I love lists and since having Isobel have been relying on them even more due to my memory not being as good as it used to be. I use a diary to keep track of our days, what we liked or disliked. Gav and I had our first months compiling lists to compare what our loves and hates.

So for all parents to be, mums and dads I thought I'd start sharing the lists that work for us. It might be handy, it might not be. But a good list can work most things out!

1) Avent room and bath thermometer. A bath is great for little one to chill out or get out those final kicks of the day. This thermometer can be used in the bath to check the temperature is right but can also be used elsewhere in the home.

2) Mothercare MP3 player with night light. We got this as a present and it has provided us with an invaluable bedtime musical education. It plays white noise or you can hook up your ipod to it.

3) Dreambag. This was also a present. It has ladybugs on it and for the prices the quality is fantastic. We have a 1 tog but higher togs are available. Isobel knows that it is bedtime when she is put in hers before the final feed and we don't have to worry about blankets slipping and her being cold. Each one comes with a temperature and clothing guide. I have emailed them for a brochure and the response was quick and friendly. More like emailing another mum than a business.

4)Auto Fade Light. This light can be set to stay on a certain level of light or to fade out. Great for those middle of the night feeds without too much light to stimulate/wake baby too much.

5)Rockaby Lullaby. We have various albums and the music is soothing and pretty. Isobel tends to be asleep by track 5 of the Radiohead one most nights but to save our sanity from listening to the same one over and over we are experimenting with other artist now. These can be bought from Amazon or Play by CD or by track.

So what works for your bedtime routine? Let me know if you try anything from my lists as always appreciate feedback and tips/hints.

Happy Bedtimes