I am about to embark on my first camping trip with 6 month old J. Having been camping for years with hubby, I know that you need as much stuff for 1 night as for 1 week. But when it comes to baby, what do you need? What is convenient and what is just handy?

First off, I thought that baby has to sleep somewhere. We are camping in a camper trailer, and not comfortable with co-sleeping as we have never co-slept. So we need a Portable Cot. With so many available, we were able to chose the best to suit the size of our trailer. We also got a mosquito net to put over the top of it to stop insects and creepy crawlies getting to J at night. The great thing about the net is that it also doubles as a net for our stroller. We are also taking a sleeping bag, warm blankets & lots of summer and winter clothes.

Next, I had to think about his feeding. Being a bottle-fed bub there is a mountain of things that I am taking. Bottles, Food & Feeding Products, Steam Steriliser, Bottle Warmer (we have a powered site), Feeding Chair - we're using the Bumbo. With his formula, I was going to buy pre mixed formula, but after calculating the price - I have now decided to get a can of formula and make up formula in single serves the night before. I've also decided to make his food down there seeing as he is still on veggies and fruit, so am taking the wean machine to mash it - just to make it easier. A stick blender would also work well.

To keep J happy and playing, we are taking a large mat with us, along with a bag of his favourite toys. Also taking his Jolly Jumper to hang from a tree, and his playpen, seeing as he is doing rollypolly's at every opportunity. A Facebook friend has also recommended that we take a portable battery operated swing with us, as J can eat in it, sleep in it and the music and dangly bits will keep him entertained. Thought was a great idea.

We are also taking along his baby carrier and stroller, and leaving the bulky travel system pram at home.

Have you camped with a baby? What was your experience?

Having had J on solids for a month now, I have tried and tested a few different things, and thought I would share my thoughts and experiences here. I have gone the route of making my own baby food, I think it was due to the fact that I wasn't able to exclusively breastfeed him as I would have loved to. I think I feel the need to do this simple thing for J - making all of his food sort of makes up for it in my mind. Making all of his food was- whilst fun also a messy job. First you steam the fruit and/or veges, then blend them before separating them into individual portions. If you are time poor, that can be hassle, and it may be easier to just go the premade food option - which there is nothing wrong with. If you want a simpler option to make your own food, Avent have created a Combined Steamer / Blender in one. So you just prepare your fruit or vege, pop it in and the Steamer/Blender will do its job. All you need to do at the end is separate into individual portions and clean it. Very simple. For those individual portions, these set of 8 - 70ml baby tubs are the way to go. They come in a holder, and are just really handy. Another thing I've struggled with is giving J rusks. While he loves chomping his gums down on a rusk - he tends to end up biting off more than he can chew, and coming close to choking. This was the same when letting him suck on fruit pieces, eventually he gnawed a bit off, and it was a little bigger than I was comfortable with. I also, just last week saw a friend of mines little one who has a couple of little teeth gnaw at a rockmelon, but didn't swallow it, instead kept it all inside his mouth, resulting in his mum digging it all out to avoid choking. She had the situation completely under control and was calm all the way through - but I just don't know if I'm ready to be put in that situation. To tackle this, I have introduced J to Fresh Food Nets. They are net, which you place fresh fruit, or bickie or any food in, and bub has to suck the food through the net before swallowing it - so in essence it is pureed before going down their throat. It has been a godsend for me, and has allowed me to introduce many new foods (mainly summer fruits) to J, in a safe and controlled way. I love using it while out and about. I attached it to a dummy holder, and pop a little arrowroot biscuit or watermelon inside and he is happy and occupied - and if he does decide to throw it, with it being attached to the dummy holder - it won't end up on the ground. Another idea that is fantastic for busy mums and dads on the go is the Wean Machine. I have this fantastic item, and use it - while not at all a necessary item to have - it's one of those handy items. You put your cooked veges or fruit, or pasta or anything inside, and press down. It mashes it and squeezes it through the holes - and its ready for eating. It even comes with a spoon, ready to feed bub just like a garlic crusher, except larger. What an awesome idea! These are just a few products that I've used and found fantastic. Of course there is nothing wrong with the good old fashion way. Have you got any tips that you'd like to pass on? Please feel free - I'd love to hear all about them.

Louis Vuitton Bags and Christian Louboutin Heels are so yesterday once you're a mum, it's all about your baby's pram and carriers - they are the hottest mummy accessories out. Carriers provide a convenient and inexpensive way to transport your bub - and also encourage bub's emotional and physical development - but will you chose a Sling or Carrier? It's a question asked by many new mums and mums to be. Before my bub was born I wasn't sure which one to go with, they both have their advantages. But I suppose it comes down to personal choice. There are 2 types that you can choose from - the hands free carrier, where bub sits upright and a slide sling - like a hammock. If you want to carry a newborn baby in a hands-free baby carrier make sure it holds them in the frog position by supporting their thighs, hips and pelvis. It should also give support to the baby's head and neck. Babies over six months old can face outwards and observe the world around them at eye level - a perfect height for babies to be smiled at by others, unlike in a pram. The hammock-style slings allow babies to lie down while being carried, but parents will need to support newborns with one hand. Most slings support babies from birth in a natural cradling position in front, which places no strain on newborn babies' immature back muscles. As bub's gets bigger, they can sit up in the sling, so they can look out at the world around. Best of all carriers and slings are convenient. In city areas, slings and carriers are much more convenient than prams for navigating the doors, stairs and tight spaces of public transport. Hands-free slings and carriers, in contrast to holding babies using one arm and their hips, allow parents the use of both arms. No need to open packets with one hand and your teeth, or to develop bulging muscles in your regular carrying arm. So whether you choose a sling or carrier, you know you'll have piece of mind in knowing that it is safe for your bub. Have a look through some of our slings and carriers that we stock here at Baby Zone Direct.

Baby Bjorn Ergo Combi Mini Monkey Baba Love N Care Phil and Teds Breeze Baby Peanut Shell

Keeping the kids occupied and away from the TV or computer is hard at the best of times. I often wonder what happened to the good ol' days (for me a whole 28 years ago) when today's technology was still being dreamt up and during school holidays I was out the door after breakfast - ran back in to grab something quick for lunch and to show mum that I was ok, and then back in time for dinner. I spent my days playing with all the kids in my street - we explored, imagined, got stuck up trees, as well as getting ourselves into all sorts of trouble. We all knew our neighbours, and everyone looked out for everyone else. To help parents today get their kids outside, and really playing again, Baby Zone Direct has added a new line of products - TP Active Fun. This range has something to suit ages from 6 months right through to 14 years. Its range of Seesaws, Picnic Table/Sand Pits, Swing Sets, Trampolines, Play Gyms and Play Houses will keep your kids occupied for hours. They will be able to climb, swing, jump and hide all day long, and all in the comfort of your backyard. It is a well-known fact that a child who plays outside regularly will make them fitter, healthier and ready for bed when the day's adventures are over. A day of adventure and make believe on one of TP Active Fun's amazing play houses will surely tucker your little one out, and send them to the land of nod without protest. This range has FREE SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE so have a look today!