Detritius

There's nothing like being at other people's houses with a baby to make you realise what kind of guests you really are: the worst kind. Noisy, inflexible and, of course, filthy. I feel like wherever we go, we leave a trail of debris at best, destruction at worst.

Luckily we are mostly staying with friends and family who've seen it all before, which is lucky because with baby-led weaning, there is really no way of containing it. You just have to apologise and make it clear you will clean up (and pay for any permanent damage) after bathtime, because as soon as dinner is over, it's time to strip Mae down and get the hosepipe on her. Or at least get her in a warm bath quick-smart, followed by a feed and bedtime in quick succession, because no amount of wet flannels can clean up this baby. This means, however, leaving your hosts' kitchen looking like a splurge gun has hit for at least an hour after the event.


I think our hosts would agree though, that the spectator sport that is baby-led weaning is enough compensation for the detritius. At least I think so, although Emma might disagree - I really hope Mae hasn't made her mark (literally) on the new (as yet untreated) kitchen floorboards!

Learnings:

• We have doubled up on bibs now - we have the overall one with sleeves and the Tommy Tippee with the catch-all on top, which does a great job at, well, catching most
• Buy a lot of wine as compensation for your hosts