Three of my most useful parenting discoveries

First-time mum, Julia, shares three things that have made her parenting experience a little easier. What are some of the game-changers you have discovered? Let us know!

Parenthood is wonderful, but it’s also full of challenges. However, now and again something magical happens. We discover something – be it an insightful book, a useful product, a handy tool, or an (accidental) change in routine – whatever it is, this little something helps transform the parenting experience. Even if it’s just for a little while! 

We might have been actively looking for some type of solution to a ‘problem’ or have stumbled across it serendipitously. Either way, it makes a real difference to our everyday lives. Do you know what I’m talking about? 

As parents, we all experience many of the same struggles, and could all use a little bit of help. So why not pull our individual resources and share some of our precious tips and tricks with each other? If it works for you and your family, chances are someone else might find it helpful too. In fact, the three useful discoveries I’m about to share with you were all recommended to me by friends. 

#1 – From milk to mush and other mealWe first started introducing our daughter to solids when she was about six months old – a scary undertaking, I know! However, what helped us ease into this new daily routine was a website called Solid Starts. It encompasses a massive database of different types of food, detailing at what age it’s appropriate to be introduced to children, the safest way to serve it for baby-led weaning, what vitamins and nutrients it offers, whether it’s a common allergen or not, etc. It has become my go-to source that I (still) use regularly. Whenever I’m unsure if I can introduce certain foods to my daughter’s diet – whether it’s fresh salmon or chickpeas – I quickly type it into the search bar and look at their recommendations. In addition to this alimentary library, you can also find articles on a variety of topics, from tips for creating a safe eating environment, to ways to encourage picky eaters’ interest in food. A lot of the information is for free, but there’s also the option to purchase more detailed guides, courses or meal ideas. I have mainly used the website but you can also download the Solid Starts app (with an optional subscription). If you are like me and you feel a bit intimated at the thought of introducing solids to your baby, I can highly recommend this fantastic online resource!

#2 ­– Turning into a SwiftieI think I first came across the Taylor Swift Method somewhere on Instagram, but when a friend then also told me about it, I figured I might as well give it a go. It’s essentially a playlist of songs by the eponymous artist that supposedly helps your child fall asleep. I put it on the next time we travelled by car, and I’m not joking when I tell you that my daughter went from kicking and screaming to peacefully sleeping before the end of the second song. I couldn’t believe it! It must have been a fluke! Since then we’ve listened to it on several more occasions, both in the car and at home, and as the music flows from the speakers, she almost always calms down and often falls asleep. (Of course, she needs to be tired and ready for nap/bed). I’m not a sound expert and have no idea what it is about those particular songs, but they somehow seem to soothe her.  Obviously, I can’t guarantee that it will work for your child or that it’s a failproof method, but I guess there’s no harm in giving it a go. Simply search: Taylor Swift Method on Spotify and press play. I’m curious if it works for you – let me know!

#3 – (Almost) Tear-free hair detanglingThis one has been as great for me as for my daughter. It all started when we were staying over at our friends’ house and I couldn’t find my hairbrush. I asked my friend if I could borrow hers as I’d just had a shower and my fine, easily tangled hair needed… well, detangling. And WOW! Where I normally have to suppress shrieks of pain as I tediously try to get through all the knots with small, vigorous strokes, this brush glided through almost effortlessly. How could I not have come across it before? 

In case you are now wondering what all of this has to do with parenting, then let me tell you that as a mother of a child with an extraordinarily full head of hair (the number one comment whenever anyone meets my daughter), this hairbrush has already saved us many, many tears. Compared to other types of combs and brushes, its bristles are incredibly flexible, taking out my dread when it comes to detangling my daughter’s luscious locks after a bath. You might not need it yet, but sooner or later, most children will grow some hair and I really hope this’ll make your life easier.

So what is it called and how can you get your hands on such a miracle tool? I’m happy to tell you that there are different options out there. My friend’s was from a brand called Wet Brush, but I found a similar-looking, and equally effective one from Ninabella for a tenner. I have never looked back, in fact, both my mum and best friend were amazed and ordered one for themselves as well. 

What have been some of your best parenting discoveries? Any game-changing products, toys, resources, books, websites, apps or other parenting hacks you can’t live without? Share your recommendations and let’s help each other make parenting that little bit easier!