Becoming a parent is one of lifeʼs biggest transitions. Between the sleepless nights, endless feeds, and new routines, itʼs easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is - no parent has it all figured out. Parenthood is a journey full of learning curves, small victories, and moments that test your patience as much as they expand your heart. The early days especially can feel like a blur, but remember: you donʼt need to be perfect, you just need to be present. Here are three gentle reminders for new parents to help ease the load and remind you that youʼre not alone. 1. Lower the Bar (and let go of Perfect) Itʼs natural to want everything just right for your baby, but perfection isnʼt the goal - presence is. The laundry might pile up, meals might be takeout more often than youʼd like, and the dishwasher might not get emptied, but thatʼs okay. Babies donʼt need a perfect home, they need a present parent. Focus on the essentials: feeding your baby, resting when you can, and leaning into the little moments that matter most. Remember, the messy parts are part of the story too. One day youʼll look back and realise these imperfect moments were where the most love lived. 2. Create Small, Soothing Routines Babies thrive on consistency, and so do parents. Simple routines - like a short bedtime ritual with a soft glow from a night light, a favourite lullaby, or a calming morning feed in the same chair - can help bring structure to otherwise unpredictable days. These small rhythms create security for your baby and a sense of calm for you. And the truth is, routines donʼt have to be elaborate - sometimes itʼs as simple as singing the same song before naps or using a comforter toy as a signal for sleep. These little anchors throughout the day can make both you and your baby feel more grounded, even when everything else feels new. 3. Ask for (and Accept) Help You donʼt need to do it all alone. Parenthood was never meant to be a solo job. Heard of the saying “It takes a village”? Whether itʼs letting a friend drop off dinner, asking your partner to take over for a nap, or leaning on tools and products that lighten the load, support is essential. Accepting help doesnʼt make you less capable - it makes you human. The truth is, taking care of yourself is also taking care of your baby. When youʼre rested, nourished, and supported, you have more to give. Remember: itʼs not a sign of weakness to need help, itʼs a sign of strength to accept it. Parenthood isnʼt about getting everything right, itʼs about showing up with love (and a little patience) each day. Be kind to yourself - youʼre learning, growing, and doing better than you think. The days might feel long, but the months fly by, and soon enough youʼll realise how far youʼve come. These early days are messy, emotional, exhausting - and completely magical in their own way. Take it one step at a time, soak in the little moments, and remember: youʼve got this.

At Sprout, we believe that the products in your home should do more than just "do the job.” They should make life easier, feel good to use, and look beautiful while doing it. That’s why we’re proud to be the exclusive South African distributor of Flow Amsterdam, a brand that brings together soothing functionality and thoughtful Dutch design. Flow Amsterdam is made for those moments that matter most. Bedtime, naptime, playtime, wind-down time - each product is designed to help little ones feel safe, soothed, and seen. We’ve just launched with two of their most loved essentials, with more on the way soon. Moby Night Light A whale-shaped nightlight that brings calm to bedtime routines. Crafted from soft-touch, BPA-free silicone, Moby is safe for little hands and offers a gentle glow with two brightness settings. Tap to adjust the light, or let it fade off on its own with the built-in timer. Rechargeable, portable, and toddler-proof. R950  🛒  Shop Moby Night Light → George Heartbeat Comforter More than just a cuddly toy, George plays soothing sounds - white noise, gentle breathing, and a comforting heartbeat - to help your baby settle and sleep longer. With a smart cry sensor, George reactivates soothing sounds when your little one stirs. Sleep support that feels like a hug. R1,175  🛒  Shop George Comforter →   Why We Love Flow Amsterdam: From form to function, these products fit seamlessly into modern homes and parenting routines. Designed in the Netherlands, Flow Amsterdam's collection is built around comfort, safety, and emotional connection - with clever features that actually make a difference. Shop Flow Amsterdam →Explore Our Sleep Edit →Join our Parent Panel and be first to test our what lands next. Did you know, all orders over R450 enjoy free delivery? If you have any questions about our range or if you're interested in becoming a stockist, connect with us here.      

No offence to bath bombs and body butter... But if you’re about to buy your mom another scented candle this year, we’re here to help you out. Mother's Day falls on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and this year, we asked real moms what they actually want for Mother’s Day... and built a guide around that. Some fun, some effortless, and a few dream gifts worth saving up for (if not this year, then next). Whether you're shopping for your partner, your mom, your best friend - or yourself - consider this your shortcut to stress-free, last-minute gift genius. 1. The Gift of Relaxation A luxe day off from motherhood, book her a spa treatment: Cape Town: Babylonstoren Spa Joburg: Saxon Spa Durban: Oyster Box Hotel Wellness & Spa 2. The Personalised Keepsake Something that keeps her little ones close, even when they're not in her arms. Famke's handcrafted initial necklaces, made with love in Cape Town. Choose her children's initials in sterling silver, gold vermeil, or solid gold, and create a piece unique to her. 3. The Me-Time Reset Gift her time for herself with sessions at her favourite workout studio Cape Town & Joburg: Breathe Barre Joburg: Nuru House Durban: Kaya Shala Yoga 4. It's-On-Me Coffee Because some days, parenting is just a series of hot sips between cold chaos. Treat her to a never-ending cup of delicious Plato Coffee, with a gift card to one of their 85 stores countrywide. 5. The Wellbeing Moment If she's craving more zen, and stepping away from tension and stress, book her a package of sauna sessions: Cape Town: Labrisa Spa at the Mount Nelson & HotHuts Mobile Saunas Johannesburg: Four Seasons Spa at the Westcliff Durban: Mangwanani Spa Zimbali 6. The Gift of No Decisions  The ultimate luxury? Not being asked what's for lunch or dinner. Sign her up for a week of pre-prepped meals from: Babylonstoren - Meal Solutions UCook - Dinner Made Easy Frozen For You - Restaurant Quality Ready Made Meals 7. The Week Long Parisian Shopping Trip She Dreams of For the ultimate girls' getaway, Condé Nast Traveller's 28 Best Places to Shop in Paris is your go-to guide. From vintage gems in Le Marais to luxury flagships on Rue Saint-Honoré, and charming boutiques in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this curated list offers something for every style and budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your mom, or your mother-in-law, it's the perfect itinerary to make those Parisian dreams come true. 8. A Trip She Doesn’t Have to Plan A surprise lunch with her girl friends - booked, paid for and kid-free. Joburg: Saint Cape Town: Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd Durban: The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box 9. A Retreat Away from it All  Something to centre her outside of being a mom, and reconnect with herself. Whether it's a local weekend away or a full international break away, nothing says you deserve to take up your own space quite like a yoga retreat. Yoga, Breathwork & Silent Retreats near Cape Town: Bodhi Khaya Yoga & Wellness Retreats in Knysna: Vala House  Wellness Retreats in Thailand: Kamalaya Koh Samui Yoga Retreats in Portugal: Six Senses Douro Valley Found something with her name all over it? Send this gift guide to someone who could use the nudge (your partner, your kids, or the family group chat). It’s the helpful hint they didn’t know they needed - and a chance to give mom something better than “just another candle.”