To buy... or not to buy? The High Chair

Amanda Jephtha writes.

Fixed. Folding. Table-clamping. Convertible. High chairs cater for every scenario imaginable. So which throne do you actually need?

Plenty of space
Fixed high chairs tend to be more stable, durable and comfortable than their counterparts, but can be awkward to move around. Most can be height adjusted and can recline to accommodate newborns, such as Bloom’s Fresco. Others, such as Stokke’s Tripp Trapp morph into adult chairs. However, not all have trays; possibly inconvenient if not used at the table.

You might be moving the high chair around your house quite frequently; from the kitchen to the balcony/deck to everywhere in between. Make sure it’s not too heavy or awkward to lift.

Short on space
Many folding high chairs fold flat for easy storage. Cheaper models tend to be flimsy; double check the legs are well splayed and lock in place when engaged. Again, not all have trays.

Table-clamping high chairs provide comfort with a space-saving design. Without legs, this type of chair attaches to the side of a table with strong clamps. Chicco’s ‘Quick Adjust’ Table Seat has rubber table clamps to protect your table, and the entire seat can be removed to wash. Check the weight limit as they tend to vary between brands.

Boosters look identical to traditional highchairs, but without the legs. The seat sits on a regular chair and attaches to the back of the chair with straps. Just make sure you won’t miss the chair!

The traveling nomad
Say goodbye to dirty restaurant high chairs and soiling your pram. Light-weight versions of the table clamp, such as Phil and Ted’s Lobster are a breeze to transport and wash, yet supportive enough for regular use.

High chair harnesses strap your babe to almost any chair, although they’re not as supportive as the table clamps. Snazzy Baby’s Travel Chair can also be used in your shopping trolley and fits easily into your bag.

No matter which throne you choose, make sure it’s simple to clean. Don’t even consider a high chair without a crotch strap/bar and safety harness (ideally, 5-point). Your babe will learn, laugh and grow in the high chair, so consider your decision carefully before taking the plunge!

In the Media: Seven News

Amanda Jephtha writes.

I was approached by the media to comment on my experience and thoughts about the childcare crisis.

I used Care for Kids to hunt for occassional care for the babe and to find a babysitter when we went on holidays to Melbourne. The website offers loads of articles, checklists and resources to help you find and decide the best care options available for you and your babe.

Albeit brief, here is the excerpt! Watch out for boy Lex and his new found skills on the slippery slide.



Courtesy Seven News.

To buy... or not to buy? The Second Pram

Amanda Jephtha writes.

From streamlined ultra-lights perfect for air travel to complicated folding contraptions, George Jetson style, a second pram can be handy for quick errands and messy occasions. But do you actually need one?

Many first time parents opt for a larger pram rather than a smaller stroller. With added functionality, including being able to face the babe, ample storage and toddler attachments, prams are a good option if you plan on being a frequent pram pusher.

The downside of this added functionality can mean a heavier – and more expensive - apparatus. Some prams are also rather wide, causing difficulties on narrow paths, supermarket checkouts and general store navigation.

And due to their expense, many don’t like to take them to messy or compromising destinations, such as the beach, chlorinated pools or plane luggage holds.

So is there a solution? Enter stage left the second pram.

Starting from just four kilos, these mini-chairs on mini-wheels are a breeze to push, tiny both in use and when folded - and are easy on the wallet. They can be taken virtually anywhere without the fear of being stolen, and when they become filthy or stained, you won’t mind quite as much!

So are you better off buying one of these minis as your first and only pram?

Unfortunately, no. These prams are suitable only for babes who can sit up on their own, as most don’t recline. Those which do recline are only semi-reclined; this will still be uncomfortable for your toddler to snooze for any length of time. Storage is sufficient for your keys, wallet and phone, but not too much else. Shade coverage is minimal.

For those who aren’t convinced about having to buy two prams, there is another solution.

Strollers.

Smaller than a pram but larger than the minis, most strollers recline almost flat (so they’re suitable for newborns), have sufficient storage and provide adequate shade. At around the seven kilo mark, they are still lovely and light, yet comprise many of the pram advantages. And with many having a one-handed fold, they are particularly suited for public transport.

Some newer strollers have reversible handles, so you can still have plenty of eye contact with your newborn. Some even have bassinette inserts which double as mini portable cots. And they’re not as expensive as prams.

There’s a solution for everyone – a solution which may, or may not, include a second pram.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the judge!

The Pregnant Pause: Deborah Knight

Amanda Jephtha writes.

Deborah Knight is the co-anchor of Sydney’s Ten News at Five and a regular host of Meet the Press.

Pregnant with her first child, Deborah and her husband Lindsay have spoken publicly about their IVF treatment. They hope their story will encourage others to continue the often arduous and anxious IVF ride.

I asked Deborah to complete The Pregnant Pause statements, giving us a little snippet into her unique journey to motherhood.

Being pregnant is…
...full of surprises, and ongoing nerves. I thought the anxiousness would ease the larger you grew, but the worry doesn't seem to lift. The joy of having this little life growing inside far outweighs any negatives though. It truly is a miracle.


The thought of birth…
... is very surreal. It's still some way off, and feels a bit abstract at the moment. But I can't wait to meet this little person.


I’m most looking forward to…
... meeting this little person. I've waited so long, and tried so hard to create him/her, that I can't wait to see what he/she's like.


I’m least looking forward to…
... changing nappies, and dealing with sticky fingers. Why are kids so sticky? And I think returning to work after spending time with the bub will be terrible.


My belly is…
... more rotund, but not too large yet. I feel like I've eaten too much all the time, but I can't wait to see a more prominent bump.

Is your nesting affecting your unborn babe?

Amanda Jephtha writes.

It can be difficult to know what to believe with so many study results published daily. Particularly with many concluding in dire consequences. So what should we believe?

I erred on the side of caution when it came to my unborn baby. I read everything and anything to do with pregnancy and babies (and still do).

An article published today piqued my interest. The study found that household chemicals, such as bleach and hair spray, may impact an unborn baby’s lung development. Children who were exposed to more chemicals before birth had higher rates of wheezing and worse lung function as eight-year-olds.

What can we do to help prevent this from happening to our babes?

Like the article says, perhaps we could take example from our grandmothers. Bicarb soda, lemon juice and vinegar make for effective household cleaning. Simply add a dash of elbow grease for pristine results.

If you don’t fancy concocting your own natural household cleaner, you can buy non-toxic cleaners ready-made. Joliv sells both a spray and a scrub for those harder to clean areas.

Paint the nursery in no- or low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint. Better still, have someone else paint the nursery. Ensure the room is well aired and make sure you don’t need to use the room for several days.

Ditch the hairspray. Let your luscious pregnancy locks sway naturally.

These measures benefit your unborn babe, those around you, the environment – and your back pocket. And any excuse to have someone else do the hard work suits me!

Secret Singlet Business

Amanda Jephtha writes.

I dreamed of little singlets, blindingly white, all lined up in a row with matching wooden pegs on the line. These tiny garments, embraced by the sun and smelling like the breeze, would keep my baby’s rounded body warm all day long.

Welcome to reality.

Babies move. And babies get picked up.

No matter how well I tucked that singlet into Lex’s bottoms, it would continue to ride up, exposing his torso to the winter elements. Adjusting this and that all day long soon became a frustrating exercise, for both the babe and I.

So how could I stop the singlet’s bothersome habit?

Singlet onesies.

Singlet onesies are singlets which do up between the legs with press studs. They range in size from 00000 to 2, and can either be gauzy and lightweight for summer or heavier cotton for the cooler months.

Regular singlets can still be used effectively underneath all-in-ones. Although they do ride up during the course of the day, no little back or belly will be exposed. If you, like me, prefer to have everything tucked into place – and have it stay there – you might do without the humble regular singlet.

So if you share my dream of tiny singlets swaying in the breeze, anticipating your babe's arrival, make sure they’re singlet onesies!

To buy... or not to buy? The Baby Bath

Amanda Jephtha writes.

From baby baths with stands and shelves, to womb-style tubs and bath supports, baby baths come in all shapes and sizes. But do you actually need one?

Baby baths are made from plastic and are fairly lightweight when empty, albeit awkward in shape. They are suitable from birth until your baby can sit up unsupported. Some baby baths come with a stand with castors and shelving, whilst others need to be positioned on a stable surface, such as a table or the ground.

But how will you fill, and more importantly, empty, the baby bath?

A hose connected to the tap is the most comfortable way to fill the bath. Baby baths can be heavy and awkward to transport once filled, and are prone to sloshing all over the floor. The key is to fill it only once it’s in location.

To empty the bath easily, look for a baby bath with a plughole and connecting hose. Simply remove the plug and allow the water to drain through the hose into the adult bath or a sink. An alternative is to use a bucket or saucepan to drain the water for those without an inbuilt plughole, however this is a more cumbersome and time consuming method.

What if you have nowhere to use the bath comfortably, nor anywhere to store it?

A womb-shaped tub can be a great space saving option. These aren’t much bigger than a regular bucket, and this bath enables your baby to sit upright in the fetal position, emulating life in the womb. They are easy to tip and drain due to their small size, and the water’s small surface area means the water stays warmer longer.

Some baby baths form part of a bath and change table combination. Essentially, this combination looks like a traditional change table, but the baby bath sits underneath the removable top bench where the baby lies. However, will you always be bathing and changing your babe in the same spot? Do you really want to push the bath/table from bedroom to bathroom?

A bath support can be used in lieu of a baby bath altogether. Similar to a reclining banana lounge, these supports can be made of plastic, or the more comfortable toweling, to recline your baby in the adult bath. You will still need to bend over the bath to tend to the baby, which can be quite uncomfortable; not only on your back, but on your knees.

And what will you do with the cumbersome shaped bath once it’s been outgrown?

Don’t discard the laundry or bathroom sink too quickly. Easily filled and emptied, and at a great working height, the humble sink can make a wonderful – and inexpensive – baby bath. And you won’t need to worry about storage.

Why not bath together with your baby in the adult bath? Babies thrive with body contact, and bath time is a wonderful opportunity for the both of you to bond in the water. This task is more practical with a second person at hand.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the judge!


IMPORTANT: NEVER leave your baby UNATTENDED in any bath. Babies can drown in a few centimetres of water, quickly and silently.

To buy... or not to buy? The Change Table

Amanda Jephtha writes.

Change tables can morph into bookshelves, chest of drawers or student desks. Some sit atop cots or dressers, whilst others fold out from the wall. But do you actually need one?

Nappies are a constant during the first three years of your baby’s life. With a minimum of 5700 nappy changes, a dedicated area with the tools of the trade at hand is a must, be it the floor, a bench or a change table. This saves you time preparing for the change, and more importantly, means that you don’t have to leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.

Most change tables have in-built storage. Shelves, drawers or hanging pockets provide easy access to your essentials, and you can restock them at a glimpse. Some are height adjustable, so you won’t have the added strain on your back. Others form part of a set, so you can co-ordinate your baby’s furniture.

But change tables take up space. What if your baby’s room is small?

Folding change tables fold flat, so you can tuck them away when not in use, and are easy to transport. They make a great option as a second change table if you live in a multi-level home, or if your baby will be spending time with another carer. They don’t tend to be as sturdy as fixed change tables, with the flimsiest holding up to 9kg, so your baby may outgrow it within 10 months.

New to the market are wall mounted change tables. Similar in concept to shopping centre change tables (but much more stylish), these tables screw in to the wall. Like a foldaway bed, the table pulls down from the wall to change your baby, then pushes back up to sit flush against the wall. They don’t take up any valuable floor space, and your baby-turned-toddler won’t be able to climb it.

Another option is change table attachments. These sit securely atop the width of the cot (and some bassinettes). They take up much less room than a standing change table, but you need to remove it before placing your baby in the cot. These tables don’t have any in-built storage, so make sure the paraphernalia is easily accessible.

But what will you do when your baby begins to roll, wriggle and writhe? Will using a change table become too stressful – or too dangerous?

Change tables with raised sides are an additional safety measure against accidents. Some have in-built harnesses; they make changing more awkward for you, but your baby is more secure. And don’t underestimate the power of distraction! The key is to keep two or three toys at hand so you can alternate between them (avoiding boredom), winning yourself enough time to finish the change.

And then the change table will be outgrown. What will you do then? Will it sit dormant, collecting dust – adding even more clutter to the garage?

Many change tables convert into other furniture, such as shelving, desks or toy storage. They tend to be more expensive, but can be good value due to their longevity.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the judge!

To buy... or not to buy? The Bassinette

Amanda Jephtha writes.

From the frou-frou, flouncy bassinettes from the 80s, to the contemporary teepee inspired suspended cradles, bassinettes can be as different as chalk and cheese. But do you actually need one?

Bassinettes are used for a relatively short period of time; about 3-6 months, depending on the size of the baby and the bassinette. Due to their small size, they can be moved easily around the house, for both sleep and play time. Bassinettes suspended from the ceiling are designed with mobility in mind; anchor points can be installed in key locations (inside, outside or at mum’s), so no matter where you are, your baby can sleep and play in a familiar environment.

Your baby can be placed directly into a cot from birth, saving you the added expense of a bassinette. Many babies, though, find the open space of a cot overwhelming compared to the confines of the womb, and may find sleeping difficult. A bassinette is a great option for these babies, as it provides the cocooning effect - just like your belly.

But how will you transition your baby from the bassinette to the cot with minimal disruption? Will your baby be a creature of habit and protest at the relocation? Should you just place your baby in the cot from the start to save the potential hassle?

One option is to place the cot in the exact same position as the bassinette. Once your baby has settled into the cot, move the cot into its proper location; the key is to change one thing at a time. If this isn’t possible, simply reverse the sequence. Move the bassinette into the cot’s position until your baby is familiar with the new surroundings, then make the transition into the cot.

And what will you do with the bassinette once your baby has moved into the cot? Will it end up in the depths of the garage, along with all the other baby paraphernalia? Will the bassinette be just another expense to add to the evergrowing collection?

If space (both in the house during its use and later during storage) is a problem, you can buy a bassinette which sits inside the cot, suspended by the cot’s rails to allow for gentle motion. You can adjust this type of bassinette to tilt on an angle, which is particularly handy for windy babies. They also take up much less space once dismantled compared to a full bassinette.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the judge!