The Baby Bag Diary of Kellie Labrooy

Welcome to the Baby Bag Diaries. A series where we share real stories from real mums exploring the transformational journey into motherhood, shining a spotlight on their favourite products and the pieces of advice they wish they had before having a baby. 

Ben & Ellie Baby customer and mother of three boys Kellie, shares her tips on juggling motherhood, work and travel. How to not sweat the small things and reminds us all to savour the early, sleepless days because they really do go so fast.

 

Tell us about yourself? When did you become a mama and how many babies do you have? 

I’m a Mum of 3 boys and I first became a Mum 10 years ago to my first boy Jaxon after a miscarriage. Two years later I had my second son Kai. Having two boys quite close together was busy but I loved every minute. I always wanted three boys but wasn’t sure if we would ever do it. 

Almost 10 years later after my second miscarriage, I fell pregnant again with our 3rd boy Izaiah and finally I knew our family was complete. I'm currently on Mat Leave but I normally work as an Executive Rep in Oncology. With all my boys I have had a year off and then went back to work full time as I really love what I do. 

 

Who were you before you became a mum? (Tell us about your lifestyle, job, career, passions, travels, hobbies etc). 

Before I was a Mum I loved to travel and spend lots of time with our family. We travelled the world and really got to experience many other cultures which is something I'm excited to share with our boys now.

 

Are you still that person? How has motherhood inspired or changed you? Any light bulb moments?

All the things I enjoyed before kids I still enjoy now it's just some things are different. We still love to travel as a family and have been to Europe, Fiji, Vietnam and Bali as a family. 

Motherhood has certainly changed me for the better. Everything I do now is for our boys and I hope that we can raise them to be kind, generous young men who know respect but most of all know how much they are loved. I want to harness their sensitivity and show them the best life we can. 

 

Tell us what you thought motherhood would be like before you became a mother? 

I guess I didn’t know what to expect. I always knew I wanted to be a Mum and also had a feeling I would have boys. I thought it would be tough but don’t think anyone is ever prepared for the sickness and sleeplessness that were to follow. All my babies have been prem so we have had our worries but now they are all fine.  

 

What’s in your baby bag right now?

Ben & Ellie Nappy Clutch, Wipes, change of clothes, dummy, bags, nappy cream, Panadol, teething rings, teething rusks

 

Designated baby bag, nappy bag backpack or your handbag with baby things packed in it. What’s your style?

I have two options. First is my Mimco Nappy bag which is quite big and comes with me most days but I also have a LV bag I use when I'm going out. 

 

Let’s talk about looking effortlessly chic even after having a baby. We know this is an area that many women including ourselves find challenging, dressing our new postpartum bodies and reconciling our personal style with motherhood. Do you have any advice for new mums? 

I think the best advice would be just be kind to yourself. Those first few months after having bubs is tough. We might be breast feeding and our bodies are still adjusting. I found even after I had Izaiah I wore lots of Maternity clothes because they were comfortable. I feel there is a real gap in nice / fashionable maternity / breastfeeding clothes. I wore lots of casual t-shirts and maternity jeans. 

 

Baby shower or baby blessing? Did you have either one of these? Tell us about it! 

I had a baby shower for my first, which was quite big but not much for the other 2 boys. 

 

We’re always on the lookout for interesting baby shower gift ideas. What were some of the best baby gifts you received? 

Outside of my Nappy Clutch my favourite gift was my Missta bottle which has really made my life so much easier with bottle feeding. It keeps the water drinking temperature for almost 24 hrs.

 

What is your go-to baby gift that you give to others?

Nappy Clutch and Missta Bottle 

 

What baby products could you not live without? 

Good nappy bag, change mat, CMC Dummies. 

 

Sometimes as mums we come across the trifecta of baby products – items that are gorgeous, functional and make your life easier! What are some of your “best kept secret” baby products you’ve discovered? 

Mustella rinse free  – this is great to give bubs a quick wipe down if you don’t have time for a bath or need a freshen up.

 

What advice would you give to a first-time mum shopping for all the baby stuff? How do you wade through all the noise and know what you truly need? (eg just buy everything, have a baby shower, make a list, ask your mum etc)

I think start off small and buy as you need as somethings you get way too much of. Ask your friends as they always have great advice.

 

If you could go back to a pregnant you and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Enjoy every moment as it goes by so quick.

 

What kind of mum are you now – can you describe your parenting style in three words?

Present, loving and fun Mum.

 

What is the best lesson motherhood has taught you?

Time is so precious. Our kids grow so quick and that’s why we should hold them tight, love them dearly and always tell them how much they are loved.

 

Any final advice or words of wisdom for pregnant or new mums reading this?

Take your time getting to know your new self and bubs. Try not to stress out too much as I've noticed after having 3, kids can sense everything we feel. I'm so much more laid back with my third and he is the easiest. Ask for help as sometimes it's tough and there are so many Mums in the same boat. Don’t try to do everything yourself and if the washing or dishes take a bit longer that’s ok as long as your bubs is happy that’s the most important thing.