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'My 2 year old keeps waking in the night - anyone else?' This is a common challenge that pops up in our community; unfortunately, it is different for everyone! If you’ve noticed a change in your child’s sleeping behaviour, the chances are your little one is experiencing the 2-year-old sleep regression, which is entirely natural! Our top recommendations to help are: Try to maintain a good sleep routine, including some quiet time/nap during the day for consistency and to avoid your child becoming overtired Make sure your child feels safe at night time Check the noise and light in your child’s bedroom Try and relax before bedtime

'Mums, what are your baby sleep tips? ' ​ Try stick to a routine - bath, book and bed works for us. Try soothing your baby without taking them out of the cot. Dim the lights before bedtime! Add white noise or soothing lullabies - this has helped us! Avoid over tiredness- their daytime naps can actually help their nighttime sleep.

'When should I start weaning? ' ​ All babies are different but the general guidance is ‘by 6 months of age, not before 4 months’. When your baby starts to show signs such as an interest in your food, putting things in their mouth and being able to sit up unaided and they are after 4 months old, you could be ready to try!

'Healthy pregnancy breakfast ideas?' ​ Poached eggs with Avocado on Toast, oats with mixed berries and milk of choice, veggie frittata, protein smoothie with oats and mixed berries. Download the Carol App free Pregnancy Nutrition Guide for more advice on eating during pregnancy!

'My toddler is turning into a fussy eater, any tips?' Try to relax before feeding your little one, going into lunch or dinner more relaxed has helped for us! Reducing snacks between mealtimes has really helped us, we offered more water instead of more than 1 snack and our son has started tucking into his meals much better! Try to stick with what you have made for your little one to eat without making another 1/2 options - this has worked for our son, we keep the food in front of him and he's usually tucking in after 5-10 minutes. We used to make him different meals if he refused the first option and it turned out to be the worst idea as he used it as a game and it made the situation worse! Sit down and eat with your little one - even if it's a small portion, toddlers model your behaviour so by them seeing you eat, they can encourage them to do the same!

'My baby has colic any tips?' Colic can be tough, and once you have spoken with your midwife and GP, there may be some soothing techniques that you could try to help. Some of the soothing techniques recommended are: - Walking around holding your little one and gently rocking them - Giving your little one light tummy rubs and placing your hand gently on their tummy - Using white noise to try help soothe them - Taking your little one for a ride in the car - Putting your little one in the pram and taking them for a walk outside. You're not alone mama, you've got this!

'What pregnancy vitamins or supplements do I need to take?' In the UK, the recommendations are that all pregnant women should be taking a Vitamin D supplement and a Folic Acid supplement. Taking a prenatal supplement is often a good idea as they tend to combine a range of essential vitamins and minerals in one place so you know you are getting a range of the most important vitamins! We recommend speaking with your GP before taking any supplement, especially when pregnant. Some of our favourite prenatal supplements tried and tested by the Carol App Team are: Feel Pregnancy Supplement - 25% off with code CAROL25 Wild Nutrition - Food Grown Pregnancy Supplement

'What are your thoughts on dummies? I feel like there's shame around them.' Ultimately, whether your little one has a dummy or not is completely your decision and shouldn't be up to any one else to pass judgement. If they aren't for you then that's totally fine but if your little one uses them and soothes from having one, then great! It is noted that the main advantage of babies using a dummy is that they can satisfy their sucking instincts if they’re not breastfed. 'Using dummies can calm babies and help them to fall asleep.' Breast fed babies can also use a dummy, it's really completely up to you as the parent! At Carol HQ we're a mixture of using dummies for our little ones and not, so no judgement here either way! You do what works for you mama!

'Does anyone have any tips on how to get better sleep with a newborn?' There are a few habits that you can implement into your routine to help you and your baby sleep better at night. Recommendations from the Carol App community are: - Try to keep the night time as relaxing as possible. This includes speaking in a softer voice, using minimal light - a night light is often a great idea - and could help with mum and baby falling back to sleep once both have been woken up for a feed or to settle baby. - Read a book when feeding rather than scrolling your phone - many mums have said that this has helped with falling back to sleep much easier than if they have been scrolling their phone - especially as there is no blue light in your book! - Make sure that you have all that you may need during the night next to you in bed. This can reduce the need to walk from room to room and makes it much easier for you, especially during the night time hours! - A number of mums have said that they notice their newborn sleeps better at night if they have had some fresh air during the afternoon. Taking your little one for a walk outside during the afternoon is therefore a good idea, not only to help with babies sleep at night, but also for mum to get some fresh air and a change of scenery.

Postpartum depression is a significant mental health issue that affects many new mums. It's essential to recognise the signs, seek proper treatment, and find the necessary support during this challenging time. In this article, we will delve into the symptoms, treatment options, and the role of support in helping mums overcome postpartum depression. I. Symptoms of Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is characterised by a range of emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly impact a mum's well-being. These symptoms may include: 1. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness 2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities 3. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns 4. Fatigue, irritability, or restlessness 5. Difficulty bonding with the baby 6. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (in severe cases) II. Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and seeking professional help is crucial. The following treatment options can be effective in managing postpartum depression: 1. Therapy: Individual or group therapy sessions can provide a safe space to express emotions and learn coping strategies. 2. Medication: Antidepressant medication may be prescribed to help stabilise mood and alleviate symptoms. 3. Lifestyle changes: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can positively impact mood and overall well-being. 4. Social support: Building a support network of family, friends, and other mothers who have experienced postpartum depression can provide valuable emotional support and practical assistance. 5. Self-care: Prioritising self-care activities such as taking breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in hobbies can help reduce stress and improve mental health. III. The Importance of Support: Support is a vital component in the journey of overcoming postpartum depression. Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in a mother's recovery. Here are some ways in which support can be beneficial: 1. Emotional support: Knowing that there are people who understand and empathise with what you are going through can provide much-needed comfort and reassurance. 2. Practical support: Friends, family, and support groups can offer assistance with childcare, household chores, or meal preparation, relieving some of the burdens new mums may face. 3. Professional support: Seeking help from healthcare professionals, such as therapists or postpartum support groups, can provide expert guidance and specialised care. 4. Online communities and apps: Utilising platforms like the Carol App for Mums can connect mothers, offer a sense of community, and provide a space for sharing experiences and advice. Postpartum depression is a common and treatable condition that affects many new mums. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and finding support are crucial steps towards recovery. By creating a supportive and understanding environment for mothers, we can help alleviate the stigma surrounding postpartum depression and ensure that no mother feels alone in her journey. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right support, postpartum depression can be overcome.