Top Parenting Tips from a Norland Nanny

November 26, 2007

Frankie Gray, proprietor of Harmony At Home (Childcare Agency & Consultancy) is a Norland trained Nanny with over 10 years experience of caring for other peoples children as well as her own shares her top tips and essential knowledge with the Family Grapevine.
Firstly enrol on a Parents & Family First Aid Course – Not only will it provide you with basic life saving guidance, but it will also give you the confidence to deal with choking….. this is great when you first introduce finger foods. I now run these courses in Mid Sussex.

Breastfeeding – you must at least give this a try! There is loads of support out there; it’s just a case of knowing where to look. If you have problems go straight to your GP or Midwife & ask to be referred to a Lactation Consultant. Basic help & tips can be found at www.breastfeeding.co.uk

Sleep – Use a baby sleeping bag, say no to controlled crying & nurture your baby. Use your intuition, rest when your baby is sleeping and try to let go of the housework.
Round the house – Prioritise: keep lists. Focus on one thing at a time, and finish it! Delegate tasks to other family members.

Wear your baby! A fractious baby becomes calm and contented if worn! Invest in a baby sling. If you are Breast Feeding make sure you can do it with the sling on. Multi tasking then becomes very easy! Remember to wear your baby when teething; you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make!

Invest in a Belly Hugger – it will boost your self confidence and make you feel & look 2 dress sizes smaller. Try www.maternityandnursing.co.uk or M&S. They also make you remember to hold yourself in.

From 4 months start to use a cup with no lid. Try the doidy cup from www.bickiepegs.co.uk  or John Lewis.

Weaning – Don’t underestimate the importance of weaning babies on home made locally sourced organic produce. Book yourself onto a baby cookery class with Frankie or if you are already a competent cook buy the Rainbow Food Chart from www.lemonburst.co.uk
For Dad’s: Point them in the direction of www.brandnewdads.com

Frankie Gray provides support & advice on a number of issues including Baby Weaning & Sleep – how to get more of it!. The First Aid courses are bespoke for parents, childcarers & grandparents in Sussex, and are being held in Haywards Heath on the 8th December & 19th January 2008 – 10-1.30 pm. Further information can be found from www.harmonyathome.co.uk or call 01444 891677.

by Frankie Gray

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