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"Hi! My 6 month old has started waking up between 4-5am every morning - has this happened to you and how did you get them sleeping longer in the mornings?" Yes this has happened to us for sure! Early wake ups are tough, especially if they begin with a 4! Sometimes it could be a phase, and last a few days, but if it's happening for a longer period of time, some things you could look at are: - Routine - Try to keep your little one consistent with their naps and bedtime as much as possible. Try to make sure your little one isn't napping too late in the evening and therefore close to bedtime. - Try using a white noise machine if you aren't already - make sure that you can hear it from outside the room so that you know it's loud enough. - Check the temperature of the room - you want the bedroom to be a cool temperature around 20-22'C. - Try to keep your little one in their cot until 'wake up time' - so letting them doze, kick about and not feeling like you need to immediately get them out of their cot once you know that they are awake. Hope that helps!

"Mums, I'm in the thick of the 4 month sleep regression with my daughter, any tips?" We know that the 4 month 'sleep regression' is tough - we've all been there! But just to make it feel a little better, this period is actually a huge developmental break through for your little one! Generally, 4 months old is when your little one is likely to be hitting huge milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, becoming more aware of what's going on around them, and as all of this development is taking place, often their sleep gets disrupted. This is totally normal! Some tips that worked for us when we were going through this period with our little ones, are: - Sticking to their daytime nap routine - trying not to 'make up' the hours of sleep in the day as this can further impact their nighttime sleep. - Get outside everyday, the fresh air and sunlight helps with regulating their sleep/wake cycle. - When your little one does wake in the night, try not take them out of their cot. Make sure that they feel safe and know that you are there for them but from our experience, keeping them in their cot helps to avoid creating the habit of getting them out every time they cried which can ultimately lead to the regression lasting much longer. Placing your hand gently on their stomach, softly speaking to them and reassuring them that you are there are things that helped us. Although the 4 month sleep regression feels like it may never end, remember, this too shall pass! You've got this!!

Did you know the importance of the gut-brain connection? Emerging evidence has shown that there is a strong connection between a well functioning gut and brain activity and it is now heavily researched as the ‘gut-brain axis’. It is the vagus nerve that carries signals to and from the digestive system and the brain to influence appetite-regulating hormones, digestive processes and even foods we crave. 95% of our serotonin supply is manufactured by gut bacteria, while other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and GABA are also made in our gut. It is these key neurotransmitters that play an important role in our mood, anxiety, concentration and even motivation! We are therefore delighted to share the newest product by our partner, Feel , the Feel Daily Biotic. Having used the Pregnancy and Multivitiamin by Feel, we are looking forward to using the Daily Biotic in our daily routine. Feel always use the highest quality ingredients, offer a 30 day money back guarantee and they are offering our community 20% off any product (excl. Bundles) with the code ‘PARTNER20’. The Daily Biotic contains prebiotics as well as probiotics, making the Daily Biotic a synbiotic to fully nourish the gut! You will have more than likely heard about the link between the brain and the gut, and there is research to suggest how gut health influences immune health, as it can strengthen the intestinal barrier and activate protective T cells to ward off unfriendly bacteria and viruses. The Feel Daily Biotic , when taken on a daily basis, can help strengthen the intestinal barrier and provide optimal immune support. The gut microbiome and the immune system have been interconnected from as early as birth, to help protect from any harmful pathogens. As we age and go through life, the gut-immune connection continues to flourish and it is the gut microbiome that influences the strength and development of the immune system. While microbes can be found all over the body, over 70% of bacteria are contained in the gastro-intestinal tract. Simultaneously, a weakened immune system can impair gut function and cause further issues such as bloating, systemic inflammation and leaky gut. The Feel Daily Biotic combines 14 different strains of live cultures and soluble prebiotic dietary fibre to help nourish the gut and bring a host of benefits for gut and immune health as well as brain function and mood regulation. The Daily biotic is tailored as a comprehensive and effective daily digestive support with 10 billion CFU of live bacteria. The Daily Biotic is vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher and non-GMO. Having tried the Daily Biotic for a number of weeks now, we can confirm that it doesn't leave a chalky taste in your mouth like many other competitors, has helped improve our digestion, reduced bloating and has become a solid part of our daily routine to help nourish our gut bacteria! The Feel Biotic is suitable for use in pregnancy. However, if you are planning on becoming pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, please consult with your doctor before using. The Carol App Community can receive 20% off any Feel product (excl. Bundles) with the code ‘PARTNER20’.

"Hi Mums! My LO is 4 weeks and wondered if you had any advice on how long to offer tummy time for? How long should I aim to be feeding him for? (I'm BF). And any tips on keeping them entertained? Thanks!" We would suggest tummy time 3 times per day at 4 weeks old, for around 5 minutes at a time - but check with your health visitor as they may suggest otherwise for your little one. 3-4 times a day is what we aimed for with our babies, but every baby is different. With regards to feeding, we would suggest feeding for around 30 minutes at a time, however this can change from baby to baby, especially as your milk is becoming more established and getting to know your babies rhythm. If you are BF, you may notice that your babies feeding time decreases as baby gets older - this doesn't necessarily mean that your supply is reducing, but that baby is becoming more efficient at feeding! Keeping babies entertained at 4 weeks could look something like tummy time a few times per day for 5 minutes, playtime on an activity mat with you, lots of cuddles and kisses, reading books to them and of course lots of snuggles!

When it comes to caring for our little ones, ensuring their comfort and well-being is a top priority. One area that requires special attention is their clothing, especially when it comes to washing. Babies have delicate and sensitive skin, which can easily react to harsh chemicals found in regular washing powders. That's why it's important to choose a washing powder specifically designed for babies, such as the Bambino Mio Washing Powder. In this review, we will explore why Bambino Mio Washing Powder is the best choice for washing baby clothes, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Gentle and Hypoallergenic Formula: The Bambino Mio Washing Powder is specially formulated to be gentle on your baby's delicate skin. It is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin. This makes it an excellent choice for babies who are prone to eczema, rashes, or other skin sensitivities. The gentle formula ensures that your baby's clothes come out clean and fresh without compromising their comfort. Effective Stain Removal: As parents, we know that babies can be quite messy, and their clothes often suffer from various stains. The Bambino Mio Washing Powder is designed to tackle tough stains effectively, ensuring that your baby's clothes look clean and stain-free. Whether it's spit-up, food stains, or even nappy leaks, this washing powder has the power to remove stains while still being gentle on fabrics. Dermatologically Tested: One of the reasons why Bambino Mio Washing Powder is the best choice for babies with sensitive skin is that it's dermatologically tested. This means that it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and compatibility with sensitive skin. The washing powder has been proven to be mild and suitable for babies, giving parents peace of mind knowing that they are using a product that has been specifically tested for their little ones. Long-lasting and Economical: Another great feature of the Bambino Mio Washing Powder is its long-lasting nature. A little goes a long way with this product, making it an economical choice for parents. The concentrated formula means that you can use less powder per load while still achieving excellent results. This not only saves you money but also reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious parents. Conclusion: When it comes to washing baby clothes, especially for babies with sensitive skin, the Bambino Mio Washing Powder stands out as the best choice. Its gentle and hypoallergenic formula ensures that your baby's delicate skin is not compromised, while still effectively removing stains. The dermatological testing and long-lasting nature of the product make it a reliable and economical option for parents. With the Bambino Mio Washing Powder, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are using a product that prioritizes your baby's well-being.

Welcome to our guide on pregnancy and the three trimesters! Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of questions. At Carol App we are here to provide you with a wealth of information hand picked from a number of different experts to make this journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Understanding the Three Trimesters Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting approximately three months. Understanding the unique developments and changes during each trimester is crucial to ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby. First Trimester: The Miracle of Conception During the first trimester, the journey of pregnancy begins. From the moment of conception, miraculous changes start to unfold. The fertilised egg implants itself into the uterine lining, leading to the formation of the placenta and the amniotic sac. The baby's major organs and body systems begin to form, and the tiny heart starts beating. Mum may experience a range of symptoms during the first trimester, including morning sickness / all day sickness , fatigue, and tender breasts. It's important for expectant mothers to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and prenatal care. Second Trimester: Blossoming Bumps and Baby's Growth The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. By this time, morning sickness typically subsides, and the mother starts to feel the baby's movements. The baby's gender becomes apparent, and the tiny bump starts to show. During this period, the baby undergoes significant growth and development. The senses develop, and the baby can hear the mother's voice and respond to external stimuli. This trimester is a fantastic time for expectant parents to bond with the baby and plan for the upcoming arrival. Third Trimester: Nearing the Finish Line The final trimester is marked by the baby's rapid growth and preparation for birth. The baby gains weight and may move into a head-down position in readiness for delivery.Mum experience more physical discomfort as the baby's size increases, which includes back pain, frequent urination, and shortness of breath. It's important for expectant mothers to prioritise self-care during this stage wherever possible, getting plenty of rest and seeking medical attention for any concerns. As the due date approaches, anticipation and excitement grow as parents eagerly await the arrival of their bundle of joy. Prenatal Care: The Foundation of a Healthy Pregnancy Quality prenatal care is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals ensure that both the mother and the baby are progressing well. During these appointments, healthcare providers monitor the baby's growth, check for any potential complications, and provide valuable guidance to expectant parents. Additionally, prenatal vitamins and a balanced diet play a vital role in supporting the baby's development and the mother's well-being. Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, is crucial for the baby's neural tube development, blood cell production, and bone health. Preparing for the Big Day: Childbirth Education As the due date approaches, childbirth education becomes increasingly important. Preparing for labour and delivery empowers expectant parents and reduces anxiety about the birthing process. Childbirth classes cover various topics, including breathing techniques, pain management options, and the stages of labour. Childbirth education also includes discussions about birth plans, where parents can communicate their preferences and wishes for labour and delivery. Having a well-thought-out birth plan can help create a positive and empowering birthing experience. Postpartum Care: Nurturing New Mums and Babies The journey doesn't end with the birth of the baby. The postpartum period is a time of recovery and adaptation for both mum and baby. New mums need plenty of rest and support as they navigate their way through motherhood. Postpartum care involves regular check-ups for the baby to ensure healthy growth and development. For new mums, it includes emotional support, guidance on breastfeeding, and monitoring for any signs of postpartum depression. Pregnancy is an incredible journey that brings new life into the world. Understanding the three trimesters, prioritising prenatal care, preparing for childbirth, and providing postpartum support are all important aspects of this beautiful experience. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and seeking professional advice and support from healthcare providers is key to a healthy and successful pregnancy. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and information to make your pregnancy journey a memorable and joyous one.

"Do you have any tips for colic or trapped wind? My baby boy seems so unsettled after some feeds." It's so stressful when your baby is unsettled, we've been there and really feel for you. Speaking with your health visitor is a good idea as they may be able to suggest changing your formula if baby is bottle fed and they may also suggest infacol. Infacol worked for our little one when he had signs of a little colic, but check with your health visitor. We also did light tummy massage on our son which helped to settle him and also helped his digestion a little too! We also absolutely swore by the 'Windi' to help relieve trapped wind.

"My 2 year old has started waking up really early and feel like we have tried everything. Any tips? He goes down at 7/7.30pm" Something that really helped for our toddler is using a Gro Clock from Tommee Tippee that uses colours to help children know when it's time to wake up/get out of bed. Our son has started staying in his bed until the clock goes light orange so he knows it's time for him to get out of bed! You choose the time that the clock changes colour and it's easy to use once you get used to it - we leave books by the side of our sons' bed and he tends to lay in bed reading and playing with his toy cars until it's time for him to get out of bed! Would recommend giving it a go!

"Hello! What would you say are the best baby grows that are comfortable, soft and last?" Such a good question! There are so many brands out there and there are a few things you want to consider before buying baby grows for your little one. These are things like, fastening type, sleeve length, do they have added mitts and/or feet attached. We all agree at Carol App that zip-up baby grows are the easiest of the fastening types, especially over poppers, but maybe poppers will be more of a preference for you! It depends on what you like really. Here are our top baby grow brands at Carol App: - Mamas & Papas are number 1 for us - their baby grows are comfortable, have lasted a long time and plenty of washes, are very soft and made from 100% cotton and tend to fit their sizing well - they also have zip options which is a big tick for us! - Mori - a little more pricey than other brands, Mori uses organic cotton within their baby grows. Mori has very soft baby grows, zip options and last the test of time and plenty of washes too! - Next - more cost effective and also has zip up options, Next is another favourite of the Carol App team for baby grows! They tend to fit well as per their sizing charts and are comfortable for little ones too! - M&S - the baby grows at M&S are soft, last for a long time and are very reasonably priced too. M&S tend to stick with popper baby grows although they make it very easy with their colour-coded poppers so you know which ones go with which - ideal for those middle of the night changes!

"It's the first Christmas with our son and he will be 16 weeks old. Any tips for dealing with a change in his routine over Christmas?" It can certainly feel daunting heading into the festive period with your little one, especially if you have started to establish a consistent routine with their feeding and sleep schedule - this is a concern for many new parents, so please know you aren't alone!! It's important to be aware that the changes in routine during the festive period are only temporary and although it can feel like a real nightmare, it will pass and your little one will be back in their usual routines very soon. As babies grow, their routine will constantly shift too, whether it's the festive period or not, so this is something to be mindful of and should also help take the pressure off you if you feel that your little one is really out of their usual schedule! Some tips from the Carol App Team would be : - You may be surprised that a change in location and a shift in timings may not disrupt your little one too much - it depends on your baby, but some babies aren't bothered by a little change and others are sensitive to the changes, but it may not be as overwhelming as you may expect! - Trying to stick as close to your babies routine as possible can help your little one to adjust a little easier to the changes. For example, trying to keep nap times as close to their usual schedule as possible and making sure they are still drinking their milk as they normally would can really help - it may be a little off by 10/20 minutes, but being mindful of timings and trying to stick with what your baby knows can help! This also includes things like their white noise machine, dummy and comforters - whatever your baby is used to, try to take with you if you are out and about for the day. - Try to keep bed time as consistent as possible, although not always so easy! Once the festive period is over, something that worked for us when our little one was going to bed later over Christmas, was bringing their bedtime forward by 15 minutes each night until we were back to the usual bedtime routine and that really helped! It can seem daunting heading into the festive period with a little one, but remember 'this too shall pass' and you will back to your usual schedule before you know it!

'Hi Mums! Do you have any ideas of indoor play activities I can do to entertain my 8 month old baby boy? Most of the baby classes we go to have finished for Xmas and needing some ideas! Thank you." Yes absolutely! 6-12 months is a great age to get creative and make your own sensory play for your little one, especially ones that are very cheap and cost effective! - Putting some ice cubes in a ziplock bag that is firmly locked and putting your little one on their tummy to play with it is a double win for tummy time and sensory play as they will move the ice around the bag and can keep them entertained for a little while! - Putting some uncooked rice in a plastic bottle with the lid on and making your own make-shift shaker! This game kept our little ones entertained for a good 10-15 minutes and it's so easy and quick to make! You could also use uncooked pasta if you don't have any rice. - Adding a small amount of water to a tray with some food colouring is also a fun activity for the little ones. They may make a little mess as they use their hands to touch and splash about, so make sure you sit them on a towel! Peekaboo, playing nursery rhymes and letting them explore/look at some baby books are also nice ways to keep your baby entertained!

"Mums - baby bouncer advice please! There's so many out there, which one did you have?" Having a baby bouncer/rocker is important as it's somewhere safe that we can put our baby when we need to use both hands - even though we know that we are superwomen multitaskers, sometimes we do need to put our little one down. Having a bouncer with your new baby is so invaluable to buy yourself a tiny bit of time, especially as a new mum! The majority of bouncers are suitable from birth until around 6 months although some may vary so always make sure you check! There are certain things we want to look for when buying our baby bouncer: - A Harness - this keeps your baby safe, secure and supported. Making sure that the harness feels firm and won't come undone unexpectedly is key. - A reclining seat position - a bouncer which reclines means that your baby can get more comfortable, potentially have a short nap, and is an important aspect to make sure your bouncer has, if your little one suffers from reflux! - Newborn Insert - this helps to offer extra support for your newborn, particularly around their head and neck, There are so many bouncers on the market, but there is also a huge difference in the cost of them all. You will use your bouncer a lot and if you do have another baby, you will want to make sure that your bouncer will stand the test of time and is of top quality. There are brilliant second hand marketplaces you could look to for your bouncer, for example The Octopus Club . Some of our favourite bouncers used and loved by the Carol App Team are: BABYBJÖRN Bouncer Balance Soft £185 - offering three recline positions, can be folded flat, has incredibly soft and machine washable fabric (serious win!) offers head and back support for your little one and can be used between 0-2 years! Mamas & Papas Capella Baby Bouncer Cradle - Dream Upon a Cloud £69 - offering 4 different relaxing melodies, 2 interactive toys on the toy bar, supports your babies head with it's head hugger pillow and has a compact design making it easy for storage as well as an easy-wipe cover for quick cleaning. Suitable from birth - 6 months. Aden + Anais Transition Seat Baby Bouncer and Rocker £115 - this baby bouncer seat can be used from newborns - 2 years. It includes an interactive toy bar, has detachable covers making it easy to wash, is lightweight and folds flat. (Please note that this product is very popular and is often sold out.) Bababing! Float baby Bouncer - £39.99 - excellent value for money, contains a toy bar, removable fabric making it very easy to clean, lightweight and is suitable from birth - 6 months / 9kgs.