10 Things New Mums Shouldn’t Worry AboutRead More It’s another of those undeniable truths no one tells you until you’re pregnant: the minute those two blue lines appear you’ll start to experience a low-level anxiety that lasts for… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 April 2024 10 Things New Mums Shouldn’t Worry About It’s another of those undeniable truths no one tells you until you’re pregnant: the minute those two blue lines appear you’ll start to experience a low-level anxiety that lasts for the rest of your parenting life. Becoming a mum can feel totally overwhelming at times, and it’s easy to obsess over the smallest of details. So save some time (and a little piece of your sanity) by checking off the stuff you really don’t need to worry about… Not Knowing What The F* To Do Repeat after us: I WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO. Yep, even if the total sum of your parenting experience thus far was holding your mates’ baby while she went for a wee, or 15 minutes of hide and seek with a mildly bearable four-year-old one Christmas. How will you know when to feed them? What if they are too hot/cold? What if you’re so knackered that you don’t hear them cry in the night? Right now the fact you’ll be allowed to leave the hospital with a tiny human and no previous experience makes zero sense… but trust us when we talk about instinct. Nobody knows your baby better than you do, and you’ll be an amazing mum. Keeping Your House Clean For the first two weeks your house will feel like Euston Station; a constant stream of family and friends all wanting to meet your brand-new bundle of joy and hear you tell birth story for the seventh time that morning. Lovely yes, but also really annoying, especially when you’re knackered and learning how to breastfeed. When you finally get five minutes to yourself spend it showering, sleeping or going to the toilet in peace. Not hoovering, not washing-up, and not putting the bins out. Oh, and send your dirty clothes to your mother-in-law. Not Reading Enough Baby Books Spoiler alert: your baby can’t read, so they don’t have a clue that Gina Ford says they should be sleeping 7pm-7am by 12 weeks old. Nor did they get the memo about being ‘happy’ or ‘contented’. Throw the book in the bin. We mean it. Other People’s Opinions Everyone has one and they won’t hold back, from your well-meaning mum to the old lady in Boots who tells you she doesn’t like the name. The health visitor hates the Sleepyhead, your auntie thinks babies sleep better on their fronts, someone at Baby Sensory doesn’t do dummies; people will be desperate to share what they’d do differently. Save yourself some time and ignore all unsolicited advice. Just smile, nod, and do whatever you think is best. How You Should Feed Your Baby This is a biggie. Nothing divides opinion more than breast Vs bottle, and nothing causes more mum-guilt, heartache or emotional strain. Your baby needs feeding, and as long as you’re not taking them to McDonalds for a happy meal at two weeks old, just how you do that is your decision and yours alone. Make your choice and feel good about it. You’re doing great. Losing the Baby Weight For us, the most effective way of getting past a post-partum body wobble is always this: whenever you feel a negative thought about your bod, pick up your baby. Look at their nose, their tiny hands and feet, their beautiful long eyelashes. You made those. Your body grew them from scratch. Nothing could be more amazing so eat the cake and give yourself a break. Hitting Milestones All babies are different and while it’s good to have a rough idea of where they should be, your baby doesn’t know they should be sitting up at six months. They’ll do it when they’re good and ready, so try not to compare to other kids or waste time worrying about why they aren’t walking yet. It’ll come. Making Friends Parenting is an amazing leveller; you’ll never struggle to start a conversation again. Find your tribe, whether that’s at NCT, a TMC event or even online. Even having one other mum to text during the 3am feed is a huge help… and if you’re really stuck, there are apps that can hook you up with someone to do exactly that. Losing Who You Are Becoming a parent changes your life; drastically at first. But after a while you’ll reach a new normal and find that you’re still you. With a bit of planning, you can party again, go to the gym, or wander around the shops for two hours without a pram. Your ambition’s still there and your career too; you can still feel attractive and be a good friend. Take the time to take care of yourself and you’ll be a better parent because of it, we promise. Changing the Nappy Immediately Now there’s a blue line that doesn’t have to change everything. Completely unnecessary. Unless it’s a poo. Tags 5minuteread, newDesign, Yournaptimeknowhow
11 Black Swimsuits That Don’t Make You Feel MumsyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 February 2024 11 Black Swimsuits That Don’t Make You Feel Mumsy Swimwear is another of those things we didn’t expect to change irrevocably once we’d had children – and we’re not just talking about body shape. What passed for secure before there were tiny hands coming at us from all angles may as well be tied on with tissue paper, and even the most modest bikini feels inappropriate in a baby swim class (if you know, you know). A chic black one-piece is our new happy place. With pretty detail and shapes that are sleek but not necessarily sporty, the following are anything but basic. Vista High Neck Swimsuit Sweaty Betty £95 Tiffany Swimsuit Hunza g £195 Eva One piece Youswim 142 Una scallop Swimsuit Monsoon £50 Clare Cut Out Hush £79 Clovelly One piece Monday Swim £180 Ruched Swimsuit Arket £55 Scoop Neck One Piece Skims £88 Ribbed One Piece Solid & Striped £140 One Shoulder Swimsuit Ted Baker £85 Square Neck Swimsuit M&S £15 Tags newDesign
The Best Restaurant Dinner KitsRead More Not much good came out of the pandemic, but one thing that did was at home fine dining via the UK’s best restaurants. Ok you still have to do a… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 6 February 2024 The Best Restaurant Dinner Kits Our Regular Just Eat Order just got an upgrade. The Best Restaurant Dine-At-Home Kits Not much good came out of the pandemic, but one thing that did was at home fine dining via the UK’s best restaurants. Ok you still have to do a bit of cooking but most of the hefty prep is done by top chefs and all you have to do is put it together and serve. Dishpatch – Nationwide Delivery Find out more Dishpatch have been having rave reviews recently – they aim to bring the UK’s best restaurants to your home with exclusive menus delivered across the country. The meals are fully prepared with all cooking and preparation done by top chefs, food is delivered on a Friday, ready to be finished at home. Dozens of high-end restaurants are offering delivery boxes through Dishpatch – including the likes of Angela Harnett, one of our favourites!. The delivery box includes all the ingredients to make this beautiful dish. It’s worth checking the Dishpatch website regularly as restaurant and menu boxes change frequently. Hawksmoor – Nationwide Delivery Find out more Hawksmoor have nine restaurants in the UK (and one in New York!) – they are incredible steakhouses with a real focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. The Hawksmoor at Home delivery boxes have been very successful and frequently sell out. They offer easy-to-make meal kits such as – March: The Fillet Box which includes 2 x British Fillet steaks, Matt Brown’s ultimate oven chips, creamed spinach, peppercorn sauce, sticky toffee pudding, wine, and cocktails! Hawksmoor state that “we’ve worked hard to make our cook-at-home steak boxes as easy and stress-free as possible. Each comes with full instructions and our How to Cook the Perfect Steak guide, along with a QR code to take you to masterclass videos with our Executive Chef, Matt Brown – a former Head Chef of two restaurants with 3 Michelin stars!” Dishoom – Nationwide Delivery Find out more The eternally popular Dishoom is based on the old Irani cafes in Bombay, India. The unique and stylish décor, the scrumptious all-day dining options and fantastic ambience means Dishoom is always packed out. They are now offering one of their most popular dishes for nationwide home-delivery. The famous bacon naan is now available as an ‘at-home’ cookery kit with everything you need to recreate the dish at home. The kit includes two Naan rolls, bacon, tomato chili jam, plus an extra naan dough ball for experimentation (!) – there’s also chai spices and loose-leaf tea so you can recreate the delicious Dishoom chai for two. (A vegan option is also available.) For every kit they sell, they donate a meal to Magic Breakfast – a charity that aims to end hunger as a barrier to education in UK schools. Simon Rogan at Home – Nationwide Delivery Find out more Simon Rogan is probably best known for his restaurant L’Enclume in Cartmel which currently holds two Michelin stars alongside many other prestigious awards. Rogan is known for his innovative dishes and the provenance of the ingredients – his food is quite simply sensational! Simon Rogan at Home offers a three-course ‘at home’ dining experiences as well as special seasonal celebration menus. A fantastic range of extras such as British cheese and bespoke wine pairings can be added to your order. All dining options come with easy-to-follow videos demonstrating how to prepare the dishes. Côte at Home – Nationwide Delivery Find out more Côte Brasserie is the popular restaurant chain found nationwide – they offer relaxed all day dining inspired by the bistros and brasseries of Paris. They serve up French classics made from fantastic quality produce. Their new offering Côte at Home means that you can order the best of French bistro cuisine for your own home. The price range is competitive, and they have a huge variety of options. Delivery is free on all orders (a £40.00 minimum spend is required) and available for delivery nationwide. We are big fans of their luxury and limited editions boxes – try the Après Ski or Seafood boxes. The Apres Ski box includes cheese fondue, Toulouse sausages and lentils, tartiflette and chocolate sauce with lemon meringue for dipping! Delicious! They have also launched a new vegan range that has proved incredibly popular. Tags 5minuteread, newDesign, Yournaptimeknowhow
Cheap Meal Ideas For Under £5Read More When you’re feeling the pinch, it’s really easy to become uninspired. But cooking on a budget doesn’t have to result in pre-made pizza and cheesy beans on toast. There’s a… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 January 2024 Cheap Meal Ideas For Under £5 And no, it’s not Maccy D’s When you’re feeling the pinch, it’s really easy to become uninspired. But cooking on a budget doesn’t have to result in pre-made pizza and cheesy beans on toast. There’s a vast array of options out there – granted a lot of them centre around eggs. But guess what? We’ve rounded up some truly delicious (and thrifty) recipes, to give you the lift you need. Enjoy! Tasty Toad in the Hole An easy win for hungry tums. Serve with lashings of gravy and homemade mash. Recipe 3 Ingredient Pea Soup Vegetable soups are a winner when it comes to saving cash, and this one tops the lot as you don’t even need stock. Recipe Batch it up Bolognese Unless you’re a family of 12, this recipe should see you through around 2-3 separate meals. Recipe Super Cheap Mac n Cheese With change left over to buy and add some bacon, it would be rude not to. Recipe Thrifty Frittata Not only is this cheap but it takes minutes to make, and it’s sooo delish! No beetroot? Peppers and tomatoes work just as well. Recipe Money-Saving Mushroom Risotto A simple, yet delicious dinner that is only £1.57 a serving. Recipe Tags 2minuteread, newDesign, Parktimestrollandscroll
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag.Read More Not all essentials are made the same and we learnt that after the fifth pair of pants we purchased. But these were the best items we bought. They’re not a… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 January 2024 No Comments on What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag. What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag. With a million lists online it’s easy to get lost but these were the best things we packed. The Essentials Not all essentials are made the same and we learnt that after the fifth pair of pants we purchased. But these were the best items we bought. Full Briefs 5 Pack M&S £12 Maternity Bra 2 Pack Marks and Spencer £30 Holdall Changing Bag Tiba and Marl £140 Hazelnut Bites Deliciously Ella £22 Teddy Borg Dressing Gown Next £32 “I packed so many snacks but the one thing that was a saviour for stress and when I got a dry mouth was boiled sweets. I’d never eat them normally but they saved me in labour.” TMC Editor Lydia House Nipple Cream Lansinoh £7.97 Hard Boiled Sweets Ask Mummy and Daddy £6.50 Spritz for Bits my expert midwife. £16.58 (Sale) “A water bottle with a straw is an absolute must and take waterproof sliders for the shower – especially great if you have a c-section and you need to wear compression socks.” TMC Designer, Jen Williamson. Tumbler Stanley £47.80 Slides Adidas £30 Silk Hair Ties Silke London £30 “Tena pants are so much better than the ones the hospital give you. I was also so thankful I packed lip balm as my lips got so dry. ” TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw. Detangle Hair Brush Manta £30 Pad Pants Tena £13.25 Lip Butter Balm Summer Fridays £23 “Forget perfumed washes, you need a gentle fragrance-free shower gel that’s kind to your skin. Baby washes are great for this. And take earplugs, then you can sleep while your partner listens out for the baby.” TMC Co-Founder, Lauren Webber Manual Breast Pump Haakaa £20.79 (Sale) Noise Cancelling Earplugs Loop Earplugs £19.95 Gentle Body Wash Aveeno £7.49 Little Luxuries They’re not a spa break but these items will make you feel so much better after birth. “A soft large towel will feel like the biggest pamper post-shower. And treat yourself to a new nightie that’s soft on your bod and bits.” TMC Co-Founder, Jess Lawes Stripe Cotton Bath Sheet Piglet in Bed £29 (Sale) Modal Nightshirt Chelsea Peers £24.70 (Sale) “Take in a few luxuries, like a new moisturiser or a nice dry shampoo. A face mist is also so good for hot hospital skin. The little things will perk you up post-birth.” TMC Marketing Manager, Charlie Rooney Youthbomb Repair Cream Beauty Pie £49 (Member Price) Dry Shampoo Living proof. £27.50 Mineralizing Thermal Spa Water Vichy £9 Things That Will Make you Feel More Comfortable “Take a portable fan in – no matter the weather! Because you will be hot! And I’d take in your pregnancy pillow, so you’re extra comfortable or for your partner to use in their very awkward visitors chair.” TMC Brand Partnerships Ast, Andi Venardos Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan Gaiatop £14.99 Pregnancy Pillow bbhugme £153 Postpartum Recovery Kit Frida Mom £89.99 Going Home Get yourself some comfy going home clothes that make you feel good. A jumpsuit or loose trousers and comfy sliders for the win. Socks 3 Pack H&M £9.99 Poppy Jumpsuit Beyond Nine £89 Borg Arizona Sandals Birkenstock £170 For Baby Forget buttons, zip sleep suits are by far the easiest style to navigate. Pack a soft blanket you’ll treasure for ever and a sh*t load of basics. Yes, you can go for prints but baby whites and creams will forever be our favourite look. Clever Zip Sleepsuit Mori £29.25 (Sale) Baby Blanket The White Company £34 Cotton Hats H&M £4.99 Fleece Romper The White Company £16 (Sale) Nappies Size 1 Bambo Nature £5.20 Short Sleeve Bodysuits M&S £10 Tags newDesign
How to Exercise When You Have Diastasis RectiRead More Around 60% of women experience it after birth. But how do you know if you have it? And how can you exercise safely? We spoke to Pre and postnatal fitness… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 21 August 2023 How to Exercise When You Have Diastasis Recti Around 60% of women experience it after birth. But how do you know if you have it? And how can you exercise safely? We spoke to Pre and postnatal fitness specialist, Hollie Grant of The Bump Plan, to get her expert tips. What is Diastasis Recti? Even though it sounds very technical, it is very common and natural and it is when the muscles in your stomach separate in order to make space for your growing baby. How do you know if you have Diastasis Recti? After you have had your baby, you can check the size of the separation with this simple technique. Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your shoulders off the floor slightly and look down at your tummy. Using the tips of your fingers, feel between the edges of the muscles, above and below your belly button. See how many fingers you can fit into the gap between your muscles. Ideally your doctor will examine you for DR in your six-week check-up, but it’s not unknown for this to be missed and it’s always worth checking yourself at home or book in with a women’s health physio for a post natal MOT and they will give you essential advice for recovery. *Advice from NHSUK How to Exercise with Diastasis Recti? Pre and postnatal fitness specialist, Hollie Grant says, “When you’ve recovered from birth, unless you’ve been advised not to, you can still move and exercise with a Diastasis Recti. Staying physically active is vital for our physical and mental health, so here are some tips on how to move safely with these conditions.” Tips for moving safely with diastasis recti Understand core pressure “When we move, we create a certain amount of pressure in the core, and how we manage that pressure can help us manage our symptoms. For example, if we are doing an exercise that causes lots of pressure to our Linea Alba called Doming (this may look like your tummy going pointy) we may want to regress the exercise a little until we can better manage that pressure.” Listen to your body “How does it feel after exercise? Do your symptoms feel worse post exercise? If so, you may be overdoing it or need to work at a lower intensity or shorter duration initially before gradually building your way up.” Work closely with your GP or Physio “It’s important you request support from your healthcare provider – staying active is so beneficial and they should be able to help support you in doing so.” Do your pelvic floor exercises “With the exception of those who have a tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor, most women will benefit from some pelvic floor exercises (also referred to as Kegels). These will help build strength in the pelvic floor, which can help with both DRA and Prolapse symptoms.” Learn to move well “I would say technique is really important for all activities, but particularly when working with a diastasis. Really think about how your body moves, when you feel pressure on your pelvic floor or Linea Alba, whether you are leaking during certain moves, how you feel afterwards, and how to maintain good form when exercising. It can really help to ensure we are managing load well and creating some good habits that are transferable to everyday life.” Tags body, Diastasis Recti, fitness, health, newDesign Stylish Solutions for Storing Your Kid’s CrapRead More No matter how long you hold out, the plastic will come. You think it won’t, but just like the iPad you said you’d never use in a restaurant, nothing ever… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 23 May 2023 No matter how long you hold out, the plastic will come. You think it won’t, but just like the iPad you said you’d never use in a restaurant, nothing ever works out the way you planned it. And if you don’t buy it. Then Grandma will. So here are some beautiful ways to store it. Aykasa £24.50 H&M £24.99 John Lewis £40 Ikea £50 Mustard Made £319 Zara £69.99 Edit 58 £85 Zara £69.99 Grimms £48.99 GLTC £88 (Sale) Play & Go £33 H&M £69.99 H&M £22.99 Buddy & Hope £21 Gimars £14.99 Little Dutch £53.96 Ikea £45 Graham & Green £38 Tags 2minuteread, newDesign Learnings From A Year As A First Time MumRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 20 July 2022 Learnings From A Year As A First Time Mum A Bedtime Routine Will Almost Break You (But Then It Will Set You Free) It’ll feel like Groundhog Day for at least twelve months, but once that babe is in a bedtime routine you’ll thank yourself for sticking it out. A year of routine for a lifetime of nights to yourself? Worth it. If They Don’t Sleep In The Day, They’ll Be Ok You’ll think everyone else has cracked it, but if your mum mates are driving around in their 4X4’s all day, it’s probably because the baby won’t nap without it. Seriously, don’t spend an entire day trying to get them to sleep. Get them up, play with them, do what you need to do and eventually they’ll conk out. A day here and there won’t ruin your routine, and it’s really not worth the stress. Baby TV & Toast Will Save You In Almost Every Situation Don’t fight it. It Will Take At Least A Year (maybe more) To Feel ‘Normal’ It’ll take at least a year until you feel like you’ve got your shit together. And if you don’t ever feel like you do, that’s ok too! Rely On Your Partner When You Can Learn to let go. Your partner will have their own style (which will probably send you wild) but everyone will survive and you’ll get some ‘me’ time (/sleep). Think Smart With Deliveroo We learnt this the hard way. When you fill in your order, ask your Deliveroo driver not to ring the doorbell but to call you on arrival instead. Sleeping baby and a fed mum. Never Underestimate The Power Of A Shower Whether it’s a restless newborn or a non-napping toddler, pop them in their cot with something to stare at for five minutes and jump into the shower. Drench yourself in hot soapy water, shake off whatever happened the night before and push the restart button. Do this every morning. You’ll feel great for it. No Housework Needs To Happen Right Now Really. Get Fresh Air Every Day, Even When It’s Raining Wrap up warm (but not too warm for you; walking with a baby works up quite a sweat) and get out, even if it’s just to the local Co-Op to pick up supplies for an afternoon in. Small goals, big wins. Never Be Without Calpol, Nespresso Capsules, Wine Or Chocolate Bulk buying these is your new survival skill. Baby Wipes Will Wipe Away Most Things You’ll miss them one day. They Don’t Need More Toys Buy yourself something nice and let them play with the packaging instead. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Again, really. COOK will save you For the days when you’re not feeling terribly Nigella, load the freezer with some smart ready meals (COOK even do them for babies). You’ll end the day with everyone fed and watered and if your MIL swings by, you can even pass them off as your own. You Will Forget The Birth Even if it nearly killed you, it will blur. Pay For The Help You Need It takes a village, and sometimes you have to pay for it; especially if there’s no family nearby. If you can afford it, get the help. You Will Never Know Love Like It Never have we loved (or been loved in return) quite like this – except by our own mums. Your heart will burst daily with unexplainable, unconditional love. Every tear, every hour of missed sleep (yours and theirs), every teething tantrum, every pregnancy ache and pain. You’ll look into their eyes and it will all melt away. The Internet Will Save You Netflix at 3am, WhatsApp at 4am and Instagram at 5am. This is the year the internet will help you more than you could ever imagine. You Will Gain A Whole New Perspective The trivial things you once worried about will vanish: your awful commute/bad tempered manager/broken coffee machine/chubby thighs (well they don’t vanish but…). You’ll start looking at the world in a much bigger picture – the things that really worry you will be the ones that impact your kids and their future, not which size pants you can squeeze yourself into. And somewhere in all of this is remembering to prioritise yourself from time to time, which is another great learning – and perhaps the most important one of all to hold onto. You’ll Love The First Year A Lot More Looking Back At It Can’t see why others celebrate that first year birthday so much? It’s because you made it! The celebration is for you not the baby. Tags Bedtimebrowse, newDesign Things We Wish We Had Discussed As a Couple Before Having a BabyRead More You might think that the decision to have a baby is the biggest one you’ll ever make. But you’d be wrong. Starting a family sets a multiple of other critical… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 December 2021 Things We Wish We Had Discussed As a Couple Before Having a Baby You might think that the decision to have a baby is the biggest one you’ll ever make. But you’d be wrong. Starting a family sets a multiple of other critical decisions in motion, all to be made before you’ve quite grasped the impact of the last. It’s important then, to make sure you’re on the same page as your other half – but this is a conversation to be had while you’re awake, lucid and not harbouring a motherlode of resentment (ie before you’ve even made that baby). It’ll hurt, but it’s worth it… Can We Afford One? It reportedly costs an average £150,000 to raise a child to the age of 18, and we’d estimate about 50% of that goes on nursery fees alone. Having a kid means sacrificing all of the nice things, like four city breaks a year and your pricey Net-a-Porter habit. Statutory maternity pay wouldn’t keep most kids in Ella’s Kitchen pouches, so it’s a good idea to think about how you plan to fund your new venture. Will You Go Back To Work? When you first give birth it’s impossible to imagine being parted from your little bundle of joy but give it seven months and you might find you’ve developed a nervous twitch every time you hear the first three chords of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Before your partner finds you camped out on the doorstep at 5pm desperately waiting for some adult conversation, it’s good to have a rough plan for if/when you’d like to go back to work. Which leads inevitably to the next question…. Who Will Look After It? Nursery? In-Laws? Au-Pair? Looking after a kid post-maternity leave is 10% parenting, 90% logistics. The weekly childcare schedule is like a giant game of Jenga, it just one brick to be taken out with Norovirus and the whole thing comes tumbling down. Unless you want to find yourself in a screaming match over whose afternoon meeting is more important, you’ll need a plan with more resilience than a nuclear power station. How Will You Discipline Them? Who’ll end up playing Bad Cop? We’ll tell you right now, it’s not the absolute charlatan who’ll let them eat ice cream for breakfast if they can watch Football Focus in peace. Where Will They Go To School? Someone will want them to have ‘the best possible education regardless of the cost’, someone will bring politics into the issue. It’s a conversation that could get personal so be prepared. How Many Kids Do You Actually Want? If someone else want a five-a-side football team, ask how many they’re planning to push out of their genitals. Start negotiations low with just one kid. Anything more than that seems like a win. How Can You Protect Our Relationship? It’s ironic that nothing can single-handedly destroy your relationship quite like producing a miniature version of yourselves. You’re stressed, you’re knackered, and your poor vagina has been through enough. Get a solid plan in place pre-baby and there’s a 50 percent chance you’ll keep your kid (and your relationship) alive. Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign Quick Beauty Fixes That’ll Make It Seem Like You Made A lot Of EffortRead More Once upon a time if all you wanted from the weekend was to drink a boatload of tea in a Hush onesie, you could do it. Since then, the Life… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 December 2021 Quick Beauty Fixes That’ll Make It Seem Like You Made A lot Of Effort Once upon a time if all you wanted from the weekend was to drink a boatload of tea in a Hush onesie, you could do it. Since then, the Life of Mum has injected other more challenging itineraries into our lives (playdates to go to, parks to see) and so we need some quick fixes in our lives that feign to the outside world that we totally have our s**t together. Take five minutes to throw some of this in the air and walk through it. Ok, not quite. But it’s almost that easy… Wow Root Cover Up £29.50 Ah Color Wow Root Cover Up; why do we love you so much more than others on the market? Firstly, this is completely mess-free, which is something you can’t say for tinted aerosol sprays. More like make-up application in fact, with a handy compact and brush you can use to touch up your roots on the go – have one in your handbag ready for the moment you notice those unwanted greys rearing their ugly heads in your car mirror (we blame natural daylight.). Secondly, the blonde shade lightens even dark hair – which is no mean feat. Thirdly, it’s water resistant so lasts until you wash it out, yet doesn’t contain any waxes and so won’t weigh your hair down or make it feel greasy. In our book, a total winner. Buy now Tan- Luxe Gradual Drops £36 Joyous as modern tanning products are (hello Tan-Luxe gradual drops!), keeping a consistent colour going takes quite some focus. For days you’ve left it just too late, this is a liquidised version of the brand’s cult powdered bronzer. It doesn’t require precise application – even less than applying your foundation, in fact. Just slap on a small amount after your moisturiser and blend it over your face and neck for an instant healthy healthy-looking glow. It’s super lightweight so no one will know you’re wearing it, and it lasts all day. Buy now Living Proof dry shampoo £22 We were particularly gutted recently to discover that one of our favourite ever quick fixes (Christophe Robin Hair Finish Lotion, which uses the cleansing power of vinegar to reboot unwashed and neglected hair) had been discontinued. We’ve managed to move on thanks to Living Proof, which makes a brilliant dry shampoo that’s more like an instant cleanse rather than a thick and drying Batiste-style spray. The silicone-free formulation absorbs oil and sweat, doesn’t leave hair with an unsightly powdery residue, and smells deliciously fresh all day due to time-release fragrance. Buy now Yves Saint Laurent Rosewood Supreme £31 In the beauty biz there is a something known as the “Lipstick Index”, which is the correlation between a negative economy and positive lipstick sales. Basically, when the going gets tough, we buy more lipstick. If you aren’t a lipstick lover already, try giving it a go – a little pop of colour really does make you feel better and can even detract from the under-eye bags. Ease yourself in with a lightweight cheek and lip colour that you can carry with you and top up throughout the day (Bobbi Brown’s are pretty and wearable), or pick a long-wearing option to cut down the upkeep. Buy now Glossier Boy Brow Some of us can’t leave the house without having done our brows and yes, haven’t seen the inside of a salon in ages but bare with! Who needs a brow tint when you can just whack on Boy Brow and be ready to take on the world! No, really, it’s that good. This brow pomade can very easily be used on it’s own to fluff up, colour and leave you with insatntly groomed brows. Buy Now Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products. Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign The Best Personalised Jewellery BrandsRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Sentimental? Tick. Personalised? Tick. Future family heirloom? Tick. We’re practically… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 28 November 2021 The Best Personalised Jewellery Brands All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Sentimental? Tick. Personalised? Tick. Future family heirloom? Tick. We’re practically dripping in our children’s initials at TMC, because when names are years in the making (ok, sometimes decades) they should be celebrated, right? We’ll take initial jewellery as a push present but we’re just as happy to buy our own, so here’s an edit you can bookmark for your own use or send to your significant other right now. And if you’re still choosing the name, nothing speeds up the process quite like diamonds… Loquet £795 Annoushka £595 Aurum & Grey £145 Otiumberg £180 £79 Timeless Pearly £112 Otiumberg £175 Alex Monroe £105+ Dinny Hall £345 Liberty £425 Abbott Lyon £49 Missoma £135 Shay £1420 Rachel Jackson £55 Roxanne Assoulin £50 Carolina Bucci £4210 Stone & Strand £155 Tags 1minuteread, learnontheloo, newDesign Things We Wish We’d Known About HospitalRead More Ready to pack your hospital bag? Maybe you’re a keen bean and did it weeks ago. Either way, when the big day approaches, you’ll have a gazillion grows at the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 November 2021 Things We Wish We’d Known About Hospital Ready to pack your hospital bag? Maybe you’re a keen bean and did it weeks ago. Either way, when the big day approaches, you’ll have a gazillion grows at the ready. But one subject many people skip over is how you might feel after labour and what you might want. Yes, a medal would be nice. But we wish we’d known the following things before we gave birth. Hospital food is BAD In the weeks running up to birth your snack bag (aka your personal tuck shop) will have to be restocked at least three times before you make it to hospital *it’s the best thing about labour. However, it’s likely that you won’t eat much of it during the actual deed. Granted, sweets and energy bars were our saviour, but after birth, you’ll crave something more substantial. Hospital food is beyond rank and the memory of our sad shrivelled sausages and dried out mash still makes us wince. Plus, you have to wait for the allotted serving times to get your ghastly fill. Pack yourself a cool bag containing a celebratory ‘post-birth sandwich’, some savoury crispbreads and general treats that are off-limits for labour (we’re talking to you birth-partners!). Because trust us when the hunger comes, it comes quickly, and sometimes there’s no option to order in. Take some laxatives Whether you have a C-section or a natural birth, going for a poo post-labour is never easy. Your hospital should give you some, but you might need some extra help, so take some laxatives with you or prune juice, just in case. Buy Now You need to ask for help It can be daunting to know what to do with the little slugs once they arrive. Even if you’ve read all the books, you’re still a bit ahhh! And to top it off, you’re also bloody exhausted. But guess what? You’re not expected to know everything. Why would you? Midwives look after babies every day, it’s their job, and they have tons of knowledge to pass on. Hell, they’ll even take your baby for a few hours if you’re desperate for a kip. The only catch is you have to speak up. Don’t ever feel like a failure, because you’re an absolute blimmin hero. If you need help, then ask for it! Take your own pull up pants The ones the hospital give you are similar to a hairnet. They’re fiddly to pull up and you also have to negotiate putting a massive pad in them. No thank you. Take the ones that look like nappies instead. Ok, they’re not chic in any of the ways they claim, but they’re so much better. We also found them weirdly comforting, but that might just be us. Buy Now It’s bloody hot Wondering what to wear after birth? Hospitals run hot, so take lots of layers to control your temperature and pack a portable fan, if you have space. Depending on your birth, you might have to wear long compression stockings after labour. Unsurprisingly they will make you feel warmer, and the idea of pairing them with fluffy slippers almost makes us shudder. Cooler flip flops could be another shoe option on your list, mainly for walks to the shower, but negotiating a sock and shoe thong combo is pretty impossible. Save yourself some time and effort and pack some sliders instead. Buy Now Your shower will save you It will feel like heaven and hell all at the same time, but once it’s over, you’ll feel a million times better. Our top tip! Use a baby wash as it will be more caring for your sore bits. Buy Now See the positives of staying in It varies how long are you in hospital after birth. Everyone wants to get home as soon as they can and being kept in is pretty rubbish tbf. But it’s not all bad, as the longer you stay in, the more help you can get on those daunting first days. Ever heard new parents say they got home and were like ‘what now?’. Well, if you stay in there are experts on-hand who can answer those questions in an instant. From breastfeeding specialists to midwives with a wealth of knowledge, you’ll return home feeling grateful but also completely clued-up. Ask Q’s about your situation We’re not advising you to be a pain in the arse, but medical staff can sometimes be very vague about what’s going. Even if you’re told and forget. Remember that you are allowed to ask (at any time!) what tests are being done and what they’re waiting to receive before you can be released. They won’t give you arnica Arnica can aid healing and is widely known to help with bruising. It is also recommended to take after surgery to speed up the recovery process. However, it is a homoeopathic remedy, meaning that the hospital won’t have any. So, if it’s something you want to use, make sure you pack your own. Ask for the strongest painkillers you can Adrenaline will make sure you can look after the baby, but the drugs will look after you. They take your maternity notes Your midwife will repeatedly tell you to pack your notes, and they’re probably rammed in a big folder with the rest of your pregnancy paperwork. Beloved baby photos in there too? Take them out now, because after birth your notes become hospital property, and you’ll be super sad if the scan photos disappear with them. Pack what you like Trust us. The hospitals have seen it all. You will no way be the biggest diva they’ve seen, so if you want to take something that will make you feel more comfortable, then take it. You won’t ever be annoyed about what you took and didn’t use, but you might be miffed about that the thing you left. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign Everything You’ll Need For Your First BabyRead More So you’re about to have a baby and haven’t got a clue what to buy? As with pretty much everything to do with becoming a mum there’s a lot of… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 September 2021 Everything You’ll Need For Your First Baby And tips we’ve picked up along the way. So you’re about to have a baby and haven’t got a clue what to buy? As with pretty much everything to do with becoming a mum there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything we genuinely used and loved at TMC – and with five babies between us, that’s a lot of trial, error and real life advice. We’ve also included a downloadable PDF list which you can print and tick off as you shop. Travel Car seat & ISOfix You can’t leave hospital without it so this is a big one. Our greatest cash saving advice is to scour the baby shows for pram/car seat bundles and do your ‘ISOFIX’ research, so the system you buy now (the second image) will also work with the next car seat up (yes, you’ll go through a few in the coming years). Good stores will fit the car seat for you and show you how to do it properly. Pushchair As you’ve probably seen by now we’re big fans of the BabyZen Yoyo at TMC, and wish we hadn’t spent a grand on a heavy duty first pram only to change it for this lightweight stroller six months; it has a newborn attachment we could have used from the get-go. If and when a second one comes along you can attach a toddler-friendly buggy board at the back for your toddlers, and add an extra-large bag for your shopping. Our vote for city living and any kind of travel. Baby Sling It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to spend £350 on a baby sling, but they are so pretty! The resale value holds its own on these beauties, and we’d recommend a sling over a carrier to start with, so you can keep that baby close. Travel Cot Not everyone needs one of these but as we both love to travel, and regularly take the kids to our parents’ we used ours a lot – it really did help us get more sleep whenever we were away. If you do get one, consider an extra-long one, which don’t get outgrown quite as quickly. Also, invest in a mattress topper, Travel cots just aren’t comfortable without one. Backpack-style Changing Bag If we had our time again neither of us would buy a holdall – it’s just something else to…well, hold! Seriously, go straight for a backpack and choose one that looks good, as you’ll be carrying it for the next three to five years. Fortunately, the world has caught up with that fact and there are plenty of bags worth investing a little bit more in. Sleeping Crib We found that the Chico Next2Me is by far the easiest crib to use. It attaches to the side of your bed, so you don’t have to go far when it’s time for a night feed. When you do want to move them a little further away, just unattached it and zip up the fourth side. Genius. It comes in a few colours too, so don’t panic Mrs Hinch – it will totally go with your decor. Comforters & Dummies You’ll receive so many of these at the beginning: use them all and rotate them regularly, so your baby doesn’t get attached to one single toy that you have to boil wash every time they drop it down the nearest drain. Hard when this Jellycat elephant is the softest thing ever (yes, you’ll get attached to them to) but we promise it’s worth it. As for dummies, we both used them up to the two-year mark or thereabouts. They helped our babies settle, and stopped them from using their bottles (or us!) as makeshift pacifiers. The glow in the dark kind come highly recommended by both of us – no more scrabbling around in the middle of the night! Swaddle Bag/Grow Bag Our tip here is to not to even try swaddling with muslins; we found it so hard to wrap our babies into tight (but not too tight) burritos especially after a midnight feed, and they always broke free in the end. So get a swaddle bag, and when they grow out of that get a grow bag with sleeves, as babies get cold at night and like to be snuggled up as much as we do. Camera Monitor & Room temperature On that note, a thermometer will help you wrap them up for the right conditions. A good baby monitor should have a thermometer on it but if it doesn’t this Gro egg is very handy. Bathing Baby Bath or Seat We used both. The tub is much easier when they’re very little and you don’t want to do gymnastics round the bath to keep them in one place. But they both work just as well. Towel/Oilatum/Baby Grooming Kit/Thermometer Changing Nappies & Wipes Hear us out: reusable nappies have come a long way. We both used them and found they saved us money in the long run and made us feel better about the impact our families were having on the environment. If disposables are more your bag, hit up Aldi right from the start; their nappies are a third of the price of most other brands and they sell in bulk. Both of these are God’s gift to nappy rash.. and if your kids are anything like ours it turns into a warzone down there the minute they start teething. Metanium is wonderstuff and Sudocrem doubles up as a great blemish-busting face mask for grown-ups! Nappy Bin Not essential, but when your newborn leaks liquid poo for the billionth time that day you’ll be glad you can stash those nappies (or disposable liners, if you’re on the natural nappy train) away quickly. We bought two each – one for upstairs, one for downstairs – and never regretted it. Steriliser & Bottle Kit / Perfect Prep Machine So easy Clothes Short Sleeved Vests Next do the best ones! Long sleeved baby grows Again Next are great quality but if you want to spend a little extra there is nothing softer than Mori! Scratch Mits Especially when they are tiny All in one pram suit This really depends on the time of year your baby is due, but however old they are when their first winter comes around, one if these is worth a purchase. Don’t spend too much money though, they don’t wear them for very long. Muslins You’ll need a lot of these. A lot. And big ones too. They’re great for breast feeding (covering up and mopping up) and as blankets or sunshades. Get a few lovely ones and lots of cheap white ones which can all go in the wash at the same time. Cellular Blankets Breastfeeding Nipple Cream Doubles up as lip balm. Woohoo! Nursing Pads Breast Pump Did you know you can rent breast pumps! Rather than shelling out the cost. Nursing pillow We got the BBHUGME to help us sleep during pregnancy and continued to use them as supportive feeding pillows. Nursing / Comfortable bras H&M do the best maternity bras. And who wants to paying a lot of money on something you’ll never want to see again after a year of wearing them! After Birth Maternity Pants Tena is your best friend. Large Cotton Kickers M&S high waisted Painkillers Lots of comfortable PJS The night sweats are real. Netflix Subscription The Mum Club Membership For those 3am reads. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign 10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn BabyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 September 2021 10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn Baby You’ve got home from the hospital, you’re overjoyed with emotion, and then it suddenly hits you. What the hell do I do with this baby? And there it starts, the continual daily Google search, asking questions like; Do newborn babies need baths? And can you hold them too much? So, to save you some time in your searches, we’ve collated the top ten things parents ask after they bring their baby home. You’re welcome. Do they know who their Mum is? Looking after a newborn baby is hard, and some days you’re like, ‘I’m doing all this work for you, and I’m not sure you even know who I am?’ It might not seem like it, but they 100% recognise that you’re their Mum. Newborns know your smell and voice from the minute they’re born and studies show that they can also register your face after just a few days. Another concern some women wonder is if their baby can forget them. This is a completely normal question that lots of people ask. But please don’t fret, even if you have to spend some time apart, they will always remember your voice and smell, and you will be able to bond whenever the time comes. Can you hold your newborn too much? One of the best things about having a baby is all the lovely cuddles you get. And the good news is, you can’t do it enough. It’s actually essential to a baby’s development and helps them grow mentally and physically. What happens if you yell at a newborn, and can they sense frustration? Sleep deprivation paired with a baby that won’t stop crying will put anyone at the end of their tether. It’s ok to feel frustrated but getting worked up isn’t going to help anyone. Babies won’t remember you being upset, but they can pick up on your emotional state, and if they’re in your arms, they’ll feel the negativity in their bodies. So, take a breather. Ask someone else to help you and If you’re on your own, put your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and walk away so you can compose yourself. Take a few minutes, cry if you need to, and then once you’ve regrouped go back in. We have all felt like this, you are not alone, and the moment will pass. If it keeps happening and you feel overwhelmed, try and get some rest or go for a walk to get some fresh air and chat to a family member or friend about how you’re feeling, you’re not failing, you just need some help, and that’s normal. Top tip: Got some earplugs? When trying to soothe their baby, some people put in headphones or earplugs to soften the noise, making it easier to cope. Can I kiss my newborn? “Of course, you can kiss your newborn!” Says antennal experts Blossom Antenatal. It is one of the biggest signs of love and affection that you can show your newborn. It also helps babies grow mentally, physically and psychologically, as it stimulates responses in the brain. Blossom Antenatal add, “Kissing should only ever be avoided if you have an active infectious disease. An example of this would be Herpes simplex, which can be dangerous for babies, so no kissing from you or any relative when you have a cold sore.” Can you take a 1-week-old baby outside? When you’re ready for a walk, getting some fresh air is a great idea for both you and your baby. Go steady though, the phrase ‘baby steps’ will apply to both you and your newborn for quite a lot of things over the next few months, so don’t rush it, remember you’re still healing, so head out for short walks at first and then build it up. Should you pick up your baby every time it cries? There’s nothing wrong with constantly picking up your baby when it’s teeny tiny, they are such precious little slugs and crying is how they tell you something’s up. And yep, it happens a LOT in the beginning, but it doesn’t last forever. As they grow and routines start to form, it gets a lot easier, and you tend to know what is up before the tears start to roll, well, most of the time. Can I hold my newborn when it’s sleeping? Yes, please do! It’s so lovely when they fall asleep on you, and you must enjoy those magical moments. Still, it is also important to put them down to snooze, not only so that you can have a break, but also, so they recognise that sleepy time happens in their bed and not just in Mummy or Daddy’s arms. Can I give a newborn water? It’s not advised to give newborns water, as it can make them feel full and decline the milk and nutrients that they need. Babies stay hydrated from milk, so if it’s hot and you’re breastfeeding they’ll either ask for more, or you can offer it. If they’re formula-fed and it’s very warm, then you can offer water as well as milk but make sure you do it after milk feeds and boil and cool the water before giving it to them. When do I bath my newborn? You do not need to bathe your baby in the first few days, and most parents prefer to top and tail by carefully washing their face, neck, hands and bottom. Usually, the best time to bath is when the umbilical cord comes off. Choose a time when your baby is awake and happy and make sure the room is nice and warm and lay out all the bits beforehand, so you stay nice and calm. You’ll need a bowl of warm water (or a baby bath) a nice fluffy towel, cotton wool, a nappy and some clean clothes. When can a baby see? Newborns can detect black, white and grey colours and focus on objects that are approximately 8-10 inches away from their face. As they get to two months old, they can see up to 18 inches away, and by three months they start to see colours and reach out for things that they see. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign Posts navigation ← Newer Posts1 2 3 Older Posts →
Stylish Solutions for Storing Your Kid’s CrapRead More No matter how long you hold out, the plastic will come. You think it won’t, but just like the iPad you said you’d never use in a restaurant, nothing ever… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 23 May 2023 No matter how long you hold out, the plastic will come. You think it won’t, but just like the iPad you said you’d never use in a restaurant, nothing ever works out the way you planned it. And if you don’t buy it. Then Grandma will. So here are some beautiful ways to store it. Aykasa £24.50 H&M £24.99 John Lewis £40 Ikea £50 Mustard Made £319 Zara £69.99 Edit 58 £85 Zara £69.99 Grimms £48.99 GLTC £88 (Sale) Play & Go £33 H&M £69.99 H&M £22.99 Buddy & Hope £21 Gimars £14.99 Little Dutch £53.96 Ikea £45 Graham & Green £38 Tags 2minuteread, newDesign
Learnings From A Year As A First Time MumRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 20 July 2022 Learnings From A Year As A First Time Mum A Bedtime Routine Will Almost Break You (But Then It Will Set You Free) It’ll feel like Groundhog Day for at least twelve months, but once that babe is in a bedtime routine you’ll thank yourself for sticking it out. A year of routine for a lifetime of nights to yourself? Worth it. If They Don’t Sleep In The Day, They’ll Be Ok You’ll think everyone else has cracked it, but if your mum mates are driving around in their 4X4’s all day, it’s probably because the baby won’t nap without it. Seriously, don’t spend an entire day trying to get them to sleep. Get them up, play with them, do what you need to do and eventually they’ll conk out. A day here and there won’t ruin your routine, and it’s really not worth the stress. Baby TV & Toast Will Save You In Almost Every Situation Don’t fight it. It Will Take At Least A Year (maybe more) To Feel ‘Normal’ It’ll take at least a year until you feel like you’ve got your shit together. And if you don’t ever feel like you do, that’s ok too! Rely On Your Partner When You Can Learn to let go. Your partner will have their own style (which will probably send you wild) but everyone will survive and you’ll get some ‘me’ time (/sleep). Think Smart With Deliveroo We learnt this the hard way. When you fill in your order, ask your Deliveroo driver not to ring the doorbell but to call you on arrival instead. Sleeping baby and a fed mum. Never Underestimate The Power Of A Shower Whether it’s a restless newborn or a non-napping toddler, pop them in their cot with something to stare at for five minutes and jump into the shower. Drench yourself in hot soapy water, shake off whatever happened the night before and push the restart button. Do this every morning. You’ll feel great for it. No Housework Needs To Happen Right Now Really. Get Fresh Air Every Day, Even When It’s Raining Wrap up warm (but not too warm for you; walking with a baby works up quite a sweat) and get out, even if it’s just to the local Co-Op to pick up supplies for an afternoon in. Small goals, big wins. Never Be Without Calpol, Nespresso Capsules, Wine Or Chocolate Bulk buying these is your new survival skill. Baby Wipes Will Wipe Away Most Things You’ll miss them one day. They Don’t Need More Toys Buy yourself something nice and let them play with the packaging instead. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Again, really. COOK will save you For the days when you’re not feeling terribly Nigella, load the freezer with some smart ready meals (COOK even do them for babies). You’ll end the day with everyone fed and watered and if your MIL swings by, you can even pass them off as your own. You Will Forget The Birth Even if it nearly killed you, it will blur. Pay For The Help You Need It takes a village, and sometimes you have to pay for it; especially if there’s no family nearby. If you can afford it, get the help. You Will Never Know Love Like It Never have we loved (or been loved in return) quite like this – except by our own mums. Your heart will burst daily with unexplainable, unconditional love. Every tear, every hour of missed sleep (yours and theirs), every teething tantrum, every pregnancy ache and pain. You’ll look into their eyes and it will all melt away. The Internet Will Save You Netflix at 3am, WhatsApp at 4am and Instagram at 5am. This is the year the internet will help you more than you could ever imagine. You Will Gain A Whole New Perspective The trivial things you once worried about will vanish: your awful commute/bad tempered manager/broken coffee machine/chubby thighs (well they don’t vanish but…). You’ll start looking at the world in a much bigger picture – the things that really worry you will be the ones that impact your kids and their future, not which size pants you can squeeze yourself into. And somewhere in all of this is remembering to prioritise yourself from time to time, which is another great learning – and perhaps the most important one of all to hold onto. You’ll Love The First Year A Lot More Looking Back At It Can’t see why others celebrate that first year birthday so much? It’s because you made it! The celebration is for you not the baby. Tags Bedtimebrowse, newDesign
Things We Wish We Had Discussed As a Couple Before Having a BabyRead More You might think that the decision to have a baby is the biggest one you’ll ever make. But you’d be wrong. Starting a family sets a multiple of other critical… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 December 2021 Things We Wish We Had Discussed As a Couple Before Having a Baby You might think that the decision to have a baby is the biggest one you’ll ever make. But you’d be wrong. Starting a family sets a multiple of other critical decisions in motion, all to be made before you’ve quite grasped the impact of the last. It’s important then, to make sure you’re on the same page as your other half – but this is a conversation to be had while you’re awake, lucid and not harbouring a motherlode of resentment (ie before you’ve even made that baby). It’ll hurt, but it’s worth it… Can We Afford One? It reportedly costs an average £150,000 to raise a child to the age of 18, and we’d estimate about 50% of that goes on nursery fees alone. Having a kid means sacrificing all of the nice things, like four city breaks a year and your pricey Net-a-Porter habit. Statutory maternity pay wouldn’t keep most kids in Ella’s Kitchen pouches, so it’s a good idea to think about how you plan to fund your new venture. Will You Go Back To Work? When you first give birth it’s impossible to imagine being parted from your little bundle of joy but give it seven months and you might find you’ve developed a nervous twitch every time you hear the first three chords of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Before your partner finds you camped out on the doorstep at 5pm desperately waiting for some adult conversation, it’s good to have a rough plan for if/when you’d like to go back to work. Which leads inevitably to the next question…. Who Will Look After It? Nursery? In-Laws? Au-Pair? Looking after a kid post-maternity leave is 10% parenting, 90% logistics. The weekly childcare schedule is like a giant game of Jenga, it just one brick to be taken out with Norovirus and the whole thing comes tumbling down. Unless you want to find yourself in a screaming match over whose afternoon meeting is more important, you’ll need a plan with more resilience than a nuclear power station. How Will You Discipline Them? Who’ll end up playing Bad Cop? We’ll tell you right now, it’s not the absolute charlatan who’ll let them eat ice cream for breakfast if they can watch Football Focus in peace. Where Will They Go To School? Someone will want them to have ‘the best possible education regardless of the cost’, someone will bring politics into the issue. It’s a conversation that could get personal so be prepared. How Many Kids Do You Actually Want? If someone else want a five-a-side football team, ask how many they’re planning to push out of their genitals. Start negotiations low with just one kid. Anything more than that seems like a win. How Can You Protect Our Relationship? It’s ironic that nothing can single-handedly destroy your relationship quite like producing a miniature version of yourselves. You’re stressed, you’re knackered, and your poor vagina has been through enough. Get a solid plan in place pre-baby and there’s a 50 percent chance you’ll keep your kid (and your relationship) alive. Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign
Quick Beauty Fixes That’ll Make It Seem Like You Made A lot Of EffortRead More Once upon a time if all you wanted from the weekend was to drink a boatload of tea in a Hush onesie, you could do it. Since then, the Life… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 December 2021 Quick Beauty Fixes That’ll Make It Seem Like You Made A lot Of Effort Once upon a time if all you wanted from the weekend was to drink a boatload of tea in a Hush onesie, you could do it. Since then, the Life of Mum has injected other more challenging itineraries into our lives (playdates to go to, parks to see) and so we need some quick fixes in our lives that feign to the outside world that we totally have our s**t together. Take five minutes to throw some of this in the air and walk through it. Ok, not quite. But it’s almost that easy… Wow Root Cover Up £29.50 Ah Color Wow Root Cover Up; why do we love you so much more than others on the market? Firstly, this is completely mess-free, which is something you can’t say for tinted aerosol sprays. More like make-up application in fact, with a handy compact and brush you can use to touch up your roots on the go – have one in your handbag ready for the moment you notice those unwanted greys rearing their ugly heads in your car mirror (we blame natural daylight.). Secondly, the blonde shade lightens even dark hair – which is no mean feat. Thirdly, it’s water resistant so lasts until you wash it out, yet doesn’t contain any waxes and so won’t weigh your hair down or make it feel greasy. In our book, a total winner. Buy now Tan- Luxe Gradual Drops £36 Joyous as modern tanning products are (hello Tan-Luxe gradual drops!), keeping a consistent colour going takes quite some focus. For days you’ve left it just too late, this is a liquidised version of the brand’s cult powdered bronzer. It doesn’t require precise application – even less than applying your foundation, in fact. Just slap on a small amount after your moisturiser and blend it over your face and neck for an instant healthy healthy-looking glow. It’s super lightweight so no one will know you’re wearing it, and it lasts all day. Buy now Living Proof dry shampoo £22 We were particularly gutted recently to discover that one of our favourite ever quick fixes (Christophe Robin Hair Finish Lotion, which uses the cleansing power of vinegar to reboot unwashed and neglected hair) had been discontinued. We’ve managed to move on thanks to Living Proof, which makes a brilliant dry shampoo that’s more like an instant cleanse rather than a thick and drying Batiste-style spray. The silicone-free formulation absorbs oil and sweat, doesn’t leave hair with an unsightly powdery residue, and smells deliciously fresh all day due to time-release fragrance. Buy now Yves Saint Laurent Rosewood Supreme £31 In the beauty biz there is a something known as the “Lipstick Index”, which is the correlation between a negative economy and positive lipstick sales. Basically, when the going gets tough, we buy more lipstick. If you aren’t a lipstick lover already, try giving it a go – a little pop of colour really does make you feel better and can even detract from the under-eye bags. Ease yourself in with a lightweight cheek and lip colour that you can carry with you and top up throughout the day (Bobbi Brown’s are pretty and wearable), or pick a long-wearing option to cut down the upkeep. Buy now Glossier Boy Brow Some of us can’t leave the house without having done our brows and yes, haven’t seen the inside of a salon in ages but bare with! Who needs a brow tint when you can just whack on Boy Brow and be ready to take on the world! No, really, it’s that good. This brow pomade can very easily be used on it’s own to fluff up, colour and leave you with insatntly groomed brows. Buy Now Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products. Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign
The Best Personalised Jewellery BrandsRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Sentimental? Tick. Personalised? Tick. Future family heirloom? Tick. We’re practically… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 28 November 2021 The Best Personalised Jewellery Brands All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Sentimental? Tick. Personalised? Tick. Future family heirloom? Tick. We’re practically dripping in our children’s initials at TMC, because when names are years in the making (ok, sometimes decades) they should be celebrated, right? We’ll take initial jewellery as a push present but we’re just as happy to buy our own, so here’s an edit you can bookmark for your own use or send to your significant other right now. And if you’re still choosing the name, nothing speeds up the process quite like diamonds… Loquet £795 Annoushka £595 Aurum & Grey £145 Otiumberg £180 £79 Timeless Pearly £112 Otiumberg £175 Alex Monroe £105+ Dinny Hall £345 Liberty £425 Abbott Lyon £49 Missoma £135 Shay £1420 Rachel Jackson £55 Roxanne Assoulin £50 Carolina Bucci £4210 Stone & Strand £155 Tags 1minuteread, learnontheloo, newDesign
Things We Wish We’d Known About HospitalRead More Ready to pack your hospital bag? Maybe you’re a keen bean and did it weeks ago. Either way, when the big day approaches, you’ll have a gazillion grows at the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 November 2021 Things We Wish We’d Known About Hospital Ready to pack your hospital bag? Maybe you’re a keen bean and did it weeks ago. Either way, when the big day approaches, you’ll have a gazillion grows at the ready. But one subject many people skip over is how you might feel after labour and what you might want. Yes, a medal would be nice. But we wish we’d known the following things before we gave birth. Hospital food is BAD In the weeks running up to birth your snack bag (aka your personal tuck shop) will have to be restocked at least three times before you make it to hospital *it’s the best thing about labour. However, it’s likely that you won’t eat much of it during the actual deed. Granted, sweets and energy bars were our saviour, but after birth, you’ll crave something more substantial. Hospital food is beyond rank and the memory of our sad shrivelled sausages and dried out mash still makes us wince. Plus, you have to wait for the allotted serving times to get your ghastly fill. Pack yourself a cool bag containing a celebratory ‘post-birth sandwich’, some savoury crispbreads and general treats that are off-limits for labour (we’re talking to you birth-partners!). Because trust us when the hunger comes, it comes quickly, and sometimes there’s no option to order in. Take some laxatives Whether you have a C-section or a natural birth, going for a poo post-labour is never easy. Your hospital should give you some, but you might need some extra help, so take some laxatives with you or prune juice, just in case. Buy Now You need to ask for help It can be daunting to know what to do with the little slugs once they arrive. Even if you’ve read all the books, you’re still a bit ahhh! And to top it off, you’re also bloody exhausted. But guess what? You’re not expected to know everything. Why would you? Midwives look after babies every day, it’s their job, and they have tons of knowledge to pass on. Hell, they’ll even take your baby for a few hours if you’re desperate for a kip. The only catch is you have to speak up. Don’t ever feel like a failure, because you’re an absolute blimmin hero. If you need help, then ask for it! Take your own pull up pants The ones the hospital give you are similar to a hairnet. They’re fiddly to pull up and you also have to negotiate putting a massive pad in them. No thank you. Take the ones that look like nappies instead. Ok, they’re not chic in any of the ways they claim, but they’re so much better. We also found them weirdly comforting, but that might just be us. Buy Now It’s bloody hot Wondering what to wear after birth? Hospitals run hot, so take lots of layers to control your temperature and pack a portable fan, if you have space. Depending on your birth, you might have to wear long compression stockings after labour. Unsurprisingly they will make you feel warmer, and the idea of pairing them with fluffy slippers almost makes us shudder. Cooler flip flops could be another shoe option on your list, mainly for walks to the shower, but negotiating a sock and shoe thong combo is pretty impossible. Save yourself some time and effort and pack some sliders instead. Buy Now Your shower will save you It will feel like heaven and hell all at the same time, but once it’s over, you’ll feel a million times better. Our top tip! Use a baby wash as it will be more caring for your sore bits. Buy Now See the positives of staying in It varies how long are you in hospital after birth. Everyone wants to get home as soon as they can and being kept in is pretty rubbish tbf. But it’s not all bad, as the longer you stay in, the more help you can get on those daunting first days. Ever heard new parents say they got home and were like ‘what now?’. Well, if you stay in there are experts on-hand who can answer those questions in an instant. From breastfeeding specialists to midwives with a wealth of knowledge, you’ll return home feeling grateful but also completely clued-up. Ask Q’s about your situation We’re not advising you to be a pain in the arse, but medical staff can sometimes be very vague about what’s going. Even if you’re told and forget. Remember that you are allowed to ask (at any time!) what tests are being done and what they’re waiting to receive before you can be released. They won’t give you arnica Arnica can aid healing and is widely known to help with bruising. It is also recommended to take after surgery to speed up the recovery process. However, it is a homoeopathic remedy, meaning that the hospital won’t have any. So, if it’s something you want to use, make sure you pack your own. Ask for the strongest painkillers you can Adrenaline will make sure you can look after the baby, but the drugs will look after you. They take your maternity notes Your midwife will repeatedly tell you to pack your notes, and they’re probably rammed in a big folder with the rest of your pregnancy paperwork. Beloved baby photos in there too? Take them out now, because after birth your notes become hospital property, and you’ll be super sad if the scan photos disappear with them. Pack what you like Trust us. The hospitals have seen it all. You will no way be the biggest diva they’ve seen, so if you want to take something that will make you feel more comfortable, then take it. You won’t ever be annoyed about what you took and didn’t use, but you might be miffed about that the thing you left. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign
Everything You’ll Need For Your First BabyRead More So you’re about to have a baby and haven’t got a clue what to buy? As with pretty much everything to do with becoming a mum there’s a lot of… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 September 2021 Everything You’ll Need For Your First Baby And tips we’ve picked up along the way. So you’re about to have a baby and haven’t got a clue what to buy? As with pretty much everything to do with becoming a mum there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything we genuinely used and loved at TMC – and with five babies between us, that’s a lot of trial, error and real life advice. We’ve also included a downloadable PDF list which you can print and tick off as you shop. Travel Car seat & ISOfix You can’t leave hospital without it so this is a big one. Our greatest cash saving advice is to scour the baby shows for pram/car seat bundles and do your ‘ISOFIX’ research, so the system you buy now (the second image) will also work with the next car seat up (yes, you’ll go through a few in the coming years). Good stores will fit the car seat for you and show you how to do it properly. Pushchair As you’ve probably seen by now we’re big fans of the BabyZen Yoyo at TMC, and wish we hadn’t spent a grand on a heavy duty first pram only to change it for this lightweight stroller six months; it has a newborn attachment we could have used from the get-go. If and when a second one comes along you can attach a toddler-friendly buggy board at the back for your toddlers, and add an extra-large bag for your shopping. Our vote for city living and any kind of travel. Baby Sling It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to spend £350 on a baby sling, but they are so pretty! The resale value holds its own on these beauties, and we’d recommend a sling over a carrier to start with, so you can keep that baby close. Travel Cot Not everyone needs one of these but as we both love to travel, and regularly take the kids to our parents’ we used ours a lot – it really did help us get more sleep whenever we were away. If you do get one, consider an extra-long one, which don’t get outgrown quite as quickly. Also, invest in a mattress topper, Travel cots just aren’t comfortable without one. Backpack-style Changing Bag If we had our time again neither of us would buy a holdall – it’s just something else to…well, hold! Seriously, go straight for a backpack and choose one that looks good, as you’ll be carrying it for the next three to five years. Fortunately, the world has caught up with that fact and there are plenty of bags worth investing a little bit more in. Sleeping Crib We found that the Chico Next2Me is by far the easiest crib to use. It attaches to the side of your bed, so you don’t have to go far when it’s time for a night feed. When you do want to move them a little further away, just unattached it and zip up the fourth side. Genius. It comes in a few colours too, so don’t panic Mrs Hinch – it will totally go with your decor. Comforters & Dummies You’ll receive so many of these at the beginning: use them all and rotate them regularly, so your baby doesn’t get attached to one single toy that you have to boil wash every time they drop it down the nearest drain. Hard when this Jellycat elephant is the softest thing ever (yes, you’ll get attached to them to) but we promise it’s worth it. As for dummies, we both used them up to the two-year mark or thereabouts. They helped our babies settle, and stopped them from using their bottles (or us!) as makeshift pacifiers. The glow in the dark kind come highly recommended by both of us – no more scrabbling around in the middle of the night! Swaddle Bag/Grow Bag Our tip here is to not to even try swaddling with muslins; we found it so hard to wrap our babies into tight (but not too tight) burritos especially after a midnight feed, and they always broke free in the end. So get a swaddle bag, and when they grow out of that get a grow bag with sleeves, as babies get cold at night and like to be snuggled up as much as we do. Camera Monitor & Room temperature On that note, a thermometer will help you wrap them up for the right conditions. A good baby monitor should have a thermometer on it but if it doesn’t this Gro egg is very handy. Bathing Baby Bath or Seat We used both. The tub is much easier when they’re very little and you don’t want to do gymnastics round the bath to keep them in one place. But they both work just as well. Towel/Oilatum/Baby Grooming Kit/Thermometer Changing Nappies & Wipes Hear us out: reusable nappies have come a long way. We both used them and found they saved us money in the long run and made us feel better about the impact our families were having on the environment. If disposables are more your bag, hit up Aldi right from the start; their nappies are a third of the price of most other brands and they sell in bulk. Both of these are God’s gift to nappy rash.. and if your kids are anything like ours it turns into a warzone down there the minute they start teething. Metanium is wonderstuff and Sudocrem doubles up as a great blemish-busting face mask for grown-ups! Nappy Bin Not essential, but when your newborn leaks liquid poo for the billionth time that day you’ll be glad you can stash those nappies (or disposable liners, if you’re on the natural nappy train) away quickly. We bought two each – one for upstairs, one for downstairs – and never regretted it. Steriliser & Bottle Kit / Perfect Prep Machine So easy Clothes Short Sleeved Vests Next do the best ones! Long sleeved baby grows Again Next are great quality but if you want to spend a little extra there is nothing softer than Mori! Scratch Mits Especially when they are tiny All in one pram suit This really depends on the time of year your baby is due, but however old they are when their first winter comes around, one if these is worth a purchase. Don’t spend too much money though, they don’t wear them for very long. Muslins You’ll need a lot of these. A lot. And big ones too. They’re great for breast feeding (covering up and mopping up) and as blankets or sunshades. Get a few lovely ones and lots of cheap white ones which can all go in the wash at the same time. Cellular Blankets Breastfeeding Nipple Cream Doubles up as lip balm. Woohoo! Nursing Pads Breast Pump Did you know you can rent breast pumps! Rather than shelling out the cost. Nursing pillow We got the BBHUGME to help us sleep during pregnancy and continued to use them as supportive feeding pillows. Nursing / Comfortable bras H&M do the best maternity bras. And who wants to paying a lot of money on something you’ll never want to see again after a year of wearing them! After Birth Maternity Pants Tena is your best friend. Large Cotton Kickers M&S high waisted Painkillers Lots of comfortable PJS The night sweats are real. Netflix Subscription The Mum Club Membership For those 3am reads. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign
10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn BabyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 September 2021 10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn Baby You’ve got home from the hospital, you’re overjoyed with emotion, and then it suddenly hits you. What the hell do I do with this baby? And there it starts, the continual daily Google search, asking questions like; Do newborn babies need baths? And can you hold them too much? So, to save you some time in your searches, we’ve collated the top ten things parents ask after they bring their baby home. You’re welcome. Do they know who their Mum is? Looking after a newborn baby is hard, and some days you’re like, ‘I’m doing all this work for you, and I’m not sure you even know who I am?’ It might not seem like it, but they 100% recognise that you’re their Mum. Newborns know your smell and voice from the minute they’re born and studies show that they can also register your face after just a few days. Another concern some women wonder is if their baby can forget them. This is a completely normal question that lots of people ask. But please don’t fret, even if you have to spend some time apart, they will always remember your voice and smell, and you will be able to bond whenever the time comes. Can you hold your newborn too much? One of the best things about having a baby is all the lovely cuddles you get. And the good news is, you can’t do it enough. It’s actually essential to a baby’s development and helps them grow mentally and physically. What happens if you yell at a newborn, and can they sense frustration? Sleep deprivation paired with a baby that won’t stop crying will put anyone at the end of their tether. It’s ok to feel frustrated but getting worked up isn’t going to help anyone. Babies won’t remember you being upset, but they can pick up on your emotional state, and if they’re in your arms, they’ll feel the negativity in their bodies. So, take a breather. Ask someone else to help you and If you’re on your own, put your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and walk away so you can compose yourself. Take a few minutes, cry if you need to, and then once you’ve regrouped go back in. We have all felt like this, you are not alone, and the moment will pass. If it keeps happening and you feel overwhelmed, try and get some rest or go for a walk to get some fresh air and chat to a family member or friend about how you’re feeling, you’re not failing, you just need some help, and that’s normal. Top tip: Got some earplugs? When trying to soothe their baby, some people put in headphones or earplugs to soften the noise, making it easier to cope. Can I kiss my newborn? “Of course, you can kiss your newborn!” Says antennal experts Blossom Antenatal. It is one of the biggest signs of love and affection that you can show your newborn. It also helps babies grow mentally, physically and psychologically, as it stimulates responses in the brain. Blossom Antenatal add, “Kissing should only ever be avoided if you have an active infectious disease. An example of this would be Herpes simplex, which can be dangerous for babies, so no kissing from you or any relative when you have a cold sore.” Can you take a 1-week-old baby outside? When you’re ready for a walk, getting some fresh air is a great idea for both you and your baby. Go steady though, the phrase ‘baby steps’ will apply to both you and your newborn for quite a lot of things over the next few months, so don’t rush it, remember you’re still healing, so head out for short walks at first and then build it up. Should you pick up your baby every time it cries? There’s nothing wrong with constantly picking up your baby when it’s teeny tiny, they are such precious little slugs and crying is how they tell you something’s up. And yep, it happens a LOT in the beginning, but it doesn’t last forever. As they grow and routines start to form, it gets a lot easier, and you tend to know what is up before the tears start to roll, well, most of the time. Can I hold my newborn when it’s sleeping? Yes, please do! It’s so lovely when they fall asleep on you, and you must enjoy those magical moments. Still, it is also important to put them down to snooze, not only so that you can have a break, but also, so they recognise that sleepy time happens in their bed and not just in Mummy or Daddy’s arms. Can I give a newborn water? It’s not advised to give newborns water, as it can make them feel full and decline the milk and nutrients that they need. Babies stay hydrated from milk, so if it’s hot and you’re breastfeeding they’ll either ask for more, or you can offer it. If they’re formula-fed and it’s very warm, then you can offer water as well as milk but make sure you do it after milk feeds and boil and cool the water before giving it to them. When do I bath my newborn? You do not need to bathe your baby in the first few days, and most parents prefer to top and tail by carefully washing their face, neck, hands and bottom. Usually, the best time to bath is when the umbilical cord comes off. Choose a time when your baby is awake and happy and make sure the room is nice and warm and lay out all the bits beforehand, so you stay nice and calm. You’ll need a bowl of warm water (or a baby bath) a nice fluffy towel, cotton wool, a nappy and some clean clothes. When can a baby see? Newborns can detect black, white and grey colours and focus on objects that are approximately 8-10 inches away from their face. As they get to two months old, they can see up to 18 inches away, and by three months they start to see colours and reach out for things that they see. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign
