KateW

My 12 week old little girl is rubbish at sleeping in her crib during the day (night times are no probs) so I've been attempting the Baby Whisperer 'shush/pat' method for the past few days. I realise it's going to take a while and I'm prepared for that as I really want to crack this. I was just wondering what people's experiences were of using this method? I guess I'm hoping that someone says, 'Hang in there! It really can work!' Thanks guys.

Our little girl is 7.5 weeks old and is exclusively breastfed. She feeds well and I've had no concerns about her not getting enough. From about 4 weeks she started to sleep for longer stretches at night and often went 4.5 - 5 hours after her 10.30pm feed. For the past week though, she has started waking for her feed after 3 - 3.5 hours (despite taking a full feed at 10.30pm). I'd love her to start sleeping through (who wouldn't?!) but I'm worried she's not getting enough from me at 10.30pm. I've tried giving her cooled boiled water when she wakes but she's not interested. I've been thinking about giving her a formula feed at 10.30pm in the hope that the richer feed will keep her going for longer. I've no qualms about forumla feeding and will probably switch around 4 months. I was wondering if people had any experiences they'd be willing to share of giving a formula feed at 10.30pm? Many thanks, Kate.

Supergolden, I'm an on of those ex-East Dulwich-ers who can't give up the forum! We live in Cambridge now and hubby registered the birth when she was 4 days old! And yes, you get the certificate at the same time. You can download the child benefit forms from the gov website.

You just reminded me to check! Our baby was born 5th Nov and I've just checked my bank and the backdated payment was paid in yesterday. I'd give them a call to chase it up if I were you. Have you had the birth certificate returned yet? That might be an indicator that they've received the paperwork.

If your car isn't compatible with Isofix (our Saab isn't) then you'll need the Easyfix base. We've got it and it is sooo easy to use; I didn't want the hassle (albeit limited hassle) of strapping the thing in place with the seat belt. It's one of our best baby buys.

My little girl is 3 weeks and 2 days old today and has been so unsettled all day. Midwife came earlier and said little 'un is having a growth spurt which is perfectly normal at 3 weeks and her unsettled-ness is due to this. She had been fine up until today so the midwife told me to just feed when she's hungry and give her lots of cuddles. I've spent the afternoon with her asleep on my chest and I feel better for having done that. I freaked out at first as I'm doing the 4 hour feed routine and thought this would just throw it off course but I'm learning to try and know when to be more flexible and just go with her needs. I'm anticipating a restless night but midwife assures me that this will pass after the growth spurt. Hang in there.

Our little girl is the same age as your little man and I started her in a four hour feed routine from day 4 (mainly because husband is in the army and heading back overseas so I wanted to get her in a routine for both our sakes). I'm using Rachel Waddilove's routine which is nice and flexible. Feeds are roughly 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm, 2am. She sleeps well during the day and pretty good at night, on the whole sleep chunks of 2 and a half hours. When she hit week 2 (as the book said) she started being more restless in the evening (her natural wakeful time) and has been much more windy like your wee man. I'm noticing now what is a windy cry and what is a tired cry. I know she's due a growth spurt any day now so we'll ride that one and see if she settles down again. On the whole, the routine is working so well and it sounds like your boy would slip into it quite nicely if he's already had some longer stretches of sleep. She's having a more windy/restless time following her 10pm feed which is when I'm most tired, so that's a bit tought at the moment, but I can ctahc up with some sleep during the day so I can't grumble. Not sure if any of that helps, but it might be worth having a look at Rachel's book? Best of luck!

Uptime - We've got the Summer Baby Zoom Digital Video Monitor which is brilliant. There isn't a temperature gauge but we have a Gro egg for that. I think there's a newer, slimline version of the monitor, but we're quite happy with the zoom one. Really easy to operate, great sound and picture.

I'm with Ratty; video all the way. We use a 'Summer' monitor and it's fantastic. Granted, not cheap, but as Ratty says, seeing their little hands or chests move is a great comfort.

Hi all. I'm 39+6 today and had a cervical sweep yesterday around 4.30pm. I know they don't work for everyone but I was just wondering how many ED ladies have had success with them and if so, how long did it take for labour to get going?

I'm 39 weeks today with my first and I'm being sent for a growth scan next Thursday (when I'll be 39+5!) as midwife on Thursday didn't think bubs has grown much since I saw her two weeks ago. I'm not too worried as heart beat and movements are fine. I figure it can't be too concerning otherwise surely I'd be seen sooner. She thinks it's probably just because I'm small (and Dad is no giant either). As for the UTI, I used to get these sooo often and started taking cranberry tablets from Holland and Barrets; thankfully I haven't had any during pregnancy. If you're worried, maybe start taking one a day in case it does turn out to be a UTI. All the best.

I agree with Fuschia. I've been taking two sachets per day of Spatone (fine to double up from the single sachet during pregnancy) since 32 weeks pregnant as I was bordeline anemic, despite a healthy balanced diet. I've had so much more energy and due to it's gentle nature, have not had any increased constipation than is to be expected from pregnancy. PS. Spatone is currently on 3 for 2 at Tescos!

Hi Hollie. I've bought the Summer infant baby zoom digital monitor for Baby no.1 due end of the month. Reasons: (1) my husband will be overseas until spring and we live in a large-ish house so being able to flick the screen on and see the little one will save me endless trips upstairs and means I won't disturb he/she (2) I didn't want to get a sensor one as I think it would make me too paranoid (3) I want to move Baby into it's own room within a couple of months (maybe sooner) so figure the monitor option will let me check things are ok without having to go into the nursery. Not sure if any of that helps but the monitor was recommended by several friends who have been thrilled with it.

Gaviscon has been making me gag although the tablets are handy when out and about. When I'm at home I find drinking cold milk really helps; this was a top tip from a friend.

Speaking as someone who sucked her thumb from being tiny and struggled to break the habit in my teenage years (and yes, had to have lots of orthodontic treatment as a result), I won't hesitate to use a dummy with my little one if necessary because, as many people have said, you can always take the dummy away.

I'm with peckhamboy on this one. Mind your own darn business! Why is it that when a woman is pregnant, the world and his wife feel it is ok to pass judgement on her? (I'm speaking as a pregnant woman who, whilst doesn't smoke, has had various opinions thrust on me about the size of my bump, the need to breastfeed, have a strict routine etc etc). I take it that you don't feel the need to verbally criticise mothers/fathers who you see giving their children fizzy drinks, sugary snacks etc?

Thanks all, really helpful. Mazza6 - many thanks for the prices; that's a big help. Good luck for the arrival of the little one in August.

Oh good, I'm liking the positive feedback as I'm swaying in the icandy direction. Another question re: buying it - can anyone give me a rough idea of how much the whole thing costs (carry cot, puschair bit etc). John Lewis seems to be the place that stocks them, but on their website there is no mention of price (although i know it's not cheap and will be around the ?600+ mark). Or can anyone recommend another stockist please?

We're thinking of getting an icandy cherry and was wondering if any forumites have one and if so, what have been your experiences; good? bad? Thoughts welcome, many thanks.

I had my BCG after I was born and have a very obvious scar about the size of a penny on my thigh.

I second Molly on the Company of Liars; it's fab. Also, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is an amazing read. Edited to add: 'Child 44' by Tom Rob Smith is an unputdownable thriller.

Notonthehighstreet.com do loads of personalised things for children; you could try looking there? Edited to say that I've just had a quick look and they do personalised painted chairs; go to 'Children's furniture' then 'Chairs'. There are a number of options.

Muller Vitality yogurts have been really helping my pregnancy constipation; maybe give them a go?

All great ideas, thanks guys. I'm working on a photobook as we speak! Forum comes up trumps once again.

Has anyone got any bright ideas for what to get hubby to mark our first wedding anniversary? We have a baby on the way, so less expensive ideas would be welcome, as would any imaginative suggestions on the theme of 'paper'. Thanks!