Coverage Underwire Nursing Bra
• Bravado Essential Embrace Nursing Bra
• Cake Cotton Candy Seamless Nursing Bra

Having a few different bras tailored to daily outfits gives dying-to-be-comfy bump bodies the adjustable custom support essential to making it through those final uncomfortable weeks as your baby drops lower and breathing gets trickier!

Postpartum: Hands-Free Pumping/Breastfeeding Bras

In the hours immediately after birthing your precious babe, ditch any restrictive bands so your poor bosoms can fully engorge then soften as mature milk comes flooding in. Expect exponentially larger, painfully firm swelling and lingering sensitivity for initial days until supply regulates around 2 weeks post delivery.

For this fragile adjustment window, stick strictly with:

• Ultra-stretchy tank-style bras
• Total nipple access with slide-aside cups
• Built-in shelf support without compression
• Absorbent pads to catch intense early leaks
• Racerback or wide straps slipping easily on/off

Top-rated nursing tank picks like the Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing & Hands Free Pumping Bra or the Bravado Maternity and Nursing Bras Seamless Nursing Bra Tank simplify round-the-clock feeding and pumping schedules without painfully smashed engorged breasts in the way!

Further down the postpartum road as engorgement and sensitivity ebb, take advantage of eventual lighter flows to test drive more convenient strapless, backless, or adhesive nursing bras offering discreet milk access without flashing the entire room if baby gets hungry off schedule.

Navigating the perpetual breast size and shape-shifting rollercoaster ride known as pregnancy/postpartum would overwhelm anyone! But foresight into upcoming support and leakage containment needs offers essential first step to ultimately finding bras keeping you comfortable at every turn. Lean on the unmatched experience of specialty bra fitters and NICU nurses guiding countless new moms before you to the BEST solutions tackling pregnancy and breastfeeding challenges as they come – and shift yet again. I hope this The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now article helps you.

You’ve got this mama!

The post The Maternity Bra Your Boobs Need Right Now appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/the-maternity-bra-your-boobs-need-right-now/feed/ 0
Time Flies When You’Re Changing Nappies https://milliemummymelbourne.com/time-flies-when-youre-changing-nappies/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/time-flies-when-youre-changing-nappies/#respond Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:12:53 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/time-flies-when-youre-changing-nappies/ I find myself staring at Millie and telling my brain to take it all in. In a week she would have changed again. My baby is 8 months old and time has whizzed by. In those first weeks just about everyone told me to appreciate the time spent with my baby. “She’ll be off to ... Read more

The post Time Flies When You’Re Changing Nappies appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
I find myself staring at Millie and telling my brain to take it all in.

In a week she would have changed again.

My baby is 8 months old and time has whizzed by.

In those first weeks just about everyone told me to appreciate the time spent with my baby. “She’ll be off to kinder before you know it!” they’d say. Now I know what they mean.

I have been lucky enough to take 12 months maternity leave and treasure the Millie and mummy time every waking moment.

It’s hard to believe Millie was ever this small. Her Bonds mushroom suit was a size 00000

It’s weird because I still have an infant child but find myself getting nostalgic about how she was just 6 months ago.

Two dear friends have had babies within the last two weeks and I cannot believe that was me last July. Xanthe and River are so tiny, so delicate and so compact – making Millie look like a giant in comparison.

I read in New Idea that a recent survey found 75% of women would quit Facebook and 70% would give up chocolate to go back in time for just one more baby cuddle with their child.

They are only this small for such a short time and maybe that’s why we feel ‘ripped off’ when they become independent little people. I can see why women go back and have many more children – holding your newborn is like a drug and you need another fix.

But there is so much joy in watching my darling girl grow and learn. She giggles incessantly, waves hello and is a little chatterbox these days. It’s also a beautiful age – and I know I’ll be wishing for this time again come her 1st birthday.

Taking lots of photos (oh you MillieMummyMelbourne Instagram followers are in for a treat!) and videos is how I’ll remember these first 12 months.

But I have to ensure I don’t spend my time watching Millie through a lens and instead hope the best memories of now are locked up there in my noggin.

Millie at 8 months

-37.884773144.99752

The post Time Flies When You’Re Changing Nappies appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/time-flies-when-youre-changing-nappies/feed/ 0
Snuggle Pods For My Cuddlepies https://milliemummymelbourne.com/snuggle-pods-for-my-cuddlepies/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/snuggle-pods-for-my-cuddlepies/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:19:54 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/snuggle-pods-for-my-cuddlepies/ I have a three-year-old and a baby. My hands are always full. There’s really no way out of that when you have a bubba unless they are content to have a big snooze in their cot during the day. And mine doesn’t. When our Chibebe Snuggle Pod delivery arrived, I couldn’t open it to try ... Read more

The post Snuggle Pods For My Cuddlepies appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
I have a three-year-old and a baby. My hands are always full. There’s really no way out of that when you have a bubba unless they are content to have a big snooze in their cot during the day. And mine doesn’t.

When our Chibebe Snuggle Pod delivery arrived, I couldn’t open it to try it out quick enough. After filling with beans – into a kid-proof inner bag – we were quite literally ready to rock and roll.

As a newborn, Finn’s Chibebe Snuggle Pod came with a baby seat topper which is fitted with a safety harness and some extras that can be purchased separately – a Pod Rocker and a cosy Pod Warmer.

The rocker is placed under the baby’s Snuggle Pod and allows for easy rocking to help calm and soothe. The warmer, a must for this weather, is a zip-on blanket to keep bub snuggly while lounging.

Happy little man in his Snuggle Pod

Both additions were necessary for keeping Finn calm and comfortable and meant for happy lounging and a soft perch for napping or watching his sister tear around the house.

The Snuggle Pod allows your baby to be cradled and supported and its shape can help prevent reflux.

Millie’s pod came with the zip-on toddler seat and she has already decided it’s her reading chair when not using it to watch ABC for Kids.

Lounge lizards in their Chibebe Snuggle Pods

Being able to put Finn in his Snuggle Pod meant he was much safer than if I had placed him on the floor where we run the risk of him being trampled by an excited toddler. Giving him a gentle rock every now and then meant he was content for a lot longer too – and the best bit? My baby is happy and my hands are free!

The kids are happy, mum’s hands are free!

Finn will be able to continue to use his pod as a bean bag chair long after I’ve removed the detachable harness seat and zipped on the toddler topper (it will then match his sister’s Snuggle Pod).

The machine washable outer fabric can be selected to match your decor and the pod is so lightweight and easy to move when you want it somewhere else around the house. If I’m folding the washing, Finn happily sits in his pod and watches me. Having a shower? He’ll snooze in his pod in the bathroom while I do. I even place his pod in front of the window and he’ll gaze at the leaves dancing on the trees outside (I’d forgotten how much babies love to watch the trees!)

Sleeping in the Snuggle Pod

The pods arrived unfilled for easy postage, but bags of beans are readily available at shops like Kmart, Target and Clark Rubber. We paid about $12 for a 100L bag.

The pods have been laboratory tested for safety and to meet the strictest standards for use by babies from newborn age.

It’s a nifty and practical product that my children love. And now that I’ve got my hands free and can finally get things done around the house, I love it too.

Follow my Instagram page for details on how you can win your very own Chibebe Snuggle Pod.

The post Snuggle Pods For My Cuddlepies appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/snuggle-pods-for-my-cuddlepies/feed/ 0
He’S Just Small. That’S All. https://milliemummymelbourne.com/hes-just-small-thats-all/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/hes-just-small-thats-all/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:49:10 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/hes-just-small-thats-all/ Floyd-Henry Morley is a little cutie. He’s 18 months old, so ‘little’ would be a word most people would use to describe a toddler. Floyd-Henry Morley But ‘Floydy’ will always be little. Shortly after he was born, his parents discovered their precious first baby had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder. A form of dwarfism. Jade ... Read more

The post He’S Just Small. That’S All. appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
Floyd-Henry Morley is a little cutie.

He’s 18 months old, so ‘little’ would be a word most people would use to describe a toddler.

Floyd-Henry Morley

But ‘Floydy’ will always be little.

Shortly after he was born, his parents discovered their precious first baby had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder. A form of dwarfism.

Jade and Ross Morley are of average height and don’t have anything in their family history or their DNA that would have warned them that their baby might be born with achondroplasia. It’s a 1 in 40,000 chance.

“I never thought I’d have a baby with a problem,” said Jade.

“It’s not in our DNA.

“But stuff happens. It could happen to anyone.”

Ross, Jade & Floyd-Henry Morley

Devastated by the news and wanting to connect with other families going through a similar situation, Jade did some research on the net. She wasn’t able to find the support she was seeking so set up the Floyd-Henry Morley blog.

The accompanying video explaining the diagnosis has turned this brave and inspirational mother into a slightly reluctant, albeit grateful, dwarfism advocate.

A single post on floydhenrymorley.com can reach 200,000 people. More still have contacted the family directly, grateful to them for sharing their story.

“At the time of Floyd’s diagnosis I needed support but all I could find was doom and gloom,” Jade said.

“And selfishly, I wanted our local community to know who Floyd was.

“I didn’t want to have to keep explaining Floyd’s situation to everybody and didn’t want to face those stares.

“But mostly I hope it will make Floydy’s life easier. It has educated families and our community. Everyone knows him!

“I don’t have to explain myself all the time and that’s really nice.

“We’ve had contact from thousands of families with children with differences and they’ve said the video has really helped them.

“It’s not just helping dwarfism, it’s helping difference.”

Floydy (pictured with his doting mum Jade) is 18 months old and has hit developmental milestones earlier than expected

The initial “shock” of Floyd’s diagnosis has subsided and the couple, from coastal NSW, are now on a mission to help their son face the future and educate as many people as possible about his condition.

“The blog is really to make Floydy’s life easier. People can understand why he is the way he is and perhaps educate their children too,” Jade said.

“He’s small. His bones just don’t grow as quickly. That’s it.”

The Morleys

The family’s clever catch cry – he’s just small, that’s all – at once rallied support and explained to people that Floydy is like any other little boy.

“The funny thing is I’m still trying to comes to grips with all this myself. I need support too,” Jade said.

“As a parent of a child with achondroplasia, you’ll always have more worries in the back of your head.

“Sometimes it’s still really, really hard.

“That he’s little doesn’t get me anymore but it’s everything that comes with it.”

But the couple’s wishes for their “determined and full of personality” son are simple.

“I hope everyone accepts him,” Jade said.

“I hope he’s not affected by the stares.

“I hope he doesn’t come across too many ignorant people.

“People are going to say nasty things to him, but our style of parenting is not to shield him.

“Maybe he’ll help them learn (how to be more accepting of differences).”

Follow Floyd-Henry’s journey at floydhenrymorley.com, on Facebook & Instagram

Watch the family’s video, Our Journey, here

Jade is pregnant with twins, due in March and I wish her and Ross all the very best. Floydy and the twins are very lucky to have parents as loving, intelligent, strong and kind.

Floyd-Henry will be a big brother, with the twins due in March 2015

The post He’S Just Small. That’S All. appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/hes-just-small-thats-all/feed/ 0
Dummy Dilemma: Where Can I Find A Happy Baby? https://milliemummymelbourne.com/dummy-dilemma-where-can-i-find-a-happy-baby/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/dummy-dilemma-where-can-i-find-a-happy-baby/#respond Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:35:52 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/dummy-dilemma-where-can-i-find-a-happy-baby/ I received some disturbing news today. The lovely assistant at my local Chemist Warehouse told me that Happy Baby soothers HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED. Say it ain’t so. These dummies have seen us through otherwise sleepless nights, international flights, long pram walks, supermarket queues, car trips, illnesses and teething. This news is enough to make me ... Read more

The post Dummy Dilemma: Where Can I Find A Happy Baby? appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
I received some disturbing news today.

The lovely assistant at my local Chemist Warehouse told me that Happy Baby soothers HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

Say it ain’t so.

These dummies have seen us through otherwise sleepless nights, international flights, long pram walks, supermarket queues, car trips, illnesses and teething.

This news is enough to make me crave my own ‘soother’.

Affectionately known as the bogan dummy, the Happy Baby dummy with the cherry shape teat was the only one Millie would use.

I’d tried them all – natural rubber, orthodontic, silicone – but luckily for my hip pocket the readily-available and Australian-made Happy Baby cheapies were her favourite.

From memory I think it was about $5 for a 3-pack. Nothing fancy about Millie’s choice of dummy!

I’ve tried to find a pack at every chemist and supermarket in my local area, to no avail. I think it must be true. They’re gone.

Millie doesn’t use a dummy apart from at sleep time and doesn’t completely rely on it to get to sleep (thank goodness). But I’m wishing I stocked up.

There’d be a lot of mums of Happy Baby babies who will no doubt feel my pain. What to do once you lose your last dummy or bub chomps it flat and renders it useless?

It is probably time to start easing Millie off dummies anyway but I’m sure it would be a hell of a lot easier to do it with her old faithful Happy Baby in her cot one last time.

I have found the Tommee Tippee ‘latex super soft comforters’ have a very similar shape to the Happy Baby ones and Millie will (reluctantly) use one. No substitute for her fave ‘dumdum’ though.

So excuse me while I trawl online and buy up big on what might be the last of the Happy Baby dummies. The happiness of my baby depends on it!

The post Dummy Dilemma: Where Can I Find A Happy Baby? appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/dummy-dilemma-where-can-i-find-a-happy-baby/feed/ 0
Little Fluff Head Knows What She Wants https://milliemummymelbourne.com/little-fluff-head-knows-what-she-wants/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/little-fluff-head-knows-what-she-wants/#respond Sat, 30 Dec 2023 05:29:41 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/little-fluff-head-knows-what-she-wants/ My girl is nearly 9 months old and all of a sudden I’ve noticed so many changes. She has just started to sit up by herself. Some babies do it at 6 months, some a lot later. No-one was going to get Millie to sit until Millie was ready. She does it happily for a ... Read more

The post Little Fluff Head Knows What She Wants appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
My girl is nearly 9 months old and all of a sudden I’ve noticed so many changes.

She has just started to sit up by herself. Some babies do it at 6 months, some a lot later. No-one was going to get Millie to sit until Millie was ready. She does it happily for a while now – until she gets tired and throws herself back…she’s going to learn the hard way that it’s not the way to lie down. Luckily mummy has been there to catch her so far.

She kicks her legs then plants her feet and lifts her bum (quite an advanced yoga move you’ve mastered there baby) to prevent me putting on a nappy/pants/sleeping bag. How they know that this is very annoying for the person dressing them is beyond me. No-one teaches them these ‘tricks’, but they pick it up so quickly.

Her eyes have gone from a deep blue to blue flecked with greys and greens. I could stare at her beautiful big eyes all day. My mum had beautiful big eyes, I’m sure it’s where she gets them from.

She had lots of dark brown hair when she was born but it’s grown and turned a dark blonde, but getting lighter every day. She has lost the bald patch at the back. Her hair curls up and goes wispy after a bath and she looks like a baby chicken with fluffy feathers on the top of her head. Some mornings when I lift her from her cot I see a resemblance to Willy Wonka with wispy hair jutting horizontally from above her ears.

She copies adults by ‘talking’ and ‘singing’ and has just discovered she can blink purposefully, either when mimicking us or looking at bright lights.

Last night Millie was holding two mini maracas while I prepared dinner. I took them out of her hands to give her food. She screamed. This is clearly a girl who knows what she wants.

She wanted to eat too, just with maracas in her hands. Daddy gave her a maraca (not used to a crying baby like mummy is!) and she heightened the pitch. There were two maracas you see. She wanted both.

Dinner continued while our little musician banged and tapped and shook her new toys.

What the? How do you keep the peace without creating a mini Veruca Salt?

It’s a fine line. I guess we’ll learn. You do the best you can.

She is learning and growing as we are learning and growing as parents.

There’s no time to sit and decide how you are going to tackle the challenges baby throws at you. It happens, you react. It’s just the way it is.

I’m sure she’ll turn out just fine.

-37.884824144.997584

The post Little Fluff Head Knows What She Wants appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/little-fluff-head-knows-what-she-wants/feed/ 0
Blockbuster Baby https://milliemummymelbourne.com/blockbuster-baby/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/blockbuster-baby/#respond Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:09:00 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/blockbuster-baby/ My house is pretty small. I’m ok with that. Millie doesn’t need much space yet, but when she does we have a huge park (complete with play equipment, cricket fields and a lake with ducks) just up the road as well as the beach at the very end of our street. She’s a lucky baby. ... Read more

The post Blockbuster Baby appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
My house is pretty small. I’m ok with that.

Millie doesn’t need much space yet, but when she does we have a huge park (complete with play equipment, cricket fields and a lake with ducks) just up the road as well as the beach at the very end of our street. She’s a lucky baby.

The size of our home, however, meant I was super keen to leave the confines of our four walls and get out and about soon after bringing Millie home from hospital.

During a daily stroll I found my local cinema ran ‘bubs’ sessions, where mums can bring their new little bundles while checking out the latest flick.

It’s been fantastic. Searing heat? The cinema is air-conditioned. Freezing cold? You’re in a comfy cinema, out of the house but still out of the elements.

It doesn’t matter if your baby cries. No-one cares. I think you are only actually disturbed by your own baby’s grizzle. I didn’t notice when the babies around me sooked.

Millie slept through her first visit to the movies

I took Millie for the first time when she was only about four weeks old. My sleeping baby was snuggled in my arms, I had a latte in the cup holder beside me and didn’t even have to share the popcorn. Bliss!

Feeding is encouraged, the sound is lowered and the lights are left dim.

We’ve witnessed Cate Blanchett in what is tipped to be her second Oscar-winning performance, we’ve watched rom-coms, arthouse gems and the latest Hunger Games installment.

Millie testing seat comfort at our local theatre, the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick

Even if the movie of the week is not my cup of tea, I cherish the couple of hours where I can sit and just cuddle my baby – and not be distracted by the dishes in the sink, the washing that needs to be hung or crappy daytime television.

Spit The Dummy Sessions run every Wednesday morning at the Classic Cinema, Elsternwick. Tickets are $11, babies under 3 are free.
Village and Hoyts also host mums and bubs screenings.

The post Blockbuster Baby appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/blockbuster-baby/feed/ 0
Sink Your Teeth Into These, Kiddo https://milliemummymelbourne.com/sink-your-teeth-into-these-kiddo/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/sink-your-teeth-into-these-kiddo/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:42:27 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/sink-your-teeth-into-these-kiddo/ Gels, jewellery, giraffes, rings, toys, necklaces…there’s something out there for every teething baby. I think Millie’s first toothy peg has popped through. There’s a white dot on her bottom gums that I’m almost sure is a tooth just about to rise up. Tooth or not, she is a frantic munchie girl at the moment and ... Read more

The post Sink Your Teeth Into These, Kiddo appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
Gels, jewellery, giraffes, rings, toys, necklaces…there’s something out there for every teething baby.

I think Millie’s first toothy peg has popped through. There’s a white dot on her bottom gums that I’m almost sure is a tooth just about to rise up.

Tooth or not, she is a frantic munchie girl at the moment and those dribble bibs are getting a good workout.

I’ll start with our little French squeaker, Sophie. The pale natural rubber giraffe is clutched by just about every baby once they learn to hold things.

Sophie the Giraffe is chewed by babies all over the world

I like Sophie, and most importantly, Millie does too. Sophie’s shape means she can find a part that gets to her tender spots and she holds her legs and whacks it against things to make it squeak, then smiles. A smiling baby makes for a happy mumma.

Sophie is available at most shops and baby boutiques these days as well as a multitude of online stores.

What has been a winner lately is my Harper and Hudson necklace. I wear it, so not only do I look funky, but Millie is always grabbing at it, providing a great distraction when we are out and about. I’m not sure why but babies always seem to go for things they know are not their toys – keys, remote controls, watches, paper – so that’s why this necklace works so well. Millie knows it’s mine and so can’t get enough! They are made from 100% non-toxic silicone and are safe for bub to chew and suck. There’s heaps of different styles and colours and a selection is available online at Savvy Bambino.

Millie munching on a Harper and Hudson necklace

There are other brands that sell teething jewellery with different shapes, including Tiny & I. This brand has square penne bead and fruit loop bead necklaces and are designed in Melbourne.

A necklace from Tiny & I

Millie has a little necklace of her own, a Baltic amber bead necklace. It’s from Bambeado and is said to release an oil containing succinic acid when worn against the skin. The acid is supposed to ease teething pain. Some mothers swear by the benefits. I’m skeptical. How can a necklace make a difference? But it’s a natural pain reliever so I’ve been willing to give it a go. With the necklace on or off, I don’t notice a difference in Millie’s irritability (or lack of it). Maybe she is ok because she has the necklace on? Maybe she’s a lucky baby and isn’t too bothered by teething anyway? How are we to know?

Bambeado amber beads

I have a teething toy mushroom I just bought at Naughts & Crosses in Elwood, it was an instant fave for Millie. The irregular shape holds her interest and it’s a soft natural rubber like Sophie.

I buy the Rafferty’s Garden Banana Milk Rusks too, these ones would taste a bit nicer than plain rusks because of the banana. She will hold it and munch away happily for ages with one of these and it’s good for relieving sore gums.

She also quite likes the Nuby IcyBite keys, these have different surfaces and are filled with a special gel that stays cooler for longer after refrigeration. The keys are about $10 from most chemists.

IcyBite keys

Similarly, I’ve found feeding her some stewed fruit straight from the fridge offers a nice cooling sensation on her sore gums.

-37.878034145.046806

The post Sink Your Teeth Into These, Kiddo appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/sink-your-teeth-into-these-kiddo/feed/ 0
Argh! My Baby’S On Nursing Strike! https://milliemummymelbourne.com/argh-my-babys-on-nursing-strike/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/argh-my-babys-on-nursing-strike/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 23:53:02 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/argh-my-babys-on-nursing-strike/ Millie did a very strange thing the other day. She went on strike. Strangely, she refused to feed. Flat-out just stopped. But she only stopped feeding from me. She still took a bottle, ate solids and had sips of cooled, boiled water. Millie is almost 8 months old and until starting solids has been exclusively ... Read more

The post Argh! My Baby’S On Nursing Strike! appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
Millie did a very strange thing the other day.

She went on strike.

Strangely, she refused to feed. Flat-out just stopped. But she only stopped feeding from me. She still took a bottle, ate solids and had sips of cooled, boiled water.

Millie is almost 8 months old and until starting solids has been exclusively breastfed without incident.

She took to me well despite being prem and her sucking reflex was there from the day she emerged. We’ve been lucky. No hassles. I got over the initial breastfeeding nerves (who else struggled with the transition from only your partner seeing your boobs to every nurse, doctor, family member and friend copping an eyeful in those first days in hospital??) and persistence paid off. She’s happy, sleeps well and grows steadily.

But the strike really put me in a spin.

What is wrong with her? What’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t she like me? What have I done to make this happen?

Every time I held her in her feeding position in the crook of my arm, she arched her back, turned her head and screamed.

This lasted the best part of two days.

She was crying, so I did too.

Blubbering, I phoned the lovely volunteers on the other end of the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline. It was suggested I try walking while feeding (she wouldn’t have a bar of it), feeding in the bath (don’t have one) or singing to her while feeding (poor kid, she was already upset). Anything to distract her somewhat.

Nothing worked.

It’s so hard when they can’t tell you why they are upset. I pulled out the dog-eared copy of Baby Love and the book said nursing strikes can happen for any number of reasons. Illness, teething, fright, weaning. It can last hours, days, weeks…or be permanent. The thought it could all be over made me all the more teary.

I’m aware she will be weaned eventually. That’s fine. BUT NOT YET. I’M NOT READY. It’s our thing. It’s cuddle time. It’s our bond. It’s me being her mum and doing what I think is best for my precious baby.

Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the day when I don’t have to wear a bra to bed, buy breast pads or use a breast pump. But in the scheme of our lives, feeding my baby will only happen for such a short amount of time.

I expressed and fed Millie from a bottle while she was on strike. Luckily she slowly came back around (with the help of a dose of baby Panadol…teeth?) and wanted to breastfeed but it took patience and persistence.

She might do it again and that might be it.

But if she does I’ll be less shocked, more prepared and OK with it – if still a little weepy.

Has your baby been on nursing strike? How did it make you feel? How did you get through it? Please share your comments below

-37.886455145.081227

The post Argh! My Baby’S On Nursing Strike! appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/argh-my-babys-on-nursing-strike/feed/ 0
Be Happy About Your Baby’S Nappy https://milliemummymelbourne.com/be-happy-about-your-babys-nappy/ https://milliemummymelbourne.com/be-happy-about-your-babys-nappy/#respond Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:56:13 +0000 https://milliemummymelbourne.com/be-happy-about-your-babys-nappy/ One of the biggest expenses you’ll have while looking after a new baby is the amount of money you will spend on nappies. You’ll also spend A LOT of time changing them and quite a bit of time perusing the supermarket aisles deciding which one is best for your bub’s tiny bum. It’s tricky. Some ... Read more

The post Be Happy About Your Baby’S Nappy appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
One of the biggest expenses you’ll have while looking after a new baby is the amount of money you will spend on nappies. You’ll also spend A LOT of time changing them and quite a bit of time perusing the supermarket aisles deciding which one is best for your bub’s tiny bum.

It’s tricky. Some have wetness indicators, some are designed for girls or boys, some are the pull-on type, some are better for the environment, some are cheap but cheerful, some have stretchy waistbands, some promise overnight dryness and others are contoured.

According to TOM Organic, Australian families use around 5.6 million nappies per day.

Environmentally, I like the idea of cloth nappies. Realistically, living in a unit with a European laundry (ie. a cupboard) it was never going to be a good idea. Do I feel a bit guilty about using disposables? Yes. Do I regret using disposables on my two children? Not one bit.

Disposable nappies are second-to-none when it comes to absorbency and the convenience when you’re a busy (sleep-deprived/emotional) mum means it’s one more thing you can rely on and one less thing you have to worry about.

But you still have a choice. A big choice. Where the heck does a new mum begin?

Some new nappies have just come onto the market, offering a variety of unique features and incentives and you can select which nappy best aligns with your lifestyle, your baby’s needs and your ideals.

I’ve given each nappy mentioned here a go on my children and can say that they all work very well.

Tooshies by TOM

More than 2 billion nappies go into landfill in Australia each year. Once in landfill, scientists estimate that nappies take 500 years to decompose, meaning a nappy disposed of this year would not fully decompose until 2516. Yikes.

TOM Organic trialled extensively to find the perfect balance between sustainability and performance and wherever possible, to the point where performance has not been compromised, the new Tooshies range is made with biodegradable and plant-based materials including corn and wheat starch.

Finn’s tooshie gets the Tooshies by TOM treatment

I love the too-cute-to-cover-up prints, including pears, apples and polkadots. It made the otherwise crappy (!) task of nappy changing a little bit more pleasant!

I’ve found my all-time fave baby wipes in the Tooshies range – the organic wipes smell devine, clean really well and after more than a month of daily use, my three-month-old baby’s bum shows no sign of redness and my hands have not become dry and cracked like they have while using other brands.

Millie at the Tooshies by TOM launch at The White House, St Kilda

Melbourne’s TOM Organic has aligned with the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) and will donate a percentage of sales for every pack of Tooshies sold to help women in developing countries have a clean and safe birth.

Tooshies by TOM nappies and baby wipes are available at Chemist Warehouse and selected Coles and independent supermarkets. The nappies come in five sizes, for newborns through to walkers (12-18kgs).

BabyLove Wriggler Nappy Pants

Wriggly babies have met their match – the Wriggler Nappy Pants are the only nappy pants specially designed for the wriggler phase with a full stretchy waist to help change squirmy, won’t-lie-still babies with ease.

BabyLove’s Wriggler Nappy Pants

They are the only nappy pants available for younger 7-11kg wrigglers (usually nappy pants are made for older/bigger children) and absorb liquid instantly. They are suitable for day or night use and come with handy tear-away side seams.

Getting wriggly with Hi-5

BabyLove teamed up with energetic entertainers Hi-5 for the launch and emphasised how movement – while annoying at nappy-change time – is important for early development.

Millie, my little wriggler, was lucky enough to learn some dance routines with Hi-5’s Tannika and Mary.

One, two, three, four…Hi-5!

The Wriggler nappies are available at Woolworths, Coles, Big W, ToysRUs and Chemist Warehouse.

Thankyou Baby

Melbourne based Thankyou has the mission to end global poverty in our lifetime through encouraging better consumer choices. The brand new range of nappy and baby care products have 100 per cent of the profits going to child and maternal health programs for families in need.

The trendy black and white nappies are enriched with aloe vera and Vitamin E and are slim but still very absorbent.

Thankyou Baby profits will go to immunisation programs and medical supplies for mums and bubs in need. PIC: Thankyou

There is less fluff in each nappy, which means less impact on the environment (a Thankyou cloth nappy will be available soon).

There’s also a web app that lets you see which project your product is helping to fund. You get the exact GPS co-ordinates of the area being impacted, plus detailed information on the cause.

Thankyou Baby is available at Coles, Woolworths, Priceline Pharmacy and Baby Bunting.

Keep an eye on the MillieMummyMelbourne Instagram page for chance to win nappy prize packs from Tooshies by TOM and BabyLove

The post Be Happy About Your Baby’S Nappy appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

]]>
https://milliemummymelbourne.com/be-happy-about-your-babys-nappy/feed/ 0