• Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Photography
    • Birth
    • The Story of You
  • Disclosure and Privacy
facebook twitter instagram pinterest bloglovin Email

This day I love.......

When the girls were babies we had a microwave steriliser, and with Little man we opted for an electronic steam steriliser.  Although when on holiday we take a cold water steriliser with us.  Nuby have reinvented the steriliser with their new Natural Touch Steriliser and Dryer.  It is like no other steriliser I have ever come across.

The unit has three functions:

1. Sterilise only
2. Sterilise and quick dry
3. Sterilise and Super dry

The functions are selected via a push down button and a blue light illuminates which option is currently selected.  To select the button is held down for 3 seconds.  It is incredibly simple and easy to use and gives you the option to dry the items if you wish.  Once selected it can simply be left as drying, if chosen, will start automatically. 


The unit is tall and slim and modular, which means each part can be washed and cleaned if needed.  The steriliser can hold five bottles of any brand, and you can sterilise anything suitable for steam sterilising.  This makes it really convenient.


I love the look and feel of the steriliser.  The black slimline sleek look makes it feel very modern.  It takes up very little worktop space too making it great for those tight on kitchen space.  The fact the top rack can be lifted out, also make it more hygienic than those where you have to remove the top of the bottle and place it on the side before you can get to the bottle itself.  


The unit follows the same basic instruction for sterilising and is simply and easy to do.  I became a little mesmerised by the steam out of the vents and on the first go will admit to watching to make sure the dry cycle started automatically.  


The dry cycle is amazing.  Whilst the time taken on the dry cycle is relatively long, I put the bottles on over night so time has no real impact in this circumstance.  To be honest it is well worth it anyway as the bottles do come out super dry with no drops of water.  This is incredibly hygienic as they do not need to then be dried after sterilising, like some conventional steam sterilisers.  


I cannot recommend the Nuby Natural Touch steriliser and dryer enough.  The ability to dry bottles automatically is such a fantastic idea, no more condensation and water droplets!

I have not been asked to write this post or provided with compensation.  I did receive the steriliser to complete a test survey.  All words are my own opinion. 
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Little man is 8 months old and has started to drop his milk feeds during the day in favour of food.  His weaning is going well and he enjoys a wide variety of foods with the only food he will not eat so far is coconut.  He has a good varied diet and he eats a combination of mashed food and finger food.  Currently Little Man has 2 milk feeds during the day and 2 at night.  I wanted to ensure he was getting the correct nutrition he needed for his age and so recently switched to follow on milk

As Little Man is eating more food and dropping milk feeds it is important to me that he still has all the nutritional support he needs to support his growth and development.  When choosing a follow on milk I want one that is nutritionally balanced for his age and one which will support him at his current developmental stage.  This helps to put my mind at ease that he is getting the right amount of nutrients, particularly on days when he is teething and only wants milk.



We were recently send Similac Follow on Milk for Little Man to try.  He took to the first feed straight away and has not noticed any difference to his usual milk.  There has been no upset stomachs, or any other side effect.  As far as acceptance goes he took to it straight away with no fuss.



Similac Follow on Milk comes in a metal tin, which is different packaging to what we are used to.  I actually prefer this as it means if the worktop gets wet, the powder does not get wet and in some ways I think it stays more sterile.  The packaging itself is very bold and unusual colours for a baby brand.  It would certainly stand out on the shelf, although I am not sure if the packaging would make me want to pick up and buy given how different it looks.



Preparing the Follow on Milk is the same as any of the other follow on milks we have used.  The only difference is the ratio of scoop to water.  Most follow on milks are 1 scoop for every 1oz -30ml, Similac is 1 scoop for every 2oz or 60ml.  I am not sure how you would make up an odd oz bottle, or if you just have to stick to even.  It is not a problem for us as Little Man has 6oz bottles.  The  scoop is provided and the powder does not stick inside the scoop like it does with other follow on milks we have tried.




In addition to the tin of Similac Follow on Milk we were sent a supporting information leaflet.  The leaflet highlighted the heritage of Similac and how it has been developed as a brand over 90 years.  It is currently exclusive to Boots and online and is a leading brand around the world.  The leaflet also explains the journey from sourcing the milk to processing and distribution.  It is fascinating to read what goes into making follow on milk and also the key nutrients that are contained within Similac.  Similac is even suitable for Halal and Kosher diets.

Similac Follow on Milk does not have a smell which is really refreshing and it actually looks the same colour as regular cows milk.  This makes a welcome change as some follow on milks I won't use as they smell very chemically, whereas Similac has no smell.  Given that Little Man is finishing bottles and seems to enjoy Similac Follow on Milk I would buy in the future and recommend to other Mums.  

“I have been sponsored by Similac to try Similac Follow On Milk/Growing Up Milk and write about it on my blog. All opinions are my own.”

Important notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies and is recommended for as long as possible during infancy. Breastfeeding provides many benefits to both mother and baby. It is difficult to reverse the decision not to breastfeed. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional for advice on how to feed your baby.
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
For the past few weeks Little Man has been trying the Munchkin Latch bottles.  I am always a little apprehensive when trying Little Man with a new bottle, as his tongue tie has meant he has had difficulty latching with some bottles, and with others although he latches he is unable to get his milk out the bottle, as his milk is extra thick due to his reflux medication.

We started with using the teat for 3-6 months, medium flow, as Little Man is almost 5 months old.  To my surprise his milk flowed easily through the teat and Little Man had no difficulty latching on.


Munchkin Latch bottles are anti colic.  In all the bottles we have tried, I have never seen an anti colic valve like the one in the Latch bottles.  At the base of the bottle is a one way anti colic valve.  This ensures air does not travel through the milk.


In addition the Latch bottle also has an accordion style teat.  This moves and flexes as baby moves which means Little Man always kept his latch.  In doing so he ingests less air, and therefore colic is reduced.  


This accordion style teat also mimics breastfeeding, in that it stretches and it also releases varying flows of milk dependant on the pressure baby puts on the teat.  The teat on the first cup also follows this same style and shape, allowing baby to transition from bottle to cup with ease.


It took Little Man a few attempts to master the cup but his preference is very much the bottle.


I do wish the Munchkin Latch bottles had been around with the girls, as then I might have been able to combination feed.  I was impressed that Little Man had no problems using the Latch bottles, and managed first time to empty a full 5oz. 

Thank you to Munchkin for sending the Latch bottle to try, Little Man has been very impressed.  He has had no colic, and he can use his refulx milk in the bottle too!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
I never intended on writing a post about the decision behind how I feed thing 3.  My personal belief is that as long as your child is fed then it really does not matter if you breast or bottle feed.  Today I was pushed over my limit of tolerance with my decision and I need to write this, to remember this point.

I don't attend baby groups as a general rule because in the past the ones I did attend were full of Mums comparing their children.  I have very little interest in this, children walk, talk and do everything else at their own pace and in their own time and I do not feel the need to compete with other Mums.  Today I broke my rule and decided to attend a group, I won't be going back.

The group was entitled 'Infant Feeding support group' what it should have been called 'Breastfeeding ONLY group'.  My baby is bottle fed. 


I am happy and comfortable with this decision, it is the right decision for my family.  My girls were breastfed.  My eldest until 15 months and youngest until 9 months.  I absolutely hated breastfeeding, I felt useless, ashamed and very hormonal.  I hated feeding my kids whilst sat on a toilet because I was too embarrassed to feed them in public.  I hated the dirty looks if I did brave it.  I hated the loneliness of sitting on my own, because I was too scared to feed my kids in front of my family and I really disliked not knowing how much my girls were taking.  The first few weeks were painful, no cream helped and my milk never came in.  I never leaked and never felt 'full'.  I still to this day have the scars from where the girls bit me and caused me to bleed.  I felt like I missed out on my eldest growing up because I was the one breastfeeding her sister and could not play or give her the attention she needed.

This time was going to be different.  I offered Thing 3 the option when they were born, but they could not latch and rather than stressing and getting upset they were then bottle fed.  It actually was the best decision, well so far anyway.  It is much easier, much less painful and I still feel connected to the girls.  I am not embarrassed to feed Thing 3 and feel just as close to him as I do the girls.  The bond between me and baby is just as strong as it is with the girls.  He still roots, he still looks to me for comfort and I hold him close mimicking a breastfed baby positioning.  

Today I was forced to justify this choice.  The day went like this:

Them : 'Hi, I am the infant feeding support worker, is your baby breast fed?'

Me: 'No'

Them : 'Oh, that is a shame.  What happened?'

Me : 'Nothing, we decided to bottle feed'

Them : ' Oh, well how old is baby?'

Me: '5 weeks'

Them : ' Hmmm, well it might be possible.  Hmmm, well am not sure but if you wanted to we could try to start lactating again'

Me : 'Errrrr, no its OK thanks'

Them : 'Well your baby looks very small, it really would be much better for them for you to at least try'

Me : 'No am OK thanks. Can I ask if there is a bottle feeding support group?'

Them : ' No, just this one for breast feeding but here is a leaflet for bottle feeding'

Me: 'So who do I ask for advice?'

Them : 'You could try the NHS website'

I was then asked to talk some more about why I was bottle feeding and told it was very important that only I fed baby in order to build a bond and avoid any confusion and dysfunction in later life.

My questions therefore are this, why give someone a title of 'Infant feeding support worker' if the support is only available to those who are breastfeeding? And why have an 'Infant feeding support group' if the support is only available to breastfeeding Mums?

My family and I are comfortable with our decision to bottle feed, but I know there are plenty of Mums out there who need support.  Who thanks to all this pressure feel like failures that they cannot breastfeed, when actually they should be proud of themselves for feeding their babies.  Why can't we support each other regardless of how we feed our babies?  Formula is there for a reason, but we should not judge each other based on our decisions to feed our children.

I do not judge those who choose to breastfeed, or for how long they choose to breastfeed.  Good for them if that works for them and their family.  I do not judge those who choose to bottle feed, good for them  and I do not judge those who do a combination of both.  As I said before as long as baby is fed, does it really matter?

What perhaps has shocked me most about today is the 'Infant support  worker' did not know my state of mind, never asked about support but instead pressured me and made me question my judgement as a mother.  I hate this.  She had no idea to my background.  I could have spent weeks coming to terms with wanting to breastfeed and instead having to bottle feed.  The journey someone takes to feed their child, is their journey and no one else's.  Perhaps it is worth thinking before one Mum judges another.


Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Thing 3 has decided to be formula fed, which we are all comfortable with.  Having not had a formula fed baby before I am having to get used to taking formula with me when we go out.  This means organising feeds.  Twistshake helps with this organisation.

TwistShake is the net generation of baby bottles.  Available in 3 sizes 6oz, 9oz, and 11oz and a huge variety of colours, they also feature an easy grip design and heat retaining plastic.  There are several components which make the TwistShake unique.  The first is the container, you simply fill this with the desired amount of formula you need.  You can stack the containers to make up a days feed, or as many containers as you need for when you go out.  These containers can then be transferred to the bottle with no spills and no mess.


The anti colic nipple has a bulb shape and a flexible top which makes it easy for baby to latch to and feed from.  TwistShake is easy to clean and both microwave and dishwasher safe.  The real clever part of TwistShake is the mixer.  This effectively dissolves the formula and reduces the risk of clogging.  This ensures no disruption to the flow of milk for baby and can help reduce colic.


TwistShake is simple to use, easy to clean and easy for baby to use too.  Not only that it comes in some amazing colours so really stands out from the norm.  It is perfect for travelling or when you are visiting friends or relatives.  A really innovative baby bottle! 

We were provided with a bottle in exchange for review.  All words are my own opinion. 
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
In the final few weeks [or days] before Thing 3 arrives, I am feeling really lucky to be able to work with some amazing brands.  This week Thing 3 has received some wonderful things, and I am getting more excited for their arrival.

Snüz Pod

Both my girls were terrible sleepers as babies.  My eldest wanted a hand on her cheek in order to sleep and my youngest liked a hand on her tummy or to be laid on my chest.  Both proved difficult to do in a standard crib and I would be sat upright most of the night until they eventually fell back asleep.  Whilst I would have loved to have co slept with the girls, in all honesty I was too scared to in case I squashed them in my sleep.

When I saw Snüz Pod I knew that it would have made such a difference when the girls were babies.  The mesh side allowing me to watch them whilst they are asleep, zip down side to allow co sleeping without my fear of squashing and a way for me to lie down and comfort the girls as they wanted.

Imagine my excitement when I found out I would be lucky enough to be sent a Snüz Pod to review for Thing 3.  To say I am over the moon is an understatement, I really feel lucky.  Along with the Snüz Pod I have been sent some absolutely gorgeous bedding, which I cannot wait to put Thing 3 in.



I have a feeling my Dad is also excited, a when he saw the box he wanted to put the Snüz Pod together.


I am going to be sharing a first impression post of the Snüz Pod, which will include how we found assembly, on the blog soon.

I simply cannot stop looking at the Snüz Pod as it sits at the side of my bed in waiting ready for Thing 3!  

Colours colours

Colours Colours everywhere is written by Libby Walden and illustrated by Samantha Meredith.  The black base for the book really helps to accent the colours and show off their brightness  I personally love this as it helps the little ones with the colours.  Some sections of the book are raised which helps little hands explore the book and engage with the story.  I really love the simple story which flows beautifully through the book.  The illustrations are really child friendly and help little ones want to engage with the book.  This will be a gorgeous book to introduce Thing 3 to colours. 

Colour Colours everywhere

Peekaboo 1 2 3 and Peekaboo A B C

We have a huge passion for reading in our house and we are all secretly hoping that Thing 3 loves to read too.  Peekaboo 123 and Peekaboo ABC by Gareth Lucas are gorgeous hard back books with large lift up flaps.  The books have made a stunning addition to Thing 3 growing book collection.  They are the perfect size to hold and share with a little one.  The text in both books is humorous and accompanied with bright colourful illustrations.  They are both great books and I think Thing 3 is going to love them.  Peekaboo 123 and Peekaboo ABC are published by Little Tiger press and priced at £9.99 each.  They will be available from the 10th March.

Peekaboo 123

Tomme Tippee Ultra

Tommee Tippee have launched a baby bottle like no other.  It has 85% of Mums saying that it is the best baby bottle they have ever used.  The Tommee Tippee Ultra offers:

- An extra wide teat to give a more breast-like shape for baby to latch on to, making it easier to combination feed

- A contour zone has been built in to the Ultra teat which gives a secure seal to help reduce air ingestion and comfort.  It also reduces the amount of air dribbles

- The angled teat on the Ultra ensures milk flows down the bottle even to the end of the feed, giving a more natural feeding position.

I cannot wait to give the Ultra a try with Thing 3.


Tommee Tippee Ultra

Deep Freeze

Not strictly for Thing 3, but this week I received some Deep Freeze patches.  I have tried to be as active as possible in this pregnancy but the problems I have encountered with hip displacement and torn abdominal muscles have not helped.

As Thing 3 has got bigger I have been experiencing back pain and Deep Freeze Cold Patch ensures  a consistent, long-lasting cold analgesia at the point of pain but without the mess and fuss of an ice pack.

The Deep Freeze Cold Patch contains menthol, aloe vera and water in a hydrogel layer which slowly evaporates to produce prolonged cooling relief without a hint of drips or dampness. The slim profile and flexibility of the adhesive patch means it can easily be hidden under clothing and is suitable for use on any joint.  The adhesive patch can also be worn without restricting movement or needing to be replaced frequently to maintain the cooling effect.  Once in place it will work for up to three hours.

They are easy to apply and really help with pregnancy aches and pains.

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
1 comments
Older Posts

About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • Google+
  • pinterest
  • youtube

Popular

  • Win the ultimate potty training kit with HUGGIES® Pull- Ups®
  • Janome Sewing Machine
    Janome Sewing Machine
  • Review : Personal Planner
    Review : Personal Planner
  • Time to sparkle with Frozen Aquadoodle
    Time to sparkle with Frozen Aquadoodle
  • A special Valentines Giveaway
    A special Valentines Giveaway
(c) thisdayilove . Powered by Blogger.

Brands



Ambassador Badge Tonka Orchard toys Hotter shoes Forests Nuby BritMums - Blogging with Integrity

Created with by ThemeXpose