An app for everything?

Since bubba was about 2 months old I have religiously kept track of his every feed, every sleep, every nappy change. Well not quite all, but most. I didn't set out to try and keep a record of this for reasons of posterity - it was simply an unintended by-product.

As a sleep deprived and naturally scatty mummy I was struggling to remember when bubba last fed, last had a nappy change, or which side he fed (without copping a feel!). Being up every 2-3hrs the days and nights just merged into one big baby-filled blur. Not that that's a bad thing mind, I just didn't know whether I was coming or going. I felt like my life was out of my control.

day...? night...? hours spent staring at our little bundle of joy

Spending too much time on my phone while bubba was feeding or napping I figured someone cleverer than me must've come up with something to help me get organised. Or at least help me remember what I was doing. A search on Google Play later and I found the Feed Baby app. And it changed my life. And yes, before you ask, I am that sad.

At the click of a button I could record when he fed, for how long, which side, even expressing was covered. It kindly produced little graphs for me, showing how many hours a day he fed or slept, intervals and durations.

touch screen controls for feeding and sleeping

easy to read graphs

Somehow this made me feel in control of things, even though bubba was sleeping and feeding on demand. I could see little patterns, and trends, and I could see that there was some semblance of order to our chaotic life.

trapped under a sleeping baby...

Admittedly I don't use it so much now bubba is nearly one, as he generally feeds and naps less. But in those early days when I could hardly tell night from day, I gained more understanding and began to predict how our days and nights might pan out.

one of many post-feed naps...

What it doesn't tell you on the accompanying spiel is the advantage that can be gained from 'proving' that you've been up 5 times during the night, so it was definitely not your turn to get up again/change nappy/wash nappies/do anything other than collapse in a heap. You can also bore people to tears with the wealth of baby-related data that you have now amassed. And one further benefit - no more random 3am ebay purchases - and subsequent hiding of parcels each time the postman called...



Did you use anything to help organise yourself? Feeding bracelet? Pin on your clothes? Good old fashioned pen and paper? Or did you get by with chilling out and going with the flow?! Would love to know your tips for other mummies...

ERGObaby carrier - review

When bubba was tiny we decided to invest in a baby carrier. I wanted bubba to feel safe and snug. I also believed that having both hands free would allow me to carry out exciting daily tasks such as washing up or laundry.

Unfortunately we don't have a sling library nearby to try out products. Our first purchase of the BabyBjorn Original carrier was fine until bubba was about 3 months old. My back was aching and I thought we had sadly come to the end of baby carrying.

Hearing of my plight, a friend kindly lent me her ERGObaby carrier with Infant Insert (a little cushion for baby to sit on, in a cosy wrap that supports the spine, head and neck). The Ergo design ensures that baby is well-supported and comfortable. 

There is a handy sleeping hood that supports baby's head while napping. It also keeps the sun off, perfect for those cheeky monkeys who like to pull their hat off the moment its on their head!

For those carrying baby, weight is spread across the hips with a comfy adjustable strap. The shoulder straps are padded, adjustable and have handy tabs that allow the wearer to make adjustments once baby is on board.

After a few practise runs at home I could get bubba into the carrier on my own. The hardest part was fastening the strap at the back without getting cramp, a trapped nerve or hot and bothered. Sitting down helped but there is an element of faff involved. But then I get hot and bothered easily these days so others may not have such a struggle!

The carrier can be worn on the front, back or hips. Whilst I still cannot easily get bubba in the back-carrying position on my own yet (mummy fail!), he is much easier to this way carry on longer journeys. 

The Ergo is a well-designed and stylish product.There are lots of different colours and patterns to chose from, and an Organic range. The menfolk I have spoken to are happy wear the Ergo - a definite advantage on longer walks! 

The best thing about the Ergo is that bubba loves it. He is lovely and comfy, and I think it has brought us closer. Hubby loves the freedom it has given us - we even managed part of the South Coast Path on bubba's first holiday.

Our little boy loves his view of the big wide world. I can happily chatter away to him as we go about our day. Shame that there never quite the time to do that washing up...