15 fun and productive things to do on maternity leave
Maternity leave is a time for you to leave work at work, prepare for your new baby, and get to know your newborn in the fourth trimester. But it can also present a dilemma as to how to make the most of maternity leave, especially if it’s your first maternity leave.
Maybe you’ll want to get back to normality as soon as possible or perhaps you’d want to squeeze in as many new experiences as you can before you head back to work. Whatever you decide, there are a lot of things for pregnant mums to do before baby arrives and we have some tips from experienced parents on fun things to do on maternity leave after the baby is born too.
What is not classed as maternity leave?
Maternity leave is a specific period of leave granted to a mother for the birth and care of her newborn child. However, there are several types of leave not classified as maternity leave. These include:
Paternity Leave: This is leave granted to a father after the birth of a child, allowing him time to care for and bond with his newborn. It’s distinct from maternity leave and usually shorter in duration.
Parental or Family Leave: This type of leave can be taken by either parent to care for a child. It’s often more flexible and can be taken at different times, not just immediately after the birth.
Sick Leave: This is time off work taken by an employee because of illness. If a woman is sick and it’s unrelated to pregnancy or childbirth, it’s considered sick leave, not maternity leave.
Annual Leave or Holiday Time: Regular paid time off that employees earn during their employment. This is separate from maternity leave and can be used for any purpose.
Unpaid Leave: Some time off work, such as a career break or sabbatical, might be unpaid and is not classified as maternity leave.
Adoption Leave: Leave taken by an individual who is adopting a child. This is different from maternity leave but has similar aims in allowing time to bond and care for the child.
Compassionate Leave: Leave taken due to a family emergency or bereavement. This is separate from maternity leave.
Short-Term Disability Leave: In some regions, pregnancy may be covered under short-term disability if there are medical complications. This is different from standard maternity leave but may run concurrently in some cases.
Each type of leave has its own rules, duration, and eligibility criteria, and they are designed to cater to different needs and circumstances of employees.
So, let’s dispel some more maternity leave myths!
Myth – Maternity leave is just an extended vacation
The myth that maternity leave is just an extended vacation is far from reality. In truth, maternity leave is a crucial period for physical recovery, emotional adjustment, and nurturing a new life. For new mums, this time is often characterised by sleep deprivation, doing multiple dishes, continuous care for the newborn, and dealing with the physical and mental changes post-delivery.
It’s a time of significant transition, filled with challenges and adjustments that go well beyond the realms of a ‘vacation’. Maternity leave serves as an essential phase for bonding with the newborn, laying the foundation for a child’s healthy development, and recalibrating family dynamics. It’s a time for healing, learning, and immense responsibility, often without the breaks and leisure typically associated with a holiday. Therefore, it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect the dedication and effort that goes into this life-changing period.
Myth – Maternity leave slows down your career
The myth that maternity leave slows down your career is a widespread concern but doesn’t necessarily hold true. While it’s understandable to worry about the impact of taking a break from the workforce, maternity leave does not inherently derail career progress. In fact, this period can offer valuable experiences that enhance professional skills.
Skill Development: Maternity leave often hones skills like time management, multitasking, and prioritisation, which are highly transferable to the workplace.
Perspective and Motivation: The time away can provide a fresh perspective, renewing your motivation and commitment to your career.
Policy and Workplace Culture: Many organisations are recognising the importance of supporting parents and are implementing policies that facilitate a smoother return to work, such as flexible hours, part-time options, and remote work opportunities.
Networking and Professional Growth: Staying connected with colleagues, engaging in professional development during leave, and participating in relevant networks can help mitigate the feeling of falling behind.
Legislation and Rights: In many regions, laws protect the jobs of those on maternity leave, ensuring you can return to your role or equivalent position.
Long-term Career Trajectory: While there might be a temporary pause, the long-term impact on your career can be minimal. In fact, the break can sometimes lead to new opportunities or career paths that align more closely with your evolved personal and professional goals.
Societal Shifts: There’s a growing societal shift towards recognising the value of work-life balance, with more emphasis on the quality of work rather than just presence in the office.
Myth – Maternity leave is only for birth mums
The myth that maternity leave is only for birth mothers is a misconception that overlooks the diverse family structures and parental roles in modern society. In fact, maternity leave, as traditionally understood, has evolved to include a broader range of parental leave options, reflecting the varying ways families are formed and parents participate in caregiving. Here’s a breakdown of this evolution:
Inclusive Parental Leave: Parental leave policies in many countries have become more inclusive, recognising not just birth mothers but also adoptive parents, surrogates, and other non-birth parents. This shift acknowledges the importance of bonding and caregiving time for all parents, regardless of how they become a parent.
Paternity Leave: Many countries and companies now offer paternity leave, enabling fathers to take time off work to bond with their newborn or newly adopted children, sharing the caregiving responsibilities traditionally associated with mothers.
Adoption Leave: Specifically designed for parents who adopt, this leave allows them to spend crucial time with their new child, helping to establish a bond and settle them into their new home.
Shared Parental Leave: Some regions offer the option for parents to share leave, providing flexibility and choice in how they manage childcare and their careers. This can include splitting the leave between both parents or taking it in turns to be off work.
Surrogacy Leave: Recognising the role of surrogacy in modern family-building, some policies now include provisions for parents who have children through surrogates.
LGBTQ+ Parental Rights: Parental leave policies are increasingly acknowledging LGBTQ+ families, ensuring that same-sex partners and other non-traditional parents have the same access to leave as traditional parents.
Legal Protection and Equality: Progressive legislation in various countries ensures that parental leave rights are protected and equally accessible to all parents, regardless of gender or biological connection to the child.
Changing Social Norms: There’s a growing understanding and acceptance that bonding and early childcare are critical responsibilities of all parents, not just birth mothers.
Myth – Maternity leave is a lonely journey
The myth that maternity leave is a lonely journey stems from the significant change in daily routine and social interaction that a new mother may experience. However, this perspective doesn’t account for the many ways in which maternity leave can be an opportunity for social connection and support. Here’s a more nuanced understanding:
Community and Support Groups: Many new mothers find community and support through local parenting groups, maternity classes, or online forums. These groups offer a chance to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, providing both social interaction and emotional support.
Bonding with the Baby: Maternity leave is a crucial time for bonding with your newborn. This period allows you to understand and connect deeply with your child, which is a unique and fulfilling experience, contrary to the idea of loneliness.
Family and Friends: It often becomes a time when family bonds are strengthened. Relatives and friends may offer help and companionship, providing social interaction and emotional support.
New Friendships: Joining mother and baby groups or attending baby-centric activities like music classes or swimming lessons can lead to forming new friendships with other parents.
Personal Growth: Maternity leave can also be a time for personal reflection and growth. Engaging in hobbies or interests that may have been sidelined can be both fulfilling and a way to connect with like-minded individuals.
Reconnecting with Old Friends: The change of pace during maternity leave might provide opportunities to reconnect with old friends, especially those who have children and can relate to the new phase of life you are entering.
Partner Involvement: For those with partners, this period can also be a time to deepen the relationship and hold onto the romance, as you navigate the challenges and joys of new parenthood together.
Digital Connectivity: With the advent of social media and digital communication tools, staying connected with the outside world is easier than ever. New mothers can participate in online communities, follow parenting blogs, or stay in touch with friends and family digitally.
Professional Networks: Some women use maternity leave to keep in touch with their professional network in a relaxed manner, which can help maintain a sense of connection to their career and adult interaction.
Local Community Activities: Engaging in local community activities or volunteering can be another way to stay connected and feel part of a larger community.
Now that we’ve established that maternity leave is a time of reflection, bonding and positivity, here are 15 ideas of things to do on maternity leave before and after baby:
1. Preparing for maternity leave – start by preparing for your new arrival
Your pregnancy to-do list, your impending due date, giving birth and coming up with baby names if you haven’t done so already is probably occupying your mind at the moment, but why not also come up with some productive things to do on maternity leave like preparing your new baby’s room while you have the chance to discuss a baby name.
The House to Home website has lots of great baby room ideas that can be achieved with a pot of paint and a little imagination. And designing a fun and colourful mural for your baby’s room can help develop your own artistic side!
And though it’s still early, Christmas is just around the corner, so squeeze in a little practice by having a go at knitting some miniature stockings and penguins to make your baby’s first Christmas extra special – if you have the time that is!
2. Must-do activities for maternity leave – Find a few minutes every day to just be you
Use this opportunity to get to know yourself as well as your baby. You may find you have a certain talent in an area you didn’t get the chance to pursue before you got pregnant. I found my passion in writing while I was pregnant with my first and gave up my job in law. I have since never looked back.
I spent a lot of time breastfeeding on the sofa, so I would recommend taking up knitting. You can majorly multitask then – snuggle with baby, catch up on box sets and make cute baby clothes. Relaxing, bonding and productivity in one!
You can’t be expected to run at 100% all the time or you will experience exhaustion long before your maternity leave is over. So allow yourself to slow down and get creative with your rest periods. Relax by firing up the TV, cuddling your newborn and enjoying some of the best series TV offers at the moment.
Lots of streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime host some fantastic vintage TV shows such as Friends and Gilmore Girls that can serve for a perfectly nostalgic and relaxing evening. Or if you’re like me and want something with a bit more grit, Good Girls, Workin’ Moms and Motherland are brilliant shows related to the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Well worth the viewing and it’s lovely to enjoy girly things to do while on leave.
Rest is productive! Taking some time to really slow down and rest can be just what you need before the intense period following a new addition! And if you get to binge watch a series while hiding from your family and eating all the snacks, then that’s just a bonus!
4. Essential things to do on maternity leave – Batch cook your meals
Use the extra time (I say ‘extra time’ loosely) to batch-cook your meals at the beginning of the week and stick them in the freezer or get them ready before baby comes because once he/she is here, you’ll find that all your time will be taken up doing baby and new mum stuff. Batch cooking means you’ll still get to eat nutritious meals rather than snack on easy-to-find processed junk.
Batch cooking! Get those meals stashed to take the load off before baby comes, or while baby naps if baby is already here.
5. How to get the most out of maternity leave – Spruce up your home!
One great tip on how to make the most of maternity leave is to do up your home. We talked about sorting out the nursery, but as you’ll likely be spending a lot more time in your home, then it’s only fair to give the entire house a do-over too.
You could paint the walls in new colours, hang up new pictures and artwork and, as previously suggested, make your own furniture–even sourcing such supplies as a desk and dining table legs for it. Why not have a look at bathrooms while you’re at it!
6. Things to do on maternity leave with baby – Get out of your pyjamas
It’s tempting to wear your pyjamas if you know you won’t be leaving the house. However, how you dress affects your mood, so attempt to get dressed in daywear to give yourself a bit of a boost. Of course, there is no pressure to get out of your pyjamas during the fourth trimester (birth to 12 weeks) but as you come out of the baby haze, help the transition into your new normal by engaging in a certain routine that helps you clear those cobwebs – and putting the PJs away until bedtime is a good start!
7. Practical things to do on maternity leave after baby arrives – enjoy daily gentle exercise
Your workout routine doesn’t have to go out of the window, but it is one of your essentials. You can just change it up a bit to include your baby or start light with gentle walking. Regular physical exercise is crucial for recovering after birth, provided you don’t overexert yourself, plus it helps to boost your mood.
Don’t worry too much about losing weight at the moment, just keep yourself strong and content and the weight loss will follow. You just want to do enough to help the recovery process. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise because it’s gentle on the body and it gets you and baby out of the house. You would be surprised at how easily you can integrate walking into the latter stages of pregnancy and with your newborn, so capitalise on nice scenic walks while you have the time on maternity leave.
8. Fun maternity leave activities for when you have the energy – socialise
One of the best ways for making the most of your maternity leave is to get out there and make some new mum friends. Online Facebook groups are a brilliant way to start (I am in a great Facebook group related to my third baby’s birth year. It is so interactive we send each other pick-me-up gifts from time to time. Plus, my daughter gains new friends too). As Covid rules relax there are more chances to go out and socialise, as long as you follow Covid rules so utilise the chance to make friends in person too.
The most productive thing I did on maternity leave was to try to build “a village” by making friends with other mums. When I had my baby I didn’t have any local friends with children, so attending baby groups and meeting other mums gave me a much needed support network.
If this is your first child, then your maternity leave could be your last gasp of true freedom before the little one arrives. While jetting off to a distant location might sound exotic, the rigours of pregnancy can often make it a little taxing.
So instead it can be a good idea to take a short babymoon break in the UK that will help you relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Heading to the coast to sample the clear sea breeze can provide the perfect break before that upcoming big day and ease any maternity leave boredom.
Things I wish I did on maternity leave if I had a time capsule
You’ll want to avoid regretting you didn’t spend your maternity leave doing something you really enjoyed. I’ve had the privilege of being able to enjoy my maternity leave (allowance) with my fourth baby properly this time, to fulfil the things I didn’t do with my first two ten years ago and even my third before lockdown. So here are a few things I wish I did on maternity leave that I am finally doing now!
10. What to do during maternity leave – Go swimming with baby
Take your baby swimming, from as early as six weeks if they can handle it. It’s such a lovely way to bond with baby, plus it’s a great way to get them comfortable with the water and developing new skills already. There are tons of swim schools opening up again and they fill up fast, so book in advance to avoid being stuck on the waiting list.
11. Maternity leave things to do – Sleep when the baby sleeps
I had two boys 15 months apart, so napping was tough, unless I could time their naps at the same time. Ten years later and I have two girls 21 months apart, so I have the same issue. But, on the off chance, I can time their naps together, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m squeezing in a nap too!
I used to think I could just get on with the cleaning and work while my babies napped, but I was only running myself into the ground. A simple 20-minute nap at least can re-energise me to take on the crazier latter half of the day when my two boys get home from school. If I don’t nap, I just feel like I have a constant sleep deficit and I’m less productive.
12. Maternity leave things to do – Get off the phone and enjoy quality time with baby
It’s quite easy to scroll mindlessly through social media while feeding or playing with baby, but I realised I’m missing out on so much by not putting the phone away. I challenged myself to a day of no phones at all and found out how much I truly loved playing with my kids without the need to pick up my phone all the time. I loved engaging with my baby while I fed her – she would smile back at me and we’d squeeze in some precious bonding time. I have a full-blown conversation with my toddler and learned so much about her during play time.
But do you want to know the crazy part? My babies entertained themselves for longer and there were fewer tantrums when I did eventually get up and do something else. Babies need love and attention to be happy and I was wasting so much valuable time doing literally nothing on my phone. What a waste!
13. Maternity leave reality – Don’t wish the first few weeks away so quickly
The first few weeks are tough – the afterbirth bleeding, after pains, sleep deprivation. So it’s normal to want easier times to come quickly. I’ve done this with every birth and felt like I hadn’t properly enjoyed the golden weeks with my newborn because all I did was wish the time away. This time around, and with my third baby, I lived in the moment and tried to enjoy the 3 am wake-up calls for what they were – free snuggles with my baby.
I found that just by accepting that the first six weeks were going to be tough, they ended up being easier to deal with. Broken sleep is hard, but if you can try to find a more positive mindset to push through it all, then you may even end up enjoying the fourth trimester. I did wish the bleeding away though…
14. Things to do during maternity leave – Take more selfies with baby
I took tons and tons of pics and videos of all four kids, but very rarely was I in any of them. This time around, I ignored the bags under my eyes and took many selfies with my babies. I look terrible, but at least I can look back and reminisce at how happy I looked. Kids grow up so quickly, so who cares what you look like, take those magical shots with your baby so you have something to look back on when they’re older.
15. Things to do in maternity leave – Just enjoy it all and care less about what others thought
Like I said above, it’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of birth and try to survive (try going to the toilet on time!) but you can afford to be selfish during your leave. You will feel guilt no matter what you do, so try to get into the habit of taking a step back and realising that you’re in one of the most magical times in your life and it doesn’t matter what other people think about how you choose to spend it.
You have a brand new baby who is growing at an exponential rate in front of your very eyes. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, so screw what others think, it’s you and baby against the rest of the world – well, the outside world, so enjoy it!
Maternity leave must-haves
Below are some items of which I haven’t been able to live without during four maternity leaves. These are:
Baby Sling/Carrier
I’ve had my fair share of baby carriers, but I always go back to the Babybjörn Baby Carrier because you can use it from (almost) birth and it’s so easy to put on and take off. I would definitely recommend the Baby Carrier One because it also fits larger babies and you can probably stretch more use out of it. Plus, you can wear baby around the house while you get stuff done and baby gets a first-class seat to everything you do – great for baby development.
Travel Mug
If you’ve drunk your hot beverage when it’s hot, then well done, you’ve cracked motherhood! Sometimes, I make a cup of tea and I forgot I’ve made it. Or I stare at my mug from the other side of the room while I’m feeding my baby. Or I’ve microwaved my coffee twice already, and it’s congealing.
Don’t fight the fight, just grab yourself a travel mug and bring it with you wherever you go – hot drinks hot all the time!
I bought a travel musical mobile recently and kicked myself for not buying it sooner. The Tiny Love Take Along Musical Mobile* has large crocodile clips that can clip onto anywhere. My favourite places to use the musical mobile is in the buggy, above the changing (and resting) station, in front of the car seat and above her cot. It engages baby and provides you with a little extra time to complete your tasks.
Maxi dresses are great in the summer for when you’re in the latter stages of pregnancy and when you’ve just had the baby. They’re stretchy, loose and flattering. plus they leave ample room for feeding too. I normally buy my maxi dresses from eBay as there are tons of different types on offer.
Maternity leave is the perfect opportunity to prioritise both comfort and style in your daily wear, and nothing complements this better than the right pair of shoes. I’ve teamed up with Black Tulip Studio to offer you an exclusive 5% discount on two fantastic footwear options:
Farro Flat Chelsea Boot – Caramel Suede
These boots are a blend of elegance and comfort, ideal for the modern mother. The caramel suede finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the supportive design ensures comfort during your daily activities. Whether you’re out for a stroll or catching up with friends, these boots are your perfect companion.
Arbi Sleek Sneaker – Giraffe
Inject some fun into your maternity wardrobe with these giraffe print sneakers. They are lightweight, fashionable, and a great conversation starter. Perfect for casual outings, these sneakers will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Comfy slip-on trainers/sneakers that don’t require you to bend down too much to pull on (your large bump won’t allow you to anyway) are a must! Make sure they’re strong enough to stand the weight of baby carriers, big babies and changing bags complete with the kitchen sink.
If you have multiple babies like me, then trainers should also be able to withstand school runs, getting in and out of the car, pushing prams (double buggies in my situation) and walking on multiple terrains. Don’t skimp on the trainers, get a pair that will last!
Maternity/nursing bras
Your boobs are going to fluctuate more than a yo-yo, so you’ll need some versatile maternity bras which turn into nursing bras should you decide to breastfeed. Stretchy maternity bras also feel comfortable above the bump while nursing bras allow you for easy access for feeding too.
Leggings
Leggings are stretchy and accommodate a growing and shrinking bump. Plus, you can team them with anything and they can handle the constant moving around. Grab yourself a few pairs and wear them until they’re worn and torn. Mine are literally falling apart they’ve been used so much!
Baby wipes
Baby wipes aren’t just for nappy changes, they are for wiping yourself down when you can’t get to the shower and even wiping up stains when you haven’t got time to clean properly. You can even wipe off your make-up with wipes, so keep a few packets nearby at all times.
With all the baby photos that’s been taken, creating photos books and journals is a fun way to remind us of the times they were little and how quickly they grow up. It’s so great looking through them physically together rather than wasting them hidden on our phones.
What should women be doing on maternity leave? I started mine today and have already had my college in touch about a task and my partner asking what have I done today. What else have you done?
Maternity leave is a significant period for rest, recuperation, and preparation for your new baby. It’s essential to understand that this time is primarily for you to focus on your health, well-being, and the upcoming changes in your life. Here are some suggestions on how you might want to spend your maternity leave:
Prioritise Rest and Relaxation: Pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding, so it’s crucial to get enough rest. Nap when you feel tired, and don’t feel guilty about resting – your body is doing important work.
Disconnect from Work: Try to set boundaries with your workplace. Politely remind your colleagues that you are on maternity leave and that they should redirect their queries to someone else in your absence.
Prepare for the Baby: This includes setting up the nursery, organising baby clothes, choosing baby names, and packing the hospital bag.
Prenatal Care: Keep up with your prenatal appointments and any prenatal classes like childbirth education or breastfeeding workshops.
Bond with Your Baby: This can be as simple as talking to your baby, reading to them, or playing soothing music.
Personal Care: Engage in activities that make you feel good, like light prenatal exercises (as advised by your healthcare provider), reading, or pursuing a hobby that you enjoy.
Educate Yourself: Read books or watch videos on childbirth, baby care, and parenting. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.
Plan for Postpartum: Think about the period after the baby arrives. This might include arranging for help from family or a postpartum doula, and planning how you’ll handle visitors.
Socialise and Build Support Networks: Connect with other expecting or new mothers. This can be through online groups or community meet-ups.
Reflect and Journal: Use this time to write down your thoughts and feelings about becoming a mother. This can be a great way to process your emotions and document your pregnancy journey.
Enjoy Quiet Moments: Whether it’s a walk in the park, a quiet cup of tea, or just sitting and enjoying the peace, take time to enjoy the calm before the busy times ahead.
Learn New Skills: This could be anything from cooking new recipes to learning about baby care or even starting a new hobby.
Prioritise Rest and Relaxation: Pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding, so it’s crucial to get enough rest. Nap when you feel tired, and don’t feel guilty about resting – your body is doing important work.
Disconnect from Work: Try to set boundaries with your workplace. Politely remind your colleagues that you are on maternity leave and that they should redirect their queries to someone else in your absence.
Prepare for the Baby: This includes setting up the nursery, organising baby clothes, doing the baby laundry, choosing baby names, and packing the hospital bag.
Prenatal Care: Keep up with your prenatal appointments and any prenatal classes like childbirth education or breastfeeding workshops.
Bond with Your Baby: This can be as simple as talking to your baby, reading to them, or playing soothing music.
Personal Care: Engage in activities that make you feel good, like light prenatal exercises (as advised by your healthcare provider), reading, or pursuing a hobby that you enjoy. Maybe see if you can get a prenatal massage in too!
Educate Yourself: Read books or watch videos on childbirth, baby care, and parenting. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.
Plan for Postpartum: Think about the period after the baby arrives. This might include arranging for help from family or a postpartum doula, and planning how you’ll handle visitors.
Socialise and Build Support Networks: Connect with other expecting or new mothers. This can be through online groups or community meet-ups.
Reflect and Journal: Use this time to write down your thoughts and feelings about becoming a mother. This can be a great way to process your emotions and document your pregnancy journey.
Enjoy Quiet Moments: Whether it’s a daily walk in the park, a quiet cup of tea, or just sitting and enjoying the peace, take time to enjoy the calm before the busy times ahead.
Learn New Skills: This could be anything from cooking new recipes to learning about baby care or even starting a new hobby.
Can I bring my maternity leave forward?
Yes, you can usually bring your maternity leave forward. In most countries, you have the right to start your maternity leave earlier than originally planned, but there are specific rules about how you can do this.
Generally, to bring your maternity leave forward, you must:
Notify your Employer: Inform your employer of your new intended start date for maternity leave. This is done in writing for record-keeping purposes.
Follow Specific Timelines: Many employers have regulations about how much notice you must give before changing your maternity leave start date. This is often at least 28 days before you want to start your leave or 28 days before your new start date, whichever is earlier.
Medical Reasons: In some cases, if you are off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the last few weeks before the expected week of childbirth, your maternity leave might start automatically.
Consider the Impact on Maternity Pay: Changing your leave start date can also impact your maternity pay, so it’s important to understand the implications.
Understand Company Policies: While laws provide a framework, company policies may offer additional flexibility or requirements, so it’s important to consult your HR department or employment contract.
What are things to do on maternity leave pre-baby?
Other questions asked were:
What should I do on maternity leave before baby arrives?
What are things to do on maternity leave for rookie moms?
Things to do on maternity leave before baby?
Things to do on maternity leave while waiting for baby?
What to do on maternity leave pre-baby?
What to do on maternity leave before baby?
There are several things to do while on maternity leave before the baby arrives, which I’ve mentioned above. Use this time to set yourself up for the baby by ensuring you have everything you need.
I have a very extensive guide on how to prepare for your new baby below which provides you with information on what to expect up to when baby is one-year-old.
Newborns do little except sleep, eat and poo. So, capitalise on the time you’ll spend with them by snuggling them while you’re feeding and taking lots of selfies. As they get older, they’ll engage more and eventually, you’ll be able to play with them properly. My daughter just turned 2 and she made up my face full of pretend make-up. Give it time, the fun part is about to begin!
Is it normal to feel lonely on maternity leave?
Yes, it is normal to feel lonely on maternity leave for several reasons:
Change in Social Dynamics: Before maternity leave, many women have an active social life and a busy work environment. The transition to spending most of the time at home with a baby can lead to a significant reduction in adult interaction and social engagement, which can feel isolating.
Limited Adult Conversation: Much of the day-to-day interaction on maternity leave is with the baby, which lacks the back-and-forth of adult conversation. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, even while being physically with someone (the baby) all the time.
Change in Lifestyle and Identity: Maternity leave can bring about a profound change in your identity and daily routine. The shift from a professional environment to caring for a newborn can be jarring, and some women may feel a loss of their previous identity, contributing to feelings of loneliness.
Lack of Understanding from Others: Friends or family who haven’t experienced maternity leave may not fully understand the emotional and physical demands it entails. This can lead to feelings of being misunderstood or isolated.
Physical Recovery and Restrictions: The physical recovery after childbirth can limit your ability to socialise or participate in activities you enjoyed before, contributing to feelings of isolation.
Sleep Deprivation and Hormonal Changes: The physical and hormonal changes after childbirth, coupled with sleep deprivation, can affect mood and feelings of wellbeing, sometimes heightening feelings of loneliness.
Limited Mobility: Depending on the circumstances of the birth and availability of transportation, you may find yourself home-bound more than anticipated, limiting social interactions.
Pandemic Restrictions: If maternity leave occurs during periods of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual avenues for social interaction, like mother-and-baby groups or family visits, might be restricted, increasing feelings of isolation.
Are there any free things to do on maternity leave?
Yes, there are many free or low-cost activities that can be enjoyed during maternity leave. These activities can provide meaningful engagement and help combat feelings of isolation or boredom. Here are some ideas:
Join Parent and Baby Groups: Many communities offer free parent and baby groups where you can meet other new parents, share experiences, and let your baby interact with others.
Visit Local Libraries: Libraries often host free storytime sessions or other events for young children and their parents.
Enjoy Nature Walks: Taking your baby out for a walk in a stroller or baby carrier can be refreshing for both of you. Parks, nature trails, and scenic routes are great places to explore.
Exercise with Baby: Look for free online postpartum workout classes or yoga sessions that you can do at home with your baby.
Attend Breastfeeding Support Groups: These groups provide an opportunity to meet other mothers, share experiences, and receive support from lactation consultants.
Explore Free Museums or Art Galleries: Some museums and galleries offer free entry days. It’s a great way to enjoy some culture with your baby.
Baby-friendly Movie Screenings: Some cinemas offer free or discounted screenings for parents with babies, known as “baby matinees” or “newbie screenings.”
Online Parenting Communities: Join online forums or social media groups for new parents. These platforms offer a space to connect, share tips, and seek advice.
Crafting and DIY Projects: Engage in crafting projects that can be done with items around the house. It’s a creative way to spend time and possibly make something for the baby’s room.
Read to Your Baby: Reading is a wonderful way to bond. You can borrow books from the library or read from your own collection.
Park Meetups: Organize or join meetups with other parents in local parks. It’s a great way to socialize while letting your baby enjoy some fresh air.
Explore Free Community Events: Check out community boards or websites for free events like fairs, open-air concerts, or festivals that are baby-friendly.
Volunteer Work: Depending on your interests and the age of your baby, you might find opportunities for volunteer work that can accommodate you both.
Home Photo Sessions: Have fun taking photos of your baby and yourself with your camera or get a photographer to come in and take awesome ones! These can be great memories to look back on.
Learn New Skills Online: Utilise free online resources to learn new skills or hobbies. This can range from cooking to digital skills.
Meditation and Relaxation: Light some candles and practice mindfulness or meditation, which can be done for free using online guides or apps.
What are fun things to do with baby on maternity leave?
Other questions asked were:
What can I do while on maternity leave?
What to do when bored on maternity leave?
How can I pass time on maternity leave?
Free things to do on maternity leave?
What can I do on maternity leave?
What do you do on maternity leave?
Fun things to do on paternity leave?
What did you do on maternity leave?
What should I do to pass time while on maternity leave and waiting for my baby to arrive?
What should you do if you’re going on maternity leave?
How do you handle maternity leave?
What do you do with your baby after maternity leave?
Maternity leave daily routine?
What to do on last day of maternity leave?
How do I create a maternity leave bucket list?
There are lots of things you can do with baby on maternity leave, which I’ve mentioned above. Make full use of playgroups and classes where you can learn new skills, baby can develop his/her own skills and you can make new mama friends too. Play with them, become a child yourself and just have fun! They’re only babies once and they seem to grow faster than us 🙁
What are fun activities for new mums and babies?
When one door closes, another one opens. Fun things to do while on mat leave includes channeling your inner child and taking them to baby sensory classes, music classes and other baby centred activities, to enhance their development and meet other mums too. I signed my third baby up to Monkey Music when she was just four months old, which I think is the perfect time to start and I took my eldest swimming at six months.
If there is a baby activity suitable for mum and baby go for it. You won’t get this chance again with your baby. I didn’t care about what other mums thought of me; I jumped and pounced along with my baby and it so turned out that other mums were grateful for the lack of judgement too. We’re all in the same boat.
What are things to do on maternity leave during Covid?
Other questions asked were:
Things to do on maternity leave uk?
Covid messed up quite a few plans for new mums, so you’re probably wondering what to do on maternity leave during lockdown. Luckily, we’re not in lockdown anymore, but you still need to be careful. There are still some fun activities to do during maternity leave that are safe too. When you visit places, just make sure you’re keeping a safe distance, washing your hands and wearing a mask where practicable to keep you and baby safe during covid times. But you can still do a lot, like take baby out to the park and meet other people.
Staying outdoors helps to keep covid at bay. But, if you want to be extra safe, you can set up your own little nursery at home and engage with baby there. You don’t need to give up everything, just use common sense and don’t expose them to too many germs too quickly and too early.
Can I work during my maternity leave?
Other questions asked were:
Can you negotiate to work from home after maternity leave?
What problems do women face at work after maternity leave?
“You can agree to work for your employer for up to 10 days without interrupting your maternity leave or pay. These are called ‘keeping in touch days’. Any work you do should use a keeping in touch day – including going to training or meetings.”
What are things to do on maternity leave to make money?
Other questions asked were:
How can I make extra money on maternity leave?
Things to do on maternity leave to make money?
How can I usefully spend time while on maternity leave?
More than a Mummy has come up with a list of things you can do to make money while on maternity leave here.
What are things to do on maternity leave in winter?
Toronto New Mum has some great tips on what to do on maternity leave in winter here.
What should I do to pass time while on maternity leave and waiting for my baby to arrive?
There are lots of tips above for what you can do to pass the time, but don’t think of it as trying to pass the time – it’s precious time, so enjoy it! You won’t get this chance again.
How do I cope with returning to work after maternity leave?
Take it easy and use your keep in touch days to stay in touch with what’s going on at work. Your employer should offer flexi-time to ease you back into work and you can adjust your working hours to cater to your new life with baby. Speak to your employer and open up a conversation about getting you back into work slowly. Don’t suffer in silence if you’re struggling with the transition.
What is a typical maternity leave policy for a startup?
You can find more information about parental leave at startups here.
What are the three hardest things about going back to work after maternity leave?
I personally have never had to go back to an office to work for an employer after each of my maternity leave periods ended (I took maternity allowance as I’m self employed). But the three things I found the most difficult when transitioning back to work were:
Finding the hours to get things done – I didn’t leave my kids with anyone or hired childcare, I pretty much worked around my kids and that would be either at stupid o’clock in the morning or late o’clock in the evening. And I didn’t even use a breast pump so I felt like a human cow – I so needed a nanny!
The exhaustion – the broken sleep makes you feel foggy and tired so your brain isn’t functioning at its optimal pace. I’ve often made mistakes at the beginning and struggled to keep up with the pace of deadlines because I just wanted to sleep all the time.
Losing my mojo – I didn’t have the urge or the want to go back to work after my maternity leave ended. I had become too used to spending my time strolling in the park with baby, attending groups and napping during the day while watching meaningless TV. To go back to using my brain and following orders took a lot of brain power and frankly, I just wanted to go back to playing with my baby. Thankfully, I can choose my own hours, but that meant finding the will to catch up at night rather than just go to sleep. That was tough.
Can we take maternity leave within probation period?
“Being on probation in your workplace does not affect your maternity rights – you can have 52 weeks of maternity leave and return to your job (even if you have only been employed for a very short time). If you meet the requirements, your employer has to pay you Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).”
How do working couples with kids manage their daily routine?
My husband works full time while I work part-time around the kids, so our roles have very much meshed together. There are no traditional jobs where I solely take care of the kids and he takes over the financial pressure, although his job is heavily leaned towards the finances and I do take on the bulk of the childcare. However, when he comes home, he takes over some of the housework while I find some time on the laptop.
Both of us contribute together and over time we have made it work while not sacrificing time with the kids. We’ve also worked out over the decade where we can outsource, for example, hiring a cleaner every week, so we spend more time on work and play with the kids. Eventually, we will outsource other jobs, but at the moment it works for our busy life with four kids.
Any other tips on how to survive maternity leave with a baby?
Take it easy and use all the time you’ve got to spend with your baby, as that’s what maternity leave is there for. Use your Keep in Touch days to keep your foot on the work pedal to make it an easier transition back to work, if you want to go back, that is (I didn’t). Maternity leave is a time for recuperating after birth and bonding with your baby, so make sure you have fun so your mental health stays in tact, especially when you have to deal with those night feedings!
I hope these maternity leave ideas will give you a helping hand in making the most of maternity leave.
Do you have any maternity leave tips to share? What are your favourite things to do on maternity leave before baby arrives during lockdown?
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.*
15 cute ways to tell the kids about your engagement
When a couple shares that they are getting engaged, it is often the first time the kids find out about their new additions or how serious the relationship really is. But what do you say to the kids? How do you tell them about your engagement? And how do you plan an announcement for the kids without scaring them or making them feel left out? Here 15 fun, cute and clever engagement announcement ideas to help you tell the kids.
Know your audience
Should you make a video of you getting down on one knee?
Announce it in front of everyone at your child’s school assembly?
Buy the newspaper space from the shop and print an obituary for yourself titled “R.I.P. Mum”?
These are jokes, obviously.
But there is nothing wrong with wanting to be creative or even trying some fun ways to engage your kids into knowing their family is going to be expanding soon. For example, if your kids are excited about prom, you might want to check out the Prom Dress Finder to involve them in the fun activities leading up to the engagement. Additionally, if you are planning to capture and share your wedding moments, consider using Wedding Photo Swap to easily share photos with family and friends.
But there is nothing wrong with wanting to be creative or even trying some fun ways to engage your kids into knowing their family is going to be expanding soon.
Anything is OK, as long as you know who your audience is so you know whether the type of announcement you’re going for will resonate with your kids.
Prepare your kids
Make a list of your child’s closest friends and other family members they know well. Once you have compiled the list, write down how they would like to be told about the engagement.
Would they prefer a door knock after school? Would they like to see an online social media post like on TikTok or an Instagram reel? Would they prefer it if you made a video or an engagement announcement to friends in person at an upcoming family gathering?
Be sensitive to their feelings–make sure it is something that will not cause too much embarrassment or shame. Put your ideas to paper so you can come up with some cute ways to announce engagement to the kids while preparing them for questions so you can answer with well-rehearsed responses.
Telling the kids
Whether you will announce your engagement in the flesh or via facetime on Skype, lots of little ones will be excited at the thought of getting dressed up, taking part in the wedding day and taking care of the wedding planning checklist, but some may be more confused about what’s going on. Make sure you explain what getting married to your partner means and show them there will be even more love to go around after the big day. If your kids are struggling with the concept, make sure you listen to their concerns about the new life you’ll all have together.
Educating yourself about the different ways to announce your engagement will allow you more freedom when coming up with creative ways to tell the kids. You want to choose something fun that will make your children happy.
So how can you get creative/funny/clever with your announcement engagement ideas?
Creative engagement announcement ideas to family
The best engagement announcements are unique, so here’s how to announce engagement really creatively:
1. Ultra cute super fun engagement announcement photos ideas – go professional
Get your engagement photoshoot captured on camera by a professional photographer and then have some fun with the engagement announcement photos. For example, you could dress up like Batman and The Joker if the kids are into Batman and use a suitable backdrop to make it look realistic. Or you can wear a matching bandana with a message on it to send the message in such a unique way. Then, when you’re done you can take a classic engagement selfie together or an engagement ring shot with your partner.
2. Unique ways to announce an engagement – play dress up
Another option is to dress up as a princess and your fiancé as the prince. Be creative with the costumes and choose something that will reflect your kids’ personality or interests.
3. Creative ideas for the best engagement announcement – create a personalised book
One fun idea is to create a personalised book where you can record memories from the kids’ fun time together with your partner, for example, when they played together and talk about how much they mean to you. This will help them feel special about being in your life and they may feel proud of what you have achieved in life with your partner.
Funny engagement announcements
Laughter is the best medicine, so to soften the blow or enhance the glorious news, here are some fun ways to announce engagement to the kids while conjuring up a laugh or two.
4. Special ways to announce your engagement to the world – Make a funny video
The sillier the better, but make sure it is something you would like to put on your future wedding DVD and show at family get-togethers.
5. DIY Engagement Announcement – Get arty
Get involved with or create an art project that represents your engagement in a fun way. For example, paint yourselves into a mural holding hands or making bird cages together.
Cute engagement announcement ideas
Funny and clever can also mean cute, so here are some cute engagement announcements ideas (as well as clever engagement announcements) which should go down well with the kids:
6. Unique and sweet ways to announce your engagement – Write sweet messages
Write messages on balloons and let them fly into the sky for all to see. You could even write engagement messages on sand pails at your local beach/park.
7. How to announce an engagement on social media – create a website and share
Create an announcement of engagement on a wedding website or blog to share with friends and family.
8. Creative in-person non social media announcement ideas
Kids can help bake some cookies (or cupcakes) with little hearts stamped out of the centre. Or pick up a box of Valentine sweets and put your engagement picture on there.
9. Photo projection enlarged!
Take your engagement photo and project it onto a wall or billboard in a very public place, or create an announcement mural on the bottom of two shoes you’re wearing while standing next to each other (to cover your faces so people don’t think they are missing an episode of ‘The Bachelor’)
10. Cute puzzles messages!
Write out messages with hearts cut out of cardboard and create a puzzle that spells out your engagement in an envelope or box
11. Make it memorable
Talk with your significant other about what works best for both of you and then get ready, because once you’ve invited everyone over, all eyes will be on your memorable announcements!
Fun engagement announcement photo ideas for social media platforms
Kids are living in the digital age, so announcing engagement ideas can involve sharing with others on social media after you’ve told the kids. You can think of some cool ways to announce engagement on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that the kids can relate to. Here are some tips on how to announce your engagement on social media.
12. Creative ideas for the best engagement announcement – use hashtags
Include fun hashtags and creative spelling so people can see you’re having a good time. Be sure to use the same hashtag on all of your engagement announcement posts within that day so that more people search for it and find you.
13. Unique ways to announce your engagement on social media – ask for help from friends
If you don’t have a professional photographer, ask close friends or relatives to take pictures of your engagement with their phones and then share them on Facebook/Twitter. It’s a really cool way of announcing an engagement in today’s digital age.
Make sure there is an option available for the children to leave comments as well – this way they feel like part of the big event taking place. After receiving many ‘likes’ on social media, they might even be excited about the expanding immediate family.
Engagement announcement wording ideas
14. Cute engagement announcement ideas you’ll want to copy – write a short letter
Many online etiquette guides suggest you shouldn’t share the exciting news with your kids straight away, but wait until they ask about it themselves. However, if you want to come up with more creative engagement announcements, why not put together a short letter to them or word your social media posts in such a way that the kids are also involved? Below is an example of how you can do this:
“We were so happy when BFFs [friend’s name] suggested we all go on holiday together! We had such a great time as friends, but somehow ended up falling in love. Beaming from ear to ear! We thought you should know first because we couldn’t wait to tell you! We’re engaged!
Love always, Mummy”
Engagement announcement quotes
15. The loved up engagement announcement – Include some quotes
Include some personal engagement announcement quotes for your children if they are particularly young. What sort of relationship do they have with their step-parent? Are they excited about welcoming a new member into the family? Engagement announcement ideas for parents should include how your kids feel about the whole thing too.
Examples of engagement announcement quotes for kids:
“When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far, and no one can ever take them apart.”
Richard Bach
“They say that nothing lasts forever, but as long as I have you, I’d like to try.”
Anonymous
“[Your name] and [Their name] are just two perfect puzzle pieces fit together so well.”
Song of Solomon 6:2
“I can be with you in the morning, noon, or night. I will love you until the stars go out and the tides no longer turn.”
Anonymous
Other lovely engagement announcement ideas
Spell it out Scrabble engagement announcement or spell it out Scrabble marriage announcement
Act it out charades wedding announcement
Coffee mugs engagement reveal – this could be an engagement announcement for coffee Lovers
DIY engagement announcement cards
Engagement announcement t-shirts
Engagement announcement posters
Announce your engagement the day of your wedding, although this is a risky one!
Family photo engagement announcement with siblings, grandparents and cousins involved
Artistic engagement print
Create the wedding of your dreams or hold back?
You’re entitled to the perfect wedding, and even a fancy engagement party or celebration, but some brides and grooms decide to tone things down, even the wedding dress or the suit because they’d rather save money to spend on their kids. Weigh up the pros and cons of enjoying family-orientated luxurious weddings and try to find something that suits both your fantasy and your family. Whether you check out these diamond engagement rings for sale and buy a princess dress or prioritise a holiday for the little ones, know that your decision is completely valid.
Allow your children to have some input
Your children will feel special if you ask for their opinions on wedding invitations, wedding ideas, wedding dates and preparations. Try not to let them make big decisions about the décor, wedding cake or food but if you’re having trouble deciding between the balloons, the type of flowers, or even the lovely flower quotes you’ll add, your kids will be more than happy to point at their favourites. If other wedding guests are bringing their kids too, consider putting on some entertainment to keep them occupied.
Honeymoon
Are you going to have a honeymoon for just you and your partner or take the kids along? While having alone time with your significant other can really boost your relationship status, you don’t want the kids to feel left out. If possible, try to have the best of both worlds and take a short break with both. You can ask your family or friends to make a special fuss over your children while you’re away with just your partner so they’ll have a great time too and not miss you too much when you’re gone.
Getting engaged is a positive occasion and one which should be celebrated with your children. The bottom line is that your children’s happiness should factor very heavily in your decision making, as they will be deeply involved in the blended family dynamics. Opting to announce your engagement in a way which the children can enjoy will help them to accept the changes and look forward to the joyous wedding ahead.
FAQ
When should you announce engagement on social media?
Other questions asked were:
Engagement announcement ideas for Facebook?
Do you have any engagement announcement ideas for social media?
When should I announce my engagement?
Do I have to announce my engagement?
When should I not announce my engagement?
Engagement announcement ideas for social media real life?
How to announce your engagement online?
Engagement announcements on Facebook
See above for more tips on how to announce your engagement on social media
Do you have any funny engagement announcement ideas?
Other questions asked were:
Do you have any fun engagement announcement ideas for parents of multiple children?
Any ideas for engagement announcement games?
what should an engagement announcement say?
funny ways to announce engagement?
funny wedding announcements ideas
Lots of cute, funny ideas above! Let me know what your favourite idea is 😀
*Collaborative feature post*
SnuzPod 4 Bassinet review
Your baby has finally greeted you after a long pregnancy, but now they bring a whole new set of problems – lack of sleep!
And what every parent wants is the gift of sleep just to get through the newborn haze, rushing hormones, and joyful turmoil.
According to a survey in 2020, Snüz (the company I’m doing the SnuzPod 4 Bassinet review for) found that a staggering 7 in 10 parents lose an average of three hours’ sleep every night in their baby’s first year – the equivalent of missing out on 133 night’s worth of sleep before their baby turns 1! It is no wonder parents are sleep deprived and on the hunt for the very best products to support them in getting more ZZZ’s.
So, how do you get more sleep?
Well, your newborn needs to feel safe and secure during sleep times and the SnuzPod4 bedside crib may be the answer. The SnuzPod 4 is a stylish first bed, keeping the baby close to mum and dad during those precious first few months, while also promising more sleep for the family too.
Read on for an extensive review of the SnuzPod4 bedside baby bed.
Snüz*, the multi-award winning nursery brand and winner of the Queen’s Award for Innovation, have been retailing since 2013 and offering products online since 2016. Today, the Snüz brand is known for creating stylish and contemporary sleep products for today’s modern parents and the SnuzPod reviews have been very positive.
Other products in the Snuz range
SnüzCloud – £29.95
The SnüzCloud is a stylish baby sleep aid that promises more sleep for both baby and parent. With soft plush fabric, four soothing sounds and two light options; the cute and cuddly sleep aid promises to comfort and settle baby day and night.
I forgot about how many times I’d have to change baby throughout the night. So to help with the dreaded night-time nappy changes, the SnüzPouch*, which are award-winning baby sleeping bags, come with a nappy change zip to limit disturbance to the baby and offers an opening at the bottom so baby doesn’t have to be cold or completely undressed for the nappy change.
SnuzPod 4 Bassinet review – what is the SnüzPod 4?
Snüz brought out the SnüzPod4, their fourth-generation bedside crib, which offers parents a chance to be closer to the baby with its removable bassinet and zip up sides for attachment to the bed or as a standalone crib. The new ComfortAir system offers unique air-flow vents, a machine-washable permeable mesh liner, and improved base ventilation designed to regulate your baby’s temperature for a good night’s sleep.
Feed, soothe, and be closer to your baby with SnuzPod⁴ the UK’s Best-selling Bedside Crib! Keeping baby nearby, for a safe bonding experience. With dual-view mesh windows and a half-height zip-down wall for easy access, be by their side through every yawn, wiggle, gurgle and nap.
How much is the SnüzPod 4 and where can you buy it?
UK Delivery costs £4.95 (free on all orders over £50) and you can expect delivery over 2 – 5 working days.
You can also choose Nominated Day Delivery which costs £7.95 and you can select a delivery day of your choice, Monday to Friday.
Next Working Day Delivery is available and costs £8.95. You need to order by 1 pm for next working day delivery.
Deliveries do not take place on weekends or bank holidays and postcode restrictions may apply.
If you live outside of the UK, click here for more information.
SnüzPod 4 size and specs
Suitable from birth to approximately 6 months
Maximum recommended weight of child is 9KG (20lbs)
SnuzPod⁴ crib complies with BS EN 1130:2019
Made using quality sustainably sourced Beech solid wood and plywood
The SnuzPod fits divan, ottoman and framed bed bases. Ensure that the internal dimensions of your furniture are no greater than: 420mm width x 775mm length. The maximum gap between the mattress and the sides and ends should not exceed 30mm.
The SnuzPod4 is suitable for bedside use where the top surface of the adult mattress is level with the top of the zip down wall of the SnuzPod⁴, up to a maximum height of 73cm from the floor.
Includes bed straps which fits divan, ottoman and framed beds
Includes a breathable mattress certified (40 x 75.5 x 3cm). Not suitable for use with a sensor pad.
Complies with BS EN 16890:2017.
ComfortAir mesh liner has been tested to BS 4578 for breathability and air-flow
External size: L100 x 49 x H95 (maximum height)
Product weight: 11.5kg
Requires self-assembly
Mattress cover can be washed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
A waterproof mattress protector must be used.
Removable fabric bag can be hand washed
ComfortAir liner can be washed according to manufacturer’s instructions
WARNING: Stop using the product as soon as the child can sit, kneel, or pull itself up. This product is only suitable for a child who cannot sit up unaided
Main features bullet points
The new SnuzPod 4 has:
Increased air-flow to help regulate temperature
Safety tested to NEW Bedside Crib Standard
FITS MORE BEDS than any other bedside crib
Comes as a standalone bassinet with a rocking stand or can be removed from the stand.
Sides can be unzipped to attach to the bed for easy place and pick up of baby
What is included with the SnüzPod 4?
SnuzPod 4 Bedside Crib
New 3D breathable mattress
How to put the SnuzPod4 together
There are quite a few parts so it’s important to read the instruction guide (which you can find here)
Measure your bed
Build the stand
Build the bassinet
Affix the reflux leg (to elevate one side of the bassinet)
N.B.
The baby’s head should never be lower than their body in the bassinet
Bedside sleepers should never be used in an incline position
SnuzPod 4 reflux tilt – how to use – The reflux leg may only be used when the SnuzPod4 is used as a standalone crib and where the zip down wall is zipped up / closed
Do not use the reflux leg when baby is asleep
First impressions of the SnüzPod 4
The SnuzPod4 is well built, comfortable, and easy to use. The crib allows for mum to be very close to baby during the night by using the zipped/unzipped and flexible sides. The mattresses are soft and comfortable and the material is breathable and malleable, which you can also take off and clean easily.
Was SnüzPod 4 easy to use/put together?
I had to (well hubby had to) ponder over which parts went where, but after taking a few moments to read the instructions, the build was relatively quick and straightforward. The box contains easy-to-understand instructions that easily explains the process.
The SnüzPod can be used in different ways. Below is more information on how to use SnuzPod 4.
Bedside Mode
For parents who would like easy access to baby without having to get out of bed, then you can convert the SnuzPod4 into Bedside Mode where you unzip one side so that it rests by the end/side of your bed/mattress. Not all beds are of equal size, so the manufacturers have ensured there is sufficient flexibility to change the resting height of the SnuzPod. This alongside some extra straps to secure the SnuzPod tight to the bed ensures there are no gaps in between and baby is kept safe.
When attached to the bed, the SnuzPod4 has a permanent half-height wall to meet the new bedside crib standard BS EN1130:2019.
To fit the straps to your bed follow the instructions below:
Remove the metal pole from the zip down wall. Leaving the pole in can be hazardous but keep the metal pole attached in the wall furthest away from your bed.
Release the velcro tabs and lower the zips fully.
Fold the zip down wall down, tucking it in between the crib frame and the adult mattress
Ensure your mattress is level with the zip down wall of the SnuzPod4
Tighten straps to secure the SnuzPod4 to your bed.
Ensure the bassinet sits fully down on the stand and is not resting on any part of your bed
Do not over-tighten the strap, as this may cause the stand to tilt. Ensure the stand is flush with the bed frame / base
Check the tightness of the attachment system before each use by pulling the bedside sleeper in a direction away from the adult bed
Tuck any excess strap under your bed base away from babies and children
Ensure there are no gaps between the SnuzPod4 and your bed
During use, always ensure your bedding, sheets, blankets etc do not enter or cover the inside of the crib.
Standalone and lift off bassinet
The second option is to have a standalone and/or lift off bassinet as well as a rocking stand too. The sides can be zipped back up and the pole reinserted to form a standard bassinet for baby to sleep safely in the parents’ same room or in their own nursery.
What is the difference between the SnuzPod 4 and the SnuzPod 3?
So, what is the difference between a Snuz Pod 3 and 4? Below is a chart that shows the difference between the SnuzPod3 and the SnuzPod4.
The SnuzPod4 is compact enough to help our newborn feel like she is still in a cocoon when she sleeps, but spacious and breathable enough to not feel too small or claustrophobic. The ComfortAir breathable mesh helps our baby to feel comfortable when sleeping and when placed in the SnuzPod4 already sleeping, our baby continues to sleep well for a few hours. She also seems to enjoy relaxing in the SnuzPod4 while awake too. We’ve placed some black, white and red flashcards inside the SnuzPod4 so that she has something to look at while she’s awake. We always remove these when she is asleep for safety.
So what are the pros and cons of SnuzPod 4? We’ll go through each point in turn.
What are the pros of using SnüzPod 4 baby crib?
The SnuzPod4 is a great first bed for baby. Here are some pros to using the SnuzPod4 as baby’s first bed.
The SnuzPod4 is multifunctional and easy to use.
You don’t have to worry about buying a separate mattress as this comes with. Plus, the mattress is soft and comfortable too.
It’s a ‘3-in-1’ crib, meaning you can use the SnuzPod4 as a standalone bassinet which is rockable or you can attach it to the side of your bed for easy access and closeness, which is also rockable, much like a Moses basket.
The SnuzPod4 comes with a stand and you can gently rock the bassinet too.
The SnuzPod4 is easy to clean with detachable sides
The mesh material means that you can see baby from the side but also baby can breathe easily
The sides are flexible and can be zipped up and down (with good quality zips) This is great for mums like me who don’t have to lift baby out for midnight feeds, you can just slide them over to you.
You have space under the bassinet to store baby’s things – we store her nappy changing stuff so we don’t have to venture far.
It’s easy to build and the materials are premium quality
It’s bigger than a Moses basket, which means baby can use it for longer. It is recommended baby can use the SnuzPod4 for up to six months old, but you may stretch it further depending on the size of your baby.
The stand is foldable, so you can tuck it away when you’re not using it.
What are the cons of using the new SnüzPod 4?
The SnuzPod4 is heavy, so it’s not so easy to move around because of its solid wood frame. It’s tough to transport from room to room for napping.
If you have a bed with a frame that sticks out further than the mattress, then there will be a gap beween the SnuzPod and your bed. This prevents you from using it properly as a co-sleeper, much like other co-sleeping bassinet
The SnuzPod4 is argued to be expensive at £199.95, however the SnuzPod4 is premium quality and highly functional so the price is justified.
What would SnüzPod 4 bassinet be useful for?
The SnuzPod4 is most suitable for parents who prefer to keep baby as close to them as possible during sleeping times and still have the flexibility to convert the bassinet into a standalone crib. I would say it’s the perfect bed for breastfeeding mums because we can slide our baby over to us for their nightly feeds.
Is SnüzPod 4 worth the money?
So, is the SnuzPod4 worth it? Considering the quality of the materials and the overall sleek design, as well as of course its 3-in-1 functionality, the SnuzPod4 is worth the higher end price tag. It’s very well made and will last for many years, so you can pass it down from baby to baby too. Plus you’ll get extras on your first order in the shop too!
The SnuzPod4 is a well-built multifunctional, safe and comfortable medium between a Moses basket and a cot bed, which is large enough to hold baby for at least six months but small enough to feel like a cocoon so baby can sleep comfortably from birth. The 3-in-1 functionality from standalone bassinet to co-sleeper means it suits any parent’s needs, especially breastfeeding mums like me who need easy access to feed. The co-sleeper allows for a peaceful transition so baby isn’t completely woken up every time.
The SnuzPod4 is a fantastic bassinet and I would thoroughly recommend the bassinet as a first bed for your newborn.
4 out of 5
Ease of use
Apart from its heavy weight, which means it’s tricky to move around, the SnuzPod4 is very easy to use. You simply unzip the sides to turn the standalone bassinet into a co-sleeper and you can lift the bassinet out of its stand for easier transportation too.
4 out of 5
Fits the purpose
The SnuzPod4 is a great first bassinet for baby because of the functionality it offers as a co-sleeper. The mesh sides also allows for easy viewing of baby and offer a breathable space for baby to sleep comfortably.
5 out of 5
Style and comfort
The new ComfortAir material helps make the SnuzPod4 a protective but spacious area for baby to sleep in and the mesh sides also offer a viewing port for parents to check in on baby. Apart from the heavy frame, the bassinet is easy to transport and the bed looks stylish and simple.
4 out of 5
Functionality
The SnuzPod4 scores high on functionality because of its 3-in-1 feature of standalone bassinet, rocking bassinet and co-sleeper. The SnuzPod4 is a touch on the heavy side, but all other features are super helpful for parents like me who need easy access to baby throughout the day and night.
4 out of 5
Value for money
A touch on the pricey side at £199.95 but you get what you paid for, which you can see especially with the SnuzPod’s premium materials. Read the terms and conditions on the website for return items should you need to, but there’s always a sale going on, so make sure you check daily for deals.
4 out of 5
Overall rating
Ease of use
Fits the purpose
Style and comfort
Functionality
Value for money
FAQ
How long can baby sleep in Snuzpod4?
Other questions aksed were:
SnuzPod 4 how long does it last?
Your baby can sleep in the SnuzPod 4 from birth up to six months.
Does SnuzPod 4 come with mattress?
The SnuzPod 4 comes with a breathable mattress and washable 3D mesh cover.
Does SnuzPod 4 rock?
As above – It’s a ‘3-in-1’ crib, meaning you can use the SnuzPod4 as a standalone bassinet which is rockable or you can attach it to the side of your bed for easy access and closeness, which is also rockable, much like a Moses basket. The SnuzPod4 comes with a stand and you can gently rock the bassinet too
When did SnuzPod 4 come out?
Other questions asked were:
When was SnuzPod 4 released?
November 2020
Does SnuzPod 3 mattress fit SnuzPod 4?
Other questions asked were:
What size is SnuzPod 4 mattress?
The Snuzpod 3 mattress dimensions are 44 x 80 x 3 cm. The Snuzpod 4 mattress dimensions are 40 x 75.5 x 3 cm. So, no, it doesn’t fit.
Do SnuzPod 3 sheets fit SnuzPod 4?
Other questions asked were:
What sheets fit SnuzPod 4?
What sheets for SnuzPod 4?
What size sheets for SnuzPod 4?
Which sheets fit snuzpod 4?
Yes, SnuzPod 3 sheets can fit the SnuzPod 4.
Is SnuzPod 4 safe?
“The materials have been carefully selected and tested to ensure they are breathable, pose no small parts or sharp edges risks, and have no ties which could pose a risk of entanglement. As of November 2020, all bedside cribs manufactured including SnuzPod4 need to meet the new crib safety standard BS EN 1130:2019.”
The mesh wall can be zipped down to fold over and bridge the gap between your bed and the SnuzPod, and the stand is foldable, but that’s about it. It is recommended that you do not use the SnuzPod in bedside mode, with the walls down as it’s not safe for sleep.
Can you tilt SnuzPod 4?
Other questions asked were:
How to tilt snuzpod 4?
You can tilt the SnuzPod 4 by using the reflux leg provided, however, as with all bedside cribs and in line with safe sleep guidelines, you should always place baby on a flat horizontal surface and only use the reflux tilt while baby is awake. Please make sure the crib is in standalone mode, with the walls zipped up too.
Do you have to attach snuzpod to bed?
Other questions asked were:
How to attach snuzpod 4 to bed?
How to attach snuzpod 4 to divan bed?
You attach the SnuzPod crib to your bed with straps that fit from the crib to the bed frame.
How to wash SnuzPod 4?
You can clean the covers with mild detergent and then allow to fully air dry before use. You can remove and machine wash the ComfortAir liner.
How to dismantle SnuzPod 4?
To dismantle the SnuzPod 4, follow the instructions provided in reverse.
*Price correct on 31 July 2021
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix Review
*The Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix was gifted to us for review but all opinions are 100% our own.
*Photos by Tomas Preston Photography
Our daughter is growing up fast and as a bustling toddler, she now needs a Group 1 2 3 car seat Isofix bundle for travel while we put away our Grade 0 car seat ready for our newborn due any day now.
Ickle Bubba* gifted us a Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix Review (Solar 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat) for review and as part of our feature series on picking the right car seat for your child (watch this space for the guide coming out soon!)
In 2011, founders Fran and Veronica Vaughn were on the lookout for stylish and affordable travel systems when they were expecting their first baby. After spending too much money they decided to create stylish and affordable travel systems of their own. Shortly thereafter, Ickle Bubba was born.
Ickle Bubba provides stylish, practical and budget-friendly products, including travel systems, nursery furniture, car seats and strollers. They even won some awards too!
Great car seat. I bought this around 2 months ago for our daughter who is now 18 months she had outgrown her previous car seat. She loves to be forward-facing, it was very easy to instal; and feels very sturdy and secure, also great to be able to recline the seat when she falls asleep. ★★★★★
Catmac, Highlands, Scotland
What are Group 1 2 3 car seats?
Group 1 2 3 car seats are forward-facing car seats where the toddler uses the seat’s integral five-point safety harness initially or an impact cushion until they are 15kg (Group 1 Isofix car seat) and then uses the car seat’s five-point seatbelt belt to secure the child and the seat.
The seat then converts into a high-backed booster seat when your child is older and bigger and the five-point harness is no longer used. The child is secured using the car’s own seat belt.
Car seats can come with an Isofix base which is clicked onto a mechanism on the seat of cars that offer Isofix options.
Multi-group car seats can be cheaper as they are convertible car seats and your child will grow with the car seat.
How much is the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix and where can you buy it?
The Isofix car seat group 1 2 3 bundle currently costs £129 (RRP £169.99)* and you can buy it from here.*
Great car seat! Great quality, easy to install in the car. Worth the money. ★★★★★
Ailsa Burton
Can you pay in instalments?
You can make three payments of £43.00 via Klarna and there are no fees attached. Learn more here.*
What can you get in the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix box?
The Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat either in Black, Dark Grey or Light Grey
Ickle Bubba Isofix base
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat Installation Guide, Ickle Bubba Car Seat Manual and Ickle Bubba Car Seat Safety Guide
4-year warranty
Two snooze shades
Two side protection cushions
How long will it take to be delivered?
UK standard delivery takes 2 – 5 working days and you can get free shipping if you spend over £50.
Order values under £50 will be charged at £4.
Ickle Bubba aims to dispatch the car seat within 48 hours of receipt of order, but in most cases, it will take around 2 -5 working days. You will receive an email when your order has been scheduled for shipping.
Ickle Bubba delivers via courier Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 5 pm. If you provide an email and mobile number, the courier will text or email you within a 1-hour delivery time slot on the day of arrival.
Ickle Bubba Solar Isofix car seat size and specifications
The material offers a luxury two-tone suede fabric designed to keep the child cool and includes a reversible headrest cushion, seat cushion and buckle pad to alternate the colour combination if you wanted to.
Size bullet points and key features
Forward-facing Group 1-2-3 car seat
Weight range: 9kg – 36kg
Age range: 9 months to 12 years
Integrated Isofix fitting
Seat belt compatible
Top tether strap
Luxury stay cool fabric
Magnetic buckle retainer
3 recline positions: upright, mid-recline and full recline
5 point safety harness with shoulder, lap and crotch straps
Reversible headrest cushion, seat cushion and buckle pad
Includes 2 x sun shades
Specifications bullet points
Product usage from 9kg – 36kg – approximately 9 months to 12 year
Group 1 (approx 9kg to 18kg / 15 months to 4 years)
Group 2 and 3 (approx 15kg to 36kg / 3 years to 12 years)
Minimum dimensions: L47cm x W53cm x H67cm
Maximum dimensions: L47 x W53cm x H71cm
Weight: 13.3kg
Tested & approved to ECE R44 / 04 British & European safety standards
Colour: Black, Dark Grey or Light Grey
4-year warranty
Ickle Bubba Solar Safety Rating
We couldn’t find a car seat safety rating but you do get 4 years warranty once you’ve registered your product online and kept your proof of purchase for any future claim. If you register within 28 days of receiving the item, Ickle Bubba will extend your standard warranty to 4 years from the date of purchase at no extra cost.
The Ickle Bubba Solar car seat is only suitable for use in vehicles fitted with a three-point retractable safety belt or Isofix attachments.
For Group 1 car seats always give preference to using the rear seats even if the front seat is permitted. Check your vehicle manual for advice on fitting your car seat in the front of the vehicle. Airbags can cause injury so do not use the car seat on a passenger seat fitted with a front airbag.
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat Instructions
Make sure to store the booklet instructions provided with the car seat at all times. There is a pocket provided on the back of the car seat marked as number (2) below.
Car seat features (see image above)
Headrest Adjustor
Base
Top Tether
User Guide Box
Tension Indicating Adjustor
Top Tether Lock Hook
Isofix Connectors (x 2)
Guide Hook (for 15-25kg children)
Jointshaft
Buckle Retainer
Side Impact Protection
Lock Clips (for 9-18kg children)
Lap Belt Guide (for 15-25kg children)
Belt Slots
Isofix Point Release Buttons (x 2)
Isofix Connection Indicators
Headrest
Belt Slots
Harness Shoulder Straps
Buckle Pad (Reversible)
Harness Adjustment Button
Adjustment Patch Strap
Headrest Cushion (Reversible)
Harness Pads (x2)
Seat Cushion (Reversible)
Harness Adjustment Strap
Recline Lever
Isofix System Regulator
Adult Seat Belt Buckle
Adult Seat Belt Connector
Harness Connectors
How do you use the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat with the Isofix Base?
Group 1 fitting instructions (9-18kg)
The Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1 2 3 Car Seat can be installed using Isofix and a top tether strap.
Pull the red button out and the Isofix connector will come out automatically (see image above and B-1 below)
Unlock the Isofix connectors of the car seat by pushing the Isofix point release button (IS) (B-2)
Open the plastic panel to get the top tether out and close the panel (B-3)
Hook the top tether strap on the anchor bracket and fasten the belt tightly (B-4)
Place the car seat on the vehicle seat and connect the Isofix connectors to the vehicle Isofix attachments (B-5). There will be an indicator visible on the connector
Attach the Isofix connectors until the Isofix connection indicators (16) turn red to green and a click is heard (B-6). This will mean the seat is locked into position
Once in place pull the Isofix adjustor position until tight and the car seat is tight against the vehicle backrest
There are three reclining positions
By pulling the red recline lever up, you can choose from the following positions for your child:
upright
mid-recline
full-recline
The top tether is located at the top of the seat back. Extend the length by squeezing the tension indicating adjustor. Locate the vehicle adjustment point which may be found on the parcel shelf, at the back of the seat or the rear boot area and hook on.
Tighten the tether strap (B-7) until the adjustor indicator shows green (B-8)
Placing your child in the car seat
Loosen the harness and press on the central adjuster button (21) (F-1). Pull on the harness shoulder straps (19)
Your child’s head should sit directly in the middle of the headrest and the sides of the headrest should sit just above the child’s shoulders.
To adjust the headrest pull the headrest adjuster (1) to release the latch from the back of the seat. Pull the headrest up and locate the dial into one of the slots on the headrest (F-2) F-3)
Ensure the headrest does not obstruct the child’s shoulders. Also, make sure the top of the child’s head does not go over the top of the headrest
Open the harness buckle by pressing firmly on the red button in the centre of the buckle (F-5). Spread apart the shoulder straps to buckle retainers (10) to enable the child to be placed (F-6).
Place the child into the car seat, ensuring they are seated upright against the backrest. Pass the child’s arms through each of the shoulder straps (F-7) while bringing together the harness connectors (31). Align them together and insert them into the buckle until you hear a “click” (F-8)
Pull firmly on the harness adjustment strap (26) at the front of the seat. It’s not necessary to press on the central adjuster button (F-9)
Fitting the side impact protection cushions
Line up the two tabs located on the Side Impact Protection panels to the two holes located on the side of the car seat (see A-1 in the image below)
Push inwards and upwards until the panel clicks into place (see A-2 below)
If you are short of space there is the option to only fit the side closest to the vehicle door.
Great, comfortable car seat. I bought this for my 1-year-old, he seems really happy and comfortable in it. The straps and material are soft, breathable fabric. He also likes the recline mode for naps. ★★★★
Lp123, Plymouth
More instructions can be found in the enclosed Ickle Bubba instruction manual
Cute and comfy. I brought this for my daughter and she loves it. It’s comfortable, stylish and feels just as solid as her previous Cybex seat. And fits into my Peugeot 3008. So happy I purchased it. ★★★★
Mummie 2.0, London
First impressions of the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix
Our first impressions were the premium quality of the lovely soft suede material looks and feel strong and sturdy.
Was the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix easy to put together?
Yes very easy to put together. You simply release the red button and it clicks into the Isofix system. It’s also very simple to fit and remove.
Great seat. Got this just over a week ago now. Looks great and fits well in my car. Feels plush and looks very comfortable. My daughter looks very happy in it. Was a great price too. ★★★★★
Louis82, Gosport
Did baby seem comfortable in the car seat?
Our daughter was very comfortable in the car seat, although she is too big for the additional neck and headrest padding. We had to remove it, but we’re keeping it for our next baby.
The group 123 car seat can recline in three positions so you can manoeuvre the seat to make it more comfortable for the baby during travel. When it’s upright our daughter’s head does tilt forward when she’s asleep, but to fix this you recline the seat back and it makes for more comfortable napping in the car seat.
What are the pros of using the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat with Isofix?
The 123 group car seat has a very premium feel and comfort. The harness can be adjusted and fastened easily and it was easy to clip to the Isofix base in the car. The Isofix is very simple to use and there are additional reclining positions which is a bonus. Our daughter could see everything out of the car and my ten year old could lift and carry the seat for us. All added bonuses.
What are the cons of using Ickle Bubba 123 car seat?
The car seat comes with the Isofix attached and we’re not sure if this can be removed yet. The recliner handle is supported only by a spring visible under the seat, which may tear easily. The padding is not a favourite for my daughter. As she is 21 months I have to remove the padding as it stops her tilting her head back to rest. The seat is quite heavy and the extra side protection is a bonus but it does also increase the space used by the seat.
Excellent product. I purchased this for our grandson as it’s the same seat which they use and they were very satisfied with it. ★★★★★
JT2175, Bristol
What and who would The Ickle Bubba Car Seat and Isofix be useful for?
The car seat is suitable for long road trips as it’s very comfy for your toddler who has just grown out of their Group 0 car seat. The car seat will also grow with your child until they are four years old so it is long-lasting and space-saving.
Is the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix worth the money?
Yes it is definitely worth the money on initial use. Time will tell if the material is durable and the parts stay intact.
What is my overall opinion of the Ickle Bubba Car Seat?
It is a fantastic car seat and my daughter loves it despite the minor issues with the headrest which is fixable. For the price you pay which at the moment is £129.99, the car seat looks much more premium than it is valued at. So, I would definitely recommend grabbing the opportunity to save £40 now and buy the car seat for your child.
Overall rating
Premium quality material, easy to click into place and comes with three reclining positions for maximum comfort and security, not to mention the sturdy five-point harness.
4 out of 5
Excellent buy. Bought only last week it’s so stylish, easy to fix and my son looks so comfortable in it! ★★★★★
Ksmith1995, Sunderland
Ease of use
Very easy to use and clicks into place easily. However, it is quite heavy and we’re not sure whether the Isofix can come apart. However, it does raise the seat so the baby can see out of the window.
4 out of 5
Fits the purpose
The car seat definitely fits the purpose of travelling with our daughter in comfort and style. She seems to be happy in it and has napped on many occasions.
5 out of 5
Style and comfort
The car seat comes with the added built-in Side Impact Cushion for safety and to reduce the impact of any side collision. The material is high quality and it looks great!
4 out of 5
Functionality
The integrated Isofix connection and top tether strap ensures easy installation and gives you that peace of mind that the car seat has been correctly fitted in the car. This is the most important part of our review. We feel like our baby is safe.
5 out of 5
Value for money
At just £129.00 at the moment you should jump at the chance to get this car seat as it’s very affordable for what you get. Plus when you sign up to Ickle Bubba’s emails, you could win a £100 voucher to pay towards the car seat!
Easy to navigate and stylish! We love Ickle Bubba, after having a travel system for our child, we decided to stick with Ickle Bubba for our next step car seat. This should last us until our little one reached a certain height or 12-year-olds. Our little one seems super comfortable in it. ★★★★
Wilson, Essex
FAQ
Is an infant car seat safer than a convertible car seat?
Infant-only car seats face only face the rear seat of the car and are intended for newborns up to approximately 9 months, depending on weight. The weight generally ranges from 4 to 5 pounds to around 30 – 35 pounds. The height limit is also around 30 – 55 inches.
Once the baby exceeds the limits of a car seat they will transition to a convertible all-in-one car seat. A convertible car seat can start off rear-facing and then convert to a forward-facing from when the child is around 40 pounds or more.
Both car seats are safe and designed for the baby’s specific height and weight provided they are rear-facing and installed properly.
What is the difference between a Group 0 car seat and Group 1 2 3 car seat?
Group 0 car seats are rear-facing car seats for the baby until 9kg in weight. They are then turned forward-facing until the baby is around 18kg.
The baby then transitions to Group 1 2 3 car seats, starting with Group 1 which are forward-facing and the child uses the car seats integral harness or impact cushion until they are 15kg. They then use the car’s seat belt which secures the child and the seat.
You then get Group 2 and 3 car seats which are high-backed booster seats, although they don’t need to have a back. The back can be removed once the child reaches 22kg, but it’s advised to keep it on in the seat.
*Pricing is correct at 11 June 2021 – prices may vary after this date
*Ickle Bubba gifted us with the Solar Car Seat and Isofix base for review but all thoughts and opinions are 100% our own
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
*Photos by Tomas Preston Photography
Why I decided to try an orthopaedic pillow
For 11 years, I have been working in my home office, sitting in front of a computer for long periods without an orthopaedic pillow. I’ve experienced a crick in my neck in the past year, and my back seems knotted and stiff. Sometimes the pain is intense I suffer from headaches. I know it’s because of my way of life; I do the school run in the car and then I’m at my desk when I have time to work. I run after a toddler monkey and I have two school-aged boys who seem to have bundles of energy. Finding time and energy to exercise is a chore amongst itself and I love my job too much to give up sitting at my desk.
I often dream of a masseur in the office, otherwise, I fear my head will fall off my body. I have voiced my concerns to my family, and they suggested I try an orthopedic pillow for neck pain. I had heard of the orthopedic memory foam pillow many times, but I’ve never really thought about trying an orthopedic support pillow for neck pain. When I got home, I did some research on the different orthopedic neck pillows available for those who suffer from back and neck pain. An article on webmd.com confirmed the pillow you choose to use determines your sleep quality and comfort during the day.
What are orthopaedic pillows?
Orthopaedic pillows are ergonomic and therapeutic pillows to help relieve issues relating to sleep like apnoea, snoring, insomnia, neck arthritis or back pains. It offers you a much better sleep quality and a cosier sleeping experience than normal pillows.
Cervical Support Pillows
My upper back muscles are constantly strained and my bed pillow does nothing to relieve this discomfort.
It turned out that it was because of the improper position of my spine in the cervical region while I was sleeping. My head was at a different level because of the regular pillow, and my neck was crooked. Also, I am one of those stomach sleepers, and this negatively affects me as well. Sleeping on my side or on my back is always uncomfortable.
Cervical support pillow for neck pain
A cervical pillow aims to provide support, and a person can use a cervical support pillow alongside other therapeutic approaches to help relieve neck pain and sort out spinal alignment. A person’s sleeping position may affect the type of cervical orthopedic pillow a person uses however, so make sure you go for the correct one.
But how did I know which one to go for? I wanted actual opinions of people about the type of pillow I needed. For a week, I searched various forums and websites where people shared their feedback on the use of orthopaedic pillows. I found out many other people are suffering from the same problem I had. The orthopaedic pillow really helped relieve headaches and cervical pain for some of them. If changing the pillow did not help, they recommended seeing a doctor because there may be an underlying and more serious issue.
Interestingly, the orthopaedic pillow helps to solve not only neck pain problems but also many other ones. In their reviews, people shared they got rid of snoring, which affected their family life and their health state. Pregnant women claimed the orthopaedic pillow had become their best assistant at night.
When you sleep in the supine position on such a product, your spine and neck are in the right position. When you sleep on your side, the orthopaedic pillow should be more under your neck than your head. Your chin should be kept straight, in a neutral position. The foam padding helps to maintain the correct posture.
Changing your habit of sleeping in a certain position is sometimes very difficult. So you can help yourself with a memory foam pillow. They come in different shapes and sizes.
Your partner’s sleep affects your sleep too. Rattling, insomnia, foul mood, and snoring become a problem for both of you. My husband supported me however and we often discussed his snoring in the evenings and thought about ways to solve the issues as soon as possible.
My husband came across an advertisement for the WyPur Irish store, did some research and found the exact information we needed. He then ordered us two orthopedic pillows. In the meantime, I continued to do my research. The package arrived quickly in the UK.
Our sleep has since become a million times better. I pay more attention to my health and my neck has stopped hurting, my headaches have even disappeared. My shoulders are relaxed, so now my day goes by easily. I never thought I could sleep on my back.
The question is, do orthopaedic pillows work? Yes. Orthopaedic can provide you with a good night’s sleep by fixing certain sleep issues you have like bad neck, shoulder pain and sleep apnea to name a few.
What is the best orthopaedic pillow?
Depending on your aches and pains, there are several pillows you can look at. Here are some types of orthopaedic pillows to check out:
Contour memory foam pillows
Luxury bamboo shredded memory foam pillows
Therapy memory foam pillows
Sleep memory foam pillows
Royal therapy memory pillows
Core cervical support pillows
Adjustable memory foam pillows
Orthopedic pillow for legs
Orthopedic pillow for back
Orthopaedic neck pillow for neck support
Orthopedic pillow for side sleepers
Orthopedic pillow for shoulder pain
Check out orthopedic pillow reviews and a dedicated buying guide online for more information on the best orthopedic pillow for you.
Why am I most comfortable when sleeping with a pillow between my knees?
Another question asked was, ‘Do you use a pillow between knees for sleeping sideways? Why? What are the benefits?’
If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow between your knees will prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment and reduce stress on your hips and lower back. Pull your knees up slightly toward your chest too for optimal comfort.
What is the purpose of a body pillow?
A body pillow is a long, narrow pillow you cradle between your legs when you sleep on your side. These pillows improve spinal alignment and provide pressure point relief.
What is the function of a neck pillow?
According to an older study, a pillow’s primary function is to provide direct support for the head to minimise pressure in the neck. The support helps to prevent new neck pain from developing and existing neck pain from worsening.
Is it healthy to sleep with a pillow under your head?
Another question asked was, ‘What is the purpose of pillows?’
It is generally recommended to use a pillow if you sleep on your back or side. You need to feel comfortable and pain-free in bed, but if you have neck or back pain, then sleeping without a pillow may be unsafe.
What is the most comfortable pillow design?
The most comfortable pillow design depends on your ailment or sleep issues but a firm or extra-firm pillow is the best pillow to maintain the proper alignment or curve of the head and neck.
Should I use a neck pillow while driving a car?
A car neck pillow can help to reduce fatigue from sore neck muscles and help to improve posture during long commutes. You attach the neck pillow to the adjustable headrest and it can be further adjusted for the best fit.
What makes a bamboo pillow better than cotton?
A bamboo pillow has a higher thread count, which means more softness and durability. Bamboo pillows are more breathable than cotton and can absorb sweat even in the hottest temperatures.
*Collaborative feature post
What is keratosis pilaris in children and how can you treat it?
*This post is sponsored by Ameliorate but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own
For those who have experienced bumpy skin or ‘chicken skin’, as keratosis pilaris is otherwise called, then you will know exactly what this article will be about. But what is keratosis pilaris in children and how can you treat it?
We will go through what keratosis pilaris is, what the symptoms are, what causes keratosis pilaris in toddlers and children, and how to treat the skin condition using a fantastic tried and tested moisturiser called the Transforming Body Lotion from Ameliorate* that is shaking the nation of keratosis pilaris sufferers due to its proven results.
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless and very common skin condition that appears as small bumps on your skin, often in patches on your arms (sometimes just the upper arms), thighs or buttocks. They can appear in other places too and can last for a long time. The bumps can also be itchy, red, white, skin-toned or darker than your skin.
You may find that symptoms improve in the summer and worsen in the winter when it’s colder and your skin is dryer.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Contrary to what people think, keratosis pilaris doesn’t happen because of a build-up of oil or bacteria. It actually occurs when the hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a protein that is naturally occurring in your skin, hair and nails to help form a protective layer and strengthen the skin. There isn’t much evidence on why this protein builds up on the skin and causes keratosis pilaris.
Recent studies suggest that a deficiency in vitamin A, which is crucial for skin health and regeneration, could contribute to the severity of keratosis pilaris. The skin’s inability to shed dead skin cells efficiently leads to these rough patches, making ‘retin’ based treatments potentially effective.
Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
Keratosis pilaris is not infectious so you cannot spread it to anyone else or catch it from anyone.
What is it like to have keratosis pilaris?
Sufferers say it’s like having dry skin which is bumpy to the touch. Some parents say their baby’s skin feels like goosebumps. Keratosis pilaris on the arms can look red and inflamed and some people say they seem to appear where people can see the skin, so cheeks and legs too.
Sufferers can often feel self-conscious and are bothered by the appearance of their skin.
Is keratosis pilaris genetic?
Science suggests that family trends follow an autosomal dominant pattern which means each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting the condition. Research also indicates a link between keratosis pilaris and atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, suggesting that genetic predisposition to these conditions may also influence the development of keratosis pilaris.
There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris but there are ways to manage keratosis pilaris if the skin condition is bothering you by becoming itchy or inflamed. Your pharmacist can recommend certain creams or lotions to help your skin and whether you need to visit your GP or health clinic for medical advice.
The NHS have some dos and don’ts for improving the appearance of keratosis pilaris. These are:
Moisturise your skin – having a good cleansing skincare routine can help
Use mild and unperfumed soaps and bathing products
Exfoliate/scrub your skin with a washcloth or mitt
Have cool/lukewarm showers and baths
Pat skin dry instead of rubbing after washing
Do NOT scratch, pick or rub your skin
Keratosis pilaris can often (but not always) clear up during adult life.
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“Been using Ameliorate for months now and will continue to use it. It has made my skin smoother and softer. I recommend this Body Cream and now you can purchase it with different (light) fragrances. Inexpensive too, in my opinion.”
19/02/21 by Alexandria
Why is there no cure for the skin disorder keratosis pilaris?
There is no treatment available for reducing the over-production of keratin in your skin but you can improve the condition temporarily using emollients or moisturisers. More on what you can do to manage keratosis pilaris below.
Moreover, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that while there’s no cure, understanding the underlying factors, including a potential vitamin deficiency and associated conditions like ichthyosis vulgaris, is essential for effective management.
Keratosis pilaris typically begins in childhood and gets worse during puberty. Some people find that keratosis pilaris clears up in adulthood but not always. We’re going to go through what you can do to help your child manage keratosis pilaris.
Is there any keratosis pilaris treatment around which is effective?
Yes! And we will go into treatment in more detail below using a step-by-step skincare routine that can also be used for your child from the age of three.
For more stubborn cases, dermatologists might recommend retinoids. Topical treatments such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene help by promoting cell turnover and reducing the cohesiveness of keratinocytes in the follicles.
Step 1 – Cleanse
Cleanse using tepid showers/baths and use non-soap cleansers rather than soap, which can dry out the skin. Your GP will recommend a suitable cleanser for children.
“I love this [AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion], I always use it after my shower and paired with the exfoliator it produces amazing results.”
18/11/20 by NikiFr – VERIFIED PURCHASE
Step 2 – Exfoliate and Moisturise
Gentle exfoliation can help to remove dry dead skin, but make sure you exfoliate gently to not irritate the skin further. Creams containing lactic acid and/or urea are more effective than emollients and can be purchased over the counter or obtained on a prescription by the doctor. Other treatments can be used but are not offered on the NHS.
Treatment often involves a comprehensive skincare routine. The key to this routine is moisturisation, but not just any moisturizer will do. The Transforming Body Lotion from Ameliorate, containing lactic acid, is formulated to not only hydrate but also exfoliate the skin, tackling the accumulation of dead skin cells. However, for those looking for an alternative or an addition to their exfoliation process, salicylic acid offers a potent solution.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, is renowned for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the keratin and dead skin cells that contribute to keratosis pilaris. By incorporating a salicylic acid-based product into your regimen, you can enhance the exfoliating efficiency, making it an excellent complement to the Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion. Together, they can provide a more comprehensive treatment approach, addressing both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
It’s a groundbreaking solution that’s gained traction for its efficacy among those battling keratosis pilaris. When using products containing salicylic acid, it’s essential to monitor your skin’s response, especially if it’s sensitive, and adjust usage as needed to avoid irritation.
Physical exfoliation with a loofah can be effective, but gentle use is advised to avoid irritation. Furthermore, avoiding tight clothes can reduce friction and irritation, contributing to symptom relief.
Some home remedies and lifestyle adjustments, such as using humidifiers to add moisture to the air or choosing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction, can also support skin health.
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion has been proven to be very successful at treating and managing keratosis pilaris
Containing optimum levels of Lactic Acid, which is a naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the Transforming Body Lotion exfoliates and renews skin cells while drawing moisture into the skin. The Hydrating Sweet Almond Oil softens and protects the skin while enhancing the natural moisture barrier.
The great thing is that the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is suitable for children aged three years and over and can be used on the face. Plus, 87% of sufferers agreed that the appearance of their skin had improved and felt softer and smoother! (The product was tested on 77 people with rough, dry, bumpy ‘ chicken skin’ (Keratosis Pilaris) in a four-week independent consumer trial).
“I purchased this [AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion] after it being recommended on a Facebook forum. I have had keratosis pilaris all my life. Felt like I tried everything and nothing worked. In summer I refuse to wear vest tops as I’m so embarrassed by them. My 5-year-old daughter has recently started looking like she has the same issue starting on her upper arms so I started to look again for something.
Well, I am so glad I found this product. Both of us have been using it for a fortnight and the results are amazing. Much smoother skin and the redness in some of the bumps have greatly reduced. Both of us are keeping up the skincare routine and seeing results! I actually think this might give me the confidence to actually wear a vest top this summer. Highly recommend.
29/03/21 by Diane – VERIFIED PURCHASE
For persistent keratosis pilaris, laser treatments like pulsed dye laser and YAG laser have been explored for their efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving skin texture, according to studies cited by the American Academy of Dermatology.
If you have keratosis pilaris how do you control picking it?
Picking your bumps will only cause irritation so it’s important to never pick, scratch or attempt to pop the keratin plugs. Control picking by exfoliating, cleansing and moisturising regularly to reduce the appearance of bumps and irritation.
I have keratosis pilaris. Will my child get it?
More than half of people who are affected by keratosis pilaris inherited the condition from their family, so it is deemed to be genetic. It is also much more common in adolescence and can be made worse in cold weather when the skin is lacking in moisture.
I’ve had keratosis pilaris on my face ever since I was born. Does anyone know of any treatments that could help make it less visible make the bumps less rough?
Yes! The AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* has been tried and tested and 87% of sufferers have noticed a marked improvement. Plus the lotion is suitable for the face.
I’ve had tiny raised bumps on my arms and chest for a while I can’t figure out how to get rid of them. Could it be caused by food intolerance?
There is no scientific evidence to support a link between food allergies, intolerances and keratosis pilaris. Some people believe that eliminating gluten from their diet improved keratosis pilaris, but there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this.
Having said that, if you believe your child may have an intolerance or insensitivity it’s worth checking it out with the doctor to see if eliminating/reducing the food group from their diet may improve symptoms. Make sure you see a medical professional to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
Does the arrival of keratosis pilaris on my nine-year old’s arms mean she will suffer from acne?
Not necessarily. Acne spots are filled with an oily substance called sebum rather than keratosis pilaris spots are a build-up of keratin, so the two are not linked.
How do you cope with having keratosis pilaris and without losing confidence?
The best way to cope with keratosis pilaris is to adopt a great skincare routine by cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising regularly, which has been proven to work. Try the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* as this is a tried and tested product that has been specifically designed for keratosis pilaris sufferers.
Will my keratosis pilaris go away with age? I am 16 and have had it for four years.
Keratosis pilaris has been known to get better by the age of 30, but not in all cases.
How do I cure keratosis pilaris on my butt and tailbone area?
Use a good skincare/moisturising routine and regularly ensure you remove and exfoliate the skin.
What is the best way for a teen to treat keratosis pilaris?
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is suitable from the age of three. Use non-perfumed soap and soft exfoliation to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Then the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* can moisturise the skin which has been known to improve and even treat keratosis pilaris.
I have keratosis pilaris but its so bad that it gets itchy and it looks like really bad whiteheads. How do I get rid of it?
Again, use a good skincare routine to and avoid picking it as this could cause an irritation.
What are the best ways of getting rid of keratosis pilaris caused by shaving?
Keratosis pilaris isn’t caused by shaving, it is caused by a build-up of keratin in the skin. Use a non-perfumed shaving gel and always moisturise after shaving with AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion*
Switching from shaving to alternatives like waxing may help some people avoid exacerbating their keratosis pilaris, as it reduces the risk of causing additional irritation or lesions in the affected areas.
Can you get a tattoo over keratosis pilaris? How does that affect the quality of the tattoo?
You can get a tattoo, which won’t be affected, but you’re only tattooing over bumpy skin and it won’t treat the bumpy skin.
It’s important to note that with everything, keeping up a good routine is key. For keratosis pilaris suffers from all ages, this is a good skincare routine. So make sure you are cleansing using tepid water and an unperfumed cleanser. Exfoliate gently and moisturise use proven moisturisers like the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* which can help to treat and even help clear bumpy skin.
Start early with children so they are used to establishing a good skincare routine to improve chances of growing out of KP when they’re older.
Recent evaluator-blind studies, such as evaluator-blind study published in ‘J Dermatolog Treat’ in Aug and Apr, by researchers Pongprutthipan M and Saelim P, have shown promising results in the treatment of keratosis pilaris with newer methods like the pulsed dye laser and YAG laser, offering hope for those seeking alternative treatments.
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission when you click through to buy at no extra cost to you”
*This article is sponsored by Ameliorate
Mama Mio Stretch Mark Cream – Tummy Rub Butter Review
*This review post is sponsored by Mama Mio UK / Mio Skin care and the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter was provided as part of the review. The review is 100% my own thoughts and opinions. I was not paid to provide a positive review for the tummy rubbing!
*Items marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
*Prices are correct at 15 June 2021 – Prices may vary after this date
I’ve carried massive babies in each one of my pregnancies, so it’s inevitable I caught a whiff of stretch marks with my biggest baby back in 2012. The once fresh stretch marks have since faded, but my skin has never been the same.
I also wasn’t great at moisturising my mama belly; I would layer my tummy with coconut oil after the shower, but that was about it.
I was gifted the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter 120ml*to provide a lovely tummy rub butter review and to find out whether the Tummy Rub Butter can prevent stretch marks on my tummy. I am currently 39 weeks pregnant with my fourth baby and I have used no cream at all to prevent stretch marks (I know, silly) except for the Mama Mio Stretch Mark Cream*, which I started using last week.
Read on for an extensive review of the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter Stretch Mark Protection Cream now!
Stretch marks are very common and harmless and often look like pink, red, brown, black, purple or silver streaks on your skin, which start off darker and then fade over time.
What are the point of stretch mark creams?
Stretch mark creams are designed to be used where the skin stretches, either during weight gain or through pregnancy when the bump gets bigger (as well as other bits of the body) during the nine months.
Do stretch mark creams actually remove stretch marks?
Stretch mark creams are primarily used for preventing stretch marks, but there have been no scientific reviews to prove they can completely remove stretch marks that are already there. They might help to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, however.
You may need to pay to have your stretch marks removed in extreme cases by using retinoid creams or hyaluronic acid, laser or light treatments or microdermabrasion, which removes a layer of the skin. Speak to your GP about these treatments first before you go ahead.
You should stop using immediately any retinoid creams if you’re pregnant.
Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks Cream claimed to remove stretch marks
Mama Mio’s Goodbye Stretch Mark Cream provided successful removal of stretch marks and the Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks reviews showed a significant reduction in stretch marks which you can see in the pictures below.
Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks before and after
What am I reviewing? Tummy rub butter review
I am reviewing the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter Stretch-Mark Prevention Cream from Mio Skincare in Limited Edition Sandalwood and Cocoa.
Mama Mio was created in 2004 by four mums and was one of the first dedicated pregnancy skincare brands in the market. Their best-selling Tummy Rub Butter became iconic and so they created a top-to-toe body moisturising and pregnancy-specific skincare line that covered the body for the entire nine months. Their vegan-friendly, cruelty-free body care formulas are designed for mum to use from the first trimester, to bump to baby and beyond.
Ten years later, Mio Skincare was born, which is a brand that helps to boost your skin and feel great. Mio Skincare rebranded in Summer 2020 to make their formulations stronger and more highly effective with their plant-based formulas. They use only recyclable packaging that is kind to the skin and to the planet.
How much is the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter and where can you buy it?
The Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter is currently priced at £24.00 and includes instalment options of four payments at £6.00 or six weekly payments at £4.00.
You can find more information on instalment options and buy the Tummy Rub Butter here.* (You can also buy on Amazon but I’d recommend getting the cream from Mama Mio’s website)
If you live in the United Kingdom, the free next day delivery is available on all orders over £60. Otherwise, standard delivery costs £2 on all orders under £30 and takes two-three working days to arrive.
You also have the standard click and collect, which is free on orders over £25.00 or £1.50 for orders under £25.00. Delivery also takes two-three days and is available for collection for a further ten days.
You also have next day delivery which costs £5.00 (free if you spend £60). You need to order before 11 pm, seven days a week for the next day’s delivery. The service will be visible at checkout if it is available at your address.
For worldwide deliveries, type your country here* and Mama Mio will let you know your revised delivery time and fees, or you can scroll down the page and find your country for more information.
A unique blend of Avocado Oil, Inchi Oil and Argan Oil rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 helps to keep your omega-rich skin supple and strong for the nine-month stretch and beyond to help protect against stretch marks.
Sweet Almond Oil
Soothes delicate and sensitive skin
Shea Butter
Locks in moisture and helps protect skin
100% natural comforting fragrance
The Mama Mio cream includes a soothing and calming blend of sandalwood and cocoa
The Mama Mio ingredients are specifically developed to be suitable for pregnant and postpartum mamas. For more details on Mama Mio’s formulations visit here.*
What is included with the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter?
You get a pot packaged up in a box.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter Trials
The Tummy Rub Butter was tested on thirty pregnant and thirty non-pregnant women, in a four-week independent consumer trial. 98% agreed that the tummy rub butter did increase skin elasticity and it felt more supple and they would recommend the Tummy Rub Butter to their friends.
First impressions of the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
I loved the pot and the box the Tummy Rub Butter came in and the smell was delicious! When trying the Tummy Rub Butter for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at how soft and moisturising it felt against my body. The cream massages onto the skin so easily and it doesn’t leave any greasy marks that seep into your clothes.
How to use Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
Here is a video showing how to use the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter:
Apply a thin layer of the Mama Mio body butter over your body twice daily, massaging from above your boobs to below your bum all the way around.
Not for facial use
If irritation occurs stop using the Mama Mio tummy rub stretch mark butter immediately and wash with warm water
https://youtu.be/yE74K3nwiTA
Was the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter easy to apply?
The Tummy Rub Butter was very easy to apply and a little went a long way. You massage all over the areas that will experience some stretching and dry skin over the nine months. The package says to massage up to your boobs and all-around your belly, but I would also recommend you massage on the front of your thighs too as that area stretches a little over the pregnancy months too.
What are the pros of using Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter?
The Tummy Rub Butter has lots of healing properties which are rich in different oils and Omegas and you can definitely see how well it works against the skin. Plus, it’s vegan and animal-free so you’re actually helping the environment by using creams like the Tummy Rub Butter rather than unrecyclable and highly chemical creams which may be more harmful in the long run.
Plus Mama Mio’s creams are designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum mums, so the brand understands how the body is effected by pregnancy and creates products specifically designed to combat those problem areas.
My daughter also loves it 🙂
What are the cons of using Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter?
It’s on the expensive side at £24.00 and I’ve never really been a fan of those pots where you have to dip your fingers in and out, as you can contaminate the cream inside. It would be much better placed in a squeeze bottle so you can take out what you need and the rest stays safe inside the bottle.
What would Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter be useful for?
The Tummy Rub Butter would be very useful for big pregnant mamas like me who have growing bellies and stretchy skin.
Is Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter worth the money?
I would say if you start early and you use the Tummy Rub Butter twice a day to prevent stretch marks, then it’s worth the money because a little goes a long way and you don’t need to use much.
What is my overall opinion of the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter?
The Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter is the best tummy butter stretch mark cream I’ve used to date. It’s not too oily like coconut oil (when I rub oil on my body the grease shows up on my clothes. There is a Mama Mio tummy rub oil which is not as greasy) and it’s not too difficult to massage in like some popular brands (i.e. the Bio-Oil which I’ve used previously.)
The Mama cream texture is delicious and smells so nice – I love the cocoa aroma, which makes me want to eat this cream. Therefore, I have given it a few five star Mama Mio reviews. Lots of other mums have given five star Mama Mio stretch mark cream reviews too.
5 out of 5
Ease of use
The Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter is a brilliant stretch mark cream. It is very easy to apply and you need little to cover a large area of skin.
5 out of 5
Fits the purpose – stretch mark prevention
The Tummy Rub Butter has successfully prevented any stretch marks from forming, albeit I started the process late in the pregnancy. Plus other reviews from women have shown that this cream really works to help prevent stretch marks.
4 out of 5
Style and comfort
The packaging comes in a cute little pot, but I’m not a fan of dipping my fingers in and out. I think it would be more hygienic to squeeze the cream out of the bottle. Having said that, the cream feels luxurious and very comfortable against the skin that it can easily be considered as a beauty item.
4 out of 5
Smell and texture
I love the smell and texture of the cream. The lovely cocoa smell shines through and the texture is so rich and soft it feels so wonderful against the skin. It would make for a wonderful after-shower moisturising cream for all over. I can report that it’s not too greasy like coconut oil
At £24.00 it is expensive for 120ml but you get what you pay for in quality, smell, texture and results.
4 out of 5
Long-lasting moisturised skin
My skin felt moisturised and soft for hours afterwards and not greasy at all. I can feel the quality when I rub the cream onto my tummy and it seems to have kept my skin lovely and supple.
5 out of 5
Overall rating
Ease of use
Fits the purpose – stretch mark prevention
Style and comfort
Smell and texture
Value for money
Long-lasting moisturised skin
To conclude
At £24.00 you’re looking at a high-priced product to prevent stretch marks, so I would make it count and start using it in the second trimester when your bump grows and stretches. I would also suggest to Mama Mio to make this cream in a squeeze bottle, as I don’t enjoy dipping my fingers in and out. Other than that, I cannot fault the cream itself. It smells delicious; it feels so wondrous against the skin, and it leaves a lovely moisturised and non-greasy protective layer on my belly that doesn’t seep into the clothes.
I would thoroughly recommend buying this great Tummy Rub Butter for your growing belly and other areas too to prevent stretch marks from forming – because once they appear, it’s very difficult to get rid of them! I think this butter might even be a great home hair care product for my curly hair!
Other Mama Mio Stretch Mark Cream Reviews
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter reviews are below:
I’ve been using the Mama Mio tummy rub butter for the past couple of weeks and love it! Just approaching 18 weeks in my pregnancy journey, even though the baby bump is still fairly small it’s definitely grown and the butter has been great so far. Its consistency is perfect for a full tummy rub, gives perfect coverage and the smell is Devine! Definitely recommend this product for mums to be!
03/04/21 by Carly (verified purchase)
I absolutely love this stuff. It smells so nice and doesn’t make you feel greasy after applying. I will definitely be purchasing more of this product throughout my pregnancy.
01/03/21 by Stacey (verified purchase)
I’ve just bought my second tub and I’m now halfway through my third pregnancy. I can honestly look in the mirror and say I have not gained a single stretch mark as of yet and no itchy overstretched skin, I’m huge already with this one so that says a lot. I’ve never had a product work so well
10/02/21 by LouiseD (Verified purchase)
Love this! It’s not greasy at all. It smells amazing and works wonders on stretch marks!
07/02/21 by S-J (verified purchase)
Loving the customer reviews! There are loads of other Mama Mio reviews on the website, so please check them out too.
I hope you liked this Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter review and you found the review helpful. For more helpful reviews, click this link.
Mama Mio FAQs
How do you use butter Mama Mio belly rub?
You just open and rub on your belly. I would apply twice daily but you can apply it as many times as you want.
Is Mama Mio good for stretch marks?
I found that the Mama Mio tummy rub butter moisturised my belly well and it could have prevented stretch marks, but I don’t know for sure if they were the reason I didn’t have any. Sometimes stretch marks are genetic and the only thing you can do is reduce the marks rather than prevent.
Are Mama Mio any good?
All the products I have used from Mama Mio are gentle, soft and smell gorgeous. So I do think they are awesome!
Is Mama Mio the tummy rub butter safe during pregnancy?
This tummy rub butter is best used for during pregnancy!
*This post is sponsored by Mama Mio / Mio Skincare and the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter was provided as part of the review. The review is 100% my own thoughts and opinions. I was not paid to provide a positive review.
*Items marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
*Prices are correct at 15 June 2021 – Prices may vary after this date
Part 4 – Finally pregnant with a girl!
It has taken me a long time to pluck up the courage to write this post about being pregnant with a girl. I don’t know why; the outcome has been successful, but it hasn’t been so clear cut.
In my previous posts in the ‘Journey to getting my girl‘ series, I had been clear that I wouldn’t mind having a third boy, if that’s what it came to. I just wanted another baby, but losing my girl hit me very hard and left me aching for my princess.
It took us fourteen months to get pregnant after my miscarriage, and to say it has been a tough slog has been an understatement.
In the first two articles, I talked about working with a company called Urobiologics who have been the first of their kind to claim women can select the gender of the baby by the hormonal environment present in their womb, i.e. women have alternating boy and girl cycles. You can read more about this process in Part 1 and Part 2 of the series and my article on women and gender selection.
In this article, I want to talk about what happened after the first successful attempt at getting my girl but losing her to PPROM and then what happened after we tried again. So bear with me, as this post is raw. It brings up a lot of bad memories, but it’s only right to conclude this series with how it all truthfully came about in case you are interested in trying for your girl or boy too.
We started the conception plan again
After losing our girl, we started the conception plan again with Urobiologics. It took us about three months after the miscarriage to even consider trying, but I knew the longer I left it, the harder it would be. I was in my late thirties, my husband had enough of trying and we were suffering as a couple. But I needed to give it a shot because I needed a baby in my arms. However, this time, I actually didn’t care if the baby ended up being a girl, but we thought we’d give it a shot as we had another chance to try.
We named our girl ‘Ayla’ and we followed all the rules and plans we needed to follow, like last time. You can read the conception plan process here.
We couldn’t get pregnant
Despite trying everything to get pregnant, we just couldn’t get pregnant and it drove a wedge between my husband and me because we had to stick so rigidly to the conception plan, which was really taxing. So, after about eight months, we made a tough decision.
We abandoned the conception plan
I took up exercising. I stopped drinking alcohol and I ditched my poor diet. I got serious and every month, if we wanted to, we’d try for a baby, but we took all the stress out of trying for a baby and that included waiting for a girl cycle. We no longer cared about whether we were going for a boy or a girl. We just wanted a baby and our marriage had taken a real hit from all the stress I was putting on my husband.
We still couldn’t get pregnant
Despite abandoning the conception plan, we were still experiencing stress at home. My husband worked long hours, so he would often be too tired to talk about baby planning and when we tried, I kept getting a negative pregnancy result. It was all so frustrating.
On the 14th month, in December 2018, I had another negative pregnancy test, and it was at that point I had decided enough was enough. Maybe we had experienced secondary infertility. Maybe the D&E after the late miscarriage had rendered my womb useless, but I gave up the fight and decided we would live as just four and Poppy up in the sky.
As Christmas was coming up and hubby’s mum was due to come over, my friend bought me a gin advent calendar and I enjoyed myself for the first time at Christmas without so much as thinking of another baby. We’d leave the stress to the new year and we’d try again in January if we still wanted to. Christmas and the end of 2018 were about living in the moment and reconnecting with my husband.
Then something magical happened
I went on BBC to talk about children and screen time in January and I felt funny, like something was off. I couldn’t figure out what it was; I didn’t feel sick or tired, I just felt off.
When my period didn’t arrive, I didn’t think for a second I was pregnant. No, I couldn’t get pregnant. I was too old, too fat, too unhealthy, too something, and a baby wasn’t happening for me.
But when I didn’t get my period a week later, my husband urged me to take a pregnancy test, which I reluctantly agreed to. I knew it would be negative anyway, so what did it matter?
What? We were pregnant? Impossible! I thought we couldn’t get pregnant. We abandoned the conception plan, or maybe I couldn’t get pregnant with girls, and this one was a boy.
When we had our 20 week scan, lo-and-behold, we found out it was a girl.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was it the sudden removal of stress, the six months of healthy eating, exercising, meditating, and yoga that contributed to getting pregnant? Or was it pot luck?
We had our beautiful baby girl, Ayla, in September 2019, and you can find my positive VBAC story here. I still can’t believe she’s here and mine.
But the question remains…
Did Urobiologics get me my girl?
The honest answer is, I don’t know, and I don’t think so.
We abandoned the conception plan a good six months before we got pregnant, so I believe getting our girl was down to pot luck. I didn’t try any fancy moves; I didn’t think about timing, I just genuinely believed my body was ready to get pregnant again.
We had another baby girl on 30th June 2021! Her name is Amelia and you can read all about my amazing unassisted VBAC birth here.
You never know what’s around the corner.
My dad’s words always ring true
My advice to you
I do genuinely believe that Urobiologic’s conception plan worked the first time with Poppy and if we hadn’t lost her, we would be holding our little princess now. But, the second time we tried, I think it was down to luck. So my advice to you is, go for it if you want to have your baby boy or girl, but make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Are you going to be ok if you don’t end up with the baby of your desired gender and are you prepared to abandon the conception plan if trying becomes harder than the process itself?
We couldn’t get pregnant because we experienced a disconnect, so we threw caution to the wind and funnily enough it worked.
Our 20 month old baby girl now
Remember, this is all anecdotal. If you have health problems or are suffering from conditions that affect your fertility, then speak with your doctor first who can help you set up a fertility plan. But contact Urobiologics (you can find the link here) and speak to Dr Verma about your intentions too. He is very approachable and will help you along the way. Couple that with my tips on how to get pregnant naturally here and you should be well on your way to getting the baby you want – boy or girl.
Remember, other gender prediction tests and methods are not medically reviewed, so take them with a pinch of salt. Make sure you’re following a healthy plan when getting pregnant and pay less emphasis on the method to have the baby as it really ends up being a 50/50 chance in the end.
FAQ
Can you get pregnant with a girl on ovulation day?
Another question asked was, ‘When do you get pregnant with a girl?’
The Shettles Method states that male sperm are smaller so they can swim faster, but die quicker. Girl sperm is bigger and slower but last longer. So Shettles believed if you had sex around the time of ovulation, the male sperm would more likely reach the egg before the female sperm. This has not been scientifically proven and I’m pretty sure the method isn’t fail safe.
There are so many nuances to conception during ovulation day and in fact, one study found no difference between the X and Y sperm. Neither sperm mature in different ways or is faster so, again, pot luck!
What were your symptoms when pregnant with a girl?
Another question asked was, ‘what symptoms did you have with a girl?’ and ‘baby girl symptoms during pregnancy’.
The only telling symptoms I noticed were what I craved, i.e. sour with a girl and sweet with a boy. Otherwise I couldn’t really tell the difference between all five pregnancies.
With Ayla, during labour, her foetal heart rate stayed the same throughout (around 130 to 140 beats per minute). With my first boy, his heart rate dipped to around 54 which is why I had to have the emergency c section. I don’t think it’s a boy/girl thing; I think it’s a birth thing.
What are the signs you’re having a girl?
Another similar question asked was, ‘I feel like I’m having a girl, how can I tell?’ and ‘What are boy or girl early signs in pregnancy?’
I don’t think there are many signs you’re having a girl. I would say the only sign that stuck out for me was craving sour foods and salt and lemon.
What are the signs you are pregnant with a boy?
Apart from craving sweets and carrying at the front, I didn’t see any other signs I was carrying a boy.
Are you more tired when pregnant with a girl?
I was exhausted in this pregnancy but I don’t remember ever being tired with the boys (maybe I blocked the trauma out) or with Ayla. I just slept very well. I don’t think you’re more tired with a girl. Pregnancy is tiring so I don’t think it matters whether you’re having a girl or a boy to feel tired.
Do you glow when pregnant with a girl?
They say girls take your beauty away and boys make you beautiful. I didn’t feel or look beautiful throughout any of my pregnancies! I developed a glow towards the end. But this was true of all pregnancies, not just having a girl. I think the glow comes after a turbulent first three months when the body is getting used to the pregnancy.
Do you get sicker when pregnant with a girl?
Apart from Ayla this time around, I suffered from morning sickness, which was constant throughout the first three months. However, with Ayla, I only had two weeks of morning sickness, then nothing. Hers was the easiest pregnancy by far! I had nausea with the boys, but I didn’t throw up. So I’m not sure there’s a difference, to be honest with any baby girl symptoms during early pregnancy.
Can you be pregnant with a girl and not be sick?
Yes! I wasn’t sick at all with Ayla. In fact, I had morning sickness for about two weeks where I could only eat bland oats and potato, then after that, the morning sickness magically vanished. I only felt sick around 9 pm so I’d just go to sleep and I’d wake up fine the next day. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for this pregnancy. However, I haven’t been sick in any of my pregnancies, just nauseous. My friend is having a boy, and she has been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum so I think being sick are not pregnancy signs of girl pregnancy.
Do you crave sweets when pregnant with a girl?
Quite the opposite! There are old wives’ tales about craving sweet with boys and sour with girls. Having had two boys and girls, I can safely say this was very true for me. I wanted to drink lemon and salt with all three girls and I stayed away from sweets (well, except for the last three months of this pregnancy…)
Do you crave fruit when pregnant with a girl?
I only craved citrus fruits, especially lemons because I needed something sour, and I also needed to combat the horrible metallic taste I had in my mouth throughout the first trimester. They do say sour foods are one of the most telling pregnancy symptoms of having a girl.
Do you cry more when pregnant with a girl?
I think I was emotional in all pregnancies. In fact, I was more emotional with my boys than with my girls, so, again I don’t think crying relates to girl pregnancy symptoms.
Do you get acne when pregnant with a girl?
Another question asked was, ‘Do you breakout when pregnant with a girl?’
Many people say (not scientifically reviewed) that because you carry the same hormones, you are less likely to have counteractive effects like acne when pregnant with a girl. I didn’t really suffer from acne with my two girls but I had quite oily skin with my boys, so maybe there is some truth to it? Purely anecdotal though!
Do you sleep more when pregnant with a girl?
I noticed one sign of having a girl was I slept like a log with Ayla and even worse with Amelia! I can’t remember what I was like with the boys but my eldest didn’t sleep through and my second one was born when my eldest was 15 months old. So I doubt I slept much.
Do you get headaches when pregnant with a girl?
I haven’t suffered from any headaches at all during any of my pregnancies so I doubt headaches are pregnancy symptoms for a girl. What I would say is if you are suffering from severe headaches, please check with your doctor to rule out pre-eclampsia as that is one sign, along with swollen hands and feet and vision changes. Better to be safe than sorry.
Do you feel worse when pregnant with a girl?
I suffered from mood swings more this pregnancy but with Ayla, I breezed through the pregnancy. My mum says it’s because we carry the same hormones, but I don’t think it’s that black and white. I don’t think there are many signs of having a little girl, apart from my anecdotal experience which is carrying the bump all around the body rather than out at the front and having an intense craving for lemon and salt. That’s it!
When pregnant with a girl where do you carry?
I seemed to carry all around my body rather than right out at the front. With my two boys, it looked like I was carrying a football around, but with a girl, I just looked and still look fat.
Best of luck and if you have questions please do share them below and I’d be happy to answer them honestly and accurately.
*Codes marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases
How to help your child revise for their 11 plus exams
*This article is Part Two of the Eleven Plus Exams Series under Kids Mental Health where we talk about the revision aspect of the eleven plus exams. If you haven’t read Part One yet, which is about mentally preparing your child for the 11 plus exams, then please read that first.*
*This article is based on the school system in the United Kingdom. Your school system may differ if you’re in Scotland, Northern Ireland or abroad. Please check the guidelines in your area.
*We were gifted with an annual subscription package from EdPlace, but all thoughts are 100% our own
In my first article on how to mentally prepare your child for the 11 plus exams, I talked about the dreaded panic you feel when you realise your child needs to take the 11+ this year. I also discussed the lead up to the revision portion of the eleven plus exams, i.e. mentally preparing your child for the extra workload, finding out which schools are in your area and working out which 11 plus exams your child will take. You can find all this information in my first article here.
In this article, we dig into the actual revision preparation, i.e. what resources we used, where we got our information from and how we devised a plan to ensure our eldest is exam ready by this September using a variety of resources, including EdPlace* which a fantastic online platform to aid your child’s learning. We started six months before the exams which are a little late in the game, but still doable. Ideally, you’d want to start preparing your child in Year 3 and gradually build their knowledge.
Thankfully, I have been involved in my kids’ education since they were wee babies so we haven’t started from a blank slate and we hired a tutor for my eldest back in September of Year 5. Gillian is amazing because she has worked so hard to build Aron’s knowledge and has the patience of a saint. You can find Gillian’s details here (no poaching please!) in case you’d like to hire her to help with your child’s eleven plus. I’ll discuss hiring tutors, as well as other online resources, and how they can help in more detail below.
What is 11 plus?
I touched upon what the 11 plus is in my first article here, but for ease, the eleven plus exams are tests taken by Year 6 primary school students for a chance to enter via Year 7 transfer to grammar secondary schools. You would need to check whether your area offers the 11+ though as Wales and Scotland no longer have the grammar school system.
You’ve mentally prepared your child, now it’s time to get stuck in with the revision. But, where do you start?
Luckily, the schools we’re working towards all offer tests by the same examination board, GL assessment, which means the Maths and Verbal Reasoning grammar school tests will be very similar amongst two of the schools in our list. If our son passes the Maths and Verbal Reasoning portion of the 11 plus test then he will be invited to take the English test later in September for one of the schools.
In the first article I talk about what Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English cover so please check that out here. Some schools will require you to take a Non-Verbal Reasoning test too, so make sure you find out at the beginning the topics your child needs to revise.
When will the 11+ tests take place?
In our area (Hertfordshire) the 11+ tests take place at the beginning of September when your child is in Year 6.
What will the 11+ tests look like?
The schools we have selected will have one Mathematics paper which will cover approximately 50 minutes and is based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. The Verbal Reasoning tests will also take 50 minutes. Tests are usually multiple-choice except for English which is a one-hour comprehension paper and includes an extended creative writing piece, which is written internally.
Independent schools will have their own entrance criteria so make sure you check their website for more details because it’s very important to know which 11 plus test your child is taking so you don’t waste unnecessary time.
Devise a revision plan according to the time you have left
Once you know which tests your child is taking and when those tests will take place, it’s time to equally divide the revision required for each of these subjects according to how much time you have left until the exams. As recommended in my first article, don’t allocate more than two hours a day to work intensively on 11+ because your child will have school during the day and other extracurricular activities. Any more than two hours will be overkill unless you’re absolutely sure your child can take it and you’re weeks away from the exams and still have a lot to do.
You can spread the two hours throughout the day or you can group them together with a small break in between, depending on how and when your child works at their best. My son works better after school so he takes a small break and then he studies until dinnertime.
In the beginning, you shouldn’t focus on timed tests but familiarising your child with the level of work required and what’s expected of them. We divide the two hours equally between Maths, Verbal Reasoning and English with slightly more time allocated to Maths and Verbal Reasoning. So, for example, Maths revision is 45 minutes long, Verbal Reasoning is 45 minutes and then English is 40 minutes, plus or minus and with a small snack/movement break in between.
What tools can you use to help you revise for the 11 plus grammar test?
Once you’ve worked out a plan of revision action, you can start to incorporate tools and resources to enhance your child’s learning. We use all three methods below but you can use any one or all of the tools/resources to help your child revise for the 11+. These are:
Hiring a tutor
We spoke about Gillian above who has been with us for eight months now and we’re very happy with the progress our son has made so far. We initially hired Gillian to help our son stay on par with Year 5 schoolwork once a week and perhaps go beyond what was expected but now we focus purely on 11+ work in the form of activity books and 11 past papers. Gillian then sets us homework based on the free 11 plus papers with answers which we follow throughout the week and we also book extra sessions during holidays if required.
Activity Books / 11 Plus Past Papers
Google ‘11+ practice papers‘ and you’ll be bombarded with a wide variety of paper-based resources catering for all kinds of pupils and exam boards. We use Letts Ten Minutes Tests* and Familiarisation Papers from the school’s website as well as some other great workbooks from The Works and Amazon. Again, make sure you get the right paper from the right examination board as CEM verbal reasoning exam looks very different to the GL 11 plus verbal reasoning exam for example.
Also, check on your local online 11 plus forum for more information on what parents are using in your area. It’s always great to connect with other parents during this time as you may be able to find tips and tricks on revision techniques that may work for your child too.
But which 11 plus books do we need to prepare for the 11 plus exams?
Some of our favourites which we’ve worked through systematically since February are:
11+ Maths Practice Papers Book 2: For the 2021 GL Assessment Tests (Collins 11+ Practice) – Buy from Amazon here*
11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests – Ages 10-11 (with Online Edition): perfect preparation for the eleven plus (CGP 11+ GL) – By from Amazon here*
KS2 Reading SATs Question Book: Collins KS2 Revision and Practice Paperback – Buy from Amazon now*
Leap Ahead: 10-11 Years Maths (Leap Ahead Workbook Expert) Paperback – Buy from Amazon now*
Collins KS2 SATs Question books – 5 books set Product Bundle – Buy from Amazon now
Key Stage 2 Maths: Don’t Panic SATs (Help With Homework) Paperback – Buy from Amazon*
A few points to note about these paper-based resources is to avoiding buying books that are too difficult as they can overwhelm your child. If you have time on your hands, start with Key Stage 2 books which are for your child’s age and year group then progress onto tests to gauge which topics your child is doing really well on and where there may be holes in their learning. Then focus on the holes using workbooks specified for that topic.
Again, make sure you pick the right topic and examining board. CEM and GL assessment papers use a different format so focus on the past papers from the right examination board.
A few months before the grammar school exams you can progress onto familiarisation papers which are past papers taken from the school’s website. You don’t need to worry about timed 11 plus test papers at this point because the aim is to find out which topics your child is struggling with and which they’re doing really well in so you can focus on bringing everything up to par.
Once you’re happy that your child can work through the papers with ease, you can start timing them a few months before the test. This is a vital part of the revision plan because your child needs to know what it feels like to sit a 50-minute test without any breaks.
Don’t forget to submit special circumstances if you feel your child needs extra time and support during these tests. You will need a letter from your child’s school to submit as evidence. Follow the school’s special circumstances protocol to a ‘T’ so you don’t miss out on extra support for your child.
Online Platforms like EdPlace
To further enhance your child’s learning it’s recommended to use all sorts of visual resources. Paper-based activities are great to work on with you and your child’s tutor, but online and interactive resource platforms like EdPlace can encourage a deeper insight into where your child is in their 11+ journey and the areas they need to improve. It’s also great to change things up and make learning fun too.
EdPlace can base your child’s results on algorithms that will help suggest the right topics your child should work on. Online platforms can automate a lot of the guesswork like timed exams and automatic results, which means fewer human marking errors too.
We’re working with EdPlace to help our son pass his 11+ exams and so far we are very impressed with its interface and usability. We’ll go into more detail about how EdPlace can work for your child too.
What is EdPlace?
EdPlace has been dubbed the smartest revision app for GCSEs, 11+ and SATS and boasts thousands of resources that correspond with the school curriculum and exam boards.
Check out the video below from EdPlace’s founder, Will Paterson, who talks about his struggles at school and how support helped him get his best grades later.
https://youtu.be/aJbRuC0XIrg
“EdPlace students see 150% progress in English, maths and science.”
Will Paterson, Founder and CEO of EdPlace
How do you use EdPlace for 11+ prep?
For the purposes of this article, I will show you what you get with the Annual Family Membership account.
The first thing you need to do is log in as a parent:
Sign up for your parent details and then you set up your child(ren)’s student account(s). You can assign up to four children to the annual membership. You input their student username and set a password (if the username is not available there will be an ‘X’ next to it. You may have to add numbers to the end to find an available username.) You then add your child’s year, in our case Year 4 and Year 5. Once you’ve added your child you click on ‘save and get started’. You’ll receive email notifications that all accounts are set up and your child is ready to start learning.
Once you get to this stage you’ll be taken to your parent home page which looks something like this:
Here you can view your parent account and your child’s student account, or you can jump straight ahead to get started with EdPlace’s catch-up assessments.
Your parent account
On the very far left of your screen, you will find the tools you’ll need to navigate your parent account.
In the middle of the page, you have your child(ren)’s account summary where you can check how each individual child is doing. The top part of the summary where there are a number of activities assigned already is the auto-assign kicking in.
You will have an option to auto-assign activities based on your child’s school year and scores which you can change at any time. What this essentially means is that you have access to everything (so English, maths and science will be auto-assigned). The 11+ topics fall outside of the auto-assign, however, so you would need to select these manually.
Really, it depends on how you’re going to manage the revision plan as the more activities your child does the more effective the auto-assign becomes as it will assign topics based on your child’s performance.
I would recommend keeping the auto-assign on and manually assign 11+ topics on top of the auto-assign anyway. You have the recommendations at the top which mean EdPlace can recommend an activity and it will continue to reassign activities based on your child’s performance.
At the bottom of the summary section, you can also set rewards. EdPlace uses a point system where your child can earn points for every completed activity. For example, 50 points could equal a pizza night or whatever your child is interested in working towards.
The blue button at the top, where it says ‘My EdPlace’, is your home button, so if at any point you get a bit lost, just click on that button and it will take you back to the summary area.
Browse and assign topics
Down the side of the parent account, you also have the ‘Browse and Assign’ option where you can find a list of activities from Year 1 to GCSE. The great thing here is that if your child is excelling on a particular topic you don’t need to stay within their year, you can move on to the next year and encourage them to try some of the activities above their current level.
Similarly, if your child is struggling on a particular topic, you can go back a year and work on the foundational topics with them before they move on to their current year’s work.
Working towards your child’s level to begin with is a great way to boost their confidence if the current work set is too overwhelming.
Your child’s student account
When your child logs in to their own account the assigned activities will show up already. They will see a condensed version of what we see under our parent accounts.
In their student account, your child can see the scale moving towards their rewards to give them that added incentive to keep working hard. They can also request a reward if there isn’t one set. The added incentive makes for such a great way to personalise your child’s journey and encourage them to keep going.
Your child can check out their to-do list too and browse the activities recommended by EdPlace and the topics you have assigned.
Your child can choose an activity based on what they learned at school that day
When your child comes home from school they may want to pick a particular activity they worked on at school that day, so they can browse activities and enhance their learning further.
You can, of course, have the option to turn recommendations off but if you want your child to become independent with their learning it’s probably best to leave it on.
The 11+ activities
If you click on 11+ activities, for example in Year 5, you can see a list of activities categorised by maths and numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, spatial and non-verbal reasoning, and English.
At the very top the activities are further categorised as ‘general’, CEM’ and ‘GL’. If you know the exam board your child is sitting for the 11+ you can choose 11+ activities specific for those exams.
So Aron is sitting maths and verbal reasoning via GL and if he passes he will sit his English in the next round of exams, so it’s great that activities are further categorised into the types of questions that will be specific to what he’ll be sitting in the exam. I also know which areas he’s struggling in so we could focus on those topics from an earlier year or via the general category and make sure he gets them right before moving on to the 11+ topics.
If you click on one of the topics, for example, ‘Place Value’ under Year 5 11+, and then choose a sub-topic, you can preview the activity and view the questions first before you assign the activity. The topics range in levels too from Level 1 to Level 3. One blue dash is Level 1 and three blue dashes are Level 3. What this means is that you have nine levels as each level is broken down into three levels as mentioned before and then you have three levels for Year 4 and three levels for Year 5.
So if your child is struggling on a topic they can start with Level 1 but if they’re flying they can jump straight to Level 3.
At the top of the activities page, you also have ‘Question Types’, ‘Assessments’ and ‘Exam Practice’. Exam practice is a great place to start if your child is doing well in particular topic as these involve exam prep with a timer.
If your child can complete the difficult questions in the allotted time then they’re ready. But, if they’re getting them all right but they’re too slow then you know that’s something they need to work on going forward.
The practice papers are all created by EdPlace 11+ tutors, designed in the style of the different exam boards to best replicate the experience and give students a chance to practice in examination conditions.
How to tackle the 11+ practice papers on EdPlace
Essentially kids need to spend no more than one minute per question which is so daunting. That’s why EdPlace* has built the platform in such a way to not cause sheer panic and build up the child’s skill slowly and naturally so they are ready to tackle the 11+ once they start Year 5. This is why starting slowly in Year 3 is beneficial as you can build your child’s skill and knowledge gradually and without them knowing. Make it fun at that age by calling it ‘detective work’ rather than the 11+ and by the time they start in Year 5, you can start on timed questions and full revision practice.
With the exam questions, you could do a couple in an evening in the lead up to the test, but during the summer you can start on the timed questions as there are 57 questions so that’s quite a long stint of time.
You won’t see exam questions or practice papers in Year 3 as your child is too young at that age and they don’t need the extra pressure of exam-style questions. It’s all about getting to grips with the skills and progressing rather than testing and competing at that age.
In Year 3 EdPlace* breaks the skills down in a very simple form, which creates a foundational ground for learning.
Viewing the results
When you click on scores under ‘progress’ you will start to see percentage results next to each activity completed. You can click on 11+ and check out which are the best performing topics and how many activities have been completed already.
EdPlace app
You can download the EdPlace app too via iPhone* and Android* so your child can complete activities on the go. The great thing is they can also complete their activities on the PS4’s browser and on the iPad, so there’s no excuse to not get it done if they’re not at a desk!
How to sign up to EdPlace
EdPlace offers three membership models, depending on whether you are a parent, a teacher or a tutor.
Parents can subscribe to a free account which offers:
Up to five activities a month
One student account
English, maths, science and 11+
Key Stage 1 to GCSE
You can also opt for an Annual Individual account which offers the added bonus of unlimited activities and premium content. Or you can opt for the Annual Family subscription which means you can add up to four student accounts to the membership. The Annual Family account is perfect for us as our middle child who is in Year 4 can have his own account and work towards the 11+ alongside our eldest.
If you opt for monthly membership the prices are slightly different. Click here* for the most up-to-date prices on each membership.
EdPlace offers membership models for teachers and tutors too so it’s worth checking them out too if this applies to you.
Why you should sign up to EdPlace
EdPlace* have a free account where five 11+ activities can be completed on a monthly basis, and the account functionality remains the same with the metrics.
EdPlace is a fantastic interactive online platform that encourages and motivates children to complete short, visual lessons and tests which enhances their 11+ learning. The lessons are so well put together and there is an encouraging teacher’s explanation should the child get the question wrong.
Both of my boys have enjoyed completing just three assignments a day which are a short ten questions each to keep them engaged and when completed I, the parent, receive an email report which shows me where they’ve done well and where they need more practice. This functionality alone massively helps me work out what to assign next, not only on EdPlace but to my son’s tutor because we can work hand in hand on building the gaps in his 11+ knowledge.
Make learning fun!
11+ is stressful in itself so if we parents can make it a fun process for our kids then it will help them gain confidence in their ability to get through it all. I see my son’s face drop when he knows he has to complete set work after school, but building in a fun platform like EdPlace amongst the tutoring and paper-based activity sheets can boost his motivation to continue working hard.
EdPlace’s reward and badges system can also help to motivate your child into seeing how well they’re doing in each topic, so it’s a great addition to the 11+ revision journey.
The 11+ should be accessible for all children, should they want it
I started in February and I had no idea what I was doing with the 11+. I find that some parents are reluctant to volunteer information on how to help for whatever reason. So, I want to change that. Why can’t it be a level playing field for all children? We live in an affluent area so parents have tutors and their children often end up in independent schools, so I feel for those parents who can’t afford to have tutors or independent prep. So, EdPlace* is a great tool to offer those children from poorer socioeconomic areas the fighting chance to also get into a grammar school.
Be there for support
EdPlace’s ethos aligns very much with mine; support, hard work and confidence. Support is key to helping your child succeed and the more you can are involved in their 11+ journey the more chances they have of passing.
Hard work and confidence go hand in hand in the sense that the more confident your child is in themselves the harder they are likely to work towards their goals. And work ethic is incredibly important, even more so than acing the grammar school entrance exam because even if they get kicked down with poor scores, they can get back up and continue to work to improve on those scores.
This is why I say to never criticise your children’s work. Wherever you see an improvement focus on that and ignore the rest. For example, when you go through the 11 plus questions and answers, if your child got 3 out of 10 in one of the maths tests, focus on what they got right and build into the next revision the 7 they got wrong. Through practice, they will improve on those marks.
You may have a million things to do during the day, including looking after other children, but being present in your child’s learning can be invaluable for their progression. Even if you don’t do any of the actual work with them, actively engage with them and praise their work ethic if they’ve had a particularly great day of revision. Love and support can go a long, long way to helping your child gain the confidence they need to ace these exams. And if they don’t pass, the extra work they did will help them progress in Year 6 anyway.
Positivity is key!
Will 11 plus exams go ahead during the pandemic though?
The pandemic has affected the children the most in my opinion and a lot of parents will be asking themselves, ‘Will the 11 plus be postponed?’ So far we have not received any indication that the 11 plus exams will be cancelled but chances are if cases increase that they will do the test virtually. Check your grammar school’s website to make sure you’re up to date with any changes to the 11 plus exams.
We don’t want kids to feel broken if they fail their 11+, we want to arm them with the power and knowledge that hard work does pay off. Start off small and slow then grow. I think this is the key to success as long as you have a great work ethic and every child gets a fighting chance to make it work!
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means that if you click through to buy I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
