The Nappy Lady

I always ask guests if there is anything they don't eat - isn't that part if being a good host?

I've still got nappies to clear, if anyone wants a rummage give me a shout - mostly 2 parters like Motherease, Tots Bots, Bumbles etc. In my experience 2 parters are better for night even if you use all in ones during the day.

We've never paid for speedy boarding because they let families with children under (?) 6 or 8 - cant recall exact age - board as priority after the speedy boarders & we have always got seats we are happy with that way. The year I was pregnant they even let me on with the families - I pointed at my bump (quite big) & said "does this count?" and they waived me through!!

Hi Amy Well worth checking out www.thenappylady.co.uk for advice, top tips & demo videos - she (Wendy) has just been named as one of the mumpreneurs of 2011 & the site is really good. best wishes,

I think there are some relatively small safari parks stocked with things like zebras & antelope around Cape Town which you can drive around. You can't do 'proper' safaris until children are over 4 years but those smaller reserves would be fine - we've only done the Kruger/Drakonsburg/Joburg side so I can't recommend any specifics I'm afraid. Have a lovely trip! Xxx

Wishing everyone a very, very Happy Christmas, especially those enjoying their first Christmas as parents. Hoping all small people sleep til at least 8am!!! Xxx

Try Soup Dragon, or the toy shop Just Williams both on Lordship Lane. otherwise go to a John Lewis though not so local!

When I was little stocking was on the end of the bed but we now put ours by the fire downstairs which also means children come to us and then we all go down to investigate together! Stocking gifts are from FC, gifts under tree are from friends & family and are opened across the day. But I think others do it differently.

With Sillywoman - girls (well the eldest) loves to be in charge of reading labels & handing pressies out, which I always did so it feels like a tradition. Stockings not wrapped but this year a couple of pressies from Santa are 'to share' so will be wrapped & left in between stockings. This is stuff they need to play with without battling over.....will it work....we shall see??!!!

Age is a guide but there are always exceptions. Children in cloth tend to train sooner - both my girls were out of nappies in the day by 24/25 months, but nights took another year. My friends daughters (also in cloth) the same, but 1 of hers went dry at night too within the same month at just over 2. I know of a boy who trained at 18 months all on his own, his mum was rather apologetic about it bless her!!! I think your daughter is showing all the signs of being ready but I'd take a very relaxed approach and if you or she feel unhappy in any way I'd go back to nappies for a while. It's so great to be nappy free, Im so glad my two trained as early as they did (& it wasn't a stressful thing at all). Good luck!

Agree re shoes, and favourite clothes (Ive had to keep the odd dress, no idea why!). Hate throwing out the fan art they create but just can't keep it all. Feel dreadful whoever I hide it in the recycling though.....

I'd say once you start try to keep going don't revert to nappies except for naps / bedtime as it can cause confusion. My only caveat to this is if it's causing lots of stress & just not working, or they are asking for a nappy when they want to poo maybe. Going out nappy free can be daunting, but I just set my mind to it, gritted my teeth & took the potty & spare clothes with me! Also have some waterproof sheets/pads of some sort to use to line the car seat or buggy. Potty training is as much about the mind set if the parents as the child, you have to be ready to bite the bullet! Expect mistakes in the early days, dont make a big deal about them & try to remember to ask them regularly whether they want to sit on the potty - they forget! Keep giving HUGE praise. At that age a girl should train quite easily but there are always exceptions to the rules so if you really feel its going wrong leave it a few weeks & try again.

I've only ever seen them on line I'm afraid.

YEAY!!! Well done you...so pleased & jealous too!!!

Pickle, so sorry you're suffering like this. Xxx

Oh good - let me know how it goes down!

I don't see why not F. Stan & his sister get looked after by their Gran once a week, she picks them up from home & takes them back to her house.... But loses her key on the way home. Stan saves the day! It is a very gentle story but I think children like it because they can relate to it - Stan always walks along the same bit of wall on the way to Grans house, they play cards & the baby has a kick with her nappy off, that type of thing. I guess it might provoke memories or discussion but that would hopefully be positive? Macaroni - sorry, didn't mean to annoy - happy to post the ISBN when I have it to hand, I kind of assumed it would be easy to find just by the name should anyone want it, though it was more that I was just curious as to whether anyone else had actually heard about it or ever come across it.

Nappy off time will help too, though can be a bit chilly at this time of year I know!

Yes - we have those ones too, and I agree. Stan and his Gran is a bit more 'grown up' (though still accessible to a younger child), it has more words, and a bit more of a story. I wish she had done more like this, but all the others seem to be simpler stories. Hope you manage to track a copy down. I've already decided we are going to have to pack our copy away in the 'keepsake' box, not least because my 7 year old announced tonight that she can remember me reading it to her when she was really little. Ahhhh.

Just curious as to whether anyone else has come across this book - I picked it up quite randomly at a school fair a few years ago and both my girls have loved it, probably more than any other book we've owned (and we have a lot). I have to read it at least once a day to my now 3 year old and like her sister before her she quotes chunks of the books at appropriate moments when we are out walking etc. It's by Sarah Garland, and whilst not in print anymore (I suspect), a lot of on line retailers seem to still have it.

Does anyone have the link to the very helpful thread there was about this subject, or can you suggest teats & tactics please? Thsnk you.

My theory is that it's hard to find a name that works for a baby, a boy and finally a MAN. I don't know why this is LOL, but I'm so glad we had 2 girls, as I found girls names much easier to decide upon! Zack was one I loved but hubby banned for some reason!

I think the key thing is to bear in mind that tooth care & knowledge is now us about a zillion times better than it was when we were children & as for generations before us....well. All I can say is I used the 0-3, then 4-6 toothpaste on my now 7 year old & she's had no cavities as yet & her 2nd teeth are coming through fine & unmarked so far. We were obsessive about brushing twice a day & she uses the children's mouthwash sometimes too now & also we always see the dentist every 6 months without fail. I hate the way parenting advice can vary so much & cause real angst at times & I think sometimes it means we all end up over obsessing somewhat over this stuff IYKWIM. Not surprising really as we are trying to do the very best for our little ones. I think (but may be wrong) that teeth can also come through with marks if children have ever fallen & knocked their gums?? No idea where this questionable knowledge comes from but wanted to pass on for the earlier poster who is feeling guilty about using the wrong toothpaste. This thread really highlights how very confusing it can be to be a parent!!

We planned on calling a boy Oscar, then had a second girl... I think Orlando is cool, love Jack too & my dad was Harry - an excellent name!!

I put about 3 drops of tea tree oil in my hand with shampoo & wash hair, then same with conditioner, comb through with a nit comb & leave in for ten mins in the bath. Our 2 don't seem very prone but this has worked on the 2 occasions we had a few (caught very early). Wouldn't use tea tree oil on under 1 year old but after that in quantities I describe it should be ok. You can also get an anti tangle spray with tea tree in to use as a deterrent. Found it in a supermarket but don't recall which.