Hello and welcome to “What’s in your changing bag?”; my weekly Tuesday feature where I ask one Yummy Mummy (or Daddy) to share the innermost secrets of their changing bag, and the five items they couldn’t possibly live without! 

Today I’m joined by Chantelle from Mama Mummy Mum.

Hi Chantelle -  gosh what a brood you have there!
Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi everyone, I’m Chantelle. What can I tell you about me? Well I suppose first and foremost I’m a mum. I’m lucky enough to be able to stay at home and look after my four daughter’s: Elise, Freya, Gracie and Layla. I’m married to the lovely “Daddy Hazelden”. When he is not busy at work, he is busy playing on is beloved Xbox… I am sadly a call of duty widow! I’m addicted to social media, and when I’m not busy with the kids or blogging, you can find me curled up with my kindle in one hand and a glass of wine in the other!!! 

That sounds like a perfect evening!
What is your favourite thing about being a Mama?
My most favourite thing about being a mum is that feeling of unconditional love that I get from my children. There kisses and cuddles are a magical cure to any sadness I’m ever feeling.

Beautiful.
What would you say is the hardest thing about being a Mama?
I guess the hardest thing about being a mummy is knowing that I can’t always make things better for them. Some situations will be out of my control and they will have to find solutions to their own problems, even if I want nothing more than to help them.

So true. 
What three words would you use to describe Motherhood?

So, the last question before we find out about your changing bag; how do you preserve/maintain your sense of self?

It is very difficult to make time for yourself - but it sounds like you get downtime with your kindle and wine!
Well, it’s business time; what make is your changing bag?

I have to admit that I have quite a few changing bags but my changing bag of choice at the moment is my Pink Lining “Not So Plain Jane” in the purple dragonfly print.

Gorgeous! I love Pink Lining!
What are the five items in your changing bag that you just can’t live without?

1. Baby wipes. I have a packet of baby wipes in my changing bag and in my hand bag. They are handy for every situation, and I use them not only for my youngest daughter, but the older kids too. 
2. Pooh Bear. We have two of these comforters; one for at home and one for when out and about… This is one thing that Layla will not live without.


3. iPhone. I did say I was a social media addict! My phone is like an extension of me and therefore an essential in my changing bag.


4. Snacks. You never know if you’ll end up out longer than planned, so it’s always worth having a few snacks in there just in case. 
5. First aid kit. My kids are so accident prone! My 6 year old is known as “first aid Freya” because she is forever falling over, so it is always best to be prepared with plasters etc where my children are concerned!

Thanks for sharing the contents of your changing bag with us, Chantelle! The first aid kit is such a fab idea! 

Chantelle blogs at Mama Mummy Mum and tweets as @MamaMummyMum.  
Hannah

Hello and welcome to “What’s in your changing bag?”; my weekly Tuesday feature where I ask one Yummy Mummy (or Daddy) to share the innermost secrets of their changing bag, and the five items they couldn’t possibly live without! 

Today I’m joined by Yorkshire lass, Kelly from Raising Them. 

Hi Kelly - thanks for joining me this week on “What’s in your changing bag?” 
Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Kelly. I’m a 27 year old mum to two, and wife to my One, residing in Yorkshire. I teach young adults with a broad range of complex learning difficulties and disabilities at a Further Education College. I am enjoying the last few weeks of maternity leave before returning to work part-time.

My son was born in June 2011 at 28 weeks gestation weighing 3lb 4oz. He has done remarkably well and is honestly a little miracle. He spent 7 weeks in special care before coming home…the most terrifying time of my life… but despite his eagerness to meet everyone he is totally healthy, and meeting all his ‘milestones’… *fist pump*

My daughter was born in July 2013… after a very straight forward but closely monitored pregnancy… at 38 weeks… phew!! Weighing 6lb 11oz… practically gargantuan!

Wonderful!
What is your favourite thing about being a Mama?
Ooooh that’s tricky to pick just one thing… Ummm… probably snuggles! Bedtime snuggles… random 4pm exhausted in front of Cbeebies snuggles… Sunday morning bed snuggles… feeding snuggles… I guess the list of potential snuggle time is endless. It’s the comforting warmth and being able to absorb yourself in your little ones smell… just heaven!


I completely agree. 
What would you say is the hardest thing about being a Mama?
I’ve got two… the first is the fact that the world I have brought my children in to isn’t always as nice as I would like. The other is knowing one day I’ll have empty arms and my babies won’t need me anymore. I shall be joining the WI, and growing massive marrows when this happens… I’m prepared.


Haha! 
What three words would you use to describe Motherhood?
Beautiful. Intense. Hilarious.


Great choice of words.
How do you preserve/maintain your sense of self?
With great difficulty! It’s definitely something I have to make a mental note to myself to do… both my babes have a really good bedtime routine so the evenings belong to my husband and I at least. I can use this time to write my blog, or have a bath, or whatever I need to find ‘me’ again. Honestly… sometimes a brew and ‘a piece’ of chocolate is all it takes!


So, the last question before we find out about your changing bag; if you could share one piece of Motherhoodly wisdom with us all what would it be?
Definitely follow your instincts and trust that your body knows what it needs to do. Human-beings are pretty weird, and although we like to think we rule the planet… at the end of the day when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth and those early days, weeks and months… we are just animals doing the same thing we have done since the beginning of our existence… phhhhhfffttt… pretty deep. 


Totally! Great advice!
Well, it’s business time. What make is your changing bag?

Cath Kidston: Oil Cloth with Cowboy print… this little beauty is 2 years and 8 months old, and was bought for me by my sister in law while we were in hospital.

Ooh it’s gorgeous!
What are the five items in your changing bag that you just can’t live without?

1. Dettol wipes: I think my love for a dettol wipe stems from the early days as a special care mum. For the first year of little man’s life I could definitely be pigeonholed as ‘The Germaphobe’. Everything was Dettol’d. These days I don’t go through quite so many but they’re great for wiping down change mats and highchairs when you’re out and about… gotta love an antibacterial wipe…right?!!
2. Spider. This convincing spider is made of a hair bobble and hair grips… essential for those days where you start out with your hair down and brushed, but your daily adventures mean you find yourself needing to scrape a greasy nest of hair out your face and pin it down for extra security! It happens more than I’d like to admit…
3. Maybelline Peach Lip Balm. Smells awesome. Moisturises lips with a slight colour. It’s a great rescue product when having a ‘minger moment’… which happens more than I’d like to admit too!
4. Bear Sweets. We’re pretty hot on avoiding sweets and chocolate where we can until the babes are old enough to ask for them… We aim to give them 10 of their 5 a day each day in the hope of: a) *harp plays in background* inspiring them to make healthy choices. Or… Unfortunately more likely: b) Fulfilling their childhood requirement of 5 a day before they spend their pocket/dinner money on chocolate and crisps. For now… dried fruit snacks and raisins constitute ‘sweets’ these ‘bear sweets’ are the current ‘sweet’ of choice! *double fist pump!*
5. Keys on a lanyard. I always lose my keys. Always. Unless they are attached to this little beauty. This usually resides around my neck or in the changebag. The lanyard gives extra rummage-and-yank properties to my keys for super speedy location and retrieval; especially when it’s raining/your arms are ladened with mini humans and/or shopping and maybe a car seat for good measure.

Thanks for sharing the contents of your changing bag with us, Kelly! The spider is a fab idea - I should keep one of those in my bag! 

Kelly blogs at Raising Them and tweets as @buttonmoon382. 
Hannah

Hello and welcome to “What’s in your changing bag?”; my weekly Tuesday feature where I ask one Yummy Mummy (or Daddy) to share the innermost secrets of their changing bag, and the five items they couldn’t possibly live without! 

Today I’m joined by Sophie. I am seriously lusting over Sophie’s changing bag… which you can read about (and also ogle) below!

Hi Sophie - thanks for joining me on “What’s in your changing bag?” Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a former teacher and Abergavenny-born Londoner, now loving life writing novels by the sea. My son Arthur was born at home in Devon in December 2012, and is currently fast morphing from a baby into a toddler - though he still loves cuddles in the sling.

Ooh, Busby and Arthur are the same age! What a cutie he is. 
What is your favourite thing about being a Mama to such a lovely little chap?
My favourite thing about being a Mummy is watching this little person I created grow and change and discover the world. He is such fantastic company, and every day we both teach each other something new.

Gorgeous! What would you say is the hardest thing about being a Mama?
I think the hardest thing about being a mum is holding my nerve in the way I’ve chosen to do things. Everyone approaches the challenges of parenting differently, so however much it can help to talk things over with friends, ultimately the decisions about what’s best for Arthur are down to me. I just hope I’m making the right ones! 

This is so true.
What three words would you use to describe Motherhood?
Motherhood is exhilarating, entertaining and exhausting.

Ah, the three Es…
How do you preserve/maintain your sense of self?
In a funny way motherhood has actually helped me rediscover my sense of self. Having been a teacher for ten years, (a job which I loved but was totally all-consuming) I feel very privileged to be able to take some time to bring up my son and to write, which is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I’m working on my second novel at the moment, and really relish the time I get to escape into the world I’ve created and tell my stories.

Wonderful! As someone who has recently left their job to pursue the world of writing, I completely agree.
So, the last question before we find out about your changing bag; if you could share one piece of Motherhoodly wisdom with us all what would it be?
My piece of motherly wisdom is to find a way that you can bring up your child without losing sight of the person you want to be. Sometimes I think it can feel like your options are limited, but for me a little bit of reading and research has always thrown up a myriad of different ideas, which in turn has helped me find the mum I want to be to keep both me and Arthur happy.


Excellent advice!
Well, it’s business time Sophie! What make is your changing bag?

My changing bag is a rucksack from Accessorize. As I wear Arthur pretty much everywhere, the rucksack style is essential, but I was getting a little fed up of how utilitarian my previous bag was. When I saw this one in the sales I knew I had to have it. 
 
Oh my word - your bag is gorgeous!!
What are the five items in your changing bag that you just can’t live without?

1. Nappy pouch: My lovely friend Sue’s very talented mum made this for me and Arthur when he was born - it’s big enough for a day’s supply of nappies, wipes and nappy bags, and even fits a matching change mat. 
2. Water bottle: We’re still breastfeeding so I get very thirsty and never go anywhere without a bottle of water. I love Earthlust’s range of bottles because they’re stainless steel, so healthy for me and the environment, and also beautiful - which is obviously very important. 
3. Book: Arthur loves reading, which is something I definitely want to encourage. I had this book made to tell the story of Arthur’s first year and it’s one of our favourites to read again and again. 
4. Toy: I always make sure I have at least one toy in my bag to keep Arthur entertained. He really enjoys this star finger puppet at the moment - perfect for a quick rendition of twinkle twinkle… 
5. Baby-led weaning ears: Arthur is an enthusiastic but very messy eater. I always try to make sure I have a bib, but even more important is a headband to protect his gorgeous hair. You can find out how I made these very useful ears on my blog!

Thanks for sharing the contents of your changing bag with us, Sophie. I love the baby-led weaning ears… I’m off to your blog to have a little look! 

Sophie blogs at Sophie is… and tweets as @sophieblovett. 
Hannah

Hello and welcome to “What’s in your changing bag?”; my weekly Tuesday feature where I ask one Yummy Mummy (or Daddy) to share the innermost secrets of their changing bag, and the five items they couldn’t possibly live without! 

Today I’m joined by Mary-Kate, who has just given birth to baby Isabelle! By just, I’m talking yesterday! Eek!

Hi Mary-Kate! Wow - that’s a photo and a half! Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Mary-Kate, 25 years old girlfriend to Michael and mummy to Oliver who is 4 years old. I’m expecting my baby girl in early March 2014 (as I’m sat here writing this I’m getting little pains) but even though she’s not here yet my changing bag is already packed ready to go! I’m a fairly new blogger with my own blog, and a writer for online magazine called Visit From The Stork (an online magazine aimed at parents under 25 because I was 20 when I had Oliver, and think that this magazine is a fantastic idea).

Fab! Visit from the Stork sounds great - I’ll have to check it out (I was 25 when I had Busby). 
What would you say is your favourite thing about being a Mama?
My favourite thing about being a mummy is teaching… Parents are children’s first teachers and when Oliver learns something new, I get the proudest feeling. Tonight he read an entire book to me before bed - ok, ok it was just 8 pages long, and had about 4 words on each page (a lot of repeating) but the fact that, at 4 years old, he’s reading it to me! I’m incredibly proud of his happy little face when he gets it right. 
 
Wonderful!
What would you say is the hardest thing about being a Mama?
The hardest thing about being a mummy for me is the tantrums. I never had the terrible 2’s with Oliver, but we’ve had the occasional terrible 4’s!

Uh-oh!
What three words would you use to describe Motherhood?
Emotional, rewarding, exciting. 
 
It’s certainly emotional…
How do you preserve/maintain your sense of self?
How do I maintain sense of self? Blogging, as of November 2013 I have met and spoken to some fantastic people and it’s taught me a lot about myself. I might be blogging about being a mum, but being a mum is what I love. I can’t wait to do baby massage with little lady when she arrives and go for long walks pushing her pushchair. 
 
So, the last question before we find out about your changing bag; if you could share one piece of Motherhoodly wisdom with us all what would it be?
Listen to advice, but ignore the negative comments and views you get… you will probably get some! Everyone is a new parent at some point but some people forget that after a while; thinking they know better… They don’t tell you how hard it is to suddenly have this little person depending on you 24/7, but it does get easier and you will find your feet soon enough. 
 
Excellent advice - this is so very true.
Ok, it’s business time: what make is your changing bag?

My changing bag is the gorgeous and super organised ‘Sequoia’ by Pacapod in mink - it has a place for everything inside! 

Wait a minute! I recognise that bag! (I reviewed it last week here)
What are the five items in your changing bag that you just can’t live without?

1. Aden + Anais bamboo muslin. I learnt when Oliver was a baby that muslin squares are very useful and I have fell in love with these bamboo ones because they’re so soft, ideal for a new babies delicate skin. 
2. Snoob. I’m determined to try harder with breastfeeding this time but I feel nervous of being on show so Michael brought me this lovely breastfeeding scarf for my birthday and I can’t wait to put it to the test. I will be taking it everywhere. 
3. Kiddylicious snacks. For Oliver, I’ve made the mistake of being caught out with no treats for little one before and the last thing I want is to over spend on chocolate or sweets for him which will just send him into a hyper 4 year old. 
4. Antibacterial hand gel. I like this little one from Cussons Mum & Me. You never know when you will need to clean your hands! 
5. Spare clothes. Too many times with Oliver I was caught out with this, he was sick or nappy leaked and I had no spare clothes with me. This time I’m going to make sure I always have spare items on me.


Thanks for sharing the contents of your changing bag with us, Mary-Kate. The snoob sounds great - I’ll keep it in mind for the next one!

Mary-Kate blogs at Mummy Memories and tweets as @mummymemories.
Hannah