How to Make Life Easier for Busy Mums
The term busy should be assumed when referring to Mums, because Mums are always busy, particularly when baby is less than 12 months old. Add in older siblings, especially toddlers, and Mum really does get busy! Busy Mums need to take on the role of the Home General, organising everyone and prioritising everything that is done in the family so that life is as fluid and stress free as possible.
So how does our General manage the day to day routines in order to reduce her workload to an acceptable standard?

1. Rest and Nutrition: Mums need their rest! Take a rest whenever you can; try to nap when baby is napping. This is not always possible if there are toddlers around as well, so it might be advantageous to enlist the help of Dad or a close friend or nearby relative to give you a little down time. Make sure that you eat proper meals - all Generals know that an army marches on its stomach!
2. Going Out: The nappy bag; Mum's most critical companion. Make sure that it is large enough for the job at hand and that it has Shoulder Straps so that both hands are available for baby, handbag, car keys, rounding up toddlers and the myriad other items a Mum needs when going shopping, visiting or just down to the park.
   Some Nappy Bag Content Suggestions:
   • Baby Formula - a Tupperware container will do
   • Baby Bottles - pre-filled with water, ready to mix and heat
   • Baby Food
   • Spoons - In a side pocket so that they are easily found
   • Bibs
   • Wipes
   • Disposable Nappies
   • Scented Nappy Bags
   • Change of Cloths - teething can cause copious dribbling!
   • Disposable Change Mats - you never know where you will be doing a change
3. The Car: Make sure the baby seat/capsule is positioned for maximum accessibility; avoid putting it on the centre seat as getting baby in and out will become a back breaking chore. If you position the baby seat on the opposite side of the car to you, then a quick glance over your shoulder will always allow you to see what junior is up to. It also means that you will be putting baby in and out from the kerb (safest) side of the car. If you have toddlers, make a game of them crawling in and out under the baby seat - they will love it. You can also use the "grab handles" above the door to hang toys etc for maximum distraction when baby is awake.
4. At Your Destination: When you purchase your stroller, ensure that it is a good, comfortable fit for your car - you want to be able to put it away and get it out as easily as possible so that you have minimum time settling the rambunctious tribe. There is nothing worse than a cantankerous stroller when baby is grumpy and toddlers are trying to escape to all points of the compass.
5. Car Parks: Sounds simple to just drive into any available car park, but think about why you are there - are you going to fill the trunk with groceries or are you there to meet some friends for coffee? Sometimes it is better to reverse in, so that loading and unloading is safest and away from the traffic. Endeavour to give yourself as much room as possible on baby's side