The Nappy Lady

Cate, a Miele washer/dryer is way out of my budget, I did look but they are about ?1,400 or more. I could only fit a separate dryer in by completely redesigning my kitchen which is also not an option. I too have heard the stuff about washer dryers which is my concern. It is so hard as I want to get it right. Decisions, decisions!

So, British Gas were actually fairly efficient, within about 2 days they arranged for Whirlpool to see the machine, and he confirmed what the BG engineer had said, that the machine was beyond repair as parts no longer available (bearings on drum have gone and it is 11 or 12 years old now). Only thing was he said he could have told them all this on the 'phone, so no idea why he had to take up his, or my time coming out to see it! Later the same day British Gas called and I was offered either a refund of the ?45 I had paid in the past 12 months for the service contract on the machine OR a ?70 voucher towards my new machine. I took the voucher, the only annoying thing is that it can only be used in Comet, and so I am a little limited (though choice is very good), and also can't shop for 'best price'. I now have a dilemma....have sold my buggy stash(!), so have the money to get the new machine...but, do I go for the cheapest of the Miele's which by all accounts will go on, and on, and on....but will only be a washing machine OR do I get a washer dryer, which would have to be Indesit or LG probably. I have always been anti tumble dryers, but now we are 4 I do get very depressed by having the clothes airer up constantly through the winter months (and no it isn't the nappies, they go on a radiator and dry fine), it is jeans and similar that just take so long. I don't see myself using the dryer often (terrified of the electricity bill apart from anything else), but would be great to have the option when required. The Indesit seems to have a very fast wash and dry cycle which seems good, but I have no idea how good a brand it is. The reviews are good, but all from people who have only had the machine a short while. Hmmm, wish there was a 'washing machine lady' equivalent to The Nappy Lady! Molly

Sounds lovely, hope the girls enjoy (ed?) them. It is great fun doing the parties isn't it. We did a massive pirate party last year, even the adults dressed up and we did pirate themed games too. We were totallyexhausted by the end of it, but it was great fun. Dazie, sorry to hear you had such an unhappy childhood so it seems. You seem to lurk and only post to criticise others (as on the valentines thread). What a shame. Molly

Theory is that the amber warms against the skin and gives off tiny amounts of something(very techy me!) that eases teething pain. The websites that sell them explain it better. I wasn't convinced but have to say C hasn't appeared to suffer like O did so I do think there is something in it. I only discovered them when O was about 2 Sillywoman, was very sad not to have known about them for her too, thank goodness I got my baby C in the end!!! Molly

And knotted between each bead so even if broken only 1 bead comes off. I took it off initially but after seeing her wear it for long enough to know it was fine left it on full time. As H says too short to bite (not how they work). I just applied common sense, I wear a short necklace in bed and it has never ever bothered me, so why would this on a baby. The way they work they can't twist or anything. Molly

Retailers; These people have some lovely ones, I like the one that has all the different colours of amber on it, graduated through from light to dark, though it is often out of stock... http://www.amberstyle.co.uk/category/8/page2 I got mine from this seller on ebay; Seller: blueskyairways There is a listing on there now from the same person; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WeeRascals-Baltic-Amber-Teething-Necklace-Honey-Dark_W0QQitemZ260542901037QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Baby_Baby_Feeding_Dummies_Pacifiers_Teething_Aids?hash=item3ca9912b2d The beads are not perfectly round on my daughter's necklace, more rough shapes, but with smooth edges, and each necklace was in a different shade of amber. I've been very happy with them and it has never bothered her at all. Hope this helps. Molly

Baby C has slept in hers from about 4 months old. We never take it off, I didn't even know she was teething when she got her first 2 teeth! No idea if it is the Amber, but think it looks pretty if nothing else. I know of two suppliers who seem fibe, will post details later when on my PC. Molly

Sophiesofa, I was self emplyed when I had DD2 and as long as you pay you NI etc you get Maternity Allowance from the government based on a 12 week period of income in the run up to your baby's arrival. I was a nice surprise!! So not as bad as you are thinking maybe? Molly x

Agree - you are taking up a full time space so have to pay the day rate. Rate only drops once they are in proper school with a 3.30 pick up. Molly

Hmmm, not sure what others do, but I always go by feel - use one side until it 'feel's empty (weigh it in my hand), then switch to the other side. Though these days they are both pretty pathetic most of the time!!!! :-$

Just to second Bobbaz, I know it can be hard to resist buying all new stuff for your first baby, but in all honestly 2nd hand newborn stuff is often hardly used (sometimes not at all if baby is bigger than expected at birth, or too many clothes purchased etc). Do make the most of the classified section and Freecycle too and you can avoid spending the ?1,000's that some do on equipment. Cloth nappies will save you a fortune too (of course I have to mention this being The Nappy Lady)!! ?1,000 roughly per child on disposables, or say ?250 on cloth nappies and use them on the next child too (can sometimes pick nappies up on the forum in as new condition to from those who try but don't end up using them). Oh and use washable wipes too - ?7.50 over 3 years instead of about ?400 on wet wipes!!!! Southwark Council will give you a ?40 voucher towards the cost of the nappies to help you get started, and I can help and advise on which ones are best suited to your needs. I think it is a really scary thing considering the change that comes with having a family, but you do manage one way or another. I had a yoga teacher who once said "Every baby comes with its own purse" meaning you often find new means of income as a result of having a baby, and it is so true. Good luck with it. Molly x

Hi Bumpy, Great to see you posting on here. I agree with the others - at this age the babies were usually snuggling up with me downstairs (and sometimes being very fussy as you describe), and then would come up to bed with me, and sleep in a crib of some type next to my bed, or in bed with me. The routine will come later, enjoy the tiny baby snuggles while you can! Molly x

Ah Gubodge, I was reminiscing (sp?) too.....seems like so long ago that we were all there together! The actual 'session' first hour was rubbish then too......remember the very 70's health and safety at home video? Molly x

Hi there, min snauz. Neurotic in my experience! We have an Irish Water Spaniel and she is wonderful with children - the breed is well known for being child friendly. She was 2 when our first daughter was born, has always been lovely with both of them, even through being climbed on, tail pulled etc. My 16 month old feeds her by hand and adores her. Agree it can be difficult when other children visit, and also Coco does occassionaly knock baby C over when they are all dashing for the door at once, never intentional though. You are welcome to borrow her for a walk sometime if you like. Molly

Ha - always thinking, but not doing!!!! Just have to keep cuddling everyone else's babies. It is lovely though isn't it - like the P&T's inner for the pram, only more versatile. M x

Pickle....poor you, we had it last week too (only the girls, not adults thank goodness). Nasty bug. I ended up getting Kaolin mixture from the chemist to give them as it coats the tummy lining and helps stop the tummy cramps and loose tummy. It seemed to get them over it very quickly. Also did a MEGA clean of the house - anti bac sprayed the kitchen and bathroom like crazy etc. to try to make sure any loitering bugs were well and truly blitzed. Really hope you feel better soon and that the flight to NZ goes smoothly. I know you are trying to pack up the house for the rennovation so this must be the last thing you need. Molly x

Wahhh, keep finding fab baby stuff that I didn't know about in time..... http://www.lillebaby.com/products.html You Tube video... You can tell my hubby is away can't you.... Oh, don't get too excited, I now think you can only get it in the USA, what a shame.

It is pants isn't it, how everything stops when school is out, just when lots of us need it most. I have filled up the week by arranging to meet up with lots of friends with children that I haven't seen for ages. Hope you all have a good week, one way or another. xx

Seems to be a good compromise - not much bigger than a stroller, but with 3 good size wheels so would be good on all terrain. If so I may finally be able to get down to 1 buggy that does everything I need. My main concern is whether the seat is upright enough when in the 'sit up' position. Just wondered if anyone has got one and if so, any feedback? Molly

Here you go - check out the hip carry position....

Video is on a website linzkg...will try to find and post link for you...

Looks like just what you need ClareC :))

Thank you for this Sanne Panne - went down a slide at a soft play like this only a month ago without any awareness of the potential danger. Your poor little girl, and poor you too - you must feel pretty wretched about it. Hope you both feel better very soon. Molly xxx

I booked Brierley the day after I got my 'postitive' pregnancy result because I know how busy they get. If things don't work out you can always phone and cancel. Don't know about catchments I'm afraid, but would suggest you phone and speak to the teams and take it from there, unless anyone on here knows more. Molly x

Clare, Hug-a-Bub or pocket/pouch style slings will be the best from newborn. Did have one I was looking to sell, not sure if it has gone (a fleece pouch one). Will have a look around. If not I'm sure someone else on here will have one. Molly x