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On this blog page you can read inspiring and recognizable stories of moms and dads (to be) and experts about their special profession. In addition, you can read the fun blogs about our newest items, checklist and tips.

Learning to drink from a cup: helping your baby drink independently

Learning to drink from a cup: helping your baby drink independently

That first sip from a cup might seem like a small moment, but for your baby, it is a whole new discovery. Holding a cup, placing their lips around the rim, taking a sip and learning how much to drink all require new skills. And honestly? The first attempts probably won't go exactly as planned. Water gets spilled, the cup gets turned upside down, your baby mostly plays with it and sometimes more water ends up on the table than in their mouth. That's all part of it. Learning to drink is a process. Just like learning to walk or eat independently, it takes time and plenty of practice. When can babies start drinking from a cup? From around 6 months, when your baby starts eating solid foods, you can offer water alongside their usual milk feeds. This can also be a good time to introduce drinking from a cup. In the beginning, there is no need to drink large amounts. A few small sips with a meal are enough to practise. Every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies quickly figure out how to hold a cup, while others need more time to get used to the movement and sensation of drinking from a cup. There is no exact age when your baby has to be able to drink from a cup. Think of it as a new skill to discover together. Why choose an open cup? An open cup helps your baby learn a different way of drinking. They practise bringing the cup to their mouth, placing their lips around the rim, controlling the amount of liquid and swallowing. Drinking from an open cup can also support oral motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Health professionals generally recommend introducing an open cup rather than relying on a spout cup as a necessary step. A spout cup or straw cup can of course be practical in some situations, especially when you're out and about. But a spout cup isn't a necessary step before learning to drink from an open cup. You can introduce an open cup directly. How to teach your baby to drink from a cup 1. Choose a calm moment Try during a mealtime when your baby is relaxed. A few sips are enough. The goal isn't to finish a whole cup straight away. 2. Start with a small amount of water Put just a little water in the cup. This makes practising easier and means there is less water to spill. From around 6 months, you can offer water alongside breast milk or formula. In the beginning, a few sips are enough. 3. Help your baby with the movement You can gently hold the cup together and bring it towards your baby's mouth. Let them explore as much as possible, but offer help when needed. In the beginning, your baby may cough or splutter a little. This can happen while they are getting used to a new way of drinking. Stay calm and give them time to practise. 4. Expect a little mess Water on the table? A wet sleeve? A cup tipped over? It happens. By practising, your baby gradually learns how much pressure to use, how to bring the cup to their mouth and how to take a sip. Common challenges when learning to drink “My baby just plays with the cup” Very normal. For young children, a cup isn't just something to drink from. It's also something new to explore. Holding, turning and touching it are all part of learning. “My baby only drinks a few drops” That's completely fine when you're just starting. In the beginning, it's mainly about getting used to the cup and practising the movement. Every baby is different. “My baby makes a huge mess” It can be frustrating, especially when you've just cleaned everything up. But spilling is part of learning to drink independently. Your baby is discovering how much force to use and how the cup works. Do's & don'ts when learning to drink from a cup Do's Start calmly and without pressure Let your baby practise as much as possible Offer small amounts of water Choose a cup that is easy for little hands to hold Practise regularly during mealtimes Keep drinking relaxed and enjoyable Don'ts Don't expect your baby to drink neatly straight away Don't force your baby to take a sip Don't worry too much about spills Don't keep postponing an open cup because you're worried about the mess Don't feel that you need to use a spout cup as a necessary step Which cup is best for a baby? A good learning cup doesn't need to be complicated. For little ones, it helps if the cup is lightweight and easy to hold. An open cup in a size that suits small hands can make practising independent drinking a little easier. Our silicone cups are designed for those first drinking moments: easy for little hands to hold and made for everyday use. From that first careful sip to becoming more independent, learning to drink happens one little step at a time. Because those first attempts don't have to be perfect. They just have to happen together. A wet table, a few drops on the floor and a big smile? That's what being at home with little ones is all about. Frequently asked questions about drinking from a cup When can a baby start drinking from a cup? From around 6 months, you can offer your baby water alongside their usual milk feeds and introduce them to drinking from a cup. Every baby develops differently, so look at your baby's cues and readiness. Is an open cup better than a spout cup? An open cup is a good way to help your baby practise a natural drinking pattern. A spout cup isn't a necessary step before learning to drink from an open cup. Can my baby learn to drink from a straw cup? Yes. A straw cup can be a practical option, especially when you're out and about. It's still useful to give your baby opportunities to practise with an open cup as well. How can I stop everything getting wet? Honestly, you probably can't completely. Start with a small amount of water and practise during a mealtime. Putting a cloth underneath the chair can help too. A little mess is simply part of learning to drink. And luckily, wet tables eventually dry.
Banana Pancakes for Babies | An Easy BLW Recipe for First Finger Foods

Banana Pancakes for Babies | An Easy BLW Recipe for First Finger Foods

These soft banana pancakes for babies are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Naturally sweet and with no added sugar, they make a great first finger food for little ones learning to eat independently. Learning to eat is about more than eating The first bites are about so much more than the food itself. For your little one, every meal is a new experience: discovering flavours, feeling different textures and learning how to handle food independently. Touching, squeezing and exploring food with little hands are all part of the learning process. It helps babies develop fine motor skills and build confidence around eating. So if your little one squishes a pancake, drops a piece on the floor or spends more time exploring than eating, that's completely okay. It’s all part of discovering food in their own way. Ingredients (Makes about 10 mini pancakes) 1 ripe banana 1 egg 3–4 tablespoons rolled oats or oat flour A pinch of cinnamon (optional) Method Mash the banana until smooth. Add the egg and whisk together. Stir in the oats or oat flour until combined. If the batter feels a little thick, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of breast milk, formula or water to loosen it slightly. Every family is different, so simply use whatever works best for you and your little one. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture. Heat a frying pan over low heat with a little butter or oil. Spoon small pancakes into the pan and cook gently until the top begins to set. Carefully flip them over and cook for another minute or two. Allow the pancakes to cool before serving. A little tip These pancakes are wonderfully soft, making them perfect for little eaters. Because of that, they can sometimes be a little tricky to flip. If one breaks apart in the pan, don't worry, that's completely normal. To your baby, it doesn't matter whether it's a perfect little pancake or a few soft pieces on the plate. In fact, those smaller pieces can even be easier for tiny hands to pick up and explore. Learning to eat isn't about making everything perfect,it’s about discovering new flavours, textures and enjoying the journey. Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) If you're following Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), these banana pancakes make a wonderful first finger food. Their soft texture makes them easy for little hands to hold while encouraging your baby to practise self-feeding at their own pace. From around 6 months, when your baby is ready to start solids, they can begin exploring soft foods like these pancakes. Every baby develops differently, so always follow your little one's cues and adapt foods to their age and stage. Try Different Flavours Once your little one enjoys the basic recipe, it's easy to mix things up.Try adding: Grated apple for a naturally sweet twist Blueberries for extra colour and flavour Mashed strawberries Finely grated pear A spoonful of plain Greek yoghurt for an even softer texture Introducing different flavours and textures is all part of helping your baby become a confident eater. No Oats at Home? No rolled oats in the cupboard? No problem. Oat flour works just as well and creates an even smoother texture, perfect for babies who are just starting solids. Make Ahead & Freeze These pancakes are perfect for busy family life. Make a larger batch and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and warm them gently before serving.  Making memories around the table Mealtimes are about so much more than what’s on the plate. They are moments to discover, learn and enjoy being together. A first taste, tiny hands reaching for food and a proud smile after taking that first bite - these are the little moments that make family life so special. Having the right essentials can make these first eating moments a little easier. Our silicone tableware collection is designed for little explorers: easy for small hands to hold and made for everyday family moments. From first bites to learning to drink independently, these are the pieces designed to support your little one through their first eating moments.A little mess is part of the journey. A few crumbs on the table, sticky fingers or a dropped spoon are all signs that your little one is learning and becoming more independent. Because the sweetest memories aren’t always the neatest ones. They begin right at home.
🌞 Baby holiday essentials checklist: what to pack for a stress-free trip with your baby

🌞 Baby holiday essentials checklist: what to pack for a stress-free trip with your baby

Planning a holiday with your baby? Discover the most useful baby holiday essentials for sleep, travel, swimming and relaxed family days away from home.

Motherhood without filters: why mums need support, not perfection

Motherhood without filters: why mums need support, not perfection

Motherhood is often shown as something natural, as if everything just falls into place. But every mother knows reality is very different. It is beautiful, intense, exhausting, loving and sometimes completely overwhelming all at once. That is why what mothers need most is each other. The image of the perfect mother On social media we often see calm mothers, peacefully sleeping babies and perfectly styled homes. But these images never show the full reality. The sleepless nights, the doubts and the moments of feeling completely overwhelmed are rarely visible. This is why many mothers feel alone, even when they are not. Real life is not perfect and that is okay Every mother does things differently. Every baby is different. There is no single right way to do motherhood. There is only what works for your family. Motherhood is not a manual. It is something you learn as you go. Why comparison feels so heavy Comparing yourself to others often feels harmless, but it can be emotionally draining. We tend to think others are doing better, while we only see a small highlight of their lives. What mothers really need Understanding, not judgment. Simple words like “me too” or “you are doing your best” can mean everything. Being kind to yourself There is no perfect way to be a mother. Good enough truly is enough. Together instead of alone Motherhood is not a competition. It is a community. A place where we support each other, share honestly and feel understood. In the end, all mothers want the same thing: to love their child and do their best in their own way.
First Easter with your little one? Tips for a cozy Easter brunch or picnic!

First Easter with your little one? Tips for a cozy Easter brunch or picnic!

Is this the very first Easter with your little one? What a milestone! At Jollein, we love celebrating all 'firsts' with you. Easter is the perfect moment to create new memories, whether you’re sitting down for a big family meal or choosing a cozy picnic in the sunshine. We’re sharing some practical tips to make this first Easter brunch a total success. The Easter Table An Easter table full of treats and a baby or toddler: sounds like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation, you can keep it cozy (and the table somewhat clean). Muslin cloths as decoration Our XL muslin cloths are perfect as a cheerful table runner in the middle of the table. You can also loosely tie them as extra-large, soft napkins. It instantly gives that fresh spring look, and you’ll always have a cloth nearby for unexpected spills. Silicone baby tableware Leave the breakable plates in the cupboard. Our silicone tableware is indestructible, dishwasher safe, and features handy suction cups. That way, the Easter egg won’t go flying across the room! Bibs with sleeves An Easter breakfast isn’t complete without a few stains. Our bibs with sleeves protect that adorable Easter outfit, so your little one can explore and taste without a worry. Picnicking with your little one Enjoying the first rays of sunshine! When the sun is out, there’s nothing better than heading outdoors. A picnic is the ideal informal way to celebrate Easter with a baby or toddler. Comfortable on the grass Bring a thick playpen mat or a soft knitted blanket. This creates the perfect base for your baby to lie on or play while you enjoy your sandwich. Handy suitcases Pack one of our cute little suitcases with some snacks, a sippy cup, and a muslin. Your child will love having their very own 'Easter basket' full of surprises. Entertainment Don’t forget to bring some wooden toys. They are durable, can handle the outdoor elements, and will keep your little one happily busy. Whether you choose an extensive brunch at the table or a relaxed picnic on a blanket: make it a magical 'first'. Happy Easter!
Daylight Saving Time and Your Child’s Routine: How to Handle It

Daylight Saving Time and Your Child’s Routine: How to Handle It

This weekend, daylight saving time begins. Because the clock moves forward by one hour, it will be 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, while in the old time it would still be 6:00 a.m. Do you follow a fixed daily routine? Then I recommend starting your day right away at 7:00 a.m. (new time) and continuing your usual routine. By waking your child “earlier” and maintaining their usual awake time, your child will be tired enough to take their naps at the new time—even though in the old time this is an hour earlier than usual. Make sure your child is in bed at their normal bedtime (new time) and, to be safe, offer a slightly longer bedtime routine to end the day calmly and make the transition to sleep easier. Would you like to approach daylight saving time proactively? Then start adjusting your schedule this Thursday by moving everything 15 minutes earlier. Thursday, start your morning at 6:45 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The first nap at 9:00 a.m. instead of 9:15 a.m., and so on. On Friday, shift everything another 15 minutes earlier and begin at 6:30 a.m. On Saturday at 6:15 a.m., and on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. (new time). Because of daylight saving time, it stays light longer in the evening. For melatonin production (the sleep hormone), it is very important that your child’s bedroom is completely dark. Even the smallest amount of light can signal to your child’s brain that it is not yet time to sleep, or that it is already time to wake up when the sun rises. Make sure the bedroom is fully dark. Don’t yet have a fixed daily routine for your child but want one? The start of daylight saving time is a good moment to teach your child in the morning not to get out of bed immediately when they wake up. The time shift actually works in your favor during the first week, allowing you to teach your child to wait in bed until 7:00 a.m. Need more tips or support? Visit www.projectslaap.nl (Dutch only).