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Hi, You're receiving this email because {name} thinks the Handy Baby Tips article would interest you. At Bambina, we don’t profess to be babycare experts, but we are parents too and hope our first-hand experience and tips will help you along the way.
 

Feeding Tips

• Cruskits or similar wafers make great baby snacks and are cheaper than baby rusks. Just check out salt & fat content first.

 

• Bath/feed/bed - follow this routine for an easier bedtime. Always keep bedtime calm and quiet.

 

• Starting on solids? Try sweet fruits & veges such as pureed apple or kumara mixed with breast milk or formula.

 

• When starting solids baby will eat just a tiny amount so freeze portions in an ice cube tray. Easy, convenient and no waste.

 

Clothing Tips

• Don't rely too much on garment size labels as they vary widely. Go through clothing regularly and add/remove items as baby grows.

 

• A sleep gown makes for easy nappy changing at night.

 

• Wash tiny baby socks in a net delicates bag - no more lost socks!

 

• Buy baby clothes that are easy to put on - envelope necklines are great, and look for wrap around styles for newborns.

 

Sleeping Tips

• Baby sleeping bags are perfect for chilly nights - baby will be cosy regardless of the room temperature.

 

• To keep baby warm on those chilly days/nights - rule of thumb is 1 layer more than you are wearing. And don't forget a hat!

 

• Take a nap when baby sleeps! Even putting your feet up with a cup of tea and a mag is great therapy for a tired new mum.

 

• Watch for baby's tired signs. Once you are able to recognise the signals you will find it far easier to get baby off for a nap.

 

• Don't go running every time baby squeaks. Give them a few moments and they might just settle and pop off back to sleep!

 

Health & Wellbeing Tips

• Sweet almond oil is a great natural remedy for cradle cap. Gently rub into problem areas after bathing.

 

• Wrap,wrap,wrap - newborn babes love to be tightly swaddled.

 

• Baby massage is a lovely way to bond with baby. Buy a nice oil, take a massage course or learn from a book. Baby will love it!

 

• Try a baby sling for an unsettled baby. Constant movement is calming and bub will love being cuddled up with mum or dad.

 

• The first weeks with a new baby can be exhausting! Be bold - ask visitors to help out with small household tasks or to bring food.

 

Playing Tips

• Even tiny babes love to hear your voice. Try singing, rhymes or silly noises and watch those smiles start coming!

 

• A colourful mobile above your change table makes for a relaxed nappy change.

 

• Don't forget to have fun! Sing songs, make up rhymes, pull funny faces, tickle gently, blow raspberries then watch for a smile!

 

General Tips

• Keep an "emergency" pack in the car. Nappies, wipes, change of clothing, wrap, toddler snack, sunblock - never be caught short again.

 

• Use cotton wipes at home instead of disposables. Soak a day's worth in water with a few drops of teatree oil. Natural and cheap.

 

• Buy a pack of old style cotton nappies - perfect for mopping up spills and act as an extra layer on your change table and in your bassinet.

 

• Cotton muslin squares are a baby essential - use to mop up spills, as a sunshade or playmat, to swaddle your baby,as a change mat or soft towel for a newborn.

Check out our other Hot Topics on:​

• Baby poo guide
• Baby signing
• Benefits of baby massage

Source: This article was written by the team at Bambina.