Bright Ideas | Practical Stuff

Ideal for the multi-tasking mom, these ice lollies provide temporary relief for painful, inflamed gums while giving your little one a health boost at the same time. Dilute pure fruit juice with spring water and freeze in ice-lolly moulds, or do the same with naturally-flavoured fruit yoghurt.

Pop a sliced banana into a bowl with half a cup of halved strawberries, a sprinkling of blueberries, a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of brown sugar. Bananas are loaded with potassium which may reduce water retention, berries are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, while the calcium in the yoghurt is good for bone development.

If the nurse applies a bit of tough love by making you walk while you are still in pain, keep in mind that she's not out to get you. The sooner you force yourself to walk after a c-section, the quicker you will heal and be able to care for your brand-new baby.

Studies have shown that Reuteri Drops have a significant effect on colicky babies. It's convenient, easy to administer and a natural alternative to conventional colic treatment. This pro-biotic drop also supplies good bacteria to baby's tummy, which means it's great even for non-colicky babies.

Many newborns struggle with winds. A natural way of avoiding more winds is to lean back in your chair when starting off the (breastfeeding) feed. This will prevent a big overflow of milk as baby starts sucking.

With all the need-to-have baby expenses, a newborn photo shoot is most likely a luxury featuring way at the bottom of the mom-to-be's wish list. Get a few friends to contribute towards a professional newborn baby photo shoot. Your friend will love you for this. It's the ultimate gift and one that keeps on giving! Photo courtesy of Nini Photography.

Newborns are not too fond of baths and love voicing their opinion during this time, which is usually quite stressful for moms. Place a warm face cloth over baby's tummy and see him calm down in no time. It keeps him warm and cozy so that Mom can do her thing.

It's extremely beneficial to stay healthy and fit during pregnancy. Not only will you feel great, but it will lead to a more comfortable birth. Find an exercise that suits your lifestyle and schedule; it should be something you enjoy doing. Yoga, pilates and walking are great options. 

It's important that you feel good about yourself while you're pregnant. Embrace your new body: Make time for exercise, go for a photo shoot, treat yourself to a massage and a pedicure, maintain your hair, get a bikini wax and wear make-up and pretty preggy clothes. And show off that bump!

Use garlic, citronella and eucalyptus combined or lavender to prevent mozzie bites. If it's too late for prevention, use lavender oil or fresh garlic (cut in half) to rub on the bites. Another natural remedy is Aloe Vera - simply break of a piece of the plant and rub it on the bites. Amazing how nature can cure anything!