Getting the hang of this (11/365)

[haggis]

 I was doing reasonably well at posting regularly and then I had a series of frustrating technical issues with my setup for expressing breastmilk. That upset me and I didn't feel very inspired to post for a while. But I am feeling better and feeling like things are working smoothly now so I am back! 

 

Some innovations since my last post that have helped with the logistics of childcare, especially when Daz and I are on our own. 

 

1. I reduced and relocated the stuff in the corner of the living room so we could set up a play mat for Zoe. We have now added a baby gym, her toy box and a nightlight that gives a gentle light. 

 

That is good for her and also provides a safe place she can be left for short periods while not in her cot. It lets us eg put her down while we make up a bottle or go to the toilet.

 

2. I have rented two different kinds of baby carrier to try. In non-Covid times, there are places to get advice and try on different options but it took me a while to find alternatives.  

 

One is like a rucksack with lots of adjustable straps. Zoe and I went on an expedition and it worked pretty well, although Zoe was a bit squished because I had not quite fitted it right. She was OK though (remarkably chill baby and I kept checking on her) and I know what to do next time. 

 

The other carrier is a long, stretchy piece of fabric that you tie around yourself. I was really intimidated by that because I was worried about putting Zoe at risk by doing it wrong but YouTube had helpful videos. I had a Zoom consultation with the woman who rents the carriers and that helped me understand how it works and how to adjust it.

 

3. We are trying reusable nappies. This was on hold because my washing machine was refusing to do more than the basic wash and also because Zoe was pretty small and the nappies are quite bulky. I bought some clothes in the next size up (at 8 weeks, she fits newborn perfectly so we got 0-3 months) so that there is enough room in the bum. The outer wraps have pictures of bees, ladybirds and whales on them which I am v pleased with.

Comments

[rmc28]

If the reusable nappies suit you, I have the full set I used for my two (in fairness, mostly the older one, the younger one didn't get on so well with them) and would happily gift them onward. No pressure, but let me know if you want me to send details of what I have.

[bunnypip]

Baby gym corner sounds lovely

[rockbirthedme]

I'll pass this on, because it was super advice for me when we used cloth instead of disposables. It's really important to get all the soap out, because it can irritate the baby's skin. Most people will tell you to use multiple rinses. For a much easier time, put distilled white vinegar where you would usually put softener (don't use any softener -- it makes the cloth less absorbent). That puts the vinegar in the rinse, where it will neutralize any leftover soap so it can wash out. Do a second rinse (if your machine has some kind of quick rinse cycle, use it) and voila!

If you have outdoor drying space and the cloth is white, this method has the second advantage of bleaching out any stains without using bleach. (Bleach is another thing you should avoid.) I'm not the type to be picky about having whites that are whiter than white, but we used cloth for about 3 years with Bigglest & the cloth came out the other end still bright white. Very different from when we put them in the dryer.