Random Acts of Kindness Day is the perfect opportunity to spread love, support, and care - especially to new parents who are navigating the joys and challenges of welcoming a little one into their lives. Small, thoughtful gestures can make a world of difference in helping new mums and dads feel appreciated and supported. Here are some simple yet meaningful ways you can show kindness to new parents.

Bring them a home-cooked meal

Between sleepless nights and constant nappy changes, cooking can often fall to the bottom of a new parent's to-do list. A nourishing, homemade meal can be a lifesaver, giving them one less thing to worry about. If you’re unsure about their dietary preferences, consider gifting a meal delivery voucher, like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, so they can choose something they love.

Offer to babysit

Giving new parents a little break (even just for an hour!) - whether it’s for a nap, a shower, or a quick outing - can be incredibly valuable. Even an hour of uninterrupted rest can leave them feeling refreshed and recharged.

Help with chores

Simple household tasks like laundry, washing the dishes, or tidying up can feel overwhelming for new parents. Lending a hand with these small tasks can make a huge difference, allowing them to focus on their baby without worrying about the mess piling up.

Send a thoughtful care package

A care package filled with essentials like snacks, herbal teas, self-care products, and baby wipes can be a lovely way to show you’re thinking of them. Consider adding a positive note to brighten their day even more.

Offer emotional support

Sometimes, all a new parent needs is someone to listen. Sending a quick text to check in, offering words of encouragement, or simply being there for them can be incredibly uplifting. Let them know they’re doing an amazing job!

Organise a coffee date or a phone call

New parents can often feel isolated, especially in the early days. If they’re up for it, invite them for a coffee or set up a phone call to catch up. A little adult conversation can be a great mood booster.

Provide baby supplies

Running out of nappies or wipes is a common occurrence for new parents. A small surprise delivery of essentials can be incredibly helpful and much appreciated.

Respect their space

While offering help is wonderful, it’s also important to respect their need for space and rest. If they’re not up for visitors, a simple message of support or dropping off a small gift at their doorstep can still make a difference.

On this Random Acts of Kindness Day, let’s celebrate the power of small, thoughtful gestures. A little kindness goes a long way, especially for new parents who are adjusting to a beautiful yet challenging chapter of their lives.

And to make Random Acts of Kindness Day extra special, for today only we're offering free delivery on our brand-new SS25 nursery furniture collection!

How to make Baby's first Christmas Extra Special

Your baby's first Christmas is a magical milestone. While your little one may be too young to remember the day, the precious moments you create will become cherished memories and the start of traditions that last for years to come.

Whether you're starting new traditions or adding to existing ones, we’re here to inspire you with ideas to make this Christmas unforgettable for your little one—and just as meaningful for you.

Making memories that last forever:

There are lots of different ways to make lasting memories with your little one over the festive season, and we’re sure you’ll treasure every moment you spend together as a family. Here’s how you can capture these memories to cherish once they’re all grown up:

Personalised Tree Ornaments:

Create salt dough ornaments or frame their tiny handprints for a keepsake you’ll cherish forever. These handmade treasures are a fun way to celebrate this special occasion and will be brought out every December when decorating the Christmas tree.

Click here for more on how to make salt dough ornaments

First Christmas Memory Box:

Gather keepsakes such as their first Christmas Day outfit, festive photos, and other memorabilia. A memory box is a beautiful way to revisit these moments in years to come.

Starting family traditions:

Family traditions bring warmth and meaning to Christmas celebrations, and Baby’s first Christmas is the perfect time to start. 

Visiting Father Christmas:

Although your baby won’t recall going to see Father Christmas for the first time, it’s a magical moment that will become a tradition you stick to each year. Seeing your little one’s face light up as they see Santa and his workshop for the first time is a memory you will cherish.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-red-santa-claus-costume-standing-beside-toddler-3150031/

Christmas Eve Box:

This timeless tradition is perfect for children of all ages. Fill the box with cosy pyjamas, a soft toy, and festive treats. It's a ritual your baby—and their future family—will look forward to every year.

Matching Christmas Pyjamas:

As Christmas Eve rolls around each year, an easy tradition to keep up with is matching Christmas Pyjamas for the full family. But be sure to buy these in advance, as you may find the size you need has sold out!

The Magic of Baby’s First Christmas

Experiencing Christmas through your baby’s eyes is nothing short of magical. The season is a sensory wonderland for little ones, full of sights, sounds, and textures to explore: 

Twinkling Lights & Decorations:

Babies are captivated by sparkling lights and shiny ornaments. Choose baby-safe decorations they can safely touch and enjoy.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-wearing-a-santa-hat-14910387/

Seasonal Story Time:

Books are a great way to bond with your little one and also helps with their development. Books with bright colours, textures, and sounds can help babies develop their sensory skills and cognitive abilities. There are lots of festive storybooks for you and your baby to enjoy, including Gingerbread Fred and Spot’s First Christmas.

Music & Movement

Share your favourite Christmas songs and have a family dance session. Babies love music, rhythm, and movement.

Gifts for Baby’s First Christmas 

Choosing meaningful gifts for your baby’s first Christmas can make the day even more special. Write a gift wish-list and share it with family and friends to make it easier for them to buy practical gifts that you actually want or need.

Personalised Keepsakes

An embroidered blanket, a photo album or a custom growth chart to capture their milestones!

Interactive toys:

Choose sensory toys such as a nightlight projector and a playmat, soft stacking blocks or musical instruments designed for little hands. Our standing giraffe stuffed animal is not only a delightful addition to the nursery but also a unique gift that will grow with your child. Perfect for imaginative play as they get older.

Gifts that grow with them:

Ride on toys such as the Childhome rocking scooter or elephant are great for coordination and mobility. Or, a personalised toy box to store all their treasures for years to come.

Your baby's first Christmas is about more than the gifts under the tree. It’s an opportunity to create meaningful traditions and special moments that will become part of your family’s celebrations for years to come.

Wishing you a magical first Christmas!

Make sure you visit our Christmas Gifting Collection for ideas and follow us on Instagram to get involved in our 12 days of Christmas Giveaways!

With Black Friday just around the corner, or already here for some parenting brands, including us! First time parents will be on the hunt for the best Black Friday baby deals they can find.

Why Black Friday is Perfect for New Parents

Black Friday is the perfect time to start working your way through the list of things you need to buy before your baby arrives. Including those more expensive items like nursery furniture, a car seat or a stroller.

Plus, you can get your hands on those all-important parenting essentials at a lower price. Feeding essentials like a nursing pillow and a nursing chair will be super useful when your little one arrives and can help make those midnight feeds a lot more comfortable for you both.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Luckily for you, our Black Friday deals have already started, and we have a whole host of amazing savings for you to snap up (if we do say so ourselves). But, if you’re looking to add the official date to your diary, Black Friday 2024 is on Friday 29^th November.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday originated in the US, taking place the day after Thanksgiving. However, in recent years Black Friday has grown in popularity in the UK, becoming one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the year.

Its rise in popularity has meant that lots of retailers now choose to have sales and deals throughout the month of November, giving parents-to-be the opportunity to bag the best baby deals of the year in preparation for their new arrival.

CuddleCo Black Friday Baby and Parenting Deals

We have some great savings on nursery furniture, baby essentials and car seats for you to make the most of, including some of our best-selling baby products.

• Up to 50% off Nursery Furniture – create the perfect nursery space with our high-quality nursery furniture without breaking the bank.
• Up to 40% off Etta Nursing Chairs – add comfort to those midnight feeds with stylish and ergonomic seating.
• Over 30% off Nitro Black & Blush Pink Doona+ Car Seat & Stroller – perfect for parents on the go, saving time and space without compromising on safety or comfort.
• Up to 30% off Liki Trikes – Liki is the worlds most compact folding trike, designed to grow with your child through multiple stages.
• Mum and baby essentials for under £50 – Includes must-haves like our Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Support Pillows.

Black Friday Nursery Furniture Savings

Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or are a parent who’s about to transition their little one into their own room, we have a range of nursery furniture sets with up to 50% off in our Black Friday Sale. Meaning you can get their nursery ready just in time for a cosy Christmas or start afresh in the new year.

Here are a few of our favourite 3 piece and 2 piece nursery furniture sets that are currently available in our 2024 Black Friday sale.

Nola Signature

The Nola Signature White & Natural Furniture Set is perfect for parents who are fans of contemporary design. The nursery set features scandi styling influences and a neutral colour palette that’s easy to pair with any interior or nursery theme. Available in both a 2 piece and 3 piece set.

Luna

The Luna Nursery Collection is one of our bestselling furniture ranges and offers you plenty of storage options for your nursery. The 3 piece set includes a cot bed, a roomy double wardrobe, and a dresser changer with 3 spacious drawers, ideal for keeping your baby’s sleepsuits, blankets, and adorable outfits organised. Available in both a 2 piece and 3 piece set.

Ada

The Ada Nursery Range pairs sleek, contemporary lines and a soothing colour palette to create a beautiful furniture set for the nursery. Soft ash tones combined with a white trim bring a sense of calm your little one’s room, making it the perfect space for them to dream and sleep. Available in both a 2 piece and 3 piece set.

Save Big and Get Baby-Ready!

Black Friday is the ultimate opportunity for parents, especially first-timers, to save big on essential baby and nursery items. Whether you're preparing your baby's first room, looking for a car seat or stroller for life on the go, or adding comfort with a nursing chair, our Black Friday deals have you covered.

With discounts of up to 50% on nursery furniture and huge savings on parenting essentials, there’s never been a better time to get everything you need for your little one at an unbeatable price.

Don’t wait too long—these deals won’t last forever! Get ready to tick off your baby checklist, save money, and make the most of this exciting shopping season. Happy Black Friday shopping!

Here at CuddleCo, we understand that shopping for your baby’s mattress can be an overwhelming experience with the number of options out there. The technical vocabulary used to describe the different types of baby mattresses can make it hard to understand what’s best for your child.

The aim of this blog post is to break down the most important considerations when choosing a mattress for your little one and hopefully in return, make your mattress shopping experience less stressful.

Buying a mattress for your baby is most definitely not the most exciting or cutest purchase you’ll make in the run up to your little one’s arrival. But definitely one of the most important.

According to the NHS, most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake and can sleep anything from 8 hours up to 18. So, ensuring they have a suitable mattress is essential.

The First 6 Months

For the first 6 months your baby should always be in the same room as you while they sleep. Most parents decide to purchase a bedside crib or moses basket for this reason, as they’re lightweight enough to move around the house. Some of these products may already come with a crib mattress, so you don’t have to buy one separately, like our Aria Crib. But be sure to check.

Transitioning From Crib to Cot Bed

Once your little one is ready to transition to their own room you will probably have purchased a cot or cot bed for them to sleep in. This is when you will need to upgrade their mattress. The size you need will depend on whether you need it to fit a cot or cot bed.

Most cots will require a 120 x 60cm mattress, and cot beds a 140 x 70cm mattress. However, we would recommend checking this is the case for the cot or cot bed you’ve purchased.

Important Things to Remember

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for your baby’s mattress is to ensure that it’s the correct size for your baby’s crib, cot, or cot bed. Other key features to look for is that the mattress is firm, flat, and waterproof, as recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

Introducing CuddleCo Mattresses

All CuddleCo mattresses are designed and made in the UK with your baby in mind. Each mattress has a 2-in-1 cover where one side features a knitted bamboo material, made with naturally hypo-allergenic bamboo fibres, and the reverse is a waterproof training side.

The cover can be removed for easy cleaning in the washing machine, perfect for those unexpected accidents in the middle of the night.

Along with having potty training covered, CuddleCo mattresses are breathable to ensure your little one gets a restful night’s sleep.

The Difference Between Our Mattresses

When browsing our range of baby mattresses, you’ll notice a few key differences between each product:

• The mattress filling
• The mattress depth
• The price

Different Mattress Fillings

First up, is the filling of the mattress. This simply refers to what’s inside the mattress and whether it’s foam, sprung, or pocket sprung.

Foam Core

Hypo-allergenic, supportive foam ensures ultimate comfort for your little one.

Open Sprung

Hand-made open springs, crafted to deliver long-lasting support for your baby.

Pocket Sprung

Individual pocket springs contour to your baby’s body for maximum comfort and support.

Mattress Depth

All CuddleCo mattresses are maximum 10cm in depth to ensure your baby’s safety when used with any cot or cot bed. This helps to prevent them from climbing out as they get older.

Five Ways to Create the Perfect Sleep Environment for Your Baby

We spoke to Lynda Harding, Managing Director at Sweet Dreamers (the brand behind the ultimate baby sleep aid, ewan the dream sheep).

Lynda is a mum of six and inventor of the SweetDreamers product range and is passionate about transforming sleep time into a happy, safe and rewarding experience for all.

Here are her top five tips for creating the perfect sleep environment for your baby.

1.  Make sure your room is dark - use blackout blinds or blackout curtains
2. Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature. The ideal room temperature for safer sleep is between 16 - 20℃
3. Make sure your baby is well fed, winded and has a clean nappy.
4. Try some white noise to help create a calm sleep environment and to block out any unwanted sounds.
5. Make sure your baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months for both day and night sleeps

More Information

For more information on safe sleep practices for your baby, head over to the Lullaby Trust, or speak to your Midwife who will be able to provide you with plenty of helpful resources.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples - it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your little ones and create special memories together! If you’re looking for simple and engaging ways to celebrate with your toddler, we’ve got you covered. Here are 8 fun Valentine’s Day activities that incorporate sensory play, arts and crafts, baking, and other exciting ways to celebrate.

Valentine’s Sensory Bin

Create a Valentine’s themed sensory bin using red, pink, and white rice or dried pasta. Add heart-shaped cookie cutters, scoops, measuring spoons, and small toys for your toddler to explore. Let them scoop, pour, and feel different textures while developing fine motor skills.

Always make sure you supervise your toddler during any sensory activities.

Fingerprint Heart Cards

Help your toddler create Valentine’s Day cards by using their fingerprints to make heart shapes. Let them experiment with different colors and create a heartfelt keepsake for family and friends.

Valentine’s Day Storytime

Snuggle up in the Etta Nursing Chair and read Valentine’s-themed books with your toddler. Some great choices include Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney.

Dance Party with Love Songs

Create a playlist of fun, love-themed songs and have a mini dance party in your living room! Songs like “Love Is an Open Door” from Frozen and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin are great choices.

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Bake simple sugar cookies and let your toddler help cut them into heart shapes using cookie cutters. Once baked and cooled, decorate with pink and red icing and sprinkles!

DIY Playdough Hearts

Make homemade playdough in Valentine’s colours. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters and rolling pins to let your child create their own Valentine’s-themed playdough designs.

Act of Kindness Together

Teach your toddler the importance of kindness by doing something special for a family member, friend, or neighbour—like delivering a handmade card or a small treat.

Love Bug Craft

Use kitchen roll tubes, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and paint to create adorable “love bug” crafts. Your toddler will love decorating their bug with hearts and glitter!

These easy and fun Valentine’s Day activities will keep your toddler entertained while creating special moments together. Whether you choose sensory play, crafts, baking, or other fun experiences, your little one will love celebrating the holiday in their own sweet way. Enjoy making memories, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sleep – that precious luxury. Before pregnancy, you probably drifted off without a second thought. But as your body changes, your bump grows, and new aches and worries emerge, getting a decent night’s sleep can start to feel like a distant dream.

If pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, or just plain discomfort are keeping you up at night, you’re not alone. The good news? There a plenty of ways to create a sleep-friendly environment and wind down for the night.

Cut out screen time an hour before bed

We’re all guilty of that one-last-scroll through social media or bingeing one more episode of a favourite show. But the blue light from your phone, tablet, or TV can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. This makes it harder for your body to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps you wind down and fall asleep.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

Establishing a calming bedtime routine helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Choose activities that soothe your mind and relax your body:

•        Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises: Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through gentle meditation, helping you to switch off before bed

•      Reading: Rather than opting for a screen like your phone, try reading a few pages of a lighthearted book instead

•      Self-care: A warm (but not too hot) shower can help relax tense muscles and prepare your body for sleep

Consistency is key when first establishing a bedtime routine – find what works for you and stick to it.

Invest in a pregnancy pillow

One of the biggest challenges you are likely to face when sleeping while pregnant is simply finding a comfortable position. As your bump grows, it can feel impossible to get comfy without tossing and turning.

That’s where the pregnancy pillow comes in. These lifesavers come in various shapes, from C-shaped to U-shaped, and provide support where you need it most — whether that’s under your bump, between your knees, or behind your back. Bonus? Many pregnancy pillows double as feeding or sitting supports after your baby arrives.

📷 @lifewith_jacob.lottie.nellie

Avoid caffeinated drinks in the evening

This one might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget how much caffeine can sneak into your day. Tea, coffee, and even cola can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

During pregnancy, it’s recommended to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day. Save your caffeinated drink for the morning and switch to decaf options as the day winds down.

Stay active during your pregnancy

Keeping active will help you stay fit and well during your pregnancy. Gentle exercise during the day may also help you sleep better at night.

Consider these bump-friendly activities:

• Walking: A brief stroll outside in the fresh air can help clear your mind and improve your mood

• Antenatal yoga or pilates: Antenatal classes are a great way to meet other parents-to-be, just make sure the instructor knows you’re pregnant

It’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard during physical activity. Speak to your GP or midwife for more advice about exercising while pregnant.

Pregnancy might bring its fair share of sleep challenges, but with a few mindful adjustments, you can create a sleep routine that works for you. Be kind to yourself — some nights will be better than others, and that’s okay.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of the most amazing experiences in life. As you prepare to meet your little one, the countdown to their arrival can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. 

Preparation ahead of your baby’s arrival is important to help ease the transition into parenthood, and luckily for you, there are lots of tools and resources to help you prepare during your pregnancy.

Whether it’s your first baby or you’re adding to your family, here are 10 essential things to do before your baby arrives to ensure you’re ready for their debut.

Create a birth plan

A birth plan is personal to you and contains all the details of what you would like to happen during your labour, birth, and after birth. If you would like to create a birth plan your midwife can help you. Things to think about are: 

• Your birthing options (hospital, in a midwifery unit, or at home)

• Decide on your preferences for pain relief, labour positions, and who you would like to support you at your birth

• Be flexible – things may not go exactly as planned

Take antenatal classes

Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for birth and the arrival of your baby. Places in antenatal classes can get booked up quickly. So be sure to look into these early in your pregnancy to avoid disappointment.

• Antenatal classes are free on the NHS – to find out about classes near you, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP

• Include your partner or the person who will be supporting you during your birth for shared preparation

Set up the nursery

Designing the nursery for your new baby is super-exciting, but it can be hard to know where to start. Lots of parents-to-be like to start a Pinterest board dedicated to their baby’s nursery to allow them to start collating ideas and inspiration.

• Make sure you choose quality, long-lasting nursery furniture that grows with your baby

• Don’t forget to measure your space before placing any furniture orders

• Remember you’ll also be spending lots of time in the nursery too, so make sure it’s a calm and cosy space for you both

Stock up on baby essentials

Baby’s might be small, but they require lots of things to keep them happy, healthy and nurtured. Things like nappies, muslins, and sleepsuits are things you will get through quickly, so start building your collection early on.

• If you’re planning on having a baby shower you could create a list of things you need, meaning you don’t get bought duplicates or things you don’t necessarily need

• Keep an eye out for baby events online and in-store, stock up while things are discounted or on sale

Make your home baby safe

If you’re a first-time parent, babyproofing your home will be completely new to you. But, to put it simple, it essentially means removing anything from your home that can cause harm to your baby. Some things to consider are:

• If you live in a house with stairs, consider installing safety gates if needed

• Keep all small objects out of reach

• Purchase a children’s first aid kit

Take time for yourself

In the run-up to your due date, make sure to prioritise time for yourself. Whether that’s relaxing and catching up on a TV show or eating out at your favourite restaurant.

• Treat yourself to activities you enjoy while you have the time

• Take a babymoon or enjoy date nights

• Rest and recharge – parenting will soon demand plenty of energy!

Pack your hospital bag

At least 3 weeks before your due date, or earlier if you can, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. Your hospital bag should include everything you need for labour, birth and after birth, and of course, everything your baby will need.

• Don’t forget to pack your birth plan and hospital notes

• Be sure to take your phone charger – you could be there for a while

• Double check items specific to your hospital or birthing centre requirements

Prepare older siblings or pets for a new baby

Welcoming a new baby affects the entire household, and preparing older siblings or pets can help ensure a smooth transition:

• If you already have children, make sure you talk to them about the baby using age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening and what to expect. Share books or videos about becoming an older brother or sister

• Plan quality time with your older child before and after the baby arrives

• When the baby arrives, introduce them to your pet calmly and under supervision

Build your support system

When your little one arrives, you will soon realise how important it is to have family and friends you can reach out to for a helping hand. Whether that’s picking you up a few essentials from the supermarket or looking after your baby for an hour while you get some rest.

• Identify friends and family who can help you after your baby arrives

• Join parenting groups or online communities for advice

• Schedule time for your partner or other children to feel included

Plan for postpartum recovery

The first 6 weeks after giving birth are know as the postpartum period. During this time, it is important to look after yourself and prioritise healing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or loved ones.

• Stock up on postpartum care items like maternity pads, and if you’re planning on breastfeeding, nipple pads and cream. A nursing pillow will also come in handy during your recovery

• Ask friends and family to bring you a home cooked meal when they visit, rather than a gift

• Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs with your support network

Preparation is key when expecting a baby but remember to also enjoy this special time. Life is about to change in the most wonderful way—cherish every moment leading up to your little one’s arrival in 2025!

Having a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. By eating a varied diet, you can ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you both need to help your baby grow and develop.

Eat Well Guide

A healthy diet doesn’t necessarily mean cutting out all your favourite foods. But instead, changing the number of different foods you eat to achieve a varied diet. The NHS Eat Well Guide makes it easy to understand how much of what you eat should come from each food group.

Cooking a balanced, nutritional meal may be the last thing on your mind when pregnant. Especially during your first trimester, when you may be experiencing sickness or tiredness.

But not to worry, as you don’t have to achieve the right balance in every meal. The NHS states that you should aim to get the balance right over the course of the week.

Myth-busting

A common myth you’ll hear while pregnant is that you’re now ‘eating for two’. However, when you’re pregnant, you don’t need to have larger portions or extra food. The best way to ensure your baby is getting the essential nutrients they need to develop is by trying to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

It's normal to have an increased appetite during your pregnancy. According to BabyCenter, the reason you feel hungrier is due to changes in your hormones. They explain that even though you may feel ravenous, you don’t actually need any extra calories. It’s only in the third trimester that you need an extra 200 calories a day.

Important Vitamins and Minerals in Pregnancy

A healthy, varied diet should help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy. However, the NHS recommends pregnant women to take a folic acid supplement and a vitamin D supplement.

Folic Acid

Start taking folic acid as soon as you begin trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you're pregnant. The NHS advise you to take a folic acid supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) every day until the end of your first trimester. It’s important to follow this advice as folic acid can prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles. During autumn and winter (between October and early March), the lack of sunlight means we cannot make the vitamin D we need.  Therefore, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement containing 10mcg.

Vitamins You Should Avoid

During your pregnancy, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol). Too much vitamin A can harm your baby’s development. This also includes liver products such as fish liver oil.

If you’re unsure or have any doubts about vitamins and supplements. We recommend speaking to a healthcare professional. 

Food and Drink to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are certain food and drink you should avoid while you’re pregnant. Some are more obvious than others, like alcohol. But others may surprise you.

 Below is a condensed list of food and drink you should avoid:

• Raw or undercooked meat
• Game meats such as partridge
• All types of pâte
• Liver and liver products
• Raw shellfish
• Shark
• Swordfish
• Marlin
• Unpasteurised milk and dairy products
• Mould-ripened soft cheeses (unless cooked until steaming hot)
• Soft blue cheeses (unless cooked until steaming hot)
• Soft goats’ cheese (unless cooked until steaming hot)
• Raw or undercooked eggs that aren’t British Lion eggs
• Alcohol
• More than 200 mg of caffeine per day

We suggest you ask your GP or midwife for a full list of food and drink you should avoid while pregnant.

A Happy, Healthy Pregnancy

The most important thing to remember during your pregnancy is to eat a variety of foods to help achieve a balanced diet. Healthy eating doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Remember, you can still enjoy your favourite foods. But just keep in mind that if sugary food and drinks are your favourite treats. You need to have these less often and in small amounts.

For further advice and guidance, speak to your doctor or midwife. Before making any changes to your diet, make sure you speak to a healthcare professional.

One last getaway for you and you’re partner before your little one arrives may be at the top of your to-do list. Over the years, the babymoon trend has exploded with the help of celebrities leading the way, such as Love Island stars Olivia and Alex Bowen. Who posted snaps of their babymoon in Tenerife. Before the arrival of their baby boy, Abel, in June.

📷 @oliviadbowen

Travel companies like Jet2holidays and First Choice even have pages on their site dedicated to babymoon destinations. But before you book your last hurrah. You should research and speak to your doctor or midwife about flying when pregnant. So you can plan ahead to ensure your babymoon is as relaxing as possible.

When to Travel During Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different, and what you experience during a certain stage of pregnancy may be the complete opposite of what your friend does. However, the first 12 weeks, also known as the first trimester, can be particularly tiring. In early pregnancy, you may experience morning sickness and nausea. Therefore, you may want to avoid taking a trip away during this time. Plus, the risk of miscarriage is higher in the first 3 months, whether you’re travelling or not.

Another period you should avoid flying is during the final months of your pregnancy. It’s common to feel more and more uncomfortable the closer to the due date you get. You may struggle to sleep with your bump or experience leg cramps when trying to drift off to sleep.

For many pregnant women, the best time to travel and take that pre-baby holiday is in the second trimester, which is between 4 and 6 months. 

📷 @leighannepinnock

 Weeks of Pregnancy

After 28 weeks, your airline may request a letter from your doctor or midwife. That confirms your due date and that you’re not at risk of any complications.

It is important to consider that some airlines may not let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. One reason is that the chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks or around 32 weeks if you’re expecting twins. According to the NHS Start4Life website, at 37 weeks, your baby could make an appearance at any time, and this would not be considered early.

Travel Insurance

When shopping for travel insurance before you jet off, it’s important to bear in mind every eventuality. You should make sure you’re covered for all circumstances, such as an early birth, medical care during labour and the cost of changing your return trip if you do go into labour.

Plan Ahead

As we mentioned at the start, planning is the key to a stress-free babymoon. Once you’ve decided on the destination you’d like to visit. Make sure you research before booking your flights to ensure there are healthcare facilities nearby, should you need them.

It’s also a good idea to take a copy of your maternity notes/medical records in your hand luggage. Along with any medication you require while away. Another thing you may find useful is speaking to your midwife or doctor about any concerns you have before setting off for your trip, especially if you’re travelling later in your pregnancy.

📷 @staceysolomon

Long-distance Travel

For most pregnant women, spending longer than 4 hours on a plane is their worst nightmare. However, if you’re thinking about taking a long-haul flight, you should be aware that it carries a small risk of blood clots – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). To reduce the risk of this happening, you may want to wear compression stockings.

You should also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and try to reserve an aisle seat or one with extra leg room.

Remember to get out of your seat and move around regularly. You should aim to do this every 30 minutes or so. 

Destination

Choosing the right destination for your babymoon can be a difficult task. But there are a few factors you should take into consideration:

• Will you need any travel vaccinations? (Ask your Midwife or GP about travel vaccinations).
• What will the weather be like?
• How long is the flight?

Tips for When You Get There

• Drink bottled water if unsure whether the tap water is safe to drink.
• Be careful when eating and drinking to avoid water-borne conditions, for example an upset stomach and travellers’ diarrhoea – keep this in mind when washing fruit and veg.
• Pack suitable clothes and shoes that you’ll be comfortable in. Remember, your feet may swell in warm temperatures.
• Be mindful when planning activities, and don’t push yourself too hard. A babymoon is supposed to be relaxing.
• If you’re going to a sunny destination, be sure to pack a higher SPF, as your skin is more sensitive when pregnant.
• Make sure you don’t lift any heavy suitcases or bags.

The start of the weaning journey can be an overwhelming time for both parents and baby. There are many worries parents share when approaching the weaning stage. However, most of these concerns have logical answers.

The most common anxieties parents share are surrounding their baby’s safety. For instance, how to tell the difference between gagging and choking is a fear for many. This is why this Child Safety Week, we want to give you an introduction to safe weaning and address any doubts you may have before you and your baby start the weaning journey.

What is Weaning?

Weaning is the introduction of solid foods alongside your baby’s usual breast milk or first infant formula. Solid foods are usually introduced around 6 months of age.

What is Baby Led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning is where you allow your baby to feed themselves rather than spoon-feeding them. You offer them a selection of foods to choose from themselves. 

📷 @glutenfreefi

Weaning Essentials

• High Chair – your baby needs to learn from an early age that they must be sat down when eating so that they can swallow their food properly. Always make sure that they are sat upright and strapped in. Remember, never leave your baby unattended when eating. 

• Muslin Cloths – you will probably already have plenty of these from when your baby first arrived. But these will also come in handy during spoon-feeding to clean up any spills or sick.

• Bibs – weaning can get messy. So plastic bibs are the best for the beginning.

• Plastic bowls – that have individual compartments are ideal to keep different flavours and textures separated. You should also opt for bowls with a suction pad to avoid any accidents.

• Soft spoons – that are safe for your baby’s gums.

Introducing New Textures

When planning what meals to feed your baby, you should consider the size, shape and texture of the food you will be serving them. It is important to keep in mind that some babies may need smooth or blended foods to start with until they get used to new textures.

However, don’t worry if your baby refuses lumpy textures at the beginning. The NHS encourages you to keep offering your baby lumpy textures. They will get used to them eventually. The introduction of lumpy and mashed food alongside finger foods is essential. It helps your baby learn to chew, move solid food around their mouth and swallow.

Be Patient

Remember that patience is key when introducing your baby to new foods. Eating is a whole new skill for them, and you should always go at your baby’s pace.

How to Serve Food Safely

Hygiene

Babies are highly vulnerable to bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Therefore, you need to be extra careful when preparing and storing food for your little one. Basic hygiene, like washing your hands before preparing food. Should always be followed. But if you need a knowledge refresh, take a look at the BBC Good Food guide to safely preparing and storing food here. 

Preparing Food

The main worry mums have when weaning their baby is the risk of choking. Choking can happen at any time with any food. But certain foods, such as small round foods, firm foods and foods with bones, can present a higher risk.

📷 @sr_nutrition

📷 @sr_nutrition

DO

• Remove hard pips and stones from fruit.
• Cut food into narrow batons.
• Avoid round shapes.
• Try grating, mashing, steaming or simmering firm fruits.
• Remove the skin on fruit, vegetables and meat.
• Remove all bones from meat or fish.

DON’T

• Do not give whole nuts to children under 5 years old.
• Do not give babies and young children boiled, hard, gooey or sticky sweets.
• Do not give popcorn to babies and young children.
• Do not give babies chewing gum or marshmallows.

For a full list of foods to avoid read the Start 4 Life safe weaning guide here.

Family Mealtimes

During mealtimes, you and your family members should all sit down together as much as possible. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for your baby to observe how you eat. By acting as good role models when eating, they can learn from the beginning how to eat safely. Babies copy their parents and other children, so it is important that you are a positive influence. You can do this by sitting upright, breaking your food up and chewing properly.

Gagging

It is normal for your baby to gag when you introduce them to solid foods. As we mentioned earlier, eating is a whole new skill for them. It will take them time to learn how the regulate the amount of food they can chew and swallow at one time. 

Further Information

For more information regarding how to know when your baby is ready to wean. Or how to tell the difference between gagging and choking. You can visit the NHS website. You can also ask a health professional for support.

Whether you are a first-time mum or are expecting your second child, it is important to refresh your knowledge on safe sleeping practices for babies. Becoming a parent comes with new-found anxieties that you have never experienced before. And sometimes, these worries can overshadow your first few weeks of bonding with your little one. To help you conquer any fears you may have about putting your baby to sleep. We have created this blog post where you can find advice, guidance and the Do’s and Don’ts of safe sleeping.

What is Safe Sleeping Advice?

Safe sleeping advice is introduced to expecting parents to ensure that they are taking the necessary actions to significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also more well known as cot death. It provides parents with the information they need to put their baby to sleep safely through the day and night.

📷 @lullabytrust

Where Should my Baby Sleep?

The NHS recommends that for the first 6 months, your baby should sleep in the same room as you. The safest place for your baby to sleep is either in a moses basket, crib or cot. Always make sure that you place your baby on their back to sleep.

Can my Baby Sleep in my Bed?

As advised by the Lullaby Trust, babies should sleep in a clear, safe sleep space, which is easy to create in a cot or moses basket. However, it is a personal choice. Below is some guidance from the Lullaby Trust on how to make your bed a safer place for your baby to sleep.

DO

• Ensure that you keep pillows, sheets, blankets and any other items that could obstruct your baby’s breathing or cause them to overheat away from them.
• Make sure that your baby won’t fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall.
• Follow all other safer sleep advice.

DON'T

• Do not let pets or other children in the bed.
• Do not co-sleep if you or your partner smoke.
• Do not co-sleep if you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy).
• Do not co-sleep if your baby was born premature or at a low weight.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

You should never share a bed with your baby if any of the points above apply to you or your partner.

What Type of Blanket Should I use to Cover my Baby?

You should never cover your baby with a bulky quilt, duvet or fluffy blanket. This type of bedding can make it difficult for your baby to breathe and cool down. Lightweight blankets are the best type to use as you can easily adjust the temperature by layering one or more. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets.

Your baby’s blanket should not go above their shoulders. To prevent their blanket from moving in the night, tuck it securely under their arms. You should also place them in the ‘feet to foot’ position. It means that their feet are at the end of the moses basket, crib or cot. Instead of a blanket, you may want to use a well-fitting baby sleep bag with the correct tog value.

How do I Know if my Baby is too Warm or Cold?

According to experts, the ideal temperature for your baby’s room is between 16 and 20 degrees. The best way to check if your baby is too warm is by checking the back of their neck to make sure their skin doesn’t feel hot, clammy or sweaty to touch. But remember, if they are unwell, they may feel warmer than usual. In this instance, you would use fewer bedclothes. Another way to check whether the temperature in your baby’s room is comfortable is to get a room thermometer.

What Should my Baby Wear for Bed?

The first thing to take into account when dressing your baby for bed is their room temperature. Knowing the temperature of their nursery will help you make an informed decision on what to dress them in. Remember your baby should never wear a hat to bed as their head is important for maintaining their body temperature. It is how they release heat.

Below is a helpful infographic with guidance on what your baby should wear to bed, depending on what the room temperature is.

📷 @babyinbloommcr

Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of SIDS?

Yes. A 2017 study found that breastfeeding for at least two months, even if supplemented with formula, can cut the risk of SIDS in half. Furthermore, the Department of Health recommends that babies are fed only breast milk for at least 6 months.

Unfortunately, breastfeeding isn’t an easy experience for every new mum. But if you’re struggling, you can reach out to the National Breastfeeding Helpline for advice and help on 0300 100 0212.

More Safe Sleeping Practices

• Use a firm and flat mattress that is protected by a waterproof cover, making sure that it is the correct size for your moses basket, crib or cot.
• Don’t use sleep positioners to keep your baby in one position unless advised by a health professional.
• Keep your baby’s sleep space clear of pillows, bumpers, soft toys, pods or nests.
• Keep your home smoke free.

Always Ask if Unsure

When it comes to the safety of your baby, no question is stupid. Your midwife or health professional will be happy to answer any questions you may have. There are also many trusted organisations online, such as the Lullaby Trust or the NHS, that have a great range of resources that cover safe sleep practices.

Child Safety Week is a community education campaign that happens once a year and is championed by the Child Accident Prevention Trust. The charity’s aim is to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents. One way the charity works towards this is by giving free child safety advice to parents and carers to ensure that they have the tools and information required to keep their little ones safe.

This year, Child Safety Week runs from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th of June with the theme of Safety in mind.

In honour of this important week, we have decided to use our resources and expert knowledge to create a series of blog posts. These posts will be dedicated to 4 different safety topics to inform you about real risks that your children are exposed to daily. However, the purpose of these blog posts isn’t to instil you with fear. Instead, we want to provide you with the information you need to deal with these situations confidently and calmly.

The Safety Topics

Safe Sleeping

In this blog, we will cover the main aspects of safe sleep for babies to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We will focus on common questions about safer sleep and precautions you and your family can take before putting your baby to sleep.

Weaning Safety

This post is a must-read if you are about to start the weaning journey with your baby. We will empower you with the knowledge you need to safely wean your baby. And will look at weaning essentials, foods to avoid and much more.

Car Safety

A car seat is one of the many things you need to buy before your baby is born. This blog post will act as a guide to choosing the most suitable car seat for your new arrival and will help you better understand the safety regulations and laws in place.

Safety at Home

Taking the time to baby-proof your house is an important process that all parents will have to go through before your little one is able to crawl. If you are unsure where to start, this blog post is an essential read.

Make sure you check back in each day this week when we will be publishing a new safety article. For more information on Child Safety, make sure you head over to the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) website.

In the meantime, you can read the safety-related blog posts that we already have on our website, such as ‘What is the Best Cot Mattress for Your Baby' and ‘How to Get a Baby to Sleep on Its Back’.

Nursing pillows can sometimes get forgotten about in the never-ending list of things you need to purchase before the arrival of your baby. Although they are not deemed an essential for mums-to-be, they are definitely a useful product to help you and baby feel more comfortable during feeding.

What is a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow, also known as a breastfeeding pillow, is a C shaped or U shaped pillow that supports you and your baby during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. They wrap comfortably around your body, adapting to your shape and providing a safe place for your baby to rest as they feed. You will find them in a range of prints and styles. But essentially, they are all designed to help make nursing easier and to reduce neck, arm and back strain for you.

Our Mother&Baby Feeding & Infant Support Pillow

Can I use a Feeding Pillow After a C-Section?

A caesarean birth might make breastfeeding more difficult due to several reasons, such as loss of mobility or a long and stressful labour. However, with extra support from your midwife, you should be able to find a breastfeeding position that is comfortable for you. One position that the NCT recommends is the ruby-ball or underarm position, as it might help keep your baby away from your scar. They further suggested that you may want to place a pillow under your arm to help support your baby's weight after they have latched on. Other C-section friendly positions they advise are lying down on your side and laid-back breastfeeding.

📷 @rochellehumes

Why Should I Buy a Nursing Pillow?

Nursing pillows are especially handy if you plan on breastfeeding your baby. Lactation consultant Wendy Wisner advises keeping baby close with skin-to-skin contact during the first few days of breastfeeding. She explained, “This way, anytime your baby looks for the breast, it will be right there. Rooting, head bobbing, fist sucking, mouth fluttering—these are all signs your baby is hungry.”

Trying to maintain skin-to-skin contact for long periods of time can become tiring for your arms. You may find it even more uncomfortable if you have had a caesarean. Therefore, having a breastfeeding pillow to help support the weight of your baby can make the experience more enjoyable for the both of you.

What if I’m Expecting Twins?

If you are expecting twins and want to breastfeed them, you may want to consider tandem feeding. For this, a twin feeding pillow will help you and your babies find the perfect latch position.

📷 @bftwinsuk

Things to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Pillow

• Is it washable? – It is worth considering whether the pillow itself is washable or if it comes with a removable cover that can be washed.
• Does it have a certified organic cotton cover? – To avoid your baby’s sensitive skin encountering any nasty chemicals or dyes, you will need to ensure that the cover is GOTS certified (Global Organic Textiles Standard).
• The shape – As we mentioned earlier, most nursing pillows are either C shaped or U shaped. Before your baby arrives, we recommend shopping around and trying each shape to find the most comfortable pillow. 
• Is it adjustable? – Many feeding pillows are adjustable and feature a strap or belt to secure the pillow around your waist. 

Support Pillows and Your Growing Baby

You can continue to use most feeding pillows as your baby grows to help them with their key development stages. The pillows can be used to support baby with tummy time and sitting up. The NHS advises to only do tummy time when your baby is awake and alert. You should never leave your baby on their own propped up by a nursing pillow.

The Mother&Baby Awards are chosen and voted for by mums each year, making them the most prestigious in the parenting market.

Brands, products and stores nominated for one of these renowned awards can be trusted by parents everywhere. As they’re tried, tested and, most importantly, trusted by real mums!

After being shortlisted in October for 7 products across 5 categories and 3 brands, we were thrilled and humbled to be included in these distinguished awards. And delighted to know that our products were loved and appreciated by mums.

The team headed to the Mother&Baby Awards Show in London to find out if we would take home a Gold, Silver or Bronze for any of our products that had been shortlisted. 

We’re honoured to announce that out of the 7 products we had been nominated for, 5 of them won awards!

Winning products and categories:

Best Sleep Product

GOLD: CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress 140 x 70cm

BRONZE: CuddleCo Signature Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress 140 x 70cm

Best Eco-Friendly Product

BRONZE: Troll Lukas Cot Bed – Soft Grey/Natural plus mattress

Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket

SILVER: CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed

Best Travel Product Over £30

BRONZE: Doona Liki Trike S1

We couldn’t be happier with the results and would like to thank the mum’s out there who tried, tested and ultimately loved our products and, of course, Mother&Baby.

Drum roll, please! We’re so excited to announce that our Autumn/Winter Collection is live. No more sneak peeks or behind-the-scenes. Each nursery set and baby furniture piece we’ve hinted at these past few months is online ready for you to share with your partner, family or expecting friends. Happy shopping!

Meet our 11 New Nursery Furniture Ranges

One of our main goals when designing the products for this launch was to have something for everyone, no matter your style, space or budget. We wanted to create a collection that considered all of the above as well as upcoming nursery trends, quality and functionality.

We understand that all parents want the best for their new arrival and how special shopping for their cot and all other nursery essentials is. We can’t wait to be part of your journey into parenthood!

Nola

Adding a pop of colour to your nursery has never been easier than with the Nola nursery furniture range. Available in sage green, flint blue and blush pink, Nola uses the power of colour to turn even the tiniest of rooms into a truly, modern nursery. This 3 piece set guarantees affordable style for all at £389. Other cheaper nursery bundles are also available.

Aria

The Aria nursery furniture range is hand-made with a natural grass material called rattan making it an ecological and sustainable choice for parents. Native to Indonesia, this strong, sustainable material is harvested seasonally and grows back quickly, meaning it can be harvested again.

Natural materials are an easy way to add warmth and texture to your nursery. Plus, they tie in perfectly with the boho-chic trend.

Isla

Isla combines modern and traditional styles, pairing strong clean lines and soft ash touches to create a nursery range that complements both contemporary and classic nursery decor. This 3 piece furniture set provides spacious storage for your baby’s clothes, toys and daily essentials. The set includes a cot bed that eventually converts to a toddler bed when your child is old enough.

Rafi

Rafi is the perfect room set for the modern nursery. Available in cool white and charcoal black, featuring warm oak tones and subtle linear detail. Rafi is perfectly finished with soft, tactile leather handles and soft close mechanisms.

Ada

The Ada nursery furniture set is a modern classic, incorporating sleek, contemporary lines and soft ash tones. Available in a 3 piece and 2 piece set, Ada would make the perfect addition to your nursery.

Freya

Freya brings a calming influence to the nursery with its cool wooden tones and white-washed finish. Perfect for creating a soothing sleep environment for your little one. Freya’s neutral tones will complement any nursery decor or style.

Enzo

Enzo’s simple design will look the part in any nursery. Its understated style showcases a smooth truffle oak wood finish and cool white tones, featuring black metal handles that provide the perfect contrast.

Lana

Lana promises to complement any nursery interior or decor with its subtle two-tone colourway. This gender-neutral nursery set pairs delicate ash tones and a simple, white, painted finish to create a must-have nursery furniture range.

Your Dream Nursery Awaits

We can’t wait to see you bring your nursery to life with our new baby furniture sets. Head over to our Instagram for styling inspiration, and be sure to tag us in your nursery photos to be in with a chance of featuring on our feed!

Style, trend and colour are 3 things we’ll be delivering this autumn with our launch of 11 brand-new nursery furniture ranges. We’re so excited to finally share with you a sneak peek of what to expect from our biggest release to date!

Nursery Design to Inspire

We’ve identified upcoming trends for the nursery to bring you design-led ranges we guarantee you’ll love. Lots of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that our latest launch truly has something for everyone, no matter your style, space or budget. 

Boho-Chic for Your Baby’s Bedroom

The boho-chic trend may have already snuck into other areas of your home in the form of earthy colour palettes and natural hues. But finding a way to incorporate this trend into the nursery was difficult until Aria. 

Introducing Aria, one of our 11 new furniture ranges coming to you very, very soon. This nursery furniture is predominantly made of a grass material called rattan. Native to Indonesia, this strong, sustainable material is harvested seasonally and grows back promptly, meaning it can be harvested again. 

This rattan nursery range will add warmth and texture to your little one’s bedroom. Along with a crib and baby changing unit, the collection will also include nursery accessories such as a round rattan mirror and a decorative lampshade. 

Bold, Modern and Minimalist

In bold contrast to Aria is Rafi, available in charcoal black and cool white, contrasted with warm oak tones. Rafi is perfect for the modern nursery with its subtle linear detail and soft, tactile leather handles. We promise this range will easily grow with your family, from nursery to first bedroom, with convertible cot beds, nursery dressers with removable changing tops, and wardrobes that can adapt to full-size hanging. 

The Power of Colour

Here to brighten up those cold autumn days is Nola. This 3 piece nursery set has a simple, minimal design that uses the power of colour to turn even the tiniest of rooms into a truly, modern nursery. Available in three bold hues, Nola adds a playful touch to any room. This Instagram-worthy, 3-piece set has a price tag of only £389, ensuring affordable style for everyone.

Coming Soon

We can’t wait for all these new baby furniture sets to launch on our website later this month. To be the first to know when the nursery furniture goes live on our website, make sure you sign up for our newsletter. 

We are thrilled to share that we have been shortlisted for 7 products across 5 categories and 3 brands at the Mother & Baby Awards 2023. 

The awards are chosen and voted for by parents, which makes this even more special and humbling. 

We have been shortlisted in the following categories: 

✨ Best Eco-friendly Product - Troll Lukas Cot Bed - Soft Grey/Natural
✨ Best Travel Product Over £30 - Doona Liki Trike S1
✨ Best Product For A Newborn 0-4 months - CuddleCo Bamboo Changing Mat – Natural
✨ Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – Troll Lukas Cot Bed
✨ Best Sleep Product - CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress 140 x 70cm
✨ Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed
✨ Best Sleep Product - CuddleCo Signature Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress 140 x 70cm

Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – Troll Lukas Cot Bed - Soft Grey/Natural

Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – Troll Lukas Cot Bed

Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed

Best Sleep Product - CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress 140 x 70cm

Best Product For A Newborn 0-4 months - CuddleCo Bamboo Changing Mat – Natural

Best Travel Product Over £30 - Doona Liki Trike S1

Pancake Day is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to sit down together and enjoy some tasty treats. Paediatric Dietitian, Kat Martinez-Thomas, is here to share with you a quick and easy pancake recipe!

Pancakes are an ideal food for babies, and with pancake day around the corner, I wanted to share a super easy weaning pancake recipe that the whole family can enjoy!

These banana pancakes for baby use simple ingredients but are a bit of a twist on the classic recipe. Oats contain energy, fibre, B vitamins and some protein, making them a nutrient-rich food for babies. The banana adds a little extra flavour and texture to the recipe, as well as extra vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Serve with a dollop of yoghurt and some fruit for a perfectly balanced meal for your baby. Adding a little nut butter, if your baby has tried it before, would be ideal, too!

When can my baby have pancakes?

Pancakes are a great finger food for baby right from early on in their weaning journey. Once baby has started to experiment with different textures, these pancakes are nice and soft and can be cut into ideal shapes for baby to grab hold of to bring to their mouths. They’re a perfect baby-led weaning food – even for parents who may be a little more anxious about offering finger foods.

A note on allergies

This recipe includes eggs, milk and oats – all of which are potential allergens. Make sure your baby has had all of those ingredients before offering them these pancakes. For more on allergens, you can check out the NHS website. 

 Ingredients

• 1 large banana
• Half a cup of oats
• 75ml milk of choice (see NHS advice on Milk here)
• 1 free range egg
• Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

 Method

1. Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until you have a batter consistency
2. Heat some oil in a pan on a medium heat. When hot, turn the heat down and add around 1 and a half tbsp of batter into the pan – add as many as you can fit with a little room to flip (Keep the heat low to avoid the outside burning)
3. Watch them carefully and flip once browning on one side. Use a knife to gently check that they’re cooked all the way through
4. Continue until you’ve used up all of the batter – you may need to add extra oil in between cooking
5. Cut into strips and enjoy!



About Kat

Kat offers weaning and dietary advice to parents and carers looking for extra support feeding their babies and children. Head over to Kat’s website to find out more about the services she offers.

Starting to wean your baby can be overwhelming for both you and your little one. You might have lots of worries and questions about how to get started or what method is best. Paediatric Dietitian, Kat Martinez-Thomas, has written a guest blog post that will help you start your weaning journey with confidence.

One of the main questions parents have when it comes to weaning is exactly HOW to start. It can be quite overwhelming when looking on the internet, especially with the rising popularity of “baby-led weaning” in recent years.

This blog will cover the differences between traditional and baby-led weaning, as well as the pros and cons of both methods, and highlight what to consider when starting your baby on solid foods.

What is baby-led weaning?

Whilst traditionally babies have been offered pureed food at the start of weaning, baby-led weaning means skipping the purees and offering finger foods instead. The idea is that the baby is in control of what, and how much, they eat, rather than being fed by an adult – hence the term “baby-led.”

What are the benefits of baby-led weaning?

There are many benefits to baby-led weaning, including:

• Allowing the baby independence and autonomy over what they’re eating – this can also help them to follow their own appetite from early on
• Learning to experiment with a wider variety of textures more quickly, and developing skills to pick up food, bring it to their mouth, chew and swallow
• Easier for babies to be involved in family mealtimes and be exposed to more family style foods
• Easier preparation for parents as they can feed baby the same foods they are eating

Are there any cons to baby-led weaning?

One of the main worries parents have with baby-led weaning is around choking. The current research doesn’t show any increased risk of choking from babies that are following a baby-led weaning approach.

Being exposed to a variety of textures as soon as possible, whether through spoon-feeding or finger foods is important to help babies develop and practice the skills needed to become competent eaters.

Some research suggests that babies who follow baby-led weaning take in LESS nutrition at the beginning, as they learn the skills to eat competently. Whilst milk continues to be a main source of nutrition, there are some nutrients, particularly iron, which are important to get from food. Offering plenty of variety of iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds can help to ensure babies get plenty of opportunity to maximise the nutrition from their food.

What about traditional weaning?

Traditional weaning involves spoon-feeding babies purees of different foods and gradually progressing through to more lumpy and textured foods. Many parents may feel more confident following this method, particularly at the start of weaning. It can be slightly less messy than baby-led weaning and parents may find it easier to know how much their baby has eaten. This can help parents to feel comfortable that their baby is getting certain nutrients, such as iron.

Spoon-feeding babies purees can mean it takes longer for them to become involved in family mealtimes, as it’s more difficult to share a meal when feeding your baby at the same time. It can also mean that babies are exposed to less variety of textures, which is important for them to develop and practice the skills needed for eating.

What is the best way to start weaning?

Ultimately, the weaning style parents choose will depend on a variety of factors. There are pros and cons to both baby-led weaning and spoon feeding, and it’s important that parents feel confident in whichever method they follow for feeding their child. Offering a mix of both finger foods and spoon-feeding can be a great way to allow your baby to explore and experiment. 

Whether you’re offering finger foods or purees, it’s a good idea to offer as much variety as possible and really allow your baby to try different tastes and textures. It can be a messy time but try to let your baby experiment as much as possible.

It’s perfectly normal for them to want to get stuck in and use their hands or hold the spoon themselves. The more they can feel in control at the table, the more likely they are to enjoy it and feel confident exploring the food on offer.

Whatever way you choose to wean your baby, try to ENJOY the process as much as possible and focus on making the mealtime a positive experience. There’s A LOT for babies to learn during weaning – they need plenty of opportunity to practice and they’ll all get there in their own time!

About Kat

Kat offers weaning and dietary advice to parents and carers looking for extra support feeding their babies and children. Head over to Kat's website to find out more about the services she offers.