Realistic Tips for Getting Through (and Actually Enjoying It) Holiday travel with little ones can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Between packing, planning, and keeping tiny humans fed, rested, and regulated, it’s easy to wonder if it’s all worth it. The truth? It can be — with a little realism, flexibility, and the right expectations. Here’s a calm, practical guide to navigating holiday travel with babies and toddlers, without aiming for perfection. 1. Lower the Bar (Really) The biggest shift you can make before you even leave the house is mindset. Travel with kids isn’t about sticking to routines perfectly or arriving refreshed. It’s about getting there safely and keeping everyone reasonably happy. • Meals might be later than usual• Naps might happen in carriers or cars• Screen time might increase And that’s okay. Flexibility is your biggest travel win. 2. Pack for Comfort, Not Just the Destination Think less “outfit changes” and more “comfort essentials”. A few familiar items can make an unfamiliar place feel safe: • A comforter or soft toy from home• A familiar pacifier or soothing item• A night light or gentle sleep aid• A favourite bib, bottle, or cup These small comforts help babies and toddlers settle faster, especially at bedtime. 3. Create a Mini Routine Wherever You Are Even on the move, consistency matters. Choose one or two non-negotiables and keep them simple: • A familiar bedtime cue (bath, pyjamas, soft light)• The same feeding or soothing sequence• A calm wind-down activity before sleep It doesn’t need to be elaborate — just familiar enough to signal it’s time to rest. 4. Plan for Transit Survival, Not Entertainment Perfection Long drives, flights, or layovers are rarely magical, but they can be manageable. A few go-to ideas: • Snacks you know your child loves• One or two new toys (novelty helps)• A pacifier, teether, or comfort item• A baby carrier or stroller for hands-free calm And remember: crying doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your child is adjusting. 5. Say Yes to Help (and Rest) Holiday travel often means being around family. Let them help. Even 20 minutes to shower, nap, or reset can make a big difference. If your baby’s routine is disrupted, give yourself permission to rest when you can. On-the-go parenting is tiring, and recovery matters too. 6. Choose Gear That Works Wherever You Go Travel highlights what really works, and what doesn’t. Prioritise products that are: • Lightweight and easy to pack• Simple to clean• Familiar to your child• Useful across multiple moments (feeding, soothing, sleep) When you’re travelling, less gear that works well is always better than more gear that doesn’t. 7. Remember: This Is a Season Not every trip will feel calm or smooth, and that’s okay. These years are short, even when they feel long. Travel during this phase is less about ticking off destinations and more about shared moments, memories, and learning how your family moves through the world together. • Some days will be messy• Some nights will be interrupted But there will also be firsts — first beach naps, first road trips, first holiday traditions. On-the-go parenting during the holidays isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing it gently. Pack thoughtfully, adjust expectations, and remember that your presence is the most important thing you bring along. Wherever you’re headed this season, we’re cheering you on.

Your First Week Back at Work After Baby — A Survival Guide Returning to work after having a baby is one of those life transitions that feels exciting, emotional, overwhelming, and joyful — often all at once. Even if you’re eager to get back into your routine, the first week back can be a real juggling act as you reconnect with your job and help your little one adjust to a new rhythm. One of the biggest concerns parents face is how to manage feeding while building a work-life rhythm that works for their family. Whether you’re expressing breastmilk, learning a bottle routine, or building a feeding schedule around daycare or caregiver support, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a practical guide to help you feel confident and calm through your first week back at work, including tips from experienced parents and a look at tools that can support your journey. 1. Build a Feeding Plan Before Your Return The sooner you start preparing, the more confident you’ll feel. A couple of weeks before returning to work: Talk with your partner or caregiver about how feeding will work while you’re away. Who will warm or prepare feeds? Where will bottles be stored? Clear plans remove guesswork. Experiment with a bottle or pump schedule at home so baby gets familiar with it before your first workday. Start with one bottle a day from someone else so your baby learns to accept a different feeder. Set expectations with your employer about breaks for expressing milk, if that’s part of your plan. By having a structure (even a flexible one), you’ll feel more in control and less rushed on that first Monday morning back. 2. Establish a Morning Routine That Works for You School runs and daycare drop-offs are no joke — adding a feeding routine shifts everything. A few helpful tips: Pack anything you might need — bottles, expressed milk, burp cloths, snacks, change of clothes — the night before. Wake up a little earlier for a peaceful morning feed with your baby before the day begins. Set up a smooth, private space for expressing at work if you plan to do so — full privacy, clean area, and your pump gear ready. A calm morning sets the tone for the whole day. 3. Feed on Your Schedule, Not the Clock Babies’ needs change often, especially in those early months. Rather than sticking rigidly to the clock, observe your baby’s cues: If you’re expressing milk, try to time pumps with when baby feeds at home so your supply stays settled. If your baby is bottle-feeding while you’re at work, share their usual rhythm with the caregiver but keep it flexible — a calm caregiver is a good one! Don’t worry if the rhythm shifts during your first week; babies are resilient and adjust quickly. 4. Practice Expressing at Work Ahead of Time For many moms, pumping at work is new or awkward at first. These small things help: Practice a few pumping sessions before your first day back so your body settles into a rhythm. Pack a small cooler or storage bags for milk. Bring a quick checklist for your pumping gear — it’s easy to forget small pieces when you’re juggling everything, or look into the Difrax Hands-free Breast Pump makes pumping on the go easy and discreet. Plan breaks into your calendar so they’re as non-negotiable as meetings. 5. Get Help from Caregivers or Daycare Early If someone else will be feeding your baby while you work, communication is essential: Share written instructions about the flow you prefer — holding position, pacing, soothing tips your baby loves. Do a short in-person run-through before your first workday so your caregiver feels confident. Having a familiar helper involved in feeding reduces stress for both you and your baby. 6. Be Kind to Yourself — You’re Doing a Lot Returning to work after maternity leave is a season of adjustment, not perfection. Expect emotions — both happy and tender — and allow yourself grace. A few reminders: Babies sense calm; your confidence helps soothe them too. Sleep may be disrupted; rest when you can. Some days feel harder than others — that’s normal. This transition is work — and you’re doing it with heart. Product Support: How the Mammafeel Bottle Can Help For parents navigating a feeding rhythm that now includes a caregiver or daycare, finding a bottle your baby accepts can make all the difference. The Difrax LOVI Mammafeel Bottle (available in 150 ml and 250 ml) is designed to feel familiar and comfortable for little ones. Its soft silicone shape and dynamic flow create a feeding experience that mimics a natural feel, helping babies transition between breast and bottle — especially helpful during your first week back at work. A bottle that feels close to familiar can take some of the stress out of feeding routines, letting you focus on building calm, loving rhythms that work for your family.  Difrax is a leading Dutch brand, founded in 1967, and the market leader in baby bottles and pacifiers across the Benelux. For over five decades, they’ve set the standard in innovative, medically supported feeding and soothing solutions trusted by millions of families.

Creating healthier sleep habits for your little ones doesn’t require perfection - just small, consistent choices that support calm, connection, and predictable rhythms. Here’s what the research (and parents everywhere) tell us about how to make bedtime smoother and more restorative for everyone.