lucyA1308

they are the worst thing ever, and always seem to target the best clothes in your wardrobe straight away. We got some sticky traps, which have got a smell which attracts the male moths. This means that the eggs don't get fertilised. It is a long process, but the one which has worked best for us. Definitely less moths this year than last, and hopefully by next year, they will have all gone. moth balls and other traps didn't stop them because they were still able to breed in the little corners we weren't able to reach.

I always make sure my babysitters get home safe. It is not fair to expect a young girl to find her way back so late. We usually offer a lift. i think you should ask for a cab fare home.

When my little girl's god-mother got married, I just assumed we could bring my daughter along too, although no one else had brought children - so perhaps they had been asked not to bring them. I thought that it was important, and getting married is the start of being a family, uniting 2 families, and watching those families grow together, hopefully with children of their own. She sat on my lap, and shared food from my husband's and my plates. she was charming to all the other guests, and I took her to a childrens corner in the church when she got a bit noisy. No hastle to anyone else, and a beautiful addition to the guest list.

many churches (if it is taking place in a church) have a child-friendly corner. A 7 month old is much easier than a 14 month old, who is wanting to get everywhere, or even a 7 year old, who might find it upsetting. You shouldn't worry.

Also charity shops - buy a man sized shirt and tie, and pretend to be daddy, or hat and handbag, and pretend to be mummy.

We went to Leeds, it's a lovely place, very easy to get to and we had a fun day, but the ?17 charge for the obligatory annual ticket was a bit steep. The other times we have thought about going back, they were closed. I think we will try Hever Castle next, and altgough it is not a castle, Chertwell is meant to be a fun day out for everyone.

I know that there is so much controversey on this subject, and everyone thinks that their own opinion is the only right way. i am sure that this is not the case, having spoken to many mums, who have successfully introduced food early, and many mums who have waited until the 6 month target age. I started introducing purees to my first child at just over 5 months. She loved it, and had been enviously watching us eat our meals for a while. I had thought about starting her early, but had been put off by other new mums, who were certain that I should wait until 6 months. for a few reasons I would like to start my second child on purees a bit earlier - she will be 17 weeks by the time we are back from holiday, and I thought that would be a good time to start. Now that I am not such a nervous new mum, i am not put off by others' remarks, but I would be interested to hear about any experiences from people who have started introducing food at around the 4 month age. Thank you. Lucy

sainsbury's often has fun and not too expensive dressing up out fits.

I use Mr Site. co.uk . I find it an easy package. I probably use the bare essentials, but it works and looks smart, and I can make changes where ever I am (within reach of a computer), rather than wait for someone else to do it for me.

we might make a big stew, or bolognase, or curry, and then freeze portions in little pots, ready to microwave very quickly. Just add rice or pasta.

HI there. I bought the Ergo original and love it. I have been given a few other slings from friends, but the ergo is the most comfortable for me, and I feel that the baby is secure, and has good posture. We have been lent an insert. It is only something you need for a short while, so if you have a friend who has one and doesn't need anymore, then that is probably the best thing to do. My baby was born in december, and so she was in a snow suit, and then in th esling. With all of that, and then snuggled up next to me, She did start to get quite hot by mid feb, so I had to be careful about what i wrapped her in. I can heartily recommend the Ergo though.

I am afraid I am with Sanne panne. I am a breast feeding mother, and have never had any issue with feeding in public. I choose where to feed carefully, of course, and what I might wear, when I go out, but otherwise I feel no need to be militant about it. Some mothers can't bf, some babies - like mine, won't accept a bottle. Just as long as the baby is able to get the nutrients it needs until starting on solids, who should criticise what / how we manage?

just a few points having had 2 daughters, who both had collic - this is something which disappears naturally after about 6 weeks. I tried all sorts of different tricks with both, but by about 6 weeks, it had gone because they had grown into feeding. Re. constipation. A breastfed baby won't poo every day, and this won't be due to contipation, they get what they need, and store up reserves, and might not poo every day. A formula fed baby will be more likely / should be pooing more regualarly. I don't know what this means - or what you should expect for mixing formula / breast feeding though.

Mine go to Kids Unlimited, by New Beckenham train station. UIt is lovely, with loads of outside space and fresh air.

how is your boy getting on? I started my first child on purees at about 5 months, and even then I got some remarks about how this was too early, but it worked for her. For a few reasons, I would like to start my new baby on purees a bit earlier - about 4 months. I am just wondering how you are now getting on, and weather 4 months is a bit early. Thanks, Lucy

Will he try milk from a clear glass? I seem to remember my eldest doing similar things, but then when cows milk was introduced, she was happy to have it in a beaker / glass. not sure what to do with a dairy allergy sufferer. My 2 year old still has a bottle of formula milk at bed time now. maybe try just giving him a bottle at that time of day, so it is associated with something else other than it's content.

yes, as a couple of others have posted, I too have fed on a bus, and a train - not the tube though - people don't have anywhere else to look except directly at you on the tube. but on the bus or train most people are facing straight ahead. Everyone here has already said it, but getting out and about, your baby will have nice long sleeps, you won't be doing the constant feeding, that you might feel you are doing now. You can always have a quick nappy change in the park or cafe loos if necessary, and you will start to feel more relaxed. If you feel relaxed, so will your baby.

I have the medela, which works very quickly. You can do both boobs at the same time, so double the amount in one go. I personally have always opted for breast feeding (although now I am having trouble getting my baby onto a bottle, which is a whole other story), as I have always liked the convenience of it. Right there when you want it, right temperature, and yes, you can express if you really are shy about being out in public. Most places don't mind - and you get better at being discreet. I remember with my first child, the first time I got out amd met other mums, and how liberating it felt to be out of the house. Go somewhere local first, or maybe a friend's house. Art galleries are also good, because most people are there to look at the art, and will not be at all bothered by what you are doing. Have fun.

Thank you Etta. my mother in law is also telling me not to panic, and she was a paediatric nurse. I am sure it is natural to worry, but there will be plenty of expressed milk available should she decide to take it, and I am getting a NUK bottle as that seems to be what most people recommend.

If our toddler has had periods of restlessness (not often at night, but sometimes early in the morning) we go and lie down on the floor, next to her cot, so that she gets the idea that sleep is a good thing. We might sing, or hold her hand through the bars, but not pick her up or cuddle. Once you pick her up or cuddle her, then she just wants that, and any ideas of sleep go out of the window, but lying down next to the cot gives her an idea that this is what needs to happen.

my 2 1/2 month old has just taken a very strong dislike to the bottle - both expressed breast milk and formula. I haven't tried very often to give her a bottle, maybe just once a week, for the last month, and each time she has been fine. I now have a days work coming up this week and next, and am going to leave her with my mum, and now all of a sudden, she won't take the bottle. I posted last week about her dislike of car seats, and she must sound like the most un-cooperative baby, but actually she is the loveliest, smilingest little baby i have ever met, but a complete oposite in so many ways to my 2 yr old, so many of these things, I am having to figure out about all over again. Any tricks, or advice would be welcome. Thanks. Lucy

We can't do those afternoons, but generally afternoon groups (although tricky for some - nap times, school pick ups etc) would be good, because my 2 yr old takes a very short nap, and when she wakes up, all her friends near-by are still sleeping, so she is left without any other young company every afternoon. Because most groups only run in the mornings, there is a shortage of groups in the afternoon, so I am sure you will get some customers like us, who need an afternoon activity. You just need to get the word out. Good luck

Oh, this sounds fun. I'll see if i can make it. Please post any other events as well. Lucy (freelance violinist, and mum of 2 gorgeous girls)

Small Saints is all ages. The older children can help out, i.e. handing out refreshments, and feeling a bit more grown up. There is a story time, and then activities - craft, or general play, or playing with around the large open space in the church. There is a good ration of helpers without children, to mums / carers with, so if anyone needs an extra pair of hands there is usually someone available

both are good. My little one is happy with the stimulation of the play mat in the morning, but later on in the day, doesn't like it so much, and prefers a bouncer. Both we were given second hand, and I would suggest that you do the same. They do grow out of them around 6 - 7 months, and then need different things, so try not to buy brand new if you can avoid it.