Blog | We bought the newborn to toddler portable rocker for Rani

A baby rocker or a baby bouncer ? A rocker rocks and puts babies to sleep whereas a bouncer stimulates the baby.

Heck. .

I would have loved to buy both, but do baby's really understand that we bought this for their entertainment ?

No. They just want to live the moment !!!!

They are happy even with the smallest of small things and the cheapest of cheap things.

Well. I'm a little budget conscious which is why I would never buy both . Knowing this particular behaviour of babies it would be foolish to spend so much on something which might be used so rarely.

I put a lot of thought before I buy anything for my baby. This time it was for a rocker. They are so expensive at the malls and baby shops.
So I finally bought one on amazon.

Its a rocker which can be easily converted to a chair. It has a vibrating feature. It has a play rod which can be attached or detached , with hanging musical toys and a teething toy . I rarely use this part though, mainly because it comes in the way of Rani's armrest. It can also be folded up to be kept inside.

When I ordered it I got all the parts separately.  But that wasn't a problem . We just a need a screw driver. The screws are given along with the parts. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to assemble. And your baby's new chair / rocker is ready.

Check out my video where I show you Rani's new rocker which has already been converted to a chair by now.

You can also buy this rocker here:
Saffire Newborn To Toddler Portable Rocker, Multi Color

                      




I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

 “Trisha is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn ."

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Cooking | How to cook brown rice on a gas stove

In our house we usually eat brown rice for lunch and dinner.

It is a staple food in most south indian house holds.
However, you need to know that brown rice takes longer to cook when compared to white rice.

So you need a little patience when you cook this.

Today I will tell you the method we use to cook brown rice which saves our gas consumption.

What you need :

First decide how much rice you want to cook. So if you take one glass of rice , then you need around two glasses of water. i.e double the amount of rice.

Next you need a round bottomed copper layered vessel for best effects. A copper layered container heats up the food faster.

And finally a weight .We use a mortar and pestle set which is kept on top of the lid . You can use whatever you like.

Thats all !!

The method :

1.Wash rice thoroughly.
2.Next mix the rice with the required quantity mentioned above in the right container.
3.Cover with a lid and place your weight on top.
4.Boil the rice on high heat till pressure builds up.
5.Once you see the steam escaping , reduce the heat for fifteen minutes.
6. Switch off the gas and wait for half an hour.
7.Check if water has evaporated. If it has then add some water, so that the rice soaks in it.
8.Switch on the gas on low heat for another twenty minutes.
9. Switch off the gas and wait for another half an hour.
10. Check if your rice is done by mashing it between your fingers.
11.If the rice is not yet done, then repeat steps 7 to 8.
12.Finally strain the rice so that excess water is expelled.
13.Your rice is now ready.

Check out my video below where I show you exactly how we cook brown rice.

I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

Make your own Baby's play activity mat | Motherhood

When babies want to play nothing can stop them.

Except the tired parent who tries to restrict their movements.

Oh , thats sad.

Dont do that. Its their time of exploration. This is the time they develop all hand eye coordinations, skillsets , understanding and what not. Brain development occurs at this stage. 

So give them some time to play. Let them unleash their own personalities. 

All you need to do as a parent is provide them the location and the objects that is necessary.

Location :

The floor in your house covered with a protective mat.

Well for the play mat you have so many choices. If you want you can go fancy and buy those expensive play gyms . But lets face it , babies grow so fast. Those play gyms will lose their mojo in the baby's eyes before you can say "play"!!! So don't spend too much on these things. 

If you have some extra blankets , mattresses or bedspreads , that is all you really need. 

Get creative. Fold these blankets/mattresses and cover them with a bedspread . Make sure you maintain their cleanliness too. Just put them out in the sun, once in two days. 

Lay them on the floor. Put your baby down and watch them play !

Objects : 

Duh , their toys of course !! 

There are so many toys out there which are perfect for each baby. You can get as creative as you like. Make your own toys if you like (yes, I did make an origami soft toy for my baby ! )  or buy toys cheap/expensive . Anything goes, as far as they are clean , non toxic , do not pose choking hazardjs and your baby is entertained.

Check out my vlog below where Rani is seen playing on the homemade play mat / activity mat / play gym. . Oh call it whatever you like.

I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

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What should you pack in your Diaper Bag | Reebaby diaper bag (biege) | Motherhood , Maternity , Labor and delivery

Now that your baby has crossed the two month mark , you are slightly more confident in taking your baby out and showing them the world.

And you imagine them saying,  "Hello world ! Here I am with my mom. On her lap. Oh wait , I have to poop , right about now "

Yikes . .

Now stop. Dont worry . If you read this blog before going out then you are fully prepared.

How , you ask?

By packing your diaper bag of course !!!
There are certain things that a mom or dad who takes the baby out , should always equip themselves with.

Below is the list of things that I consider as very much necessary in your diaper bag :

1. Diapers
Keep atleast four of them or more depending on how long you plan to be out.

2. Baby wipes
Buy the smaller wipes packet.

3. Diaper rash cream
If your baby has rashes or you fear of rashes occuring at the wrong time. Just be safe and keep it in your bag.

4. Feeding bottle
If you are formula feeding or feeding expressed breast milk you can keep a milk bottle in the bag for emergencies.

5. Wash cloths
To wipe the baby's thrown up milk. In the initial months babies spit out milk once they are full so you definitely need these.

6. Your wallet and your cellphone
How can you forget your wallet and phone ?

7. A torch
I always keep this in my bag

8. Hand sanitizer
When you hold a baby and you suddenly sneeze or somebody hands you a doughnut. You wouldn't be satisfied with the tissue cleaning that you do. So an emergency hand sanitizer will do your job for the moment

9. Lip balms , sunscreens , makeup stuff or mach stuff for the dad , snacks, id cards etc
Keep your personally preferred things which you consider as necessary when you go out.

10.Your baby's favourite toy
To entertain a cranky baby you need to pack your baby's favourite toy too.

11. A changing mat
For placing your baby while changing the diaper.

12. Extra newspapers or tissues and plastic covers
This you may require to put the soiled diapers / nappies, spilled over clothes , used wash clothes . . you get the idea.

13. A water bottle for yourself
To quench your thirst !

14. Extra clothes for your baby
This include caps,mittens, socks,onesies, dresses and any other item of your liking.

Now you may wonder if there is any particular bag you should carry or any bag would do just fine. Well , this is really upto you.

Let me tell you what I prefer just so you get the idea. If I put everything in one bag with one compartment only then I may have to dig into the bag everytime to search for what I am looking for. However if I have a well compartmentalised bag with functional organisers then it makes my job easy.

Which is why I ended up buying the Reebaby diaper bag in biege. This bag not only looks like a designer bag but it also has lots of compartments which helps me organise my things. There are compartments wide enough to hold diapers as well as the baby wipes. It even has a holder for feeding bottles and water bottles

Whats more ?

You also get a maching changing mat and a bottle cover along with two detachable velcro clips for those who take their babies out in strollers.

You can buy your very own Reebaby diaper bag here:



Check out my video below where I show you my Reebaby diaper bag and how I organise the things in it.

I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

 “Trisha is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn ."

Image credits: www.pixabay.com

Blog | Clipping my baby's nails with a nail clipper

The other day I was playing with Rani on the bed and she playfully scratches my face. I realise that my face was stinging ! Then I check her hands.

Guess what?

Her nails have grown again both on her hands and feet ! Oh dear. I have to cut her nails now. I go crazy at the thought !

Cutting her nails have never been easy. I have to distract her with toys . Give her breaks in between and sometimes try and cut it while she is asleep. Yes. Try ! because even in her sleep she somehow realises that I'm cutting her nails and moves her toes and fingers !

Today was one such day where I am on a mission to cut my baby's fingernails and toenails yet again when she is awake !

Buy your own baby safe nail clippers here:
Rikang Baby Safety Scissors With Circular Cutter Head For Baby'S Safety- Specially Designed Scissors For Clipping Your Baby'S Nails

Check out the video to see my struggle and Rani's determination to escape from me !

I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

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What should you pack in your baby's hospital bag - Baby's hospital bag checklist | Maternity, Labor and delivery

So you have packed everything for yourself. What next?

Packing for your baby of course !
So till now you may or may not know the gender of your baby. Thats ok. The below things are more than enough for the hospital. Buying things either pink or blue is not important. Being ready for the big day is what is important.  Pink, Blue who cares.

Just pack the below stuff  in your bag and you are all ready for the delivery.

1. Newborn size diaper pack 
For the baby who is just born this pack of new born size diapers is very essential since the first thing they poop is meconium and they poop quite frequently in the initial days.

2. Baby clothes and accessories :
Baby blanket , Recieving blanket, Sleepsuit,Cap,Mittens,Booties
These are the most basic clothing items a new born needs.

3. Small spoon
To feed the expressed breast milk in case of sore nipples or any other such emergency

4. Baby bedding set with mosquito net
To place it in the hospital cradle or on the hospital bed

5. Baby wipes

Useful for wiping the baby's bottoms in case of potty

6. Changing mat

Used while changing the diapers

7. Baby soap,baby towel

For the baby's bath obviously

8. Baby carry cot 

This is optional. Helpful for new parents to carry their baby around.

9. Baby car seat

This is also optional if you are in India. But a safe option in case you are travelling back home in a car.

Nowadays you get baby car seats which can also function as a carry cot.
Do check these links if you are interested !

Check out my video below:

I love hearing from new readers .
If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

Also check what you should pack for yourself

 “Trisha is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn ."


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Blog | Unboxing Rani's new toys from Amazon

Babies always get bored with the toy that they play with but you cant go around buying new toys for them all the time right ?

Well , I try to do my bit by being as innovative with the toys I buy for Rani. And I do it by buying a new toy for her which can help her engage in new activities. Rani has turned six months old now and this is the best time to introduce new toys which are perfect at this age.

Oh no ! We are not talking Rocket science here. At this stage she just needs some soft toys, toys which make sounds like rattles, teethers, squeaking toys, animal shaped toys . These are some toys which can keep them occupied.

So what do you think I did? Go to Amazon of course!

I found two toys which can do my job.

1. Finger puppets using which you can sing the old mac donald song : See you can also teach your baby a song now !

2. A four in one Lion rattle : It squeaks, rattles , is a soft toy and has teethers!! A four in one toy! Yippee. Am I the mom ? Well who cares. Even I love this toy !

Check out the excitement on Rani's face once I opened the new toys for her !

You can buy these toys too if you want to surprise your little one.

1. Finger puppets:

Anukriti Creations Set of 10 Animal Finger Puppet

 

        

2. Lion rattle:

Baby Bucket Soft Lion Rattle

          

I love hearing from new readers .
If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

 “Trisha is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn ."

Image credits: www.pixabay.com

What should you pack in your hospital bag - Mom version hospital bag checklist | Maternity, Labor and delivery

If you are an expecting mother you need to pack your hospital bag when you are around 28 to 30 weeks . You never know when you may need to go to the hospital.

Having a packed bag will reduce a lot of stress when you are in labor. Do not get overwhelmed with what you need to pack and what you dont. I will help you out with a list of the most basic things you need in your hospital bag.

So what are they ?  You ask ...

I have divided this list into two so that it makes sense to you as to why you actually need them:

A.An absolute must list : You should definitely not miss out on packing these . 

B.Stuff the hospital provides but you should rather get on your own : I guess I made my point with this. 

A. The absolute must list

1. A file
Make sure you carry all the important documents such as scan reports ,blood reports, insurance documents, id proofs etc.

2. Toiletries
Pack a small toiletries kit with soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, facewash, tissues, lip balm and other such items which you use daily.

3. Clothes
Pack some disposable underwears , sleepwear, washclothes and a nice dress for returning home

4. A pair of slippers

If you are induced or waiting for your waters to break then you may have to walk up and down the hospital halls. A comfortable pair of slippers will come handy in this occasion.

5. Nursing cover

To cover yourself while breastfeeding in front of guests if you want or if you dont care then you may skip this.

6. Money/Debit card/credit card
This goes without saying as you obviously need money.

7. Snacks
If you are induced and if you are allowed to eat then having a pack of biscuits in your bag will satisfy your hunger for the moment.

8. An empty foldable bag

To pack the stuff your hospital gives you.

9.Smartphone
Finally you need your smartphone which can do a lot of stuff for you which is why I have combined the below items into one. You are at your liberty to bring these things separately or use your phone.

      1.Torch

      You never know when you may need it .

      2. Camera
      A camera to capture your special moments with the new arrival.

      3.Notepad and pen
      With so much going on you may not be at your best position to recollect things. So a pen and a paper or a notepad application on your phone is sufficient to note down all the suggestions given by your doctor or nurse.
                                               

B. Stuff the hospital provides but you should rather get on your own

1. Bath towel 

My hospital recommended that I bring my own.

2. A pillow , a mattress and a blanket
Though the hospital provides these it is better to bring your own since they are more comfortable

3. Mosquito repelling machine
It is better to be safe in this matter

4. Breast pump
If this is your first time then there is a chance of your nipples getting sore . Having your own breast pump helps in expressing and storing milk.

5. Nipple cream
To apply on sore nipples

6.Lunch box

If your hospital has a canteen , your friend or relative can pack some food in the lunchbox.

These are the most basic items you will need at the hospital. If you like , you can also call up your hospital in advance and check with them if there is anything specific you need to get.

Do check out my video on Youtube

I love hearing from new readers . If you have any queries or suggestions do comment below.
You can also connect with me on other social media platforms @perfectoquest

Also check out what you should pack for your baby


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