When you become a new parent, you’re suddenly bombarded from all angles with tiny babygros, offers of babysitting (hopefully!) and of course plenty of well-meaning advice from friends and family who have been there before and think they know it all.

Having this kind of support network in place, and being able to turn to people you know and trust for advice can of course be hugely beneficial, but there are also times when it can be potentially damaging to your confidence as a parent.

You know already that we stock hundreds of fantastic BPA gifts and nursery essentials for babies and children, but how about the mums and dads? Did you know we've got plenty for parents too?

As a teenager you probably swore you’d never behave like your parents when you grew up, but in reality our childhood experiences can have a huge effect on how we parent our own children.

Once a baby comes along you may surprise yourself by singing songs or repeating phrases your own parents said to you. And as your children grow you’ll recognise their influence on the decisions you make yourself, whether you follow their example or actively seek to do the opposite of what they did.
However, your family values could bring up unexpected challenges for your relationship.

Today our mummy blogger Jane confessing to finding the nursery experience a little harder than her daughter...

My daughter started nursery when she was 18 months old. The settling-in process seemed to make a lot of sense on paper - the first day I would stay and play and we would leave after an hour. The next day would be a little longer. The third day we would stay for lunch and the fourth day I would leave her there, but return after an hour. Each day after that I would return an hour later. 

February is not exactly the month you feel inspired to exercise in is it? This week our mummy blogger Jane talks about how she has vowed to fit exercise in - on top of everything else she does already!

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On Thursday 1st March between 1pm and 2pm, VUPBaby are having a party - and you're invited! And the best thing is, it's a twitter party, so you don't have to worry about what to wear!

This week our fab mummy blogger Jane reveals how her idea of parenting a new baby was a little far from the reality! Did motherhood come as a surprise to you?

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I was 5 months pregnant with my second child when I decided to start my new business. Maybe I thought it'd keep me occupied and make the pregnancy go quicker or something!

Today our mummy blogger Jane ponders on the power of bribery. What do you think - do you bribe your kids or do they have you wrapped around their little finger?!

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I admit it - I bribe my daughter. The promise of chocolate buttons has prevented many a tantrum in the super market. You can feel the tantrum building can't you?

Fussy eating - it's one of the curses of parenting isn't it? How on earth do you get kids to eat well and why is it that as soon as you think you've got it cracked, they turn the tables on you?! Today our mummy blogger Jane shares her thoughts on feeding children...

I was reminded recently of how much children respond to regularity and routine.