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"Hi! I'm planning my baby shower and finding it hard to come up with games we can play - please can you share any games suggestions that work well in a baby shower! Obviously alcohol free!! Thanks." Here are some of the top played baby shower games that we have had at our own baby showers as well as games that friends have played at theirs! Guess the baby! This is a classic baby shower game! You will need a baby photo of all the guests attending and either attach the photos to a short presentation (Canva is great for this!) or you can add them all to a word doc and print and hand them out to your guests! Everyone writes down who they think the baby is and then it's a real laugh revealing the results! The guest with the most right answers wins! Baby predictions! There are cards that you can get on Amazon or Etsy and all the guests write down their predictions for the baby - who the baby will look more like, the gender if it's not known, the weight, hair colour and eye colour and personality of the baby as they grow up! This game is a really nice keepsake and is cute to look back on once baby is here! Guess the song! You will need a playlist and some pens and paper for the guests. Create a playlist of 10/15 songs. You will play each song for 5 seconds on the playlist and the guests have to write down the song name and artist! The winner is the guest who gets the most correct! You could also change this up and ask your guests to write down each song they can think of with the word 'Baby' in it within a 4-5 minute time limit! Whoever has the most songs written down wins! Guess the babies size! With a long piece of string, cut it into a number of balls so that there is 1 between 2 guests. Ask the guests to cut the string to the length that they think would fit perfect around mum-to-be's baby bump! Whoever gets closest is the winner! Celebrity babies! This is another fun game. Again, either create a presentation or print word documents with photos of celebrities as babies on and hand them out to your guests for them to guess the celebrity babies! Whoever gets the most right wins!

'Hi mums! What were/are your favourite skin care brands that you used during pregnancy? I'm being much more careful with what I use now I'm pregnant so would appreciate any suggestions!' Being more mindful of the skincare you are using during pregnancy is important as there are certain ingredients we want to be avoiding - including: Retinoids (Retinol), Salicylic acid, Hydroquinone, Formaldehyde, Spironolactone and Parabens. Some of our top products to use during pregnancy which are much gentler on the skin are: Weleda Skin Food Weleda Stretch Mark Oil Organic Coconut Oil (any brand!) Mamamio Tummy Rub Butter ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

'Mamas! Can you please share your top affordable baby brand of clothes that last? We have our baby due in 3 months and don't want to spend a fortune seen as they grow so fast and that we can keep as it's our first so we want to keep the clothes for any future babies! Thanks VM!" Congratulations on your pregnancy, that's so exciting!! We hope you are doing well. Choosing the best quality baby clothes that are affordable and last is so important, we're right there with you! Some of the most affordable baby brand of clothes that tend to last longer from our personal experiences are: H and M Kids TU George Mori and Mamas and Papas are also faves of ours and although more expensive, do often have great sales and discounts, so keep an eye out here too! We would also recommend to check out some second hand market places as you can often pick up second hand baby and toddler clothes that are well known brands but a fraction of the price! Second hand market places include: The Octopus Club Kidswear Collective

'We are about to start potty training and need some tips - my first time doing this and feels overwhelming!' All children are ready to potty train at different times, it's important to note this! If you have noticed signs such as telling you when they need to go, wanting to be changed as soon as they have been, an interest in their potty, then your little one may be ready! There is often a thought that potty training takes 4/5 days and then it's done, when in reality, it can take up to a year for your little one to be fully potty trained and it all depends on how well your child communicates, their self awareness about their body and that they understand the time it will take to get them to the bathroom. As it can take up to a year for a child to be fully potty trained, we want to be incredibly patient with our little ones as they are learning and developing. Choosing the right time is important - during a less busy time of the year when you have more time to be consistent with your little one with using their potty. For example, over Christmas probably isn't the best idea if you have a lot of family and friends events going on! The key to potty training is consistency. Your potty training plan at home should extend to when you're out of the house too and if your little one is in daycare, make sure you speak to them and explain what you have been doing to encourage potty training and if they could please do the same to keep consistent. Some parents find rewards helpful - mini m&m's seem to be a favourite - promising your little one a mini m&m when they successfully go to the toilet in their potty is often a tactic some parents use and find successful - find what works for you! Make potty training fun! Some parents use a timer every 30 minutes so that their little one knows that when it goes off, it's potty time! Get a travel potty for when you're out and about and on the road. This can help little ones feel more comfortable going to the potty when out about. Changing your little one out of nappies and buying big boy/girl pants also works for some parents. Spending a day at home with your little one in cotton pants, not nappies, and when they go to the toilet in them, you change the pants and sit them on the potty. After 5/6 times of this, some parents say that they then get the hang of it and understand they should go to the toilet on the potty.

'Mums - any tips on reducing heartburn and acid reflux in pregnancy please? TYI!' Acid reflux and heartburn are common symptoms in pregnancy and although they can occur at any point, they tend to show up in the second and third trimesters. They generally feel like a burning-like sensation in the throat/chest and aren't pleasant. There are a few tips that could help reduce your heartburn and acid reflux: Try to drink smaller amounts at the same time as eating - drinking a lot of water whilst eating can dilute your stomach acid which then means your body produces even more stomach acid to try to compensate which can lead to increased acid reflux. Try to drink at least 30 mins before and 1 hour after eating - give it a go and see if it makes a difference for you! Try to eat dinner at least 2 hours before bed - mums often say that their acid reflux and heartburn is the strongest just before bed, so if this is you, try to avoid eating too close to bed so your food has time to digest before you head to bed. Eat smaller portions more frequently instead of 3 large meals - too much food at once can trigger heartburn. Try eating smaller meals more frequently to help reduce heartburn. Avoid heartburn triggers - common foods that often trigger heartburn and acid reflux are coffee, spicy foods, fried foods - but try to notice which foods tend to cause your heartburn and avoid them if you can, choosing alternatives where available.

'Has anyone used a Doula for their birth? My sister used one and is suggesting I do too but I'm not sure what they do! Any advice please mamas!' Doulas support mums throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum through emotional support, information and practical tips. There is evidence that having a doula present for your birth could improve the outcome for both mum and baby however doulas are not a necessity for every mum. Doulas have a different offering to midwives and doctors and although they support the birth process, they do not have a clinical role. There are a small amount of doulas working for the NHS but generally speaking, the parents employ their doula separately so there is an added cost for the service which may not be suited to you and your family. You may also feel supported enough by your midwife and feel that a doula isn't necessary for you - it's different for every mum. There are doulas who support mums through the birth only, who support mums through pregnancy, birth and postpartum and also postnatal doulas - if you are thinking about hiring a doula, do your research and see which may work best for you and your family. A brief overview of the different types of doula roles although this may vary from person to person: Antenatal Doulas - supporting mums throughout their pregnancy and their birth whether that be hospital birth, caesarean birth, home birth, water birth. Generally, antenatal doulas meet with mum and or family twice before the birth, offer support on the phone and on email and enable mum to ask any questions she may have about the birth process and any concerns she may have. Antenatal doulas go 'on call' towards the end of pregnancy, from around 37 weeks and will be available for mum and or family 24/7 - heading to the families home during labour (when requested) and often before mum has been transferred to her place of birth. During birth, doulas often suggest relaxation techniques, offer emotional support, ensure mum is as comfortable as possible, reassurance and be 100% present with mum throughout her labour. Generally, doulas will stay with mum and baby post birth until mum is feeling confident, comfortable and settled. Generally antenatal doulas will do one postpartum visit to check in on mum and baby, answer any questions and help with infant feeding if required. Postnatal Doulas - supporting mums throughout their postpartum journey - usually from 4 weeks after birth although this can vary depending on what mum wants. Postnatal doulas offer emotional support, reassurance, information and answer any questions mum may have as well as offer general support to the family. It's all dependent on what mum wants and needs from her postnatal doula, so the offering will vary from family to family. Postnatal doulas support mum throughout her postpartum journey, as opposed to taking care of baby. We hope that helps! Always do your research, remember whether you choose to hire a doula or not is entirely up to you and although it may have been helpful for your sister, it may not work for you! It also depends on the relationship you have with your midwife if you feel supported enough by them or not and a number of other factors!

"I'm struggling to sleep even when my baby is asleep in the night - any mums got any sleep tips for me as well as my newborn! TYI!" There are a few things you can try to help improve your sleep as well as your new borns - different tips work for different people but here are some general tips that you may find helpful! For mum - trying to stick to the same nighttime routine/ the same bedtime, can help your body get into a rhythm and plays a role in your nighttime hormones too! Trying to go to bed at the same time on a night and wake up at the same time in the morning can help these hormones and therefore help you sleep much better in the night. For mum - try get some movement in when you can - taking your baby for a walk outside, meeting a friend for a coffee and walking there and back, trying to keep active when you can can also help to improve your sleep in the night too! You may not have tons of energy with your little one keeping you busy, but try to move where you can, particularly in the late afternoon/early evening. For baby - have you tried a white noise machine? White noise machines have been shown to help improve babies sleep in the night by relaxing the body and helping the body get into that restorative REM sleep! For baby - many mums swear by a 'dream feed' between 10pm-12am which could help your little one have a longer stint of sleep in the middle of the night, meaning more sleep for you, too! You could have a look into this and see if you want to try it and give it a go - the idea is that you feed your baby whilst they are awake after they have been put down to bed, but with no stimulation such as noise or lights on so they stay in a sleepy state and fall back to sleep soon after the feed.

When it comes to choosing a stroller for your little one, convenience, versatility, and style are often at the top of the list. The Babyzen Yoyo2 checks all these boxes and more, making it a popular choice among modern parents. This lightweight stroller is excellent for travel, walking around the city, using on public transport and can be easily folded and carried with it's padded shoulder strap. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of the Babyzen Yoyo2, and why it is worth considering for your baby's transportation needs. The folding process is seamless, your little one can lay back or sit in an upright position and the seat has a 5-point harness for safety. One of the standout features of the Babyzen Yoyo2 is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just under 14 pounds, this stroller is incredibly easy to maneuver, whether you are navigating through crowded city streets or traveling by plane. In fact, the Babyzen Yoyo2 is specifically designed to fit in most airplane overhead compartments, making it the perfect travel companion for families on the go. The yoyo can fit into the overhead locker on the plane and can be taken as hand luggage which is a huge plus for us! The babyzen yoyo is the best lightweight travel stroller we have tried so far. But don't let its size fool you - the Babyzen Yoyo2 doesn't compromise on comfort or functionality. With its four-wheel suspension system, your little one will experience a smooth and comfortable ride, even on bumpy terrain. The stroller also features a reclining seat, allowing your baby to nap or sit up comfortably while you go about your day. You can add the newborn pack to the babyzen yoyo for when your little one is a baby and then from 6 months add the 6+pack to continue using the pram into their toddler years! Another impressive feature of the Babyzen Yoyo2 is its adaptability. It can be easily transformed into a travel system by attaching a compatible infant car seat, eliminating the need for multiple strollers during your baby's early months. As your child grows, you can switch to the included toddler seat, which can accommodate children up to 40 pounds. The stroller also offers various accessories, such as a bassinet, footmuff, cup holder, storage basket and a board for older siblings to stand on, further enhancing its versatility. The yoyo also has the ability yo add seat adapters to it meaning that it can be used with the BeSafe carseat and a number of other brands which is so handy! In terms of convenience, the Babyzen Yoyo2 truly shines. It can be folded and unfolded with one hand, making it a breeze to use in any situation. Its compact fold allows for easy storage in small spaces, such as car trunks or closets. Additionally, the stroller's fabrics are removable and machine washable, ensuring that it stays clean and fresh no matter what messes your little one may create. Safety is always a top priority for parents, and the Babyzen Yoyo2 doesn't disappoint in this aspect. It is equipped with a five-point harness to keep your child secure, as well as a sturdy frame and durable materials to ensure long-lasting use. The stroller also features a reliable brake system, providing peace of mind during stops and on inclines. It's important to note that the yoyo doesn't have a parent-facing option when your little one is using the 6+ pack so this may not be for you if you like to have your child facing you. Overall, the Babyzen Yoyo2 is a top-notch stroller that offers convenience, versatility, and style for modern parents. Its compact design, adaptability, and ease of use make it a practical choice for families on the move. Whether you are exploring the city, traveling, or simply running errands, the Babyzen Yoyo2 is sure to make your life as a parent a whole lot easier. This compact stroller and it's folding mechanism as well as the carry strap, storage baskets and lightweight travel ability makes the Babyzen Yoyo2 such an excellent lightweight stroller that we can't live without! You can purchase your YOYO2 Stroller here.

'I'm not sure if I can exercise in my pregnancy. What do you other mums do?' Keeping active during pregnancy is healthy for you and your baby, unless you have been told otherwise by your health professional or have any contraindications such as a significant physical injury, abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding, persistent or recurring localised pain or an acute bout or illness / chronic underlying disease - in which case you should consult with your midwife or GP before undertaking any exercise. There's a shocking statistic that says more than 1/4 of mums feel like they shouldn't or can't exercise during pregnancy but this isn't true! There are many benefits of staying active during pregnancy and these include a 30% reduction in the risk of gestational diabetes, less pregnancy tiredness, reduced incidence of lower back pain as well as less pregnancy weight gain. Modifying your exercise routine to how you feel and how far along you are in pregnancy is advisable and it is recommended to include a 10 minute warm up and cool down pre and post exercise to help reduce an increase in blood pressure. Some general guidelines are- 1st Trimester - continue being active as usual. If you're new to exercise, try build up gradually - walking is great to start with! We want to avoid things like hot yoga and saunas to prevent overheating. 2nd Trimester - we want to avoid laying on our backs for longer than a few minutes once you're past 16 weeks pregnant as well as sit-ups and stomach crunches. When you are exercising, make sure you can hold a conversation throughout to ensure you aren't overexerting yourself. 3rd Trimester - swimming, walking are great during the third trimester. Keep listening to your body and if it feels good and you aren't out of breath and overexerting yourself, keep it up! Stay hydrated throughout too! Cycling in the gym is a good exercise in third trimester as it's low impact and very little movement for your bump.

'The weather is cold and rainy now, what do you mums do with your toddlers inside to keep them entertained?' Lots of Arts and Crafts keep our little ones busy when the weather is cold and miserable! Things like painting, scrap book making with stickers and coloured pencils, drawing! Playdough always goes down well but can get quite messy so it depends on your space and if you don't mind the mess! Playing with toys and getting all the toys out and letting the little ones explore! A little bit of TV is also nice to relax and cuddle up to watch a film with your little one! Nursery Rhymes and dancing with your toddler, also burns some energy! Getting them wrapped up in waterproofs and wellies and getting them outside, my little one loves jumping in the puddles and as long as they are wrapped up and have wellies on, it's good to get some fresh air and play outside!

'My little one has turned into the fussiest eater after being so into her food?' This is such a common question we get asked by the Carol App community, and we have been there! Fussy eating is different for every little one, for some it can be immediate and for others it gradually come up over a longer period of time. We hear so often that some little ones who were amazing with weaning and tried anything become fussy eaters as they move towards toddlerhood and suddenly don't want anything you offer them! Although this can feel stressful, please know that this is a normal stage of your little ones' development and most do grow out of it. But while your in it, it can feel exhausting and stressful - we've been there! There are a few things to look out for before you give your little one their meal. These include making sure they aren't too full up on milk or snacks, aren't overtired and aren't teething. These could all be contributing to your little one not wanting their meals and becoming fussier than before. There are some things we can do to help improve your child's appetite at mealtimes and make sure they are eating their food. - Eat with your little one as often as you can - Reduce the portion size of the meal and make sure it's realistic for your child - Keep mealtimes as calm as possible - Avoid distractions at mealtimes including the TV/iPad/Books. Try to get your child to focus on the food in front of them. - Avoid making alternatives if the meal is pushed to the side. - Try to make mealtimes as fun as possible and focus on the positive behaviours and encourage their behaviour when they are eating well.

'I'm heading back to the office soon after 9 months of maternity leave and I'm so nervous and scared - any tips?' These feelings are so common when parents head back to the office following parental leave, so please know that you aren't alone! Some tips that the Carol App Community share are: - Speak with your Manager about a phased return to the office. Suggesting to your manager that you use some of your Annual Leave that you have accrued during your maternity leave period can help to reduce overwhelm and feeling burnt out unlike heading straight back into the office, full steam ahead! Using some of your annual leave to reduce your hours/days for the first few weeks can help phase your return to work and make it easier for you to get back into it - many mums on Carol have said this helped them! - Find your mum community. Nobody else will quite understand what it’s like going back to work after maternity leave like other mums, so finding your mum community is so important! Carol App connects and supports mums throughout their Motherhood journey. Mums can meet like minded mums who live closeby, have children of the same age, join and create their own groups to share tips and advice, as well as have access to 100’s of expert led resources across Pregnancy, Postpartum, Baby Sleep, Baby Feeding, Baby Development and The Early Years, all for free! Carol App is available on the App Store. - Be Kind to Yourself. This is the most important tip in my opinion. You have just gone through such a huge life change and it’s so important to be kind to yourself. Heading back to the office can end up being emotionally and physically draining so trying to make time for yourself is so key. Whether it’s taking 5 minutes at lunchtime to yourself, going for a walk before you head to the office around the block or listening to your favourite podcast on the way to work, try to take some time to yourself every day. - Nourish Yourself. Eating nourishing food and taking the time to batch cook some healthy balanced meals for you and the family once a week helps to keep you feeling energised and means that choosing what to have for dinner doesn’t require too much brain power as it’s already made! Some favourite bulk meals from the Carol App Community include bolognese, coconut curry, soups and lasagne! - Rest up! Getting an early night is important as you head back to work. The washing can wait! Try to avoid watching TV / Netflix until late into the night, especially when you have little ones as who knows what their sleep will be like that night - getting an early night means that even if they wake several times in the night you’re likely to have had a good few hours sleep regardless! Getting into a healthy sleep pattern will help your energy, mental clarity and alertness especially as you are exerting more being back in the office! ​