101 Tips - Birth to 2 Years

1. Show your love all the time. Hugs, kisses, and cuddles can boost a child’s well-being and indirectly strengthen his immunity.

2. Changing table? No need. It’s a lot easier to change your baby on a double (or larger sized) bed. But do not leave your unattended at all times.

3. With some masking tape and a handful of beans, rice, or grain, used milk or yakult bottles can be turned into percussion instruments.

4. Tantrums don’t last forever. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this will pass.

5. Let your baby fall asleep in your arms. It is, without doubt, the most powerful and peaceful feeling in the world.

6. Use incontinence pads as changing pads. Just dispose of them together with the diaper if they get soiled.

7. Small babies are easier to bathe in the sink. Seriously! Just make sure that you clean and disinfect the sink well before putting your baby in it. You will not have to squat down either and your back will thank you when you’re older.

8. Stick to the schedule. Kids feel more secure with a daily routine as they know what to expect.

9. Invest in a sarong sling or baby carrier – it will leave your hands free and has a multitude of other uses such as a nursing cover, stroller sun shade, blanket, and as a strap to keep Baby seated. Dad can use it too!

10. Offer choices. Two choices are ideal for children. Encourage independence by letting your child pick out her outfit or a bedtime story.

11. Invest in a bottle warmer. It can be used to warm bottled baby food when he grows older.

12. Talk to your child as you go about your daily activities with them. He is listening and learning all the time.

13. Expose them to the world. Babies are curious creatures. Your baby loves seeing new things, meeting people and interacting with them.

14. Keep Baby well-fed. A hungry baby is a cranky baby.

15. Baby-proof the house early. Once they start moving, they zoom around faster than you can say “yay”!

16. If your baby has a special cuddle toy or bedtime blanket, buy a few spares. This will save lots of heartache and tears if you have a spare one (or two) as backup.

17. Put teethers in the fridge. Cold ones soothe aching gums better.

18. No teethers? Wash, wring, and fold a handkerchief or a small towel and put in into the fridge to chill.

19. Strap them in. Once an active toddler is strapped into his stroller or car seat, it’ll be much easier to put his socks and shoes on.

20. Prevent clipped fingers. For a cheap and simple door stopper, cut up swimming noodles to put on door edges so that doors do not close fully.

21. Host a toy swop with mummy friends. Your kids get new stuff to play with, and you save lots, since kids outgrow toys really quickly at this age.

22. There's no need to buy a walker either. Just let Baby push a stool around. Make sure that you put foot pads on it first!

23. Teach them to sleep. Find a sleep training style that you are comfortable with, and practise it.

24. Sleep when they sleep. Especially during the first few weeks, as you will need the rest. Forget Facebook, forget Instagram. Sleep comes first.

25. Respond to their cries. They need to know that you are there for them.

26. Sore nipples? Express a little breast milk to rub over your nipples and areolae, and let them air-dry.

27. Nature helps dissolve crankiness. Take them to the beach or the park. The fresh air and breezes will lift any bad mood instantly.

28. Join an online forum or mum’s support group. Meet, bond, and share with others in the same boat. You’ll feel better about things.

29. Teach them to sleep. Find a sleep training style that you are comfortable with, and practise it.

30. Sleep when they sleep. Especially during the first few weeks, as you will need the rest. Forget Facebook, forget Instagram. Sleep comes first.

31. Respond to their cries. They need to know that you are there for them.

32. Sore nipples? Express a little breast milk to rub over your nipples and areolae, and let them air-dry.

33. Nature helps dissolve crankiness. Take them to the beach or the park. The fresh air and breezes will lift any bad mood instantly.

34. Join an online forum or mum’s support group. Meet, bond, and share with others in the same boat. You’ll feel better about things.

35. Introduce Baby to books. The public libraries have an extensive selection of board books for babies and toddlers.

36. A diaper bag is really cool, but you can do without one. Just use a large shopping tote or bag with pockets. Don’t forget a few spare Ziploc bags or plastic bags for dirty diapers.

37. Go hands-free when out on a short excursion with Baby. Wear cargo pants so that you can stuff an extra diaper in one pocket, wipes in another, your cash and cards in a third, and Baby’s bottle of water in a fourth.

38. When grocery shopping in a supermarket, keep Baby occupied in the trolley seat by giving him something to munch on. You'll be able to shop in peace!

39. Turn the camera's viewfinder around so that Baby can see herself while you are taking a picture or a video of him. He will smile and laugh at the baby on the screen and you'll have another fab photo of your darling!

40. Take time to give her a massage after her bath. Babies love it, and it'll help them to calm down and sleep better too.

41. Practice perfecting his pincer grip with ready household tools. Let him pick up cotton balls with tongs, and transfer them from one (plastic) bowl to another.