Search Posts

"Mums, can you share any tips for toddler naps? My son is just 2 and refusing his nap! Thanks" Our son also started refusing his nap at 2 years old as well. When he started doing this, we started to give him the two hours every afternoon to have time to himself in his room to either play or sleep. What we found was he would play for a little bit and then he started falling to sleep after 30 minutes or so! From our experience, giving him this space to decide for himself whether he wanted to have a nap and if he wanted to play for a little first. We also noticed a huge developmental milestone at around 2 and this definitely affected his sleep for a few weeks! Another tip that we found helpful during the nap refusal stage was staying consistent as often as we could - when we were home we would consistently put him in his room after lunch and he started to get familiar with the routine. We also found that his naps did continue when we were out and he was in the pram, although this wasn't always going to work if the weather was terrible and we were at home, but as the weather got brighter and warmer he did consistently nap when he was in the pram for the 2 hours and I was walking with him - also a great excuse to get your favourite podcast on and have a little 'you time'! Every child is different though so definitely try different options and feel what works best for you. It might be that your little one has a nap every other day or every day, and it could also vary from week to week!

"I'm 30 weeks and my friends have said that I need to make a birth plan, what is it? Do I need to do one?" At Carol, we prefer to refer to use the term 'Birth Preferences' over the term 'birth plan' because you never really know how your birth will go and it also takes the pressure off you if things were to move in a different direction during birth and 'falling off the plan' as opposed to having birth preferences which are more 'would rathers' and allow for more flexibility. Whether you want to create birth preferences is ultimately up to you or not, some of us at Carol did write down our birth preferences, and some of us chose not to - it's totally up to you! Birth Preferences are a straight forward way to explain to your health care team what kind of labour you would prefer, what you would like an ideal outcome of certain scenarios to be and what you would rather avoid. Birth is entirely personal and so your preferences are likely to be be entirely different to others - it depends on a number of factors including your medical history, what you want and what the options are available to you at the maternity service you will be using. We would recommend speaking to your midwife about any questions you have about your birth preferences, and can help you create yours if you would like guidance. There are some great free templates available online that you may find useful: Positive Birth Company Birth Preferences Template NHS Birth Plan Template You can write your birth preferences on a piece of paper, they don't need to be on a specific template, but these do give good pointers about what to talk to when writing them.

"My daughter is just 3 months and we are wanting to start getting her into some kind of bedtime routine. Is there a routine you followed and would suggest? Or any tips on how to start with a bedtime routine?" Every baby is different and so their routines will likely differentiate too. However, we did start to implement a loose bedtime routine when our little ones were 3 months old too, to help their own circadian rhythm - we also found that 3 months was when we could start to see a little more predictability with their naps and morning wake ups. We also found that making sure we got outside with our babies every day into natural light really helped with their naps and their nighttime sleep too - just something to note! In terms of a bedtime routine, the most important thing is to try make sure you do the same thing every night for consistency in order to implement the routine. Something that we were conscious of before starting to introduce our bedtime routine was babies wake window before bed time. As a general rule of thumb, and this can absolutely vary from baby to baby, but by 3 months with our babies, we aimed for the wake window before bedtime to be between 90-120 minutes to make sure our little ones don't get overtired before bed and are also tired enough to fall asleep when they head to bed! Generally, we aim for a bedtime between 7-8pm, (and still do for our toddlers!), but for when baby was 3 months, we tried to ensure that the last nap of the day was done by 5.45pm at the latest as often as we could. For the pre-bed routine, we kept it as simple as we could and it looked something like this - - Bath (every other night) - PJ's / nappy - Bottle & Burp - Sleepsuit - White Noise Machine - Bed

"I know I won't be alone in this but it still feels tough, do you have any tips for returning to work following mat leave? I'm due to go back in May and my son will be 10 months. I'm really quite nervous." You are absolutely not alone in this. Returning to work following maternity leave can feel really daunting, especially after such a huge life change and becoming a mama! Here are some of our tips for returning back to work following maternity leave and some tips that other mums have shared with us too. Starting childcare when you head back to work can be tough and the first few days may seem overwhelming, but once you and your little one are in the routine it does get easier. We've been there. Our top tip is preparation. Try to prep everything the night before - get your clothes for work ready, have your babies clothes out ready, bottles/snacks ready - try to make your life as easy as possible for the mornings so it's a lot less stressful. Alongside this, trying to wake up a little earlier than usual can help with creating a more relaxing morning before you head off to work and allow you some 'you-time' before your baby is up and it's full steam ahead! We would recommend taking a spare top to work with you if you are pumping at work incase there are any spillages! Make sure to pack a small cooler bag if you are pumping at work to transport your breast milk home safely. When you head back to the office, try to take it easy and don't be too hard on yourself, you've just been through a huge life transition and will likely need some time to readjust to the new routine as well as get back into work mode - speaking to your colleagues and manager about this can be helpful so they know how you feel. Don't be afraid to ask for flexibility/accommodations to help you in your work and family life if that's something you have been thinking about. If you're pumping at work, some tips that worked for us was time blocking in your calendar for you to pump - if you can have a pump at work and at home this can make life easier and means you won't leave your pump at home and vice-versa! Hands free pumps can be great for at work as they are discreet and you can sit at your desk comfortably and pump whilst finishing off any work if you're in the middle of something and need to pump.

"Hey Mums! I'm looking for some good parenting podcasts that I can listen to whilst out and about walking my son - which are your favourites? Thank you" Podcasts are such an easy and great way to listen to some interesting conversations while out and about - especially whilst you're walking your little one in the pram - podcasts have been a total life saver for us on those long walks or nap drives! Our favourite parenting podcasts are: Happy Mum Happy Baby - Giovanna Fletcher, who candidly talks about a huge range of parenting topics including the highs and the lows of being a parent and has some excellent guests on! Made by Mammas - Zoe Hardman and Georgia Dayton, where they talk about their own experiences of motherhood, products and brands that they love as well as having some interesting guests on too! the Motherkind podcast - Zoe Baskey, who talks about how to help mums navigate the world of motherhood and reconnect with yourself following the birth of your baby. Little Sprigs - Christina Rochelle, discussing all things early childhood education and mindfulness.

"My baby has started to wake many times in the night and I think it's the 4 month sleep regression I've heard about. Do you have any tips? Apparently it's very common but it's tough!" We've all been there and it's definitely tough! All of our little ones went through it we promise you it does pass! The 4 month sleep regression happens as your baby moves towards a more adult-like sleep pattern from their newborn phase of sleep. It's actually a huge developmental milestone that your little one is going through, not that it makes it any easier when you're in the thick of the sleep deprivation. Here are some tips that have helped us throughout this transition, you've got this mama! - Try to make sure you are feeding your little one consistently throughout the day so that you know they are fully fed when they go to bed. - Try to put your little one down to bed whilst they are awake rather than waiting for them to fall asleep on you and then putting them down - this was a game changer for us and although it may seem like this will never work for you, from our experience and speaking to other mums, this has made a big difference in their night time sleep. - Keep daytime naps consistent and not too long so that your baby hasn't had too much sleep during the day but at the same time isn't going to bed overtired, at 4 months we tried to stick to a wake window of 1.5-2 hours with our babies. Please know that this is a phase and it will pass, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. We're right there with you, you've got this!

At Carol App, we understand that pregnancy is a transformative and sometimes overwhelming experience. We're here to be your companion throughout this incredible chapter of your life, providing you with the knowledge and support you need to navigate the world of pregnancy confidently. In your App you will find a range of hand picked expert-led resources as you move through pregnancy and can also meet likeminded mums at the same stage of pregnancy as you! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance on your pregnancy journey. Embracing the Miracle of Pregnancy Pregnancy is truly a miracle, a beautiful journey of nurturing life within you. As you embark on this adventure, it's essential to embrace this moment and appreciate the changes happening in your body. Our team at Carol App believes in empowering women by instilling a sense of awe and reverence for the life growing inside you. Understanding the Stages of Pregnancy Knowledge is power, and understanding the various stages of pregnancy is vital for every expectant mother. From the early weeks of conception to the exciting moments of feeling those tiny kicks, we'll guide you through each stage, providing you with detailed information and tips to help you navigate your pregnancy. Nurturing Your Body and Mind Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is not just about the physical aspects; it's about nurturing your mental well-being too. Carol App provides you with hand picked expert advice on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, eating nutritious meals, staying active, and incorporating mindfulness practices to reduce stress and anxiety. Preparing for the Big Day Welcoming your little bundle of joy into the world is an experience like no other. From packing your hospital bag and your downloadable Hospital Bag Checklist to Newborn Essentials to understanding various birthing options, we'll empower you with advice from the professionals to help equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions. Beyond Birth: The Postpartum Period The journey doesn't end with childbirth; in fact, it's just the beginning! The postpartum period is a critical time for both you and your baby. We'll be with you every step of the way, offering content on postnatal care, breastfeeding support, and coping with the emotional changes that accompany motherhood. Building a Support Network Being a new mum can sometimes feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone! Building a strong support network of friends, family, and fellow mums can make a world of difference. Our Carol App community is a place where you can connect with other mums, share experiences, and uplift one another. The Journey of Motherhood Your journey as a mother has only just begun. As your baby grows and reaches new milestones, we'll be right there beside you, offering guidance on everything from introducing solid foods to nurturing your child's development. At Carol App, we believe in supporting you through all the beautiful moments and challenges of motherhood. The journey of pregnancy and motherhood is an incredible and transformative experience. At Carol App, we're dedicated to empowering new mums like you with reliable information and unwavering support. Together, we'll celebrate the miracle of pregnancy, embrace the joys of motherhood, and navigate the challenges with strength and confidence. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and know that you aren't alone through this period of life.

"My toddler used to eat everything and anything and recently has started to be really picky with what he will and won't eat. How can I encourage him to eat healthy meals again? Have any of you experienced this too?" We have experienced this with our toddlers - it's common for little ones to start wanting to make their own decisions about what food they want to eat and it could also a part of them trying to push boundaries and see where they can get to! Our first tip is to relax as much as possible - no counting bites of foods, no bribing your toddler to eat the food you have made, just simply make the food and put it in front of your little one. The less attention you put on them eating the food, the more likely they are going to - from our experience anyway! - Try to offer smaller portions as larger portions may overwhelm your little one - Try to avoid offering your toddler a snack if their meal wasn't eaten - wait until the next mealtime to offer food again. Dinnertime can be particularly tricky as you don't want to put your toddler to bed hungry if they haven't eaten their dinner, but they may not actually be hungry, you could try offering them a piece of fruit 30-45 mins before bed and see if they want it or not. From our experience, we do not recommend making 2/3 different dinner options if they keep refusing the meal you put in front of them, it's either Option 1 or nothing - we tried this and ended up making 4 different dinner options which none ended up getting eaten as our son wasn't even hungry just thought it was a game! -Try to add at least one food you know your toddler loves to their plate each meal time, this can help with familiarity and consistency with knowing that each meal has something you know your little one enjoys! Modelling behaviour - this is so important. Your toddler is always watching you and picking up on your behaviours and habits. Modelling healthy eating habits is important to get your toddler back eating their healthy meals. - If you can, sitting down as a family for mealtimes can really help encourage your toddler to eat their meal - Try to avoid watching TV whilst eating with your toddler, this can act as a distraction and make them not want to eat their meal as they are out of tune with their hunger cues. Hope that helps!

"I have a 4 week old and want to get her some toys - please can you share some newborn toys that you would suggest?" Absolutely - it's so exciting when you start getting your little one some toys to explore with, and how quick they go from sleeping all day to starting to be interested in the world around them! The best newborn toys that we have used for our little ones: Lamaze Freddie the Firefly - From 0-6 Months, this toy is great to clip onto the pram, lots of bright colours and sensory aspects to the toy and is a very popular newborn toy! Baby Einstein - Star Bright - This toy is also suitable from birth. The star plays music, has sensory elements, can be attached to the pram and is great for little ones! Sophie la Giraffe - Sophie la Giraffe is a great toy that your little one can grab onto, as well as being a teether that your little one can chew on! Bright Starts O Ball - One of the most popular toys for newborns is the O Ball. The colours are bright, it's easy for babies to grab onto and is also great for teething as well as being very affordable!

"What were the weaning books that you used/use for your babies and toddlers? Which ones would you suggest to get? Thank you!" There are so many different weaning books out there and figuring out which ones to get can be confusing, plus you don't want to buy every single one as it's costly and you won't have time to read them all! Here are the weaning books that we love and have used at Carol for our weaning journeys with our little ones. 'How to Wean Your Baby' - Charlotte Stirling-Reed - This book is brilliant, it really breaks down the process of weaning and we highly recommend it. Charlotte is a nutritionist and this book contains so much valuable information as well including her own experiences from weaning her own two children. The recipes are easy to make and also come with shopping lists and allergen awareness. 'Wean in 15' - Joe Wicks - This book contains 100 recipes from purees to finger foods to make your weaning journey that little easier. It has great tips for weaning, feeding routines and is easy to follow. 'What Mummy Makes' - Rebecca Wilson - This book is great and focuses on simple, easy and quick weaning recipes which are also easily adaptable. This book is a great starting point for weaning and provides many options for bulk cooking and freezing to save time. 'Ella's Kitchen: The First Foods Book' - This book offers 130 simple and easy to make recipes from the day you start weaning until your child turning 1. This book isn't the most in-depth weaning book but it does share some great recipes as well as advice and tips from other parents and nutritionists, too. 'Weaning Made Simple' - Annabel Karmel - Touted as the 'UK's Leading Children's Cookery Expert', Annabel's book definitely delivers. This book offers a great insight into weaning including balancing weaning with milk feeds, meal planners, portion guidance and allergy awareness. The recipes are easy to make, offering varied and nutritious meals for your little one.