BABY - Getting Autumn Ready

All of a sudden the weather has become so cold! It is officially the start of Autumn, the countdown to halloween, pumpkin picking, pumpkin spiced lattes (my autumn addiction) chilly evenings snuggled under a duvet and warmer clothes!

I am Rory is currently in 0-3 month but wont be for long with the size of this boy! So I've started collecting autumnal clothes for him in 3-6months. We also have our first family holiday together in November so I have bought a lot of this stuff with the intention of him looking bloody adorable in our holiday photos! 

First thing I obviously needed to get was jumpers, he will live in jumpers in the colder months because they are perfect for laying and babies constantly get cold, then you bundle them up and they are sweating then you take a layer off and they are freezing. Its a vicious cycle so layers are the key!

The navy blue one is a lovely thin knitted jumper with a very grown up print but does have the little fox pattern towards the top giving it a cute youthful look, I will say now that I have been collecting these bits since before he was born so they may not be available still in store but this particular jumper is from H&M.

The brown fox jumper is my fave, it is from Next and it is so sweet its unreal! It is a great thickness for fall weather, its got some thickness and warmth to it but its not too thick that it will make him sweat. I also love the colour as it is very autumnal and looks lovely on Rory's olive skin tone.

Leggings have been a staple in Rory's wardrobe so far so joggers will be the autumnal next step as they are similar in look but much thicker to keep his chubby little legs warm. These lovelies are from Next but these style can be gotten in so many places, H&M are currently selling three packs of similar ones in cute colours that I might have to get as well!

Babys in dungarees literally melt me! I have included two pairs in this haul. This pair is from Pep N Co (Poundland) if you can believe it! How cute are they?! They have such a vintage feel to me, they just make me think of something I would have worn as a child. I cannot wait to put Rory in these! They don't have poppers on the crotch though so the poor boy will have to deal with being nude when having a nappy change which is very reminiscent of nights out wearing a jumpsuit, anyone know what I mean?

The other pair of dungarees in from Next and I just love how modern they, very grown up and stylish. Rory has worn these a few times already and they keep him perfectly warm while making him look like a little fashionista badass.

It rains a lot in Autumn, we all know that. I've already been caught out a few times this year! I desperately wanted a Paddington Bear style rain coat and came across this little gem in Boots. It's not too thick which is actually perfect because it will fit over a jumper and keep him from overheating which can happen when you are wearing a jumper and a thick coat. I just think this is the most adorable thing and I can't wait for him to wear it!

I have so much more to get ready for the cold weather and for our holiday still, such as some jeans and more jumpers. What do you all recommend? 

Baby Buys I SHOULD or SHOULDN'T Have Bought

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9 months is a long time to prepare and buy everything your baby needs in anticipation of their arrival but sometimes you just don't know what you will or won't need until little one is here! We bought everything we thought we needed and still found that we needed more, we also found that many things we thought were essentials weren't essentials at all and have gone unused! 

Obviously every baby and every family/situation is different so it may be that you use all these things but these are the items that I wish I hadn't bought...

SHOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT

Mittens - I bought loads of mittens, I was thinking babies scratch themselves and they are sold everywhere so they must be necessary right? Well, not only were Rorys hands way to big to fit in them anyway from day one (he has massive hands) but I didn't ever feel the need to use them anyway! I just keep his nails cut short and if I did feel mittens were necessary I would just put him in a sleep suit that had the built in ones which most of them do!

Booties - Same really! His massive flippers never fit in them and whats the point of them anyway? A lot of baby clothes have feet and if they don't, I just used socks!

Fleece Blankets - Considering Rory was due on the 1st August and we were having an insane heatwave, I have no idea why I thought these would be necessary. We haven't used them yet but I suppose we might in the colder months so they aren't a complete waste but what I would say is that you need to consider the time of year when your buying blankets. We have gotten much more use out of the breathable cellular ones!

Too Much Clothes - Buying baby clothes is so exciting and I loved it! We bought so much stuff and we also got gifted so much stuff but so much of it never got worn before he grew out of it and now I am frantically trying to get him to wear all his 0-3months stuff before he out grows them too! And as much as dungarees and jeans are cute, he lives in sleep suits and the odd pair of leggings anyway! 

SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT/GOT MORE OF

Books and Toys - We bought a few things but we were of the mindset that we wouldn't use them for ages but I have found that that just isn't true. I have been reading to him from very early on and he loves to look at brightly coloured toys even though he's not quite able to play with them. We especially love the "Thats Not My" books and I have bought him "DANCE" for Christmas!

Sleep suits - We bought a few but just didn't really prioritise them, I wanted to dress him in adorable outfits everyday but really sleep suits are the most comfortable and practical for a little baby. We also didn't have any in newborn or 0-1month sizes because we were convinced he would be big so we actually had nothing that fit him in his first few weeks! I would really recommend buying a few things in all sizes just to cover all bases, you can always return them if you never use them! We love the Mothercare 3 packs as they are amazing quality, come in loads of sizes and are available in loads of adorable patterns.

Long Sleeve Body Suits - I bought a few of these but I mostly bought short sleeve as he was due in the summer but I found quite quickly that even thought it was hot, he's a baby and he needs to be warm! They are also perfect for wearing under sleeping bags at night to keep those chubby little arms warm!

Sleeping Bag - We had one of these in 1tog but in the past 7 weeks we have ended up having to buy two more in different togs! Babies need different togs to covered different temperatures, the weather is so unpredictable at the moment so you need variety! They also last until 6 months so they are a good investment that will last a long time.

Moveable Car Seat - We originally did so much research into car seats and what would fit our car the best, be the safest and last the longest. We opted for a seat that can't be carried and lasts up to age 4, we didn't want to waste money on a car seat that could be carried because they only last up to age 1. And being that our boy was predicted to be quite the chunk (he is!) we didn't think it would even last till then. But last minute we decided to get a moveable car seat in order to make leaving the hospital easier and we have been using that one since! It has proven to be so much more practical and easier to get him comfy in the seat before walking to the car rather than having to faff around once you get there. 

THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN AMAZING!!!!

One               Two

These two things have been the most incredible products, I would honestly say they have made motherhood so much easier for me and I would be lost without them!

Firstly, Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier. I had never intended to use a carrier as I was so in love with my pram and wanted to use the hell out of it but Rory got upset not being close to me, its a pain to put up when your alone and you can't walk on uneven surfaces which doesn't sound like a big deal but for me, it is! I love walking the dog over the grass, going to parks and being handsfree when I shop so this carrier has been a lifesaver. I feel like me again when I'm wearing it, I can do everything I usual do while still being a mummy. 

Sock ons are little contraptions you put on over your babies socks to keep them securely on their feet and they are revolutionary! I haven't lost one sock and they are also great to wear with sleep suits that are a little too long because they hold babies feet in the right place which was so helpful when Rory was really small and always pulled his feet out of the legs of sleep suits. 

If you take anything from this post, it is to buy these two items urgently as they will change your life!

Is there anything I haven't mentioned that you've loved for your little one! Let me know!

Things I Cant Afford But Really Want...

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If you are on maternity leave or have ever been you will know what I mean when I say I am the poorest I have ever been. Once the bills are paid I am left with literally nothing. Liam is taking great care of me, making sure I get all the junk food I want and treating me to the odd bunch of flowers but makeup purchasing, understandably is not where the priority is at right now! 

That doesn't stop me lusting after it though!

One

Urban Decay Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette

I honestly wasn't all that impressed with this when it was first announced, I just kinda felt like the shades were a little overdone and that I had other shadows like them but social media has been going crazy for it and it has proven so popular that now I desperately want to know if all the fuss is founded! It the same price as the Naked palettes are but you get more shades, the Naked palettes all contain 12 shades and Born To Run has an insane 21 so I do feel like this palette is great value for money, if only I had some to spend! 

Two

Revolution X Soph Lipstick in Cake

Soph is a youtuber, I am a big fan of her channel but also all her collaborations with Revolution. She recently released an eyeshadow palette (which I reviewed recently) and three lipsticks in various nude shades. I have been really drawn to the shade Cake. 

They have a creamy consistency which is my favourite kind of lipstick as they are so much easier to wear and re apply, I feel like I would get a lot of wear out of this lipstick and being that its only £4, I might try and scrape together a few pennies and get it. 

Three

Revolution X Soph Fragrance Body Mist

Another more recent Revolution X Soph collaboration is this body spray, Vanilla and Creme Brûlée scented which sounds delicious to me. I really do like sweet scents so I think this one will be right up my street, you get 236ml in a bottle which is such a generous amount as well. 

Four

Revolution X Kisu Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette

Can you tell I really like Revolution at the moment? Kisu is a youtuber, I don't watch her and I've never heard of her but when I saw this palette announced I was super drawn to it! The shades are lovely and very me, lots of coppers, oranges and lovely yellow/mustard tones. The two highlighters included are also very me, useable shades. I just feel like I would get a lot of everyday use out of this palette and I know the quality will be fantastic just like all Revolution palettes are. I might have to find the money for this one...

I'll be honest, I'm lusting after so many beauty items right now. It always feels like just when you can't afford it, loads of things you want pop up! What have you all been wanting recently?

Pampers Pure Collection *

Products were gifted but all thoughts are my own *

We have been very lucky to be chosen by Pampers to be #PurePioneers and to review the new Pampers Pure Collection! This collection includes nappies and wipes which are aimed at babies with sensitive skin. Rory doesn't seem to have sensitive skin as of yet but as a mother I want to always use the kindest products on his little booty! So I was really excited to receive this big box of goodies to try out!

We were sent a pack of 39 nappies in size 2 which fits babies from 9lbs to 18lbs. Rory weighs roughly 11lbs now so these are the right size for him. 

We were also sent a pack of Pure Aqua wipes and 5 mini packs containing wipes and two nappies to give to friends and family to also try! 

Both products are made using thoughtfully-selected gentle materials making them perfectly pure and clinically proven to be great for sensitive skin! The wipes are 99% water and 0% alcohol or perfume! They are also crafted with organic cotton!

The biggest selling point for me in the claim that the nappies provide 12hours of dryness! We have had issues with leaky nappies since day one with Rory, he has a large waste and skinny little legs so often pee leaks out of the loose leg holes or during the night when the nappy gets pretty full, we end up with a wet mattress. 

There is nothing worse that waking up to find you precious baby laying in wee and having to fully change the sheets and clothes in the middle of the night.

The packaging is gorgeously adorable with all the nappies having different cute animals on, so far we have had sloths and bunnies. I am super excited to see what other animals there are! I like that they are simple and classy looking while still being cute as they are for little ones after all!

Rory may not look impressed but I promise he is!

Now for the all important, what do I think?

Most important when it comes to nappies is the fit and the absorbency. They fit like a dream! Rory is at the lower end of the sizing and they fit lovely and snug, don't leave marks on his skin and the tabs nicely fit around his stomach making sure the nappies stay secure. 

The absorbency is amazing, we have had zero leaks since we've been using them and I put this down to the layers inside the nappy. They seem to have a net layer that provides a barrier between babies tushy and the pee/poo. It is very unique, very different to what I have seen from other brands, I also feel that this barrier helps with nappy rash as babies bum isn't directly sitting in the wetness. 

We have tried a lot of different brands over the past 6 weeks of parenthood and many of them seem to be very hard. Especially ASDA's Little Angels nappies which feel so rough to the touch, we are no longer using these! Pampers Pure have the softest feel and are very flexible to fit the curves of babies body.

Before having a baby myself I always thought nappies were nappies, all the same. But that has proven not to be the case at all, Pampers overall have been the best we have used but Pampers Pure surpass even those! The quality of these nappies is ridiculous, I really feel like I am doing what is best for my baby when I put him in these! 

They are so comfy that if they did adult sizes, I might consider it! 

Now, the Aqua Pure wipes are also great! They are 99% water and contain no perfumes or alcohol making them perfect for sensitive bottoms! We have tried a large variety of wipes over the past few weeks, Johnsons being our favourite so far as they are good quality and only dispense one wipe at a time which is super helpful. The pampers wipes we have tried are great but they dispense literally 10 wipes at a time which can be really frustrating when you are trying to take care of a baby at the same time, Pampers Pure however, I love. They dispense one wipe, are a good wetness, very thick and good quality wipe overall. You can literally stretch them and they don't rip! I feel like you need to use less wipes per bum change with these which will save you time and money in the long run. Awesome! 

Price wise they aren't the cheapest but they aren't too expensive in my opinion either, they are also currently on offer in a lot of super markets. In Morrisons currently the nappies are £5 for a pack of 39 Size 2's and the wipes are £1.25 for a pack of 48 wipes. 

You can buy them here!

I will be recommending these to everyone!

Breastfeeding: Make It Easier

I won't lie to you, breastfeeding is hard. Harder than I ever expected it to be and harder than anyone ever told me it could be. I'd also be lying if I said I hadn't considered quitting over the past 4 weeks of little mans life. 

I hated being covered in milk, struggling to feed in public and mainly I struggled with being glued to the sofa all the time feeling like all my baby wanted me for was my milk. But, I am persevering and finally starting to feel like its all getting easier and like I can do it.

Don't get me wrong, fed is best and however you decide to feed your baby is amazing. But breastfeeding my baby is something I've always wanted to do so feeling like I wanted to quit was really hard, I felt like a failure and like I was being selfish even considering taking away my babies  source of food and the only thing he has ever been used too. So, I took to the internet and to friends and family to get tips and advice of how to make it all easier and how to make it work for me! 

Now, i'd like to share it with you!

1. My first issue with breastfeed feeding was the leaking nips! I was using breast pads, I tried disposable and washable ones but still they weren't absorbing the leakage. My bra was still soaking and smelt like gone off cheese all the time and I hated it. I just felt so dirty!

First thing I did was try and figure out when it was happening, what I figured out is that they only seemed to leak when I was feeding on the other side or when Rory cried. They only leaked a little when he cried so the pads absorbed that but the let down from when I was feeding on the other side was like a litre of liquid at a time! (slight exaggeration but also not really) so I did some research and came across breast shells which are basically little cups that you can put over your nips when feeding  and they collect the milk. I got mine on amazon, find them here.

2. Another issue with leaking nips is that you have to wear a bra all the time in order to hold the breast pads. But I hate having to wear a bra all the time! It is so uncomfortable and it smells because you've been leaking milk in it all day. I started laying a towel down in bed and just sleeping boobs free! The first night I did it, I felt 100 times better. Thankfully now after 4 weeks breastfeeding my boobs are beginning to leak a whole let less which makes everything so much easier! 

3. The One Up One Down Trick. I have no issue getting a boob out in public but you do still have to consider other people when doing so, I had been using a muslin to cover up a little but it was such a faff! So what I've been doing recently is wearing a vest top under my normal top. When you feed you just lift up the top layer and pull down the bottom layer so you literally only have to get your nipple out. It's so much more discreet and you don't have to put anything over your babies face. No-one likes eating with a muslin on their face. 

4. Being prepared is a must. If feeding at home make sure you have a drink and snacks to hand, get your phone and the tv remote at the ready and sit comfortably so you can feed in peace feeling comfy and prepared. If out in public again make sure your phone is handy and if you are feeding in a coffee shop, get a coffee first and put it close enough to reach. It really does help.

5. Seating. Where you sit to feed is also vital to how easy it will be and how comfortable for you and your baby. If I'm at home I feed in either my nursing chair or on the sofa as it is where I am most comfortable and both have arms to help with support. If in pubic I try and choose a booth or an armchair, at the bare minimum something with arms. It provides extra privacy and comfort.

6. Make the most of feeding rooms, loads of places have them. Shopping centres usually have lovely ones, my local has private rooms with changing tables and armchairs. I have no issue with feeding in the open but sometimes its nice to have somewhere quiet and private to sit and nurse. I like them especially if I'm trying to get Rory to nod off to sleep.

7. In my opinion nursing clothes are not necessary but nursing bras are! I only bought two, one to wash and one to wear. I bought these ones here. It really does make nursing easier to be able to just unclip the cup and pull it down to feed, these ones are also non underwired so they are super comfy for sore, huge milk filled boobies.

These seven things have really helped me overcome the issues I was experiencing and hopefully they will help you as well. Most importantly just remember that what you are doing is a beautiful natural thing and in the best interests of your baby so keep it up mama and be proud of yourself no matter how long to choose to feed but also if you choose to bottle feed, you are awesome too!