BloomBabies

Maya

Proven Tips for Your Baby Take Their First Steps

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Let’s be real: watching your baby learn to walk is equal parts pride and panic.

One day they’re wobbling on tiptoes, the next they’re fearless — and you’re the one trying not to gasp at every tumble.

Here’s what actually helped our baby get moving — and what didn’t.

What Helped:

  • Barefoot practice on safe, non-slippery floors.
  • Holding both hands lightly instead of under the arms.
  • Letting them cruise along furniture for balance.
  • Turning walking into play — chasing bubbles worked every time.

What Didn’t:

  • Baby walkers — more distraction than help.
  • Shoes too early — better grip without them.
  • Rushing it — strength builds faster when they lead.

Our Lifesaver:

A sturdy push toy gave just enough support for confidence — not control.

If you’re waiting for those first steps, enjoy the build-up. Every fall, wobble, and grin is part of the story. Walking happens when they’re ready — not when we are.

GET BABY WALKER

Proven Method that Helped My Baby Start Crawling

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Let’s be real: waiting for your baby to crawl feels like a mix of pride and suspense.

They rock back and forth, push up, and collapse in a giggle — and you start wondering when it’ll finally click.

Here’s what actually helped us get there — and what didn’t.

What Helped:

  • Lots of floor time — no pillows, no bouncers, just space.
  • Placing toys just out of reach to spark curiosity.
  • Tummy time every day — short but consistent.
  • Crawling alongside them (yes, it works — they copy you).

What Didn’t:

  • Overuse of baby seats — limited their movement.
  • Forcing the motion — babies build muscle at their own pace.
  • Slippery floors — made it harder for them to grip.

Our Lifesaver:

A soft playmat — safe for tumbles and perfect for practice sessions.

If your baby isn’t crawling yet, don’t stress. Every push-up, shuffle, and reach is progress — the movement comes right on time.

GET TUMMY ROLL

Simple Ways to Finally Enjoy Meals Out with Baby

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Let’s be real: going out with a baby feels like preparing for a small expedition.

You pack everything — bottles, wipes, toys, backup clothes — and still end up worrying if it’s worth it.

Here’s what actually helped us enjoy a meal outside — and what didn’t.

What Helped:

  • Picking cafés with space for prams and friendly staff.
  • Going right after a feed — full baby, calm baby.
  • Choosing quiet hours instead of peak times.
  • Bringing small toys or teething rings for distraction.

What Didn’t:

  • Overpacking — you won’t use half of it.
  • Ignoring nap times — overtired babies protest loudly.
  • Loud or cramped places — more stress, less enjoyment.

Our Lifesaver:

A corner table. Out of the main flow, perfect for feeding, and no pressure if the baby fusses.

If you’re nervous about eating out again, start small — a morning coffee or a short lunch. It’s practice, not performance.

GET SOPHIE

Raw Virgin Coconut Oil for Baby Skin

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The Simple, Natural Hero I Keep Coming Back To

When I became a mum, I was bombarded with baby skincare products — balms, creams, lotions, sprays.

Some cost more than my own moisturiser.

But when my baby’s skin flared up with dry patches and cradle cap, the product that worked best wasn’t from a fancy brand.

It was a jar of raw virgin coconut oil sitting in our kitchen.

Here’s why I now tell every new mum: don’t underestimate the power of this simple, natural oil.

When I became a mum, I was bombarded with baby skincare products — balms, creams, lotions, sprays.

Some cost more than my own moisturiser.

But when my baby’s skin flared up with dry patches and cradle cap, the product that worked best wasn’t from a fancy brand.

It was a jar of raw virgin coconut oil sitting in our kitchen.

Here’s why I now tell every new mum: don’t underestimate the power of this simple, natural oil.

Why I Tried Coconut Oil in the First Place

To be honest, it wasn’t my first instinct.

I’d stocked up on all the baby-specific creams from the usual high street names.

But they either didn’t work or made things worse.

My baby had:

  • Dry elbows and flaky arms
  • A little cradle cap
  • Mild nappy rash

My health visitor casually mentioned trying raw, unrefined coconut oil — and I had some organic virgin oil already at home for cooking.

Desperate, I gave it a go.

And within a few days, the difference was incredible.

How It Helped My Baby’s Skin

1. Soothes Dry Patches Instantly

Baby skin dries out easily — especially in winter or after baths.

Coconut oil just melts into the skin, leaving it soft, hydrated, and smooth.

No stinging, no perfumes, no irritation.

And it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky once it’s absorbed — just a lovely soft finish.

I started using it after every bath and noticed the dry spots disappearing quickly.

2. Helped Clear Cradle Cap Gently

I massaged a little coconut oil onto my baby’s scalp after bath time, left it for 10–15 minutes, then gently brushed with a soft baby brush.

The flakes lifted easily without redness or fuss.

It became our calm, quiet routine — and avoided the mess and tears we had with other treatments.

3. Soothing for Mild Nappy Rash

During a week of teething (and endless nappies), I used coconut oil as a barrier layer after every change.

It helped reduce redness and kept the skin feeling soft and calm.

Plus, it’s antibacterial and antifungal — great for keeping the area clean naturally.

4. Perfect for Baby Massage

Warm a little between your hands and it turns into a liquid — perfect for post-bath baby massage.

No overpowering smells, just that lovely gentle coconut scent.

It was the only thing my baby’s skin didn’t react to, and the closeness and calm it brought to our evenings became something I looked forward to.

Why I Keep Using It (Even Now)

  • One product, multiple uses: Nappy balm, massage oil, moisturiser, cradle cap remedy, even for my own hands.
  • Totally natural: No chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives — just pure, raw, unrefined coconut oil.
  • Affordable: A single jar lasts ages and costs far less than many baby-brand creams.
  • Travel-friendly: I took one small jar on holiday and used it for everything — baby skin, dry lips, after-sun, even cooking!

What to Look For

Not all coconut oils are created equal.

Look for:

  • 100% Raw Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Unrefined and cold-pressed
  • Organic if possible

Avoid anything deodorised or hydrogenated — it’s not the same.

I usually get mine from brands like Kiki Health, Coco & Co., or even Pukka — all widely available in the UK or online.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Patch test first: Natural doesn’t mean zero reaction. Try a little behind the ear or on the wrist first.
  • Can stain fabric: It’s oil — don’t use near lovely white babygros or your best throw.
  • Store it well: Keep the jar sealed and away from heat or direct sunlight.

Would I Recommend It?

100%.

If your baby has dry skin, cradle cap, or sensitive reactions to commercial creams — try a small jar of raw virgin coconut oil.

You might be surprised at how much it replaces in your routine.

Sometimes the best solution isn’t found in the baby aisle — it’s already in your kitchen cupboard.

Where I Get Mine

GET COCONUT OIL

(Tip: Look for glass jars with a white solid texture — that’s the good stuff.)

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Proven Baby Eczema and Dry Skin Moms Love

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What Actually Helped My Baby (And What Didn’t)

From flaky patches on his arms to angry red cheeks in the winter, my baby had sensitive skin from day one.

We were told “it’s normal” — and yes, it is — but that didn’t make it easier to watch.

So I tried everything. Some things helped, some made it worse, and some were just a waste of money.

Here’s what actually worked for us — and what I’d recommend to any parent facing baby eczema or stubborn dry skin.

What Helped:

  • Daily lukewarm baths, followed immediately by moisturiser.
  • Raw shea butter and virgin coconut oil — gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free.
  • Switching to a baby-specific non-bio laundry detergent — reduced flare-ups overnight.
  • Layering cotton clothes — breathable, no irritation.

What Didn’t Help:

  • “Sensitive” wipes with perfume.
  • Strong barrier creams — too heavy, blocked pores.
  • Over-bathing — stripped natural oils.

Products We Loved:

GET OIL
GET CREAM
GET CREAM

If your baby’s skin seems angry or dry, trust your gut.

Eczema isn’t one-size-fits-all, but you’re not alone. These little changes helped us a lot.

Koala Baby Carrier for Freedom Lovers

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baby koala

The Newborn Sling That Saved My Arms (and My Sanity)

When my baby was born, I quickly realised she didn’t want to be put down.

Ever.

Lovely? Yes.

Exhausting? Also yes.

I needed something that would keep her close, help me move around the house, and give my arms a break.

After a lot of trial and error, I found the Koala Baby Carrier — and it’s hands down one of the most useful things I’ve bought as a new mum.

Here’s why I recommend it to any parent with a newborn who just wants to be held all day long.

Why I Chose the Koala Baby Carrier

At first, I thought about getting a wrap — those long stretchy ones you see all over Instagram.

But honestly? They stressed me out. Too much fabric, too many steps, too fiddly when you’re sleep-deprived and wearing milk-stained pyjamas.

The Koala carrier caught my attention because:

  • It’s a hybrid between a wrap and a structured carrier
  • It’s ready to wear in seconds
  • It supports even the tiniest newborns
  • And — most importantly — it felt safe, soft, and secure

I didn’t want something complicated. I wanted something I could throw on while the kettle was boiling — and the Koala delivered.

How It Helped My Life With a Newborn

1. It’s Genuinely Easy to Put On

No knots, no twisting, no instructions that require a degree.

The Koala sling just slips over your head like a T-shirt, and you pull the fabric panels into place.

I could get it on one-handed while holding a fussing baby — no helper needed, no wrapping gymnastics.

Huge win when you’re operating on 2 hours of sleep and coffee fumes.

2. Perfect for Newborn Cuddles and Naps

The first few weeks, my baby would only sleep on me.

The Koala carrier meant I could:

  • Keep her close, snug, and happy
  • Have both hands free (for tea, snacks, emails, even a quick stretch)
  • Move around without disturbing her sleep

It honestly saved my back and arms — and gave me a bit of freedom without sacrificing that closeness she needed.

3. Soft, Breathable Fabric That Feels Safe

The material is stretchy enough to feel snug, but supportive enough to hold baby upright.

No awkward slumping or sliding.

The crossed back design distributes weight evenly and feels sturdy, without needing loads of buckles or padding.

And it’s made from soft, breathable cotton — which matters when you’re wearing it for hours, especially during skin-to-skin or summer walks.

4. Easy to Wash and Quick to Dry

Babies spit up. They drool. They have… leaky moments.

The Koala carrier goes straight in the wash and dries quickly — no need to baby it (pun intended).

I kept a second one on hand because we used it every single day.

A Little Bonus: Dad Wore It Too

My husband was skeptical at first, but once he tried it, he loved it.

No long learning curve — just throw it on and go.

It became his go-to for early morning cuddles and walks, giving me a little breathing room to rest or get things done.

Seeing him wear it made me feel like we were in it together — both hands-on, both part of the rhythm of newborn life.

What I Genuinely Love About It

  • Ready in seconds — no complicated setup.
  • Perfect for newborns — from day one.
  • Soft and secure — baby feels snug and safe.
  • Breathable — ideal for long stretches or skin-to-skin.
  • Machine washable — because mess is a guarantee.
  • Comfortable for parents — no shoulder pain, no back strain.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Limited as baby gets bigger:It’s ideal for newborns and small babies, but you’ll want to upgrade to a more structured carrier later on.
  • Not hands-free for everything:You still need to support baby’s head when they’re very tiny, especially during active movements.
  • Choose the right size:The carrier comes in different sizes for the parent — make sure to measure properly to get the best fit.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely — especially for the fourth trimester.

It gave me:

  • My arms back
  • A bit of mental space
  • And a deeper bond with my baby, thanks to all that snuggly closeness

If you want something simple, safe, and comfortable for those early weeks (and don’t fancy learning how to tie 5 metres of fabric), the Koala is a brilliant choice.

Where I Got Mine

GET KOALA

(Tip: They often run bundle deals if you want to grab two colours or keep one as a backup.)

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