5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

"Dear Hazel,

I loved reading your first blog post. I hope you are doing well with your twins and congratulations again! I had a baby two months ago and would love to know what things you have been using or that you have loved?

- K, London UK"

Over the last few months, I've bought and have been gifted some God-sent baby items that have helped me in my quest to be 'MUM'. I have really come to love some of these items, and so of course I have to share them with you guys! Many of them, my daughters really love, and they have come in so handy for the everyday mum-boss!

Here are the top 5 things I’m loving right now!

1. Perfect Prep Machine

Who has struggled to make a quick bottle for their baby, at the right temperature, when your baby is literally screaming the house down?! You're eyes are rolling at the thought of how

your neighbours want to strangle you because you can't 'keep the noise down'. My neighbours are lovely, BUT, that doesn't excuse how stressful it can be trying to feed your baby at the click of your fingers. I'm honestly so grateful that Tommee Tippee created this monster of a machine. I say monster, because it can be a tad loud in my opinion, however it has made many perfect bottles for my twins within 2 minutes! In short, I simply push a button, add my powdered formula, shake and hey presto! The machine has automatically poured both hot and cold water to the ounce, and I've got a bottle ready. Imagine how much time this is saving me, as I have to make TWO bottles each time, several times a day. Unfortunately, the prep machine does come at a price. My advice is SHOP AROUND! I managed to get mine more than half price at a baby event, and there are always offers going during sale time. They have just brought out a new version too and i'm interested to find out whether there are any changes for the better.

2. Ingenuity Bouncer

It's a bouncer, it does what it says on the tin... but this is definitely another of my top faves. I decided I needed two bouncers as my girls just couldn't share and they use them both so

often. I initially couldn't decide whether I wanted a swing, a rocker or a bouncer; however having shopped around, I stumbled across this bouncer from Ingenuity by Bright Starts. Hallelujah, it's AUTOMATIC! It means I don't have to sit around daily using my feet to keep the bouncer going! This bouncer has been a life saver, keeping my babies entertained throughout the day, and bounces them to sleep if they're tired. It has a few catchy melodies or alternatively can play white noise if that helps settle your baby. The bouncer can also be used manually with your baby's own movement, but also has two speed settings. I honestly found these bouncers to be affordable and definitely worth the purchase.

3. MAM bottles

Back when my twins were born I used a different brand when I bottle fed. There came a time when my girls were really suffering from colic and as you can imagine the crying, belly aches and fearful farts that came with the dreadful colic. I tried using various medicines to help ease their colic, but one change that really helped the most was switching bottle brands. I have been using the MAM anti-colic bottles for a while now, used with both breast milk and formula. I believe it has significantly reduced the amount of air intake during feeds and has reduced the babies' wind and colic. The teat is really well designed and the bottle has air valves at the bottom - you can actually hear the air escaping sometimes. Another great feature is the fact these bottles SELF-STERILISE! All I have to do is wash the bottles and throw them in the microwave for a few minutes (not literally)...but it means the bottles can be easily sterilised when out and about as I wouldn't have to carry a microwave or electric steriliser along with me when travelling or visiting friends.

4. Lamaze Toys

My girls have loved these Lamaze toys since birth (see pic above in the bouncers). So far they have 4 of them, 2 simple blankies and 2 sensory toys. LET. ME. TELL. YOU... The comforter

blankies are honestly like kryptonite; not only does it soothe them when crying but it puts them to sleep...why do they need me? My job is done. These blankies have been dragged through war; their mouths, the floor, baby puke... but guess what, they're washable Tad Dah! The sensory toys keep them entertained with the bright colours, crisp and rattle sounds, various textures and mirrors. I often hang them on their bouncers or pram, and have definitely seen a spark in the twins' imagination and development.These will definitely be my faves for some time to come.

5. Fisher Price Carnival Play Gym

A great addition to the home, has been this colourful play gym from Fisher Price. With a carnival theme, this play gym has really sought attention from the girls, from the musical elephant to a light up mirror lion, a clapping frog and rattles. When they were first gifted the play gym, they couldn't reach any of the toys, and so they had not interest whatsoever -.- Then suddenly overnight, it became the best play gym EVER. They've able to reach some of the toys and engage in the sensory play, especially when doing tummy time. I've not seen the girls lose themselves in such fun, at times so much fun that they were no longer hungry or moaning for nappy changes because they were so distracted by the music and lights. Unfortunately I can see the girls getting two big to share on one mat; however I believe the play mat will always come in handy and the individual toys are removable should I want to remove the overhead bar. Another great item.

At the moment, these are the top 5 things I am making great use of. Do you have anything similar in your list of must-haves? Any items you're dying to share that you have in mind? Let me know!

Yours honestly,

H x

A little note - I have not been endorsed to advertise these items, nor am I affiliated with these brands, I just enjoy them.