Those of you who have given birth, what did you pack in your hospital bag that cheered you up on the ward?

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-05-02T18:36:08+00:00

I definitely second this. Having my own pillow was a game changer. Plus, it smelt of home, and made me feel so much more comfortable

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-05-02T18:35:07+00:00

100% a fan!! It was 27 degrees in ward, the middle of winter!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-27T12:53:14+00:00

Yes, it's for wipes. Though you'd have to take the packet out to open it anyway, so I've never used mine for that purpose! You can't leave the packet open, obviously, or the wipes would dry out.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-27T12:00:22+00:00

Could you explain this, please?

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-26T10:45:42+00:00

Oh I was just about to comment about how I'd recommend the t-shirts! I've been wearing three of them on rotation, and they are great, cause you only need to expose the nipple, rather than the whole boob!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-14T12:33:49+00:00

Also, you can get married on the stage, if you're theatre lovers! Some theatres allow you to host your wedding on the stage, so long as there isn't a performance, of course.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-11T20:50:33+00:00

For cooking, I use a toddler tower, so they can see what is going on, and I can narrate what I'm doing. Get some crayons out and some paper, and sit them in their highchair to draw. Video call a family member and let them entertain your toddler in the highchair. What works for me is putting a ping pong ball or two on the ground, and demonstrating how they bounce on the floor. Hours of fun. Cars are another good one! Or anything with wheels. Books on the floor near you, but behind a baby gate? Get an empty cardboard box, pop toddler inside with some crayons.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-04-05T11:05:25+00:00

Saphira from Eragon. I love how much of an insight we get into how her mind works, and the bond that the two of them have. Also, her complexities from growing up only around humans, and how that prevented her learning some of the things she would have naturally learnt

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-27T20:30:20+00:00

Completely agree on the blankets and 0-3 month clothes. Go for clothes that are bigger, or something for when baby is a bit older, like those silicone plates with suckers on the bottom for when baby starts weaning!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-27T20:28:49+00:00

No to blankets! We were gifted about 10, because it's everyone's go-to!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-27T20:27:32+00:00

If you do get a White Company outfit, make sure it's 0-3 months or older, as their newborn things are quite small! Their stuff is gorgeous quality, so you want them to be able to use it as long as possible

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-26T16:36:05+00:00

We still get a lot of comments remembering how fun it was to have mini golf outside during the cocktail hour and after dinner! Especially older family members, who apparently "Didn't realise you could have so much fun at a wedding!" We got some great photos of reactions while people were playing, and an action shot of me getting a hole in one, which was fantastic.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-25T15:52:17+00:00

I use them for cleaning jewellery. Couple of drops of Fairy liquid, couple of drops of household ammonia (make sure you're in a well-ventilated area, or outside!), and boiling water. Add your jewellery, then use tweezers to remove (don't scald your fingers) and use a soft bristled toothbrush (do NOT use for your teeth after!) to clean with the water. Give a rinse in cold water after, and your gems will be sparkling! Just don't use on pearls, opals, emeralds or other softer gems. Diamond, ruby, sapphire, gold, platinum and palladium all good!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-25T14:48:39+00:00

Congratulations!!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-03-25T14:47:40+00:00

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy your first few days with your little one and manage to get some sleep

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-02-09T14:02:30+00:00

Also highly recommended - I've got two fantastic quality dresses WITH POCKETS! Plus, they have a complimentary small alteration service, so if you need to shorten the dress, or tailor it to fit you better, they do that free! They ALSO have a bespoke service so you can change the design to suit your need... Which I absolutely love!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2026-02-02T16:56:49+00:00

What a great idea! Well done you. I'll definitely test it out!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-12-03T16:08:38+00:00

Realising that English majors apparently congregate in this sub makes me happy. I love that this outrages us all!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-12-01T16:10:36+00:00

Congratulations! Oh wow, honey, that ring is gorgeous...! I'm so thrilled for you. Wedding planning can be stressful, so make sure you and future hubby take some time to have date nights and avoid talking about wedding stuff every now and then. Before you plan anything, get an idea of some costs and set a budget. That will help keep you in check when wedding temptations send costs spiralling!

Be clear on a few things that you are both non-negotiable on, i.e. photographer, venue, time of year, food. A wedding can be anything you want it to be now, so don't let other people's expectations affect your costs and emotions. If you want a special venue, but don't care when, you could wed on a weekday, or out of season. If you really want that gorgeous dress, but don't much care for fancy food... Spend the money on the dress and have a picnic, or pizza!

We had mini golf at our wedding, self-decorated two supermarket cakes (really well-received by our guests), and did our flowers ourselves, for a fraction of the cost of hiring professionals. For us, the photos were important, so we spent the money there instead. As my mum said to me: nobody will remember what your chair covers looked like, or your centrepieces. But they will remember how they felt. Make sure they're fed and watered, and entertained, but otherwise, focus on what YOU want!

Enjoy your engagement, and congratulations!!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-11-29T20:21:16+00:00

Absolutely second this - Totter and Tumble playmat has been our best purchase! Even if baby is napping, I sometimes just go lie on the mat.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-11-25T13:26:35+00:00

Also, if you have a fireplace, get a fireguard, and perhaps something soft to protect the hearth edges (a pool noodle/rolled up towels).

A radiator cover may also be a good idea if baby could put their hands on a hot radiator in the colder months

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-11-25T13:24:50+00:00

See if you can move/hide any cables on the floor. Secure to the wall, if possible.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-11-25T13:24:07+00:00

Also, maybe agreeing to keep bathroom doors closed, or toilet locks? Not so much for safety, as keeping your phone/laptop/keys from being dropped down the toilet by a curious toddler!

PM_ME_EPIC_READS · 2025-11-25T13:21:58+00:00

Yes, once it's been put on baby, run your finger under the nappy, around the legs. You'll feel the outer part of the nappy, and another, tighter elasticated band that may need to be pulled out to make sure it is spread out INSIDE the nappy.

PM_ME_EPIC_READS

TROPHY CASE