Thrive. Thrive. Thrive.

simple tools, universal ingredients

A new year is here!

I love the idea of new beginnings and reflecting on what worked and what I want to do more (or less) of in the future. Some things are constants and habits that don’t need an overhaul, others need to be (re)prioritised.

I really hope that 2026 becomes a year that you’re excited to look back on!

One thing I want always and forever is for our babies (and ourselves) to continuously grow, flourish, and thrive. But even though (or perhaps because of) the insane amount of (mostly unsolicited) advice, products, apps, and reels, it’s hard to settle on what that actually means. So I decided to have a good and honest look at how we do things as a family.

I’ve learnt an incredible amount since becoming a mum, I’m intrigued by what (eastern and western) science says and I can pinpoint a few things that help us to thrive, so here we go:

1. Real Food (you know exactly what I mean by that)

You also know that input determines output.

What do you feed yourself? Do you feel good after (most) meals? Why is that?

What do you feed your baby? Do you breastfeed? Give formula? A mix of both? I find that the most important thing is that you are in the driver’s seat, not guilt, pressure, or circumstance.

Dr. Yesheen Singh recently wrote a piece for Plnty on real-world nourishment, fertility and longevity - it has a ton on valuable insight into the power of food. Read it here.

When your baby starts eating solids, I think it’s worth asking: what do I want these meals to do?

Beyond “introducing new tastes” food is fuel for a rapidly developing brain. Protein and healthy fats (think eggs, avocado, small fish, good, high-fat yoghurt) are essential building blocks for the entire family. So you’ll never find bland purees in my house but real food that sets a foundation for energy, growth, and focus.

I also find it’s just way easier to cook one meal for the whole family and not getting kids used to an à la carte lifestyle from the age of 6 months…

We loved using the Solid Starts App - absolutely mind-blowing library of seemingly every ingredient under the sun as well as a ton of family-style recipes that made the above more than manageable.

2. Nature, Daily.

Screens and stress are everywhere. Nature is literally the antidote.

And the research is clear: daily time outside lowers cortisol, improves sleep, boosts immune function, and helps regulate tiny (and your) nervous systems. It doesn’t have to be a mountain hike, it can be 20 minutes in the local park, walking barefoot on grass, or sitting under a tree. Babies don’t need curated stimulation, the natural world provides it, free and freely.

PS: If you live in or visiting Cape Town, join our mountain walks on Mondays or Thursdays at 07:30AM. Bring your baby, dog, grandparents - community is everything! DM me for more details.

3. Space for Their Pace

Babies don’t arrive with timetables. They arrive with curiosity. Letting them lead, deciding what catches their attention, how long they want to play with a stick or chase a ball, gives them a sense of agency and is incredible for developing confidence.

Some of the best developmental play is the least structured. Watch what they notice, mirror it, and resist the urge to constantly “direct.”

4. Rhythm vs Schedule

I’m not a fan of strict schedules. But I’ve learned that my son thrives on predictability and a daily rhythm.

Instead of “at 7:03PM this has to happen,” I think in sequences. Dinner → bath → full body oil rub (especially the feet and toes for good sleep!) → rough play with Dad → book(s) with me → sleep.

The rhythm teaches your baby what comes next, helps them feel safe, and lets them fall into rest easily. Predictable rhythm = signals.

5. Mum’s + Dad’s Nervous Systems

One of the most overlooked “ingredients” for a thriving family? Our own mental and physical state!

Science is clear that babies can only regulate with and through us. So a calm, grounded parent helps produce a calm, grounded child. That means prioritising your own nervous system: walking, breathwork, exercise, a (quiet) cup of matcha or coffee — whatever helps you.

And this is where Mum and Dad matter differently. Research shows babies release different hormones when interacting with mothers vs fathers — oxytocin and comfort with Mum, dopamine and play with Dad. Both matter.

And both parents thrive when they remind each other to take care of themselves.

But perhaps your nervous system needs something entirely different: a (crazy) adventure, proper me-time, a girls trip (to New York?), learning a new skill, moving to another country (what that’s like at 30 weeks pregnant, Kiya Taylor told us in her Motherhood piece).

It’s all in the details, but somehow it’s also big picture stuff.

To me, helping our babies thrive isn’t about perfection or about following a rigid script. It’s about creating an environment where food, nature, freedom, rhythm, and calm come together to form a foundation.

When those elements are in place, you see it: the curiosity, the confidence, the joy and the deep sleep — in them and in us :)

X Julia