That’s such a game-changer having everything prepped. I ended up keeping a small thermos of hot water right by the bed too, along with the sterilised bottles and pre-measured formula dispensers. Meant I didn’t even have to leave the room for those 4 am parties!

That ‘every little bit helps’ really resonates! I remember those early infant days where it felt like survival was a series of tiny, perfectly timed adjustments. Now, with a preschooler, I often think back to how those small, almost instinctive moves to reduce friction, like having the bottles ready, were actually the start of understanding what it means to create a supportive environment. It wasn’t about grand theories then, just getting through the night, but it laid the groundwork for how I now try to think about setting up routines that minimise overwhelm for *both* of us. It’s funny how the practical informs the theoretical, and vice-versa, isn’t it?

Oh, totally get that! 4 am feeds are a whole different dimension of time. What I found was a game-changer for the water temp: a little thermos right by the bed with boiled water that’s cooled just enough. By the time I’m fumbling for the formula, it’s perfect. No waiting for the kettle or trying to eyeball lukewarm.