Our Child Safety Week did not get off to a good start
A very poorly Esther suffered her first ever febrile convulsion
And the rest of us were sent racing back to the night of 2nd February 2013
Were we watching our eldest daughter die
In much the same way her baby sister did not 17 months before?
Parenting is a wonderful blessing
It is also an enormous responsibility
And days can be filled with dread and fear
After a baby dies
It is difficult to have any perspective
You always assume the worst
You are over protective
Ever cautious
There is no other way you can be
But at the same time
You have to let your children live their lives
Ensure that they do not grow up full of fear
Make sure that they live their life to the full
Not scared to try new things
But with a respect for their own health and safety
It is hard
I am a mother who believes children should be allowed to take risks
But oh my goodness, my heart is in my mouth when they do
For me though
It is about safeguarding their health the best that I can
At the same time protecting mine and David’s sanity
Parenting after loss is not easy
Every day throws up a new challenge
A new fear that you had not thought of before
Most recently in the news Secondary Drowning
Most recently in our home febrile convulsions
Just a week or so after Tilda died
Esther was poorly with a croupy cough
Tommee Tippee very kindly and very speedily sent us a monitor
I think they could tell the emotional state that we were in
Having such a poorly Esther
So soon after losing Tilda
At this time Esther was two and a half
She was still sleeping in her cot
Tommee Tippee sent a Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad
We placed the pad under Esther’s mattress
And set up the video so that we could watch her through the night
I think in hindsight she sounded a lot more poorly than she was
But the sound of croup is terrifying enough
Without having just lost a baby in their sleep suddenly
And not really knowing the exact reason why
The sensor pad fits under your baby’s or toddler’s mattress and sounds an alarm if no movement is detected after 20 seconds
It enabled us to have some sleep while Esther was sounding so poor
One of the things about croup is that because of the way it affects their breathing
You know that they are breathing because of that distinct raspy sound
But the monitor gave us the added reassurance that we needed
That our daughter was okay
The video was also invaluable
Meaning we could keep an eye on her throughout the night
Without constantly disturbing her
And William who of course shares her room
The monitor has lots of useful features that can help give a parent peace of mind
The video monitor has infrared vision, meaning even if your child sleeps in a blacked out room as ours do, you can still see them clearly on the screen at night
The sensor pad has three levels of sensitivity so that you can adjust it according to your needs and taking into account things like the depth of the mattress
The sensor pad alarms if there is no movement detected for 20 seconds
David and I have been going round in circles for weeks, months
About how best to monitor Rainbow Baby when she comes
We will be keeping this Tommee Tippee monitor for nights we are unsure about Esther
But we will also be getting a sensor pad monitor for the new baby too
For a brilliant and detailed review of the Tommee Tippee Digital Video Monitor and sensor pad please read my beautiful friend Merry‘s review here
for your chance to win a Tommee Tippee Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad please read on to the end of this post
Before I get to the giveaway I want to tell you about the Tommee Tippee product that this week we could not have done without
It is the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Digital Ear Thermometer
Ever since her febrile convulsion on Monday we have been closely monitoring the temperature of both Esther and William
This thermometer is so simple to use and beeps to say it has read the child’s temperature
It also has a special beep or alarm that immediately lets you know if a temperature is above 37.5 degrees
We checked Esther every few hours and as soon as there was a sign of a rise in temperature
We gave her the Calpol or Nurofen that she needed
We do tend to check each reading more than once to ensure we are getting an accurate result
The thermometer stores up to nine readings so that you can track a rise or fall in temperature
The great thing is because it is so simple to use you can check a child’s temperature
While they are asleep
We did this with Esther on Tuesday night and her temperature had risen again
Over 38 degrees
We were able to give her Calpol and a drink and take off her vest to cool her down
When trying to keep your children safe
While looking after their health
Tommee Tippee are a great brand to know
Please take some time to browse their website and see which products they have
That might prove useful in your household
The website is also full of helpful tips and advice for parents of babies and toddlers
If you think that the Digital Video Monitor with Sensor Pad is the product for you then you can try and win one right here
Good Luck!
The video monitor is a fantastic idea to be able to easily check that baby hasn’t rolled onto its tummy without disturbing them
What a completely fantastic device. I would love to give one of these to my Daughter for her Baby, he has x 2 Heart conditions and she is ever vigilant but, this device would make life safer and indeed easier!!
I think the digital monitor, because peace of mind is invaluable.
I too am parenting after a loss. It is completely terrifying. My rainbow is now 1 but I am constantly checking on her and making sure she is ok. I would love the video monitor as it would enable me to check on her at night without disrupting her sleep by going in her room (creaky flooboards and my cat following me meowing loudly normally result in an awake baby!)
Sounds like you had a really horrible experience in your family the other night, I was reading the blog post and crying, we have 2&3 year old boys and a 3 month old little girl and although we haven’t had any febrile convulsions we have had to rush our boys to the A&E couple of times when they’ve been really sick, it’s scary, very scary, I’m always threading the worst even though we haven’t been through anything that even resembles what you have, big hugs to you and I’m SO happy to hear Esther is doing so much better already! <3
I would really love a baby monitor as Anneliisa will soon move into her own room (well in couple of months time give or take) and one of those digital ear thermometers would be very handy x
We were looking at the angelcare version of this but now I will do a comparison of the two – so hard to balance fear with being over protective.
The digital ear thermometer would be an amazing addition to our medical box, with having 3 little ones, 1 @ 3yrs 1 @ 2yrs and 1 @ 3months 😀
I would love the video monitor
I’d love the video monitor. We have a sensor pad monitor which we still use for zack, and I’m loathed to stop using it when the baby comes so the baby can use it. Winning one would be fab.
The video monitor would be lovely as E is going to be in his own room soon and I am worried about that fact!
The digital monitor as so useful and would use all the time
Several of my friends are having babies soon, so I’m sure they’d be pleased to own any of these products – that’s if they haven’t bought them already!
I think the digital thermometer is fab – we have a cheap one but it’s held under the arm or tongue so this one sounds much better
I love the idea of a Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad, it will be great to have the reassurance of both the pad and the monitor!
For us, the video monitor would be invaluable when our second baby arrives in September – we didn’t have one for our first daughter and on reflection, it would have saved a lot of worry, increased our ability to sleep and saved us plenty of running up and down the stairs!
I’d love the Tommee Tippee Digital Video Monitor with Sensor Pad as I like that it provides reassurance when your little ones are asleep.
The video monitor looks like a great idea.
the digital moniter
Would love this for our first baby, expected to arrive in the next few weeks and still haven’t got a monitor!
I would most like the nappy disposal system. Makes smells go away!
The video monitor with sensor mat would be amazing would really give me piece of mind.
we have one of the ear thermometers, so much better than the forehead ones you get, knowing how accurate it is
The video monitor would be invaluable to us. We had a sensor mat when Alfie was smaller but because I couldn’t see him I still had to go physically check on him. He has had problems with his chest since being born and we did have an apnea alarm for a short while. It would be great to have the video monitor for when girl bump arrives x
The video monitor would be fantastic, so I know what Maxwell is up to in his room especially as we are about to do the transition from cot to toddler bed.
I would have said the formula feed making machine but now we’re no longer making formula feeds would be the video monitor for sure. Whilst it’s great I can hear my baby in her room I still can’t help but wish I could see her as well.
The video monitor, as then I may be a little more relaxed when baby goes to bed! x
The video monitor, to be able to keep an eye on the little ones in bed
The sensor pad is such a great idea, I really think it puts your mind at ease.
The digital monitor is a must have
I love tommee tippee but I would have to choose their digital video monitor and sensor pad. I had a miscarriage last year so this would give me peace of mind when baby is sleeping. fingers crossed
I love the look of the video monitor. I’d love to check when my daughter falls asleep without disturbing her.
I would say the digital monitor as its good to know at any time i can look on it to see my child sleeping
digital ear thermometer
deffo the monitor, perfect for our baby Grandson when he visits us. Great peace of mind.
I would love the video monitor and sensor mat for my best friend who is due her rainbow in November. She found out this week that she is having a boy and I think at last is starting to believe she might get her much wanted baby. I know the monitor works give her untold peace of mind.
I think their Multi-Use Thermometer would be very useful right from the start. It looks easy to use and read and small enough to take anywhere!
The monitor, seeing your child at all times is the best peace of mind a parent could get x
Perfect prep machine it looks amazing
Would love to win this, baby on the way plus two other children 🙂
Their bottles, my little one takes the bottle no problem as well as breast feeding.
I’ve never used a video monitor but they seem such a good idea, sounds like you’ve had another tough time, febrile convulsions are so scary hope she’s on the mend xx
The digital ear thermometer, one thing I really want to get, it would be invaluable
With five children I am sure the digital monitor would be invaluable for my daughter-in-law.
I like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Easivent 260ml Bottles. I Always have them around for my baby and the design of these bottles are just perfect. Great Product! 🙂
The digital monitor because peace of mind is invaluable plus my eldest used to wake up, but was content to just stay in her bed so if my youngest is the same this would be great so I can see if she is awake
The digital monitor would be great to have for peace of mind
the thermometer. im always worrying if my son has a temperature or not
Definitely the video monitor. Not only would it give piece of mind when used for what it was designed for, but also, once that function was no long needed, it could be good for home security.
I am nana to be to my daughter Kate @dollybowbow s baby #babybowbow due in 7 weeks. To be honest both these products are on her really need list.I can remember 24 years ago constantly watching to see her breathing hopefully this would help Kate and take a little of this burden away.I wish you well for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Luv Tracy x
Sorry Jennie I ticked that I tweeted but I didnt.
(Technophobe alert)
Tracyx
The video monitor for peace of mind.
Digital video monitor so I wouldn’t have to worry constantly and keep checking on my son, therefore disturbing his rest.
I would love to win the digital video monitor, I am due to have my second baby in february. And one of these is top of my list of things to buy. I wish I had one for my little boy, my partner and I were total nervous wrecks when he was really little. This would definitely ease the paranoia!
The video monitor as this would put our mind at easy while our baby girl is sleeping as we cant really relax while she is sleeping this way we can watch her while she sleeps
I think the digital monitor, because peace of mind is invaluable
The video monitor – would be great to see my daughter in the morning!
Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad because I am always worrying what the little one is up to when we put him down for a sleep and to be able to see him would be a big reassurance.
The digital monitor would be great for my son and dauther – in – law for peace of mind when their new third baby is in another room
The video monitor as I would love to see what my kids are getting up to in their room.x
Their anti-colic bottles are brilliant.
The video monitor would be the best for me to watch the kids as they both have potentially deadly heart conditions so this would give me some peace of mind
the moniter would be a nice gift for our friends having a baby
The video monitor would be brilliant to watch my youngest to watch weather she is going to sleep or not when am putting her to bed x
The digital monitor would be great and give me peace of mind.
We’d love to have a video monitor for when our little one arrives this September. My oldest who is now 4 used to get quite poorly as a baby in Winter time and having this would be so reassuring.
I’d like to try the monitor for my son to use with his kids. My son had a convulsions when he was a baby, we spent a couple of nights in hospital. Its the scariest thing that ever happened to me!
I would love the monitor it would really but my mind at ease.
would make a great gift for my sister
Even if my baby sleeps in my room, I still use a monitor under his mattress. Call me paranoid but I am just too worried that something can happen and I know that by having a monitor which will alert me, makes me sleep better and know I’m doing everything I can to protect my child. I’d definitely recommend it to everyone!
The monitor, such a fantastic device!! Our stairs creak so loud it disturbs when we want to check, such a great thing, and the piece if mind fabulous
digital monitor ..as my son is just about to move into his own room and it would make me feel a lot more relaxed
The video monitor would be fantastic! I would love to try it 🙂
This one, and I’m not just saying that. I’ll explain.
My daughter in law ‘s baby is due at Christmas. My grandson is 10.
We have to start again with everything and as she is so much older she
is seeming to worry more ! When she had Jaret, they lived in a flat, so easy to
pop in an check on him. This time it’s a house and she really is fussing about
it all ! This would be a treasure for her.
The digital ear thermometer because the forehead one I have doesn’t seem to be very accurate.
video monitor the perfect minder
The digital monitor for some friend of mine who have just become parents.
Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad, beacuse i know i’m going to be a crazy first time mummy who wants to keep tabs on my little one ALL the time!
to give it to my friend who as not got alot of money.. would love to surprise her with this x
definitely the video monitor!
Digital monitor
I’d love the video monitor as it would put my mind at rest and save me checking every 5 minutes.
I would like the Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad, What a fabulous piece of equipment, for peace of mind & reassurance. x
I would live the video monitor as I am always checking on my Daughter! 🙂
The digital video monitor would be perfect as I am hoping to put my little girl into her own room in the next few weeks…She’s growing to quickly!
The video monitor! My wife panics every second the baby sleeps alone.
The video monitor system would be great then I could gaze adoringly without disturbing- why are sleeping babies sooooo cute? LOL!
I would love the Digital Video Monitor with Sensor Pad as I am expecting the arrival of my second child any day now and I’m actually more concerned about the danger of SIDS this time around than last time. Plus it would be incredibly handy to have a video monitor once the girls are sharing rooms so I can keep an eye on them both!
Digital Ear Thermometer because it’s really handy and accurate
I would love the Video Monitor. My boys (4 and 1) will be “moving in together” soon to make space for a joint playroom, would be great to be able to see what the cheeky monkeys are up to when it’s bed time 🙂
I’d love the Digital Video Monitor because it’s fun to watch the baby playing in his cot!
The digital ear thermometer would be a god send
The video monitor – it would make a perfect gift for my sister
the digital monitor, i know my friend frets and worrys and maybe help put her mind at ease
Like most people on here are saying, I think the video monitor would be my choice, simply for the reassurance it offers. I have a newborn baby girl (6 days old) and even though I also have a son so have done it all before, you do still hold your breath until you hear them make a sound. It’s so important for mums to have that assurance so they can sleep when the opportunity presents!
Tommee Tippee manual breast pump was most useful thing which helped me to establish breastfeeding and don’t give up so easy!
The video monitor with sensor mat looks like a great idea, im currently pregnant and I think this would give me peace of mind. I like the look of the perfect prep machine too!
The video monitor. We have just moved our little boy into a “big boy’s bed” and so we can no longer use the motion sensor part of his existing monitor. I’d love a video monitor so I can keep an eye on him without going in to him.
The video monitor is fantastic! How many times do we creep into our baby’s room…?
i think the digital thermometer 🙂
I’ve always wanted a video monitor so I can watch LO sleep.
I think the video monitor is a fantastic idea. I lost my son 2 years ago (he is my youngest) i think had i the opportunity to check on him more regularly it would been amazing. I could see the video monitor in particular saving quite a few parents the same heartache x
The video monitor, I’m afraid I’m one of life’s “checkers” who keeps popping in to see that normal breathing is happening! so that would be invaluable to me
the video monitor so I can keep an eye on my little one
Definitely the video monitor as we are about to move our 8 month old little girl into her own room and are nervous about it!
Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad as i want to stop co sleeping with Darcy soon
the video monitor, i have 3 girls in one bedroom, 6years, 17monnths and 6months, so it would be nice to be able to see in their room without going in and disturbing them
I would like to win the Tommee Tippee Digital Video Monitor with sensor pad as this is my first child and I will be extra paranoid about his safety
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Digital Ear Thermometer, would be very useful 🙂
The closer to nature video monitor definitely xxx
http://www.tommeetippee.co.uk/product/multi-use-thermometer/
as i have found it hard to get an accurate way of measuring tempertures
I’d like Tommee Tippee Digital Video Monitor because it has two way talk back which I think is an essential function in a monitor and many don’t have it.
The Digital Monitor is a fantastic piece of kit … piece of mind for new mums is always welcome
The aeroplane spoons as they’re amusing!
The Digital Sensor Pad monitor looks excellent.
digital monitor to give peace of mind 🙂
Nature Digital Ear Thermometer I think
I would love the video monitor, I would love to see what he gets up to when I am not in the room.
This sounds like a fab idea. My son is 5 months and about to go into his cot and own room and I am terrified.
I would love the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature digital thermometer as I use a card one on their forehead which i’m not sure is accurate
The video monitor is great, state of art technology for easy checking up