My Best Baby

My Best Nappy Cream

Susannah — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:55:30 +0000

Should I worry about the fact that I insisted on my husband feeling the consistency of the new nappy cream we’ve been trying out? ‘See, you can even rub it into your hands; it absorbs!’ was my excited cry. Having tried quite a few different brands over the past few years, it’s wonderful to finally find a cream that is smooth, easy to apply, unperfumed and free of nasty chemicals. Hooray for Urtekram’s Baby Zinc Balm. It’s no more expensive than the cream from a chemist/supermarket and is available from Goodness Direct.

This post was submitted by Susannah.

My Best Way to Prevent Stretch Marks

Susannah — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:55:26 +0000

During my second pregnancy my waist measurement went from 24″ to 48″ but I managed to avoid getting any stretch marks…I’m very lucky! Instead of using a lotion or potion, I put coconut oil on my bump everyday. The smell was gorgeous, and knowing that I wasn’t putting any chemicals on my skin was reassuring. I found it also eased the itching that I suffered from when the weather was hot. It might not work for everyone…but it’s certainly worth a try if you’re pregnant. The one I used was by Biona and is available from Goodness Direct. A small jar (£3.69) would last an entire pregnancy.

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Funny Parenting Book - Confessions of a Bad Mother: In the Aisle by the Chill Cabinet No-one Can Hear You Scream by Stephanie Calman

Susannah — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:34:29 +0000

It’s quite unusual for a novel to make me laugh out loud, but this one did - frequently…I’m sure my husband thought I was suffering from pregnancy-induced hysteria. It’s a very reassuring look at the realities of raising young children, and is likely to make even the least confident parent feel at least slightly competent. I like it!!

Lots of the scenes described are horribly familiar, and the dialogue of a conversation between two mothers as they supervise their toddlers should be read by absolutely everyone as it’s complete genius x

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Books to Read During Pregnancy - Shopaholic and Baby

Susannah — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:19:41 +0000

I’m gradually working my way through all titles in my local library with the word ‘baby’ in. Sophie Kinsella’s contribution to the bump-lit field is a silly, lighthearted novel - which, to be frank, is exactly what you need sometimes when suffering from pregnancy-induced insomnia. Although the materialistic slant of the book was irritating in places, I must admit that I enjoyed it.

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Baby Bibles - Dr Spock’s Baby Basics

Susannah — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:18:15 +0000

Despite already having a child, I recently became very concerned that I have no clue as to how to look after a baby! It’s strange how sleep deprivation can wipe memories. So, I decided to have a look at the famous Dr Spock (although it was actually written by Dr Robert Needlman). I found it to be very reassuring and practical.
I tend to rate the usefulness of a non-fiction book by how many tabs I have affixed during reading. This book scored 14 tabs - in other words, there are 14 points that I want to write down/summarise as reminders to myself. I think that’s a very fair score. I would recommend it to all new parents, as well, perhaps to second timers like me whose confidence is shaky.

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Great Toddler Breakfast/Snack - Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, No Added Sugar, High Omega-3

Susannah — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:50:29 +0000

I tried out this new idea yesterday, and the results have all been eaten, so I guess it was a success. I wanted to create a breakfast type snack for those with multiple allergies and for vegans who are trying to cut down on wheat based cereals. This quantity makes about 20 small squares - so about four breakfasts/snacks worth for a toddler.

Ingredients (all quantities are approximate)
75g Nature’s Path Organic Millet Rice Flakes
10 soft dried apricots
2 handfuls of sultanas
2 teaspoons golden linseed
2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds

Method
Place seeds in blender and blend until quite fine
Add sultanas and apricots into blender along with seeds and blend
Add millet etc., flakes and whiz briefly to combine ingredients
Press the mixture firmly into a small shallow dish
Leave for about an hour to settle
Cut into squares

Exceedingly healthy! (But still delicious x)

Should I Buy a Double Buggy?

Susannah — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:05:51 +0000

So…my grandmother and my mother have both asked if we’re buying a new ‘pram’ for the new baby. Ermmm, I really don’t know! My son will turn three just after the baby is due, so will he still need pushing around? Will the new baby have reflux, thereby rendering a lay-flat pram/buggy useless anyway (our first child didn’t lay flat until after he was six months old, otherwise he’d be sick).

I decided to have a little look anyway, just to see what’s available, and will make a decision nearer the time. The first one I looked at was the Urban Detour Odyssey Twin 3-Wheeler Pushchair - Sunshine at Mothercare for £240.00. It has very positive customer reviews on the site, and it does keep the children side by side. Call me old-fashioned, but I just don’t like the idea of my new-born baby being ’stored’ on a platform beneath my rather large toddler. What happens if I bump up or down kerbs? Also, I’d have to stop every two seconds to check that the baby was OK.

The next one that caught my eye was the Jané Powertwin Pro 3-wheeler at £449.00. Rather more expensive, but the image showing the two seats facing each other appealed to me…I like the thought of my older child being in a good position to entertain the younger one. It also gives the option of having the younger baby in a carseat so it would be good for a baby with reflux. However, how do I get my very heavy older child into the seat? With his current buggy, he just climbs in himself. I’m not sure my back is up to lifting him in. The Jané Powertwin Tandem 3-Wheeler at £418.99 might be easier.

Of course, I do rather like the Mountain Buggy Urban Double - Plum Dot - but it’s £665.00, so a little bit beyond our budget. However, I suppose I could justify it by saying that I don’t have a car, so a really decent baby/child transporting device is essential x
All prices taken from Mothercare Website on 5th March 2009

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Free Delivery and Special Offers at Green People

Susannah — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:28:35 +0000

Green People have a special offer for March - free delivery. They’ve also got £2 off Baby Salve, so a bargain. If you’ve not tried their natural products before, now’s a great time to do so. x

This post was submitted by Susannah.

Launching My Best Social

Oliver — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:01:46 +0000

We have now launched our Social Networking component of our My Best Network. Using the Ning platform, which allows anyone to create their own social network, we have themed our own network and invite you to join us on there. “But I already have Facebook…” you may wonder. Facebook has in my opinion become unwieldly, too many apps, too much information, the irony with Facebook is that the more friends you have, the harder it is to actually keep up with what they are all doing because of the masses of information you get presented.

A ‘niche’ Social Network can be less anonymous, have more of a community feel and immediately more intimate and relevant. Plus, the My Best Network promotes positivity and what better place to socialise ? You want to hear about the good stuff, you don’t need other people to tell you the wrongs of the world! I’m sure you all feel it yourselves. So join us, share with us all the things that are the Best in your life…

Best Prices on Cotbeds and Nursery Furniture

Susannah — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:35:11 +0000

Whilst innocently browsing the ‘Babies R Us’ site, I came across some good deals on a range of lovely nursery furniture called ‘Caversham’. The cotbed is half-price, as are the dresser and wardrobe. The cotbed in particular looks like a nice design and features a drop-down side as well as three mattress positions, which I think is the kindest option for those shifting the baby in and out of the cot, as you can hopefully save your back a little bit.

This post was submitted by Susannah.