Number two on the way? Two-kids-under-two survivor Apphia Michael gives you the lowdown on the star products that will make the transition smoother
Words: Apphia Michael
Apphia shares her must-have products, which made the transition from one to two kids a lot easier…
The Double Buggy: iCandy Peach Blossom
Thought getting out and about with a toddler was hard? You now have two of these small and unpredictable humans to herd out of the door. Take it from me: a versatile and intuitive double pushchair makes all the difference between chaotic and calm, especially when you have siblings that are close in age. Not only does the iCandy Peach Blossom deliver on the style front, but it is a joy to push, and incredibly comfortable and spacious for little ones. A great travel system with lots of options for carrycot, pushchair seat and car seat combinations, the Peach Blossom also comes with elevators that allow the single seat or carrycot to be positioned higher and closer to the parent, together with seats that allow for world- or parent-facing mode. Crucially, it remains within the footprint of a single pushchair, even in double mode. Other features, such as a 25kg weight limit,puncture-proof EVA tires, a one-touch 5 point safety harness and a chassis that allows for one-handed folding (once the seat unit has been removed), make this an invaluable pushchair.
You’ve made it through the day with a toddler and a baby, hurrah! Now how do you get them fed and bathed in a timely manner? Dreambaby’s deluxe bath seat allows babies from six months old to be bathed alongside their siblings. Attaching to the bath with strong suction grips, it comes complete with a heat sensor, contoured non-slip seat with extra padding and masses of leg room. And unlike some other seats, where baby’s legs can sometimes get caught and scratched against the plastic when they are lifted out, the front of the Dreambaby bath seat cleverly hinges open for easy access to your little splasher.
** Dream baby Deluxe Bath Seat with heat sensor, £22, from JoJo Maman Bébé; www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
The baby carrier:Ergobaby 360
Sometimes you just need to transport everyone from A to B with as little stuff as possible – jumping into taxis, navigating the tube, or going to a place where buggies aren’t allowed. Enter the hardworking Ergobaby 360. With four carry position options, it is a versatile piece of kit which adapts to virtually any situation. Pop baby in the carrier so you have your hands free for toddler hand-holding. Or carry your toddler on your back while your littlest one sits in the pram. The Ergobaby 360 has a structured bucket seat which allows for baby to be ergonomically seated in all four positions. As a bonus, it comes with a supportive waistband and padded shoulder straps to help you carry the weight.
Handy for the times when you need to put baby down to tend to your older one (and there will be a lot of these), the Nuna LEAF is a baby seat that goes the extra mile. It has an upper weight limit of 60kg, which means both your newborn and older children will be able to enjoy it. Plus, it’s elegantly designed, lined with plush padded fabric and can be accessorised with an optional toy bar. Designed to mimic the motion of a falling leaf, this smart-looking seat gently sways from side to side without the need for batteries or excessive rocking from parents – swinging is activated with just one gentle push and lasts for two minutes, or non-stop if used in conjunction with the LEAF Wind, a mini-motor that attaches with a simple click to the base. Certainly one to be recommended.
Google the Sleepyhead and you’ll find no shortage of parents waxing lyrical about the pod’s transformative powers on their baby’s sleep patterns. And for good reason – with a unique design that essentially looks to reinvent the feeling of being in the womb, it provides a soft, cocooning space that babies love, turning previously restless babes into a contented little angels who sleep through the night. Fans of attachment parenting can also rejoice as it has been rigorously tested for firmness and air-permeability in order to aid safe co-sleeping. This really is a game-changing newborn essential, particularly as it’s so portable which means you can just move it from room to room whenever you need to, or even take it away on holiday.
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