So you’re expecting a new addition to the family or maybe even multiples. Congratulations. Now the search is on for the perfect nappy bag that can cater to the needs of both your toddler and newborn or twins. We're here to help you navigate through all the options and find the best bag for your growing family.
It’s pretty simple within our range there are two bags best suited to a growing family - the Sorrento Nappy Bag Backpack and the Sofia Convertible Nappy Bag. So, let's dive in and break down the features of each bag to help you make an informed decision.
If you're seeking a lightweight and highly organised nappy backpack, the Sorrento bag might just be your ideal choice. Picture yourself comfortably carrying everything you need for both kids in comfort with your hands-free to cuddle, feed, or run after your little ones.
This nappy bag stands out with its padded design, providing maximum comfort during longer outings or travel.
What sets the Sorrento bag apart is its ultra-organised design and water-repellent fabric. The smart pockets both internal and external allow you to keep everything neatly separated and easily accessible, so you can grab what you need in a hurry. Plus, the front pocket features two insulated compartments specifically designed to keep bottles warm or cool, ensuring both your little ones are well-fed and content.
All you have to do is read the hundreds of five-star reviews to see why this bag is our best seller and repeatedly sells out every time we re-stock!
If you need extra room to carry supplies for multiple children, the Sofia Convertible nappy bag is a fantastic option. With its huge internal capacity, you won't have to worry about leaving any essentials behind.
Imagine having ample space to pack for both your toddler and newborn and still having room left for your own items as well. The Sofia bag is precisely that, pretty much a dream bag! You can relax when you head out with the kids knowing you have everything you need for the whole family, whether it's nappies, clothing, toys, or snacks.
Just like the Sorrento bag, the Sofia Convertible bag is equipped with oodles of organised pockets both inside and out, including our signature baby wipes pocket and insulated bottle pockets. This ensures that your items stay neatly arranged, allowing you to find what you need with ease. No more rummaging through a messy bag while trying to calm a fussy baby!
Both the Sorrento nappy bag and the Sofia Convertible nappy bag offer fantastic features to cater to growing families.
If you prioritise comfort, lightweight design, and ultimate organisation, the Sorrento bag might be your top pick. On the other hand, if spaciousness, versatility, and little more glam are what you're after, the Sofia Convertible bag has got you covered.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what works best for you and your family's lifestyle. Take into account the size, durability, and additional features, and be sure to read our customer reviews before making a decision. By selecting the perfect nappy bag, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the exciting challenges of parenting two little ones or welcoming twins into your life!
]]>Starting your baby on solid foods, also known as "weaning" or "complementary feeding" is an exciting milestone for both baby and parents. However, it can also be overwhelming to navigate the different methods and options available, such as baby-led weaning.
When it came to weaning with both my boys we opted for mostly baby led weaning and it was one fun messy ride!
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to a baby's diet that allows them to feed themselves, rather than being spoon-fed by a parent. The approach emphasises the importance of following a baby's natural cues and allowing them to explore and experiment with food at their own pace.
Here are a few tips for starting baby-led weaning and a list of the best foods to start with, and foods to avoid:
Wait until your baby is ready: The ideal age for starting solids and baby-led weaning is around 6 months, but it's important to follow your baby's cues. Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods include being able to sit up unassisted, showing interest in food, and having lost the tongue-thrust reflex.
What are the best foods to start with?
Some of the best foods to start with include
Serving Methods
Soft fruits and vegetables can be steamed or roasted to make them soft and easy for your baby to grasp. They can also be mashed or pureed for babies who are not quite ready for textured foods yet. Meat is best slow cooked with all bones removed. You may also give you little one a chicken leg to suck on since they are easy to hold and the meat will be very soft. (ensure any skin is removed before serving)Foods to avoid:
It's important to remember that foods must be soft and appropriately sized to keep you little one safe. Avoid hard or round foods like nuts, popcorn, grapes, and hard or uncooked fruits and vegetables as they can be a choking hazard. Also, avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar, and added fats.
Gag reflex vs choking:
When it come to baby led weaning some parents can be nervous about choking. I get it and I remember well the first time I saw by little one gag when eating solids. It's important however to understand the difference between a baby's gag reflex and choking.
A baby's gag reflex is a normal reflex that helps prevent choking and it's important to let that develop while exploring food in a supervised environment. It's triggered when food touches the back of the throat, and it causes the baby to push the food out with their tongue. Choking by comparison is when a baby cannot breathe because food or a foreign object is blocking their airway and while you should always watch for this and never leave your baby alone while they are eating it's important to remember the difference.
Be prepared for mess:
Baby-led weaning can get messy, so be prepared with bibs, wipes, and a change of clothes! There are some great handy helpers on the market such as splat mats and high chair covers to make clean up time easier which are well worth the investment.
Most of all don't rush it
Be consistent: Offer a variety of healthy foods and keep offering them even if your baby doesn't seem interested at first. All babies are different and your little one will let you know when they are ready to try new foods. If they reject a food try offering it again in a week or so or in a different way.
Consult with your paediatrician. Before starting baby-led weaning and introducing solid foods, it's always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician or maternal health nurse to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready and to address any concerns you may have.
When it comes to starting solids, the key is to follow your baby's lead, be patient and always supervise during mealtime. By providing a variety of healthy options, avoiding foods that are a choking hazard and allowing your baby to explore and experiment with different textures and flavours, you can make the transition to solid foods a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Bringing a newborn baby home is a beautiful moment to remember. You’ve most likely gotten everything ready, their clothes, their nursery, all the essentials. But you may be stuck on how to create a sleep environment that works for you and your baby.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Bringing a newborn baby home is a beautiful moment to remember. You’ve most likely gotten everything ready, their clothes, their nursery, all the essentials. But you may be stuck on how to create a sleep environment that works for you and your baby.
You would want to limit any distractions, especially as they become more and more aware of their surroundings. Anything they may be able to reach, touch or play with, or could possibly keep them awake rather than inviting them to go to sleep, should be kept at a minimum.
Darkness releases the sleep hormone “Melatonin” - so it’s a good idea to create a dark space when your baby is sleeping or going to sleep. It doesn’t have to be 100% dark - but dark enough so that your baby knows that it’s time to go to sleep.
While it is important to keep the room dark, some babies find a touch of red lighting (or another colour) calming and soothing. You could look for a sleep aid that provides this type of lighting.
A lot of mums swear by sound machines! There are many different types of sound machines on the market. Most of them have a variety of options to choose from in terms of what sound you want to be projected. Ocean, rain, lullaby, or white noise are some popular choices. There are even sound machines that portray a “heartbeat” sound - this is perfect in the early days as your baby has spent the first nine months of their life listening to your heartbeat from the inside. This could give them a sense of comfort.
Babies are born with the Moro (startle) reflex which when activated, gives them a sense of free fall and at times, could startle them. Swaddling your baby also helps with the “fourth trimester” by helping them transition to life outside the womb. They’ve spent so long in there swaddled up, no longer being in the womb is a big adjustment. You can opt for a zip-up swaddle with arms up or arms down, or wrap your baby with a standard swaddle. Once your newborn moves on from needing to be swaddled, you can upgrade to a sleeping bag or sleep suit!
A lot of parents find bathing their babies before bedtime helps to settle them. It also creates a sense of routine - your baby will start to associate bath time with bedtime. They’ll come to realise that when they’re having a bath, bedtime is next. Plus - this ensures that they’re going to bed clean and fresh. You could also use baby safe “sleep time” oils in the bath water, this usually smells like lavender which helps with sleep.
Be sure to put your baby to sleep with a clean and dry nappy, dress them to suit the temperature in the room and clean bedding. If your baby has a dirty or wet nappy, is too hot or too cold, or can smell spit up or spilt milk on their bedding, they will most like not go to sleep well.
Always make sure to put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress, with nothing in the cot or bassinet, no excessive bedding, and face uncovered and at the end of the bed.
Enjoy this moment in your life, babies are only little for such a short time. Lots of cuddles before bedtime is definitely a must. A positive sleep environment can help set the tone for the next day and will help your baby to achieve healthy sleep habits.
By Sandra Gauci - Mum of four.
When is the best time to start -
The general consensus seems to be that the best time to start sleep training is between four to six months old when babies are old enough to learn to self-settle and will need fewer feeds during the night. Note that before this age there is no harm in introducing a wind-down routine at bedtime to help encourage restful deep sleep but sleep training is not recommended before four months of age.
There are different methods of sleep training, each with its own set of pros and cons and it's important to find the right one for your family. Sleep training is.
What are the most popular Sleep Training Methods?
The first method of sleep training is the "Gradual Withdrawal" or "Camping Out" method. This method involves gradually reducing the amount of time you spend in the room with your little one at bedtime until you are no longer in the room when they fall asleep. This can be a nice gentle method for both bub and parents.
The "No-Cry" method is another popular method of sleep training. This method involves teaching your baby to sleep through the night without crying. This is done by creating a consistent bedtime routine, providing a soothing environment, and using techniques such as rocking, singing or nursing your baby to sleep. This method is very gentle but it may take longer for your baby to learn to sleep independently without comfort from you.
The "Pick-Up/Put-Down" method is another way of sleep training that involves putting your baby down in the crib when they are drowsy but still awake. If your baby cries, you pick them up and comfort them, but then put them back in the crib when they are calm. This method can be helpful for babies who are more resistant to sleep training, but it can be time-consuming. (this is the method we chose but it won't be right for every family, so go with what works best for you and your baby.)
Ultimately, the best way to sleep train your baby is the one that feels right for you and your baby. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Be open to trying different methods and be patient, as it can take time for your baby to learn to sleep independently.
Contact a qualified sleep consultant to help you decide what is right for you and your family and help figure out what may cause your little ones' sleepless nights.
There is also the option of a residential sleep school if you feel you need in-person help and support. No one should ever underestimate the toll that sleep deprivation take takes on a mother and sleep school can be a great option in terms of the level of support they provide. You and your baby will stay at the sleep school Be aware there may be waiting lists and depending on whether you go to a public or private sleep school it may be a little more pricey than a sleep consultant.
The fact is there are so many different ways to sleep train, each with its own set of pros and cons.
It's important to research and understand the methods and try the one that feels right for you and your family. Whichever method you choose remember to be patient and persistent, as it can take time for your baby to learn to sleep independently.
Let us know in the comments what method has worked well for you.
Choosing a baby name can be a fun and exciting task, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options available and trying to find a name you and your partner agree on!
Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect name for your little one.
Here are a few tips we found helpful to narrow down your choices and find the perfect name for your little one.
As it's still early in the year it's hard to say to what the top baby names for 2023 will be but some predictions are showing that names like Emma, Liam, Noah and Olivia for girls and boys, will still be showing up a lot, as well as names that have a connection to nature, like River, Sky, and Sage.
Ultimately, the most important thing is that you and your partner agree on the name and are happy with your choice.
If you're still hunting for the perfect name we’ve got you covered with some inspiration below.
For our full baby name list click HERE and find your perfect name now.
Good luck and let us know which names are your favourites in the comments.
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Wipes will become your new best friend. That is all.
Sure, you’ve packed a spare change of clothes (or two) for your baby in case of a poo-nami or milk vomit, but have you considered yourself? You’d be surprised how big some blowouts can be! Be prepared, by having spare clothes packed in your baby bag for yourself too. You don’t want to be caught out covered in baby poo or find that your milk is leaking everywhere.
Trust me… In the middle of the night you don’t want to be fumbling around matching up press studs. A quick and easy zip will save you precious minutes of sleep and also minimise the disruption to your baby.
Have you ever wondered why onesies have those little folds at the shoulders? This is to allow them to stretch down over your baby’s body and nappy in the case of a poo explosion! No need to try and awkwardly pull the poo-covered onesie up over bub’s head. You’re welcome!
Hydration is key post-partum! Especially if you are breastfeeding. Ensure you have your easy-to-sip water bottle filled and nearby at all times. Try to remember to have it with you before you sit down to feed your baby… you’ll want it!
If someone offers to help you, take them up on it! Motherhood is so beautiful and so rewarding, but also so exhausting. Your body is healing, your hormones are all over the place and you are running on very little sleep. Accept any help that comes your way.
Keep these hacks in mind as they will save your sanity and help you have the time and energy to soak up all of the newborn magic. As they say, “the days are long, but the years are short”!
Ooooooh, It’s getting close now! The arrival of your new baby is just around the corner; so it's time to pack your hospital bag… How exciting!
Now, it’s very easy to overpack (guilty as charged!), so let’s break it down for you with this list of what to pack in your hospital bag.
Download the printable checklist
Ooooooh, It’s getting close now! The arrival of your new baby is just around the corner; so it's time to pack your hospital bag… How exciting!
Now, it’s very easy to overpack (guilty as charged!), so let’s break it down for you with this list of what to pack in your hospital bag.
Download the printable checklist
What to pack for you -
Maternity pads or disposable underwear
You’ll bleed for up to six weeks post-birth, so be sure to have a plentiful stash of maternity pads on hand. It’s important to monitor your blood loss in the days and weeks after birth, so pads are recommended rather than black period undies.
Loose, comfy, warm clothes and pjs
Hospitals can often be cool, so layers are very handy! Be sure to pack loose, comfortable clothing. Be prepared that you’ll still have quite a ‘baby belly’ in the days after birth. Loose clothing is also important if you are having, or end up with, a caesarean birth. If you are planning to breastfeed, you will also need comfy, easy-access tops for feeding.
Nursing bra and breast pads
Whether you are planning to breastfeed or formula feed, you will still need a nursing bra to support your breasts as your milk comes in.
High waisted underwear
This is particularly important if you have had a caesarean birth as you do not want the pressure of the waistband rubbing on your wound.
Toiletries (including lip balm and hair ties)
Try to steer clear of anything that is too heavily fragranced. You will be having a lot of skin-to-skin time with your precious new bub, so keep it simple and let your baby soak up your natural scent as they bond with you. Hospitals can be drying on your skin with all the air-conditioning, so be sure to pack lip balm and a fragrance-free moisturiser. It’s also a good idea to pack hair ties as you probably won’t want your hair out during labour or hanging over bub’s face whilst feeding.
Snacks
If you’re anything like me, you will get very hungry in your post-partum days! Making milk and breastfeeding requires extra calories, so pack some extra snacks to have on hand. Try to keep them healthy to help your body recover, but definitely throw a treat or two in… You deserve them!
Sipping from a straw is much easier, both during labour and after the birth. You will be nursing your baby A LOT, so make it easier for yourself and find a drink bottle with a straw that you can open with one hand!
Some handy extras to pop in too:
Long Phone charger
Headphones
Slippers
Be sure to check with your hospital as they will all have different provisions and rules about what you can and can’t bring with you.
It’s also a good idea to have your partner/support person pack their bag in preparation as well. It always pays to be organised. If you're still on the hunt for the perfect nappy bag to take with you to the hospital check out our range.
Best wishes for the beautiful journey ahead!
Travelling again after so long seems daunting enough, but now with little people in tow!? That's enough for any parent to spin into overwhelm!
The good news is, with a little bit of organisation, travelling with your little ones doesn't need to be stressful. Whether you'll be on the road or flying on a plane, these 8 tips will help your travel plans go smoothly as possible.
Travelling again after so long seems daunting enough, but now with little people in tow!? That's enough for any parent to spin into overwhelm!
The good news is, with a little bit of organisation, travelling with your little ones doesn't need to be stressful. Whether you'll be on the road or flying on a plane, these 8 tips will help your travel plans go smoothly as possible.
Remember the days of throwing a few outfits in a bag and heading out the door for your blissful weekend away. Well, those days are gone! #Sorry.
It's a great idea to make a list in advance to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Nappies, baby wipes, favourite toys...
Snacks, snacks and more snacks! These will be a huge lifesaver. Keeping tummies full keeps everyone happy, but are also a great distraction. We love the lunchbox range over at Adventure Snacks. So many perfect options for packing snacks for on-the-go.
Both in the car or on the plane, temperatures can vary to outside. It's a good idea to layer your little ones clothing for easy on or off of jumpers without needing to undress completely.
I know it's hard not to pack everything but the kitchen sink when you head away from home. If you can manage to pack smartly this will save you from needing a semi trailer to travel. Using our Nappy Bag Organising Pouches you can organise all of the essentials you need. Designed in a transparent clear pouch, you can easily see what you need without needing to unpack a whole bag!
Nappy Bag Organising Pouches $39.99
This is a big one if you are flying. Having both hands free when navigating the airport is a must have.
Our range of Nappy Bag Backpacks are a no brainer when traveling with kids. Fitting all of the essentials you will need, the internal pockets will keep everything organised and easy to access. Not to mention, your hands free!
Sorrento Nappy Bag Backpack $159.99
Our Sorrento Nappy Bag also comes with a travel strap!
If you can manage to plan your travel around nap time, you bet the odds are better for a smoother trip! Otherwise, try and play your trip around the time of the day when you know they're most happy - generally the morning for most babies!
Again sorry to crush all of your dreams of a blissful holiday! Welcome to parenthood... Babies cry, don't stress about what other people might think. Chances are you'll have a massive poonami explosion at the worst possible time.
But it's all part of the fun. These are memories you are creating, that you'll look back on fondly (even if you laugh later!).
A well-packed Nappy Bag can be the difference between a full-blown disaster of an outing or just a little bump in the trip! Life with a baby or toddler around can make things... unpredictable! This is why it's important to be prepared for all kinds of situations (especially sticky ones).
So what are the 10 essential items you need to pack in your Nappy Bag when leaving the house? We've put together this list, to help your outing go a little smoother!
An obvious essential! Not only for nappy changes, but sticky hands and dirty surfaces too. I keep a whole packet in my nappy bag, so I am never caught out!
The other obvious essential! The general rule of thumb is 1 nappy for every hour you are going to be out. I usually add in an extra one on top of that (just incase!)
Remember those sticky situations I mentioned? Kids love to get messy! Drool, a little spill or spit up and it's a outfit change needed.
Even on an overcast day, baby's skin still needs protecting.
This will keep baby nice and happy in the pram (although I can't guarantee!)
Depending on the age of your little one. Either pack snacks and water for yourself, or for both you and your toddler if a little older! Trust me... #snacksarelife
It's a great idea to pack an extra incase one end up over the edge of the pram too!
Washing your hands with soap and water is best but sometimes there's no where to do this! A travel sized bottle of hand sanitiser is the next best thing! Also comes in hander if you have a toddler who wants to have a snack and has grubby hands!
Our Nappy Bags come with a matching padded change mat! Because we get how important a change mat is out and about with little ones.
Handy for if the weather suddenly cools down, but also can be used as a change mat, nursing cover or shade cloth. Always better to be prepared!
]]>One of the most exciting parts of getting ready for a new baby is planning what your little one's nursery will look like. With so many baby items on the market, it can be overwhelming to work out what is a must-have and what items are ok to skip!
To help you get a better idea of what you REALLY need, we have put together this essentials list for your baby nursery.
The number one essential on our nursery list checklist, is a cot. Your baby will spend a lot of time (hopefully) sleeping, having a dedicated sleeping space will help with their sleep routine. If you can it's a great idea to get a cot that transitions into a toddler bed. Giving you longer before you need to upgrade to a big bed!
The life of a newborn is feeding and sleeping, on repeat! The Love To Dream suits are a game-changer! Finding a swaddle or wrap that makes your baby feel safe and secure is essential.
Anything that makes Mums life easier makes in an essential newborn item in my eyes! Our Aria Nappy Caddy will make change times organised and calm. Holding all of your clothes, burp cloths and change time essentials in one place.
Aria Nappy Caddy Organiser $49.95
A baby monitor means you can always keep a close eye on baby, without needing to enter the room. It also means you can duck outside to hang out that load of washing and you won't be running back inside thinking you have heard baby crying!
Remember what I said about feeding and sleeping on repeat? You can spend hours a day feeding and rocking baby, especially in the newborn days. A comfy chair with good back support is an essential.
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The words I literally typed into Google after I had my firstborn. So you've got through the morning sickness of pregnancy, the pain of labour, the dread of the sleepless newborn nights. Now it's time to leave the house for the first time with your newborn, on your own.
I've got you, here are my top tips for leaving the house with your newborn.1. Be prepared.
Pack your Nappy Bag the night before. This will save you from running around in the morning while you are trying to get yourself and the baby out the door.
2. Pack extra
You always need extra. Don't doubt that you don't need that extra set of clothes, or those extra nappies - you do need them.
3. Take snacks and water for yourself
Remember yourself too! Breastfeeding makes you hungry, eating or taking some small sips of water will also help calm your nerves!
4. Allow extra time
Guaranteed things will not go to plan. An extra nappy change will be needed, or the baby won't feed as well as normal. Give yourself plenty of extra time and just do what needs to be done for baby and you!
5. Be kind to yourself!
Babies cry. It's normal and it's OK! Getting out the door is a nightmare! It's normal and it's OK!
Don't pressure yourself to take your first solo trip out until you feel ready. It may be a good idea to start with something simple like a coffee with a friend or a quick trip to grab some milk from the shops just to help you build your confidence. Most importantly remember you are not alone, it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed by leaving the house alone with your little one. You've got this Mumma!
There a few things that seem to be kept under wraps from new Mums... But let me tell you, if I knew these things before heading home with my precious bundle of joy.. Maybe they would have been such a surprise when they happened!
The truth is, post baby bodies don't just magically shrinky-dink down to pre-baby sizes with the click of a finger! After giving birth, your stomach will be sore and swollen (ah because you just grew a baby inside for nine months!).
The truth is, it's hard. Breastfeeding needs to be learned for both you and your baby! Don't hesitate in asking for help from a lactation consultant! And don't beat yourself up if you aren't getting it right away.
Have you ever tried to wrap an octopus in a blanket? Welcome to swaddling. It is not as simple as a sweet little wrapped up burrito we see posted on Instagram! You can tie, wrap and fold all you like and those wiggly little arms are out in seconds!
It's normal. Babies don't come with a manual, don't be surprised when you find yourself googling, "what colour should my babies poo be" or "how do I get snot of our my baby's nose".
No one warned me that I wouldn't poo for days after giving birth or that when I finally did It would feel like trying to push out a large concrete watermelon through hole the size of aa needle. Remember everything down there is still very inflamed, healing from your birth.Whether you had a vaginal birth or c -section your pelvic floor, abdominal and bowel muscle which help you go, are stretched and tired. Give it time and talk to your midwife or doctor if you need some advice.
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