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"Can anyone recommend the best reusable nappies for my little one please? There's so much choice and I don't know which to go with! Thanks." Our top choice at Carol App for reusable nappies is the brand EcoNaps! EcoNaps believes that every small choice can make a big impact. In the UK alone, a baby will go through 2500+ disposable nappies in their first year. Each nappy can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill, leaving a negative legacy for our children. EcoNaps is committed to producing reusable nappies and accessories that make it easier for environmentally conscious parents to reduce waste and protect the planet. EcoNaps also offers 20% off your first order! EcoNaps reusable nappies are incredibly easy to wash, soft on babies skin, very absorbent and very easy to use! If you're a first time reusable nappy user, EcoNaps have a brilliant blog on all things cloth nappies including washing your nappies tips and tricks, cloth nappy guides and so much more. They also have the cutest nappy designs too! EcoNaps also make reusable swim nappies which we love - our write up on the swim nappies can be found here.

'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!

"Did any of you do Hypnobirthing and was it worth it?" Hypnobirthing is a topic that many mums-to-be often hear about but the majority tend to think that it's related to being hypnotised which we can confirm it is not!! Preparing for your birth is such an exciting time in a mum's life and although you never really know how your birth will unfold, there are different ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself so you are better equipped however your birth turns out. Hypnobirthing is one of those methods and is something that the Carol App Team is a huge advocate of to really inform yourself of the stages of birth, what happens during birth and about your birth rights as well as so much more! The Carol App Team highly recommend The Positive Birth Company and their Hypnobirthing Course

"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.

'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.

'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!