Littlemummy.com

Guest post by Kizzy
Choosing a babies name is not as easy as you would think. I can remember when I was younger, dreaming of one day having children and names were so easy. Yet when I was expecting my first baby, we found it really difficult to find a name we both liked.
Bounty have some wonderful pages to help with ideas for boys names and girls names along with name meanings. So if you want to avoid a ‘Harper Seven’ (!) scenario then definitely have a look.
We only decided …

What is it about parenting and public transport that doesn’t mix?
The day before yesterday, I took the bus down to the village, I’d like to say that this was in an effort to be more green, alas, it was more to do with hubby’s 4.45am start time (he needed the car), who just so happens to be a bus driver and was caught up in my frustrations.
Anyway, so I’m on the bus, after an hour or so of waiting. Don’t get me wrong the buses are frequent, every five …

1. Accept Hand-Me-Downs
Don’t be too proud to accept second hand goods, the money you save can be used to buy other baby products. Alternatively put the savings into a trust fund, your baby will be pleased you did when they turn eighteen.
2. Don’t Go On A Spending Spree
As tempting as it may be, it’s not a good idea. You are likely to receive many gifts after your baby is born, wait, and then buy extras when you can see exactly what you need. There are …

In a recent issue of Practical Parenting they had their awards for baby products, here are my favourites (in case you wanted to know?!)
Nappies

Pampers all the way. I have tried huggies and boots own brand but Pampers remain the favourite.
Nursery Item

The only one that springs to mind is Erin’s plug-in nightlight. It’s a Lindam one that was passed on to me but only costs £7.99. I like it because it’s not too bright and distracting from the activity in hand – Sleep!
Maternity Fashion
My favourite maternity item was …

Empty Cotton Reels
Small Plastic Bottles
Minus the lids!
A Small Tupperware Tub
We use one of Erin’s weaning tubs.

Scraps of Textured Fabric
Tin foil can be fun too, although beware of tin foil disappearing into the mouth, a tin foil ball is fun.

Spoons

Doll’s Cup and Saucer

Wooden Bricks
Egg Cartons
Ball

Photo by flickr user Potatojunkie

Dried Apricots

Erin loves these as they are sweet and chewy, I need to keep an eye on her though as she trys to stuff them right into her mouth.
Scotch Pancake
Again with a thin spread of butter this make a great mid morning snack.
Toast Fingers
We usually have granary bed and top with butter or jam.
Organix Crunchy Stix
These are great for on the move, and seem to be the favourable option of ‘crisp’ type snack.
Cucumber Sticks
I like these as alternative teether toys, cooled they provide relief and the right amount of give, …

Let’s be honest babies can be a bit boring….please don’t throw rotten fruit at me….
These are some things you can do with a baby to pass the time until you can do arts, crafts and all manner of interesting and fun things
Roll the Ball
Roll the ball back and forth. This game actually ends up with you rolling the ball and you baby attempting to eat it.
Where’s the toy?
Show your baby a toy then hide it and show again. This one is good for around a minute until …

Exploring Different Textures
You will need;
some or any of the following
Wool
Fur
Tin Foil
Sponge
Velcro
Play-dough
Water
Tissue Paper
plus any other things you have which have a different texture and feel to them.
1.Put all the different textures out on a blanket and let your child feel each one. Is it hard/soft? Rough/smooth? wet/dry?
*Tip – If your child is older, blindfold them and let them feel each one and try to guess what it is.

Babies love faces, if your child is older adjust this activity so that it is a collage of different people, long/short hair, boy/girl, different races etc…
Baby Faces Collage
You will need;
Paper (large sheet)
Old magazines and catalogues
Glue
Scissors
1.Cut out baby face pictures and stick them onto paper.

Musical Instruments

You will need;
All your musical instrument toys or
pots and pans (drums)
wooden spoon (drumstick)
a tub with rice inside (shaker)
2 pot covers steel/metal (cymbals)
glass jars filled with water (xylophone or older children)
2 baby milk tins (make a great set of bongo drums)
1. Sing and play the instruments. (Get the ear plugs out!)