Ace-Parent-And-Baby

Preparing for a new baby?

Top baby and parenting tips for new and expectant mothers from The Baby Show

Top baby and parenting tips for new and expectant mothers from The Baby Show

• Baby ‘essentials’ lists are a mile long, don’t buy everything you need. You will be given so much in terms of gifts but also friends and family will be willing to give you their old baby clothes, especially newborn sizes to the first six months, as babies wear clothes for such a little amount of time they will often be as good as new.

• Don’t pay for clubs and activities – there are many free activities – ask at the local church, children’s centre or your local council for options in your area.

• Do think about childcare early – hiring your own Mary Poppins can do serious damage to your bank balance but sharing is all the rage and Nanny shares are on the rise. Websites like nannyshare.co.uk allows you to share the cost of a nanny by finding a match with a local family.

• Do find discounts – there are discount vouchers to be found online or visit events and local fairs for exclusive offers, for example at The Baby Show we have over 200 exhibitors where you can compare before you buy and get your hands on lots of exclusive money saving offers.

• Do have a clear out and de-clutter your home – throw out or sell unwanted items and create space for your new baby.

• Have a working parents ‘SOS’ stored in your mobile – family friendly’ resources that can help such as a nationwide emergency childcare service emergencychildcare.co.uk which finds a nanny, mother’s help or place at a local nursery in as little as an hour’s notice.

For most mums, the pressure can start with NCT or antenatal classes, when parents meet up pre-baby and compare notes and then once the baby is born discussing how each one is progressing. I don’t think social media helps either as parents share each and every small triumph of their little one. Today children seem to ‘have’ to do every after school activity available, as your baby grows try to slow down and make the most of our children in the little time we have with them, instead of filling each hour with activities.
The Baby Show is from 15th-17th May NEC Birmingham. thebabyshow.co.uk