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Our wonderful dads deserve to be celebrated every day of the year. So with Father’s Day just around the corner, we want to take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about becoming a new dad.

What to Know as a New Dad

If you’re a new dad, you’ll probably have a million and one questions. And that’s okay! This is a whole new experience for you, so take a step back and think about some of the things you might need to know.

It’s Okay if You Don’t Know What To Do

You don’t have to be perfect to take care of your baby. Everyone with kids was a new parent once and had to learn the ropes too. As long as you’re open about learning how to care for your baby instead of assuming you already know everything, you’ll be just fine.Here are some suggestions of things you can do to start prepping for your new arrival

-          Make and Freeze Some Meals Ahead of Time

-          Prepare the nursery or sleeping space for your new baby

-          Find a Paediatrician

-          Taking Birthing Classes with your partner

-          Stocks up on newborn essentials including nappies, pacifiers clothing ect

-          Purchase your car seat and stroller

-          Talk to your partner about what you both need and want going forward

The Birth

Thinking about your baby's delivery can be a bit intimidating. But there's a lot you can do to help it go more smoothly.

-          Learn the basics at a childbirth class.

-          Talk to your partner about pain management during delivery.

-          Learn massage to help your partner through delivery.

-          Take a tour of the facility where birth is planned.

-          Map the best route to the facility.

-          Pre-program important numbers into your phone.

-          If you have other children, arrange for childcare during the birth.

-          Make a list of family and friends to notify when baby is born

Most likely, your partner will want you with them for support. Then you should decide together how active you will be. Consider both of your personalities, how you relate to each other, and your expectations for labour and delivery as a couple. Ideally, they should receive the support they need and you should help out at a level that's comfortable for you.

Taking Parental Leave From Work

If you’re living in South Africa, employers are obligated to give 10 days unpaid parental leave upon the birth of the employee's child. Paternity leave will be paid by the South African Unemployment Insurance Fund at a rate of 66% of the total earnings of the employee at the date of application. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to parental leave. It’s completely up to you! Whether you choose to stay home and care for your newborn or go back to work and provide for your loved ones, you’re doing everything you can to be a great dad.

Life With Your Partner

Your partner probably feels a bit fragile after the rigors of childbirth. Whether they gave birth by C-section or vaginally, they will be sore and  may have some bleeding and vaginal discharge for several weeks. They may have painful urination or involuntary leakage of urine, called urinary incontinence. On top of all that, they may have problems with constipation or hemorrhoids from the strain of delivery. If they delivered vaginally, bleeding could last longer if they had a vaginal tear. Recovery from a C-section requires that they limit their activity for a few weeks. It's enough to shorten anyone's fuse.

What you can do:

-          Pitch in as much as possible.

-          Help out by doing the household heavy lifting: grocery shopping, laundry, and meals.

Be patient, especially when it comes to physical contact. It may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for them to heal completely, and even then they may not be ready for sex. Let them take the lead, and show affection with your hugs and kisses. They also may appreciate the occasional foot rub.

You Will Get Sleep Eventually

Sleep is a major concern for many first-time dads. New babies don’t have an established sleep schedule, which means you won’t be getting as much sleep in the beginning. However, you and your partner can trade off the responsibility of night-shift baby care. This trick can help you both feel refreshed more often!

Newborn Feeding Habits

Newborn babies need to feed every 2–3 hours. This means parents have to take the time to feed their little ones anywhere between 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Your wife may choose to breastfeed or even express so you can help out with feeding. Nuby offers the Silicone Breast Pump to make it easier for mothers to express while breastfeeding and provide milk for later feeds. But if you’re choosing to bottle feed your baby, you’ll need to learn how to make formula. You don’t have to be an expert to prepare a baby bottle. All you need is a clean bottle, powder formula and water. Although the water you use should be boiled or sterilised and left to cool to a drinkable temp, to make sure it’s as clean as possible.

Babies Get Sick And That’s Ok

There will be times when your baby's ill. This can be worrying if you’re not sure what to do, especially if this is your first baby. If your baby's ill, it’s most likely to be a cough or cold and nothing serious, so you may just need help to make them comfortable. The Nuby Medical Kit can help with blocked noses, administering medicine and any other common ailments that your little one might experience. Continue to alert and attentive to changes in temperature and behaviour, make an appointment with you GP or clinic if you feel you little one needs more assistance.

Don’t Forget About Bonding Time

Your baby will be lucky to have the two of you. Now is a great time to learn what you can about this brave new world of parenting.

-          Attend parenting classes with your partner.

-          Learn to change diapers so your partner can rest.

-          Pick up your favorite childhood books to read to the baby.

-          Ask about well-baby visits.

-          Read up on child development for the years ahead.

-          There’s no such thing as using too many wipes.

Look After Yourself Too

Your partner isn't the only one who needs breaks. Don't get completely burned out juggling your responsibilities. Every once in a while, see friends to catch the game or get a drink. A few hours away can recharge you. That's good for you -- and it's good for your partner and baby, too.

Taking It All in Stride

Yes, being a new dad can be hard sometimes, but the benefits of fatherhood will make it all worthwhile. Try to keep these things in mind as you work through the challenges of those first few months. Lower your expectations. Don't expect to keep up with your normal daily routine as you're adjusting to your new baby. Some days, just taking a shower will be a major accomplishment.

 Keep a positive attitude. Stay positive and work with your partner as a team. That's a great way to nurture your relationship. You got this dad!

Once you welcome your little one into the world, there will be a million and one things to think about. You might find yourself with so many questions about how to care for your newborn – and that’s okay! It all comes with time, experience, and a few ‘doh’ moments.

To help all the amazing mums, dads, and guardians navigate new parenthood, the Nuby team has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about caring for a newborn baby. So if you have any unanswered thoughts, you’ve come to the right place!

What size nappies do you need for a newborn?

Newborn babies need to wear nappies designed for their tiny bodies. If they weigh up to 10 lbs, you can usually find nappies to fit them straight from the get-go. They’ll grow into the next size within the next few weeks, so try not to overbuy all at once.

How often should a newborn poop?

On average, newborn babies poop around 4 times a day . This usually reduces to two times a day by the time they’re one year old. The number of times your baby poops can change depending on a number of factors, so this isn’t a strict figure to expect. For example, whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed will affect how often they poop.

How to help newborn with constipation

If your newborn baby is constipated, you can try some adorable baby leg exercises to help soothe their bellies. Just lie your little one on their back, hold their legs in the air, and spin them as if they’re riding their first bike. You can also gently massage their stomach. Try to keep in mind that some babies poop a little less regularly than others. So long as their poop is soft, they likely aren’t constipated. But a little bit of leg exercise can’t hurt!

How to clean your newborn’s bum

There’s no denying that changing nappies isn’t the most glamorous part of being a parent. It comes with the job description though, so here are some things to help you change a dirty nappy as quickly and gently as possible. The first thing to do is prepare your newborn essentials, from cleaning supplies to a new onesie. Lay your newborn on their back. It’s always a good idea to place them on a changing mat, such as our travel changing mat that doubles up as a waterproof nappy bag.

Once you’ve pulled the sticky tabs off the side of the nappy, gently lift their legs into the air using one hand. Then you can slide the dirty nappy out from under their bottom, sometimes even using it to clean up any excess poop, before folding it up and putting it to one side.

The next and most important part is cleaning your newborn. Even if they haven’t pooped, you should always clean their bottom as well as their front to keep them feeling completely cleansed. Make sure to wipe from front to back and pay attention to inside the folds of their skin. Once they’re clean and fresh, you can apply your favourite nappy rash cream.

To put on a fresh nappy, lift their legs with one hand again and slide the opened nappy under their bottom. Then you can attach the sticky tabs and you’re ready to go!

To distract your little one while you’re changing their nappy, remember to communicate through blowing raspberries and pulling silly faces. It might feel like spinning plates while you change them at first, but you’ll ease into it. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll be a nappy-changing pro!

How often should you bathe a newborn?

There’s nothing cuter than your little one in a newborn baby bath. As tempting as it might be, try not to bathe them every day. Your little ones only need to bathe around two to three times a week , depending on how dirty they make themselves. There will be occasions where a poop disaster calls for an impromptu bath! You can use the Nuby Rinse Pail to gently soothe your baby with warm water. The Tear-Free comfort edge also makes rinsing shampoo out of baby's hair a breeze

How to clean a newborn's belly button

Newborn babies have an umbilical stump. It might look a little alien at first, but it will generally drop off between 5 and 15 days after they’re born. The most important thing is to stop any infection from forming. Make sure you wash your hands before touching it, and use a mild liquid baby cleaner in the bath. Once their umbilical stump has dropped off, they’ll be left with a small wound. You might see little spots of blood on their nappies, but as long as their belly button doesn’t look swollen or red, they should be fine. If you’re worried, speak to your healthcare professional.

To put it simply, you don’t have to clean their umbilical stump or healing belly button unless there’s any dirt in it. And by this, we mean poop from their dirty nappy. Sit back and let nature do the work!

How to clean a newborn's ears

It might be tempting to clean inside of your newborn’s ears, but healthcare professionals generally advise against this. Instead, use a cotton bud to wipe around the outside of their ears when you’re cleaning their face, neck, and hands. Remember to dry off the area with a towel too.

How to clean newborn's mouth

Even newborn babies need to have good oral hygiene. Parents should clean their newborn’s tongue at least twice a day to clear obstructions or the possibility of oral thrush. The Nuby Extra Soft Silicone Finger Brush & Gum Massager helps to clear milk build-up and keep delicate newborn gums and mouth clean.

How to clean a newborn's sticky eye

Conjunctivitis, otherwise called red eye, pink eye, or sticky eye in this instance, is common in newborns. This can happen if your baby has any allergies or if they have been poorly. More often than not, this goes away without using medication, so all you’ll need to do is clean it with some water and cotton wool. Just make sure you’ve boiled the water before letting it cool down so that it has been sterilised.

How to give your newborn medicine

The Nûby™ Medi-Nurser provides an easy, neat and accurate way to administer oral medicine or vitamins to your baby. The uniquely designed container features side indentions for easy grasping and a snap-on nipple-ring assembly. Administering medicines from Medi-Nurser bottle bypasses most of the taste buds and reduces baby’s ability to smell the medication.

How to keep your newborn’s nose clear

New babies can sometimes get very congested and it’s really difficult to access their tiny nostrils with a tissue! This is when you need the Nuby Nasal Aspirator. simply put the specially designed nose piece into your baby's nostril, make sure the filter is secure and suck on the opposite end to remove any blockages.

How To Clean your newborn’s Pacifiers & Teethers

Nuby has you covered. Simply use our custom designed All natural Pacifier & Teethers Wipes. Our wipes are for more than teethers and pacifiers. They’re great for cleaning pacifiers, teethers, bottles, cups, and toys. The wipes are free of alcohols, parabens, and fragrances. No ethanol or drying alcohol.

There may be a million and one things to consider when you have a newborn baby, but this responsibility isn’t something to shy away from. Once you’re holding your little one, all will fall into place as you learn and grow together. Enjoy your new baby and never be afraid to ask others when you need information, advice or assistance!

Since many parents will most likely be home for the holidays with their littles ones, we thought this would be the perfect time to give you the lowdown on everything baby needs to begin weaning.

It’s such an important milestone in your baby’s life, and you may be feeling a little unsure where to start. But planning ahead and ensuring you have everything you need allows the process to go as smoothly as possible – but beware - can’t guarantee it won’t get messy!

To help you get started, we’ve jotted down some of the key essentials. Be sure to arm yourself with the right tools depending on what works best for parent and baby, but remember not to put too much pressure on yourself – you’ll learn as you go!

First things first

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a weaning baby is the high chair, as they need to be able to safely sit upright while they eat.

And when it comes to high chairs, there are lots of things to consider, but ultimately you’re looking for something your baby finds comfortable so it’s easy for baby to concentrate on their food. There are many great options - like the JOIE Mimzy High Chair , you can find out more about it here – Made For Mums Review – Joie Mimzy High Chair

Once your baby is happy with their highchair, you may want to think about putting them in a bib to keep them clean as they wean! At Nuby, we have a fantastic variety of bibs to choose from – whether you’re looking for a RolyPoly Silicone Bib to catch all of your dinner debris or our cute Teething Corner Bibs that are multi-purpose! Whatever you choose, a great bib to keep baby clean is a must

What To Start With

If you are starting with transitioning to solid foods, then the Nuby  Squeeze Feeder™ spoons are uniquely designed to ease the transition from liquid feeding to solid feeding. STEP-1 SPOON: Made with a small hole for first foods such as: cereal and simple pureed vegetables and pureed soft fruit. STEP-2 SPOON: Made with a larger hole for thicker more textured second foods such as: congee, meat combinations, fruits and vegetables.

Purées are a popular option for babies who are ready to start weaning ahead of the 6 month mark. Many parents love spooning purées into our EZ Squee-Z Weaning Feeder as a less messy way of introducing those first tastes if they’re not quite ready for finger foods.

Setting the table

The tableware is central to your weaning adventure, and how you decide to approach weaning can affect the type of plates, bowls, spoons and cups that you’d choose.

If you want to go down the baby-led weaning route, where you allow your baby to feed themselves, our brilliant Suregrip Dipeez Spoon & Teethrr gives babies real confidence in getting to know their food.

The  Nuby Suction Bowl, has a suction pad on the bottom allow babies to get their fill without their food running away from them!

Nuby also has a range of other tableware items that may come in handy on your weaning journey. You can find out more about them here. – Nuby Tableware.

That should cover the basics to get you started on your weaning journey. But by now, you’ll have worked out that it’s all a learning process – and, together with baby, your family will discover what tools, tips and tricks work best for you.

The summer months are here and so is the festive season, and you might find yourself planning your next family holiday. And we know that packing a travel bag can be stressful for anyone, especially if you have a baby or toddler to consider.

To help you pack the perfect holiday baby bag with ease, our team has created the ultimate guide full of baby and toddler essentials.

Nappies

It seems like a no brainer but always be sure you have more nappies than you think you will need. It’s always good to be prepared for wet or dirty diapers and you don’t want to be caught without!

Medical Kit

No matter where you go it’s always good to be prepared. With the Nuby Medical kit, you are sure to have everything you need on hand to assist your child. From medicating to nasal and ear care, this kit makes it easier to care for your baby. This kit includes: Sure-Dose™ Medicine dropper, Medicine Bottle, Nasal Aspirator with Ear Syringe and Medicine Dispenser with measuring cup

Sun Hat and Sun Protection

Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Also Avoid using sunscreen. Baby's young skin doesn't have the ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals often found in sunscreens. Baby and toddler sun hats are comfortable and offer maximum protection from harmful UV rays. Also travel with a blanket or towel you can use as a protective screen over prams or in car windows.

Sippy Cup

Fun in the sun means it’s a great idea to keep your toddler hydrated at all times. Nuby has the leading range of cups for every age. You can try our Tritan 2 Stage 360 Cup or  the  Gator Flip-it cup. Click the link to see which cup suits your little one best.

Cleaning Wipes

Baby wipes are the swiss-army knife of baby products, ready to clean any mess that may occur. Be sure to keep a few packs with you in your nappy bag when you travel. If you’re at the beach, on a hike or at your holiday home, you want to make sure you baby’s pacifier and teethers are clean and safe from germs. The All-Natural Pacifier & Teether Wipes from Nuby are the perfect Nappy Bag essential to have with you.

Bibs

You can never have enough bibs! Their main purpose is to keep your baby dry, clean and comfortable. If your little one has started crawling, drool bibs will also help your floors and other surfaces stay drool-free. The Teething Corner Bib from Nuby not only keeps your little one dry and clean it also has a silicone teething corner to help your baby with aching gums. We also offer our Silicone Catch-All Bib that is perfect for toddlers who are weaning and learning about food – helping you keep the mess to a minimum.

Breast Pump

Many breast-feeding mom’s experience travelling with a handy breast pump as a lifesaver. With the right pump, you can express and store milk ahead of time. The Nuby Silicone Manual Breast Pump is easy-to-use, requires no electricity and is perfect for pumping on the go!

Pacifiers & Teethers

Depending on the age of your little one, they will most likely need their pacifier or teether. It’s always a good idea to carry more than few with you wherever you go. Nuby Paci-Cradle is a storage container that easily clips to your pram or nappy bag to safely store your pacifiers.

Insect Repellent

Wherever you holiday, the mozzies are sure to follow! Nuby Insect Repellent Wrist or Ankle Bands - Keep your little one bite free! Safe and easy to use, this product uses natural ingredients to protect your child from irritating and painful mosquito bites. Safe to use for all ages.

We are sure you can think of many more items that you just have to take with you on Holiday. Be sure to let us know what those are. Nuby wishes you a fun and relaxing Festive season and a wonderful summer holiday. Enjoy this time with your family.

If you’re a mom or dad to be, you probably have a number of questions you want answering – especially if this is baby number 1! As well as providing lots of newborn essentials you might need once you’ve had a baby, the Nuby team are here to help you answer some of these questions. So let’s get started!

What not to eat when you're pregnant 

There are a lot of foods to stay away from while pregnant, such as raw fish and raw eggs, (ask your GP or Google a list of the main foods to avoid) but don’t let this get you down. You can still eat the majority of your favourites. Chocolate cake, anyone?

Are there activities I should avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Very few. Scuba diving, water-skiing, and skydiving are forbidden because of the possibility of serious injury, or even death. Otherwise, essentially all exercises, including jogging, stair-climbing, swimming are permissible. None of these activities are associated with miscarriage in a normal pregnancy.

Can you fly when pregnant?

Pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world and relaxing on holiday. Luckily for expecting mums out there, most airlines allow you to fly until you’re about 36 weeks pregnant. This is when some airlines stop letting you board the plane. Although, if you’re experiencing any morning sickness, you might want to consider avoiding flights in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.

Can you dye your hair when pregnant?

Yes! Although we do recommend you have a patch test consultation with your hairdresser first. Hair dyes do contain chemicals, but there won’t be enough to harm yourself or your baby during pregnancy. So, whether you’re refreshing your neutral colour or expressing yourself with all of the colours of the rainbow, being pregnant shouldn’t stop you.

Is lovemaking safe when you're pregnant?

You bet! Historically, sex has continued virtually unabated despite pregnancy. Only in the presence of a threatened miscarriage, placenta previa, and premature rupture of the membranes, threatened preterm labor, or preeclampsia can sex really be said to be contraindicated.

Can you take ibuprofen when pregnant?

As a general rule, speak to a professional if you’re unsure whether you should take ibuprofen or not. Generally, during the early stages and after 30 weeks, ibuprofen can affect the circulation and kidney health of your baby, so it’s best to check.

Can you take paracetamol when pregnant?

If you’re in need of some painkillers, paracetamol is the better option. This is ideal for pregnancy and also postnatal stages, so it’s safe to take whilst breastfeeding also.

Hopefully this helps to answer some of your questions about what you can and can’t do during pregnancy. To prepare for the arrival of your little one, browse our selections of newborn essentials, from bibs, to breast pumps as well as pacifinders and paci-cradles. Do you have anymore pregnancy questions?

Disclaimer: Nuby is here to help you navigate pregnancy and newfound parenthood. As we are not qualified doctors, any advice given should not be taken as medical instructions. If you have any questions about yourself or your baby, please contact your doctor or healthcare professional.

To start stocking up on items for you and your new little one visit our PRODUCT SECTION OR FIND OUT WHO OUR STOCKISTS ARE

As a new parent, it’s natural to wonder when your little one is going to reach their first milestones and what to do when he or she gets there.

Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gums and it’s a key time for every child.

Every baby is different and there’s no one size fits all when it comes to getting their first teeth.

It’s totally normal for teething to happen any time from around 4 months, up to a year, or even a bit older. For most babies, it’s around the 6 to 9 month mark – but don’t worry if it’s earlier or later.   

At Nuby, we know it can be hard to know what to do, especially when your little one isn’t feeling the best. But help is at hand!

In our guide to teething, we’ve got plenty of advice and tips to get you through the tricky teething stage.

Signs to look out for

When baby starts teething, sometimes they won’t feel any pain or discomfort. But because they can’t tell you what they’re experiencing, there are some common signs you can look out for.

Teething can be a really dribbly time, so be prepared for lots of it.

You may also find that they are feeling more irritable, crying, restless, reddened cheeks, sore gums, off their food, unsettled nights and chewing.

If you notice any other symptoms or you’re worried about anything, get in touch with your GP.

What order do teeth come in?

Typically you’ll see baby’s bottom front teeth (incisors) come in first, usually around 5 to 7 months. The top front teeth tend to come through at about 6 to 8 months. Teeth tend to emerge in pairs.

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t follow this exact timeline or order, as like with all the milestones, every baby is different.

The top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth) typically come in next, from around 9 -11 months, followed by the bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth) anytime from 10 – 12 months.

So, then baby will have a little row of four top and bottom teeth and you’ll notice that adorable toothy smile!

The first molars (back teeth) tend to come through when baby is 12 – 16 months and canines (towards the back of the mouth) appear between about 16 to 20 months. The second molars are later (around 20 – 30 months).

By the time your baby is between 2 ½ and 3, you can expect them to have their full set of 20 milk teeth.

Can my baby be born with teeth?   

It’s rare for your baby to be born with teeth, but it can happen. Don’t worry if it does, get baby booked in for his or her first dentist’s appointment so they can check things over.  

Your dentist will be able to advise you on what to do and usually the teeth are left in place. The only exceptions might be if the tooth is mobile and there is a risk of inhalation, if it is rubbing on the tongue and causing an ulcer, or if it is affecting feeding. Your dentist will also be able to give you some tips on keeping the teeth clean in a gentle way.

When do I start brushing baby’s teeth?

Baby will benefit from good early dental care and you can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through. It is important to get your little ones used to brushing as part of their daily routine.

You could start your baby's brushing routine by using our Nuby Baby Toothpaste with Finger Brush  The Nûby™ Baby Toothpaste with citroganics that is formulated to be natural with a Vanilla Milk Flavour. Safe if swallowed, Nûby's Baby Toothpaste is Fluoride Free, and Non-Toxic. When using Nûby's Baby Toothpaste you can be confident that your child is not being exposed to harmful chemicals. Nuby's Finger brush is made from extra soft silicone (BPA Free). The Finger brush is used to cleans and massage baby's gums.

Soothing your teething baby

If you’re going through the teething phase, you may be wondering how to comfort your little one.

Here at Nuby, we have some great ideas for things you can do to make it easier for your baby, and as with all things baby, it’s about finding what works best for them.

Teething Gel

Our Nuby Teething Gel is a Fast Acting Pain Relief formula that is for both Day and Night. The Teething Gel is formulated to be natural and safe if swallowed. The Gel soothes sensitive gums, guards against infection and helps prevent tooth decay. 

Teethers 

Teethers help to soothe baby’s gums and give them comfort and relief. 

The new Nûby™Chewbies™ teether’s unique textured design provides comfort to baby’s delicate gums. It provides stimulus to the lips and tongue which promote the transition from nursing to chewing.

Teething Mitten

Nûby's Happy Hands™ Teething Mitten provides an innovative way to relieve and soothe your teething baby! The soft, flexible mitten is a solution for babies who cannot keep hold of teethers, while also protecting baby from chewing on their hand.

Teething Bibs

The Nûby Bandana Teething Bib is ideal for babies that are teething and drooling. The bibs is made from soft, absorbent cotton, keeping your baby dry while the secure Velcro fastening keeps the bib in place no matter how much they wiggle and jiggle about. The handy, multi-textured, silicone teething corner, that baby can chew on, soothe sore gums & help new teeth break through.

Top tips

• Use a baby bandana to stop clothes getting soaked.  These bandana bibs are perfect for big droolers and teething tots.
• Keep teethers clean using our Pacifier & Teether Wipes with Citroganix, which are made with a safe, non-toxic formula.
• Give our handy Teething Mitten a go if your baby wants to chew everything they can get their little hands on!
• Remember that this phase won’t last forever (a good tip if you’re experiencing a few broken nights!) – lots of cuddles with help you both.

It can seem challenging, but it’s something all parents face sooner or later: potty training is coming your way. Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. It's best to take it slow and go at your child's pace. Being patient with them will help them, even if you sometimes feel frustrated. Are you not quite sure how and when to tackle this? We’ll try and give you all the necessary information.

When is it time to pull out the potty?

The first question that pops in every parent’s head is when to start with potty training their little one. If you’re looking for a fixed age, we’ll have to disappoint you, because it can be different for each child. Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they're physically ready and when they want to be dry and clean. Where one child can already do without diapers around the age of 2, for other children it takes until they are 5 years or older. You can try to work out when your child is ready by reading the signs. For example, they start to know when they’re peeing and may tell you they’re doing so, or they might be fidgeting or going somewhere quiet or hidden when they need to pee, or they start to notice when they’ve got a wet or dirty diaper. You can also ask yourself some questions. If the response is mostly yes, your kid might be ready.

• Can your child walk to and sit on a potty?
• Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
• Can your child stay dry for up to two hours?
• Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
• Can your child communicate when he or she needs to go?
• Does your child seem interested in using the toilet or wearing "big-kid" underwear?

Your little one isn’t the only one that needs to be ready for this, you as a parent or caregiver have to be all set as well. Keep in mind that you can’t force a child. Try potty training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child's routine. Some find it easier to start in the summer, when there are fewer clothes to take off and washed clothes dry more quickly. Also, keep in mind that accidents are inevitable, and punishment has no role in the process. Plan toilet training when you have the time and energy to be consistent for a longer period.

Steps to take in potty training

Using a potty will be new to your child, so get them used to the idea gradually. There are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Talk to your little one about diaper changes so they understand all about pee and poo and what a wet diaper means.
• Place a potty in the bathroom or, initially, wherever your child is spending most of his or her time and explain what it's for. It helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you're doing. A fun way to get them to see the similarities with what mum and dad are doing is by using the "My Real potty" training toilet. Using your child's toys to show what the potty is for can also help.
• Encourage your child to sit on the potty in clothes to start out. Make sure your child's feet rest on the floor or a stool.

When you start with the real deal, here are some steps you should consider:

• Schedule potty breaks. Have your child sit on the potty without a diaper for a few minutes at two-hour intervals, as well as first thing in the morning and right after naps. For boys, it's best to learn to pee sitting down. Stay with your child and read a book together or play with a toy while he or she sits. Allow your child to get up if he or she wants. Even if your child simply sits there, offer praise for trying.
• Get there - Fast! When you notice signs that your child might need to use the toilet respond quickly. Help them become familiar with these signals, stop what he or she is doing, and head to the toilet. Praise your child for telling you when he or she has to go. Keep them in loose, easy-to-remove clothing.
• Explain hygiene. Teach your kid how to flush the toilet (and even use wipes) and make sure they wash their hands afterward. A fun way to teach them how grown-ups do it, is by using the "My real potty" training toilet with real-life flushing sound. Practicing using the flush: check! Practicing using wipes, double check!
• Take it with you everywhere. If you go out, take the potty with you, so your child understands that you'd like them to pee in the potty every time they need to go.
• Ditch the diapers. After a couple of weeks of successful potty breaks and remaining dry during the day, your child might be ready to trade diapers for training pants or underwear. They will be delighted when they succeed, so celebrate the transition! Let them return to diapers if they are unable to remain dry.

If things aren’t going quite as well and your little one isn’t a fan of his potty, take a break. Pushing your child when he or she isn't ready can lead to a frustrating power struggle. Try again in a few weeks or even months.

Staying dry at night

Night-time can be another challenge when it comes to potty training. It usually takes a little longer for children to learn to stay dry throughout the night. Some might learn this between the age of 3-5, others only stay completely dry at night at the age of 7. So, it’s important to make sure they are potty trained during the day before starting to leave off their diaper at night. If your child's diaper is dry or only slightly damp when he wakes for a few mornings in a row, he may be ready for night-time potty training.

You can potty train for the night by making sure the last thing they do before they go to sleep, is using the potty. Also make sure it's close by, so they can use it if they need to pee in the night. During the training, use disposable training pants and mattress covers when your child sleeps.

Accidents are inevitable

Accidents are bound to happen; no child is fully potty-trained overnight. If that does happen, just clean it up and try again. Stay calm and don't discipline or shame your child. If you do not make a fuss when they have an accident, they will not feel anxious and worried, and are more likely to be successful the next time. Put them in clothes that are easy to change and avoid clothes with zips or lots of buttons. Keep a change of underwear and clothing nearby, especially at school or in childcare.

If they seem ready for potty training but are having difficulties and keep having difficulties, talk to your child's doctor. He or she can give you guidance and check to see if there's an underlying problem.

If there’s one baby item I couldn’t be without it’s a steriliser. It’s so important to keep baby items such as Bottles, Dummies, Breast Feeding Equipment and Teething Rings sterile.

The Nuby Electric SteriDryer is absolutely one of my favourite sterilisers. Gone are the days I burn myself on water when getting the bottles out as this steriliser actually dries bottles too.

I remember when my eldest was a baby and in those rush moments when he needed feeding I would just pop my hand in to get the bottles out and “Ouch it burnt”. No longer an issue with this steriliser.

As well as being super stylish, this steriliser comes with three different settings so you can choose which setting suits you at the time. Sterilise in 5 minutes, sterilise and quick dry in 15 minutes and sterilise and super dry in 30 mins.  With a flick of a switch you have yourself perfectly safe and sterile baby products in minutes.

It doesn’t matter which setting you use. Each setting will leave everything 99.9% germ free and will keep all your feeding equipment and any other baby accessories sterile for 24 hours as long as the lid is kept closed. I know the panic feelings that mums feel to keep everything clean, especially now during these times of Covid-19. It’s all so worrying, but having this steriliser gives me extra peace of mind that its killing those germs.

As you can see Nuby are one of my top Baby Brands and we absolutely love all of their products. We will be using Nuby bottles this time around, but no matter what brand of bottles you use this steriliser will fit 5 bottles comfortably inside.

I’m so excited to put it to its full use in August when our baby girl arrives. We have had it on a couple of test runs already and it doesn’t disappoint. At such a magical time shopping for baby products is my favourite thing to do. Nuby being my first port of call when we started our baby shopping.

So if you are deciding which steriliser to use this one is most definitely a great choice.

About the author : Lucy is a mummy to a toddler Ollie and soon-to-be mummy to a baby girl. You can see more about her journey through motherhood by following @Lucyelizabeth_xo
The opinions expressed by Lucy are her own and based on her own experiences.  They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organisation, employer or company.