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"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.

As a new mum or even an experienced one, navigating motherhood can sometimes be overwhelming and isolating. Building a support system is crucial to ensure you have people to share your experiences, seek advice, and simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. That's where finding mum friends and joining mum groups can be incredibly beneficial. In this article, we will explore the importance of finding mum friends, the advantages of joining mum groups, and how to go about forming these valuable connections. The Importance of Mum Friends Having mum friends can make a significant difference in a mother's life. Here's why they are so important: A Sense of Belonging Motherhood can feel lonely, especially if you don't have a strong support system. Mum friends can provide a sense of belonging and understanding as they are going through similar experiences. Emotional Support Motherhood comes with its ups and downs. Having someone to lean on and talk to during challenging times can be emotionally comforting. Sharing Parenting Tips Mum friends often exchange parenting tips and tricks, which can be invaluable in navigating the journey of motherhood. Advantages of Joining Mum Groups Mum groups are organised gatherings or online communities of mothers who come together to share their experiences and support one another. Here are some advantages of joining mum groups: Diverse Perspectives Mum groups bring together mothers from different backgrounds and experiences, offering a diverse range of perspectives and solutions. Playdates and Socialisation For mothers with young children, mum groups offer an opportunity for playdates and socialisation, which is crucial for a child's development. Access to Information and Resources Within mum groups, there is a wealth of knowledge about various parenting topics, ranging from childcare to health and nutrition. How to Find Mum Friends and Mum Groups Now that we understand the importance of mum friends and mum groups, let's explore how to find them, along with joining Carol App... Attend Local Parenting Events Many communities host parenting events, workshops, or playgroups where you can meet other mums in your area. Utilize Social Media Social media platforms often have dedicated groups for mums. Joining these groups can be an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals. Consider Online Forums There are numerous online forums and websites where mums share their experiences and seek advice. Attend Mummy-and-Me Classes Enrolling in mummy-and-me classes or baby-oriented activities can be a great way to meet other mums with similar interests. Forming Lasting Connections Finding mum friends is only the first step. Here are some tips to form lasting and meaningful connections: Be Genuine and Open Authenticity goes a long way in forming friendships. Be open about your experiences and feelings. Respect Differences Not all mums will have the same parenting style or beliefs. Respect these differences and focus on what brings you together. Engage in Regular Meetups Consistency is key. Try to meet up regularly with your mum friends to strengthen the bond. Conclusion Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and growth. Having a strong support system of mum friends and being part of mum groups can make this journey more fulfilling and enjoyable. So, take the first step today – reach out, connect, and discover the incredible world of motherhood together. FAQs 1. How do I find mum friends? Finding mum friends can be done by attending local parenting events, using social media, considering online forums, and participating in mummy-and-me classes. Join Carol App too, obviously! 2. Why are mum friends important? Mum friends provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and a platform to share parenting tips. 3. What are the benefits of joining mum groups? Joining mum groups offers diverse perspectives, opportunities for playdates, and access to valuable information and resources. 4. How can I form lasting connections with mum friends? Being genuine and open, respecting differences, and engaging in regular meetups can help form lasting connections with mum friends. 5. Can mum groups help with a child's development? Yes, mum groups provide socialisation opportunities that are beneficial for a child's development and growth.

"We are thinking about getting our daughter a ball pit as she loved it at soft play, can you please share any recommendations?" Baby ball pits are so much fun for little ones, a few of us mums at Carol App have bought our little ones them and they have had provided hours of entertainment as baby gets older! We got ours when our babies were 8 and 10 months and although this goes without saying, always make sure you are supervising your little one when they are playing in a ball pit. There are a number of different brands out there and it depends on what your preference is in terms of size, colour and budget, too! We loved the Selonis Soft Ball Pit which is on amazon - they have a range of colours to choose from for the balls and pit, are made from non-toxic materials, easy to clean and is recommended from 9 months +. The pit comes with 200 balls. KiddyMoon Ball Pit - also available on amazon, the KiddyMoon ball pit is perfect for fitting into a corner of a room and is more space-efficient than the Selonis - the KiddyMoon also comes with 200 balls and is made from non-toxic materials. Eocusun Kids - this pop-up ball bit is great as you can fold it away and keep it in storage when not in use. It's affordable (£8.99) however doesn't come with the balls so they will need to be purchased separately. The Eocusun is suitable from 6 months +. Another pop-up ball pool tent is the Amison which also doesn't come with the balls - however this ball pool tent also has a net so your little one can throw the balls to the net as they get older. The Amison is also foldable and can be stored when not in use. You want to make sure that the ball pit isn't filled too full for your little one and that they can sit inside comfortably making sure the balls aren't completely covering them.

"I'm wondering if there's any baby slip/wraps you would recommend from newborn? Thank you" We absolutely loved our baby wrap, especially with our second! Having hands free with a toddler running around was very helpful to say the least! Always remember to double check the safe positioning of your little one with TICKS: TICKS is a set of rules created by the UK Sling Consortium to help parents baby wear safely. TICKS stands for: Tight In view at all times Close enough to kiss Keep chin off chest Supported back Our favourite baby wrap/slings are: Boba Wrap - Easy to use once you have used a few times, very comfortable, can be used from birth and has a good amount of stretch! Organic Stretchy Wrap - Easy to use, comfortable, breathable and can be used from birth! Also affordable. Izmi Wrap - A little more expensive, the Izmi is a very popular baby wrap/sling. It can be used from birth, has soft stretch natural cotton material, and has a hip healthy design for your little one.