baby neal’s yard – Flamingo Monroe

Before I was pregnant, I was hearing of all these groups and activities new parents got involved in – clubs, classes, coffee mornings, courses etc – Baby Sensory, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, Water Babies, Baby Ballet, Aqua Tots, Tumble Tots, Baby this and Baby that!

It all seems a little overwhelming, as I wanted to throw myself in to motherhood and select a few weekly commitments – not only for Henry’s development and social interaction, but to keep me sane with some kind of routine and “lifestyle” and to embrace being a mummy. Getting out of the house alone in those first few weeks feels rewarding and although it’s nerve wracking, it’s actually really nice to meet other new parents, all in the same hormonal, tired and occasional “baby-won’t-stop-crying” boat.

Henry suffered with reflux during his first few weeks. He didn’t often cry in pain, but he did struggle to keep milk down. I actually became paranoid and self conscious in front of others because I felt embarrassed when he’d bring up a little or a lot of milk in front of them – especially in front of those who were a little grossed out by it which made me feel sorry for Henry and pretty low myself that I was struggling to keep his reflux under control having tried different feeding techniques and even different formulas – considering the fact I was still in early days of motherhood and thus very tired and emotional.

Having a reflux baby can make those early weeks harder than the “norm” (I don’t believe there is actually a “norm”!) and I’m sure those who experienced (or still are experiencing) the same or other issues, such as colic, would agree.

Someone told me baby massage was beneficial for many reasons, reflux being one of them, so I looked in to it and found a local lady who performs 4-week long baby massage courses in Essex.

Now a friend of mine (this mummy networking provides a feel-good factor as well as confidence and a sense of community), Cat Chamberlain of Retreat Petite Baby Massage in Essex tells me why she got in to teaching baby massage, the benefits and what to expect from her classes .

Cat Chamberlain runs her own baby massage courses in Essex

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Following from my “flying for the first time with a baby” (historically one of my all time most commented, clicked and shared posts – THANK YOU!), it taught me that perhaps more of those kind of informative posts could be of help and interest to fellow newish mothers like me, especially when it come to travel.

For that reason I want to share with you my baby packing check list when going on a (summer) overseas holiday with a baby. I’ve shared this list already with a few friends (who know I have a spreadsheet for everything in life!) and I also received DMs on Instagram from those replying to my Instastories with questions during our recent (and first family summer) holiday to Menorca.

I hope you or a friend/relative find this useful and please let me know if you have any suggestions to add. I’ve linked to some of the products (not sponsored!) for ease for you to click/browse/purchase.

So here goes, my checklist for going on a summer holiday with a baby…