Reading her various posts we learnt that Lucia has chosen our made in PegPerego to help her little girl discover the world. So we contacted her to ask her what criteria had led her to choose our products. This is what she answered.

"When we started looking at travel systems we were searching for one with a good bassinet as we did not have a cradle. As we won’t need this for long (the baby will probably start sleeping in a cot after a couple of months), we are planning on Adele sleeping in the pram.

We needed a system that provides us with a base on which to fix the bassinet at home because we don’t want to keep it on the floor. We were particularly lucky because at the time we booked the travel system there was an ongoing promotion. We were given the cradle kit for free (stand, mattress and anti-suffocation pillow), although we would have bought it anyway.

What's more, I wanted a stroller that could be both forward facing and rear facing. I may never use it in the rear-facing position, but you never know and we didn't want to buy two separate products.

We hope Adele will not be our only daughter, so we chose a high-quality system because it will have to be used for more than one child, and Peg Perego seemed to offer a guarantee of high quality.

Lastly, when it came to the chassis (umbrella-fold or book-fold), we chose the book-fold one because the opening/closing system is really simple and intuitive. When I think of myself steering the stroller and carrying Adele in my arms at the same time, I am convinced the single handlebar is the best solution."

As you can see, Lucia has very clear ideas about what she needs and we are very proud she has chosen our Book Plus Sportivo and Modular, as she explains in a dedicated post.

Adele's little bed is ready and we will keep up-to-date on Lucia's blog... Who knows, at some point she may want to talk about how things went with our modular set. Naturally, we hope she will be satisfied

 PS: the photos are – of course – Lucia’s

1. Do not underestimate The infinite vitality of our children, their capacity to recover and above all their capacity to grasp the deep meaning of situations, in both a positive and negative sense. They always manage to surprise me and I see them as the litmus test of our adult world.

2. Do not underestimate My energy.
I sometimes seem like I am suffocating with all the multitasking required and over time I have learned just to keep going rather than try to get there first. I have learned that it is the only way to keep my balance and not let myself be overtaken by the intoxication of hyperactivity. I realize that this is the great challenge of modern times, particularly for us women (but not only women), as we are in the front line faced with career, personal and family demands and often on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

3. If you need help Look for support. I have learned little by little how to be a healthy egotist, I ask help from those around me, sometimes from oldest children as well, obviously only for things that they are able to do. The two aged 9 and 10 now make their own beds before going to school and tidy up their rooms, little tricks that added up every day become a great help. My husband also helps out with almost all family matters and I am very fortunate to have met and chosen him as my life partner.

4. I couldn't live without My space, that is small, brief or carved out. I need to find a little time just for me, dedicating myself to that which has always been a part of my world. First of all photography. I started as a child and I have never stopped taking pictures, mainly just for personal pleasure, practically every day. But I also express myself through action. I absolutely cannot keep my hands still, so I put them to use in the kitchen, in little knitting or crocheting projects, creating little fabric dolls, creating and experimenting.

5. My motto for those desperate times Don't be afraid, nothing stays the same for ever, everything changes. So I feel confident in the future, I can glimpse a ray of light even in the darkest times.

Do not underestimate yourself: both in terms of resources and limits. Because if on the one hand demanding to much of yourself may be stressful in the long term, insecurity also does not help, in fact it often blocks the right decisions.

Do not underestimate the future. Do not let negative times and difficulties get you down too much. With children, family and work, you will always be faced with phases that pass and give way to new phases. When there's little to be done about a situation, I just sit and wait. Sooner or later something good will come along. And everything always changes.

Do not overestimate the lives of others. From the outside everything may seem easy and perfect, but I can assure you that this is not the case.
Never overestimate the opinions and words of others. People speak from their own experience, way of being and personal life. This will never coincide with your own experience. Do not overestimate your fears and anxieties. They are like shadows, they seem much bigger at midday than they really are.

If you need help look for it and delegate. Don't feel guilty if you need to take time out for yourself. Try to rest every now and then everything will seem easier! Do not take everything on you own shoulders, there is also a daddy in the family, don't discount him, he can learn as much as you did.

Don't be without: everyone will tell you that you can't be without children and I agree that this is really true, but I also advise you to take some time out for yourself every so often. Regenerate the body and mind and relationships!

Her motto for desperate times: Panta Rei

1. Do not underestimate: The passage of time, which, once passed, never returns. I have no regrets about my life with my son (who's almost 4). With him, I have tried to do all I wanted and all I thought would be of help. When I look back, I am truly pleased with what I've done. I am happy not to have to say “if I'd had more time….”

2. Do not overestimate: Maternity books. They are excellent to dip into, but in this field there are no hard and fast rules. No. Every mother must fine tune this special art on her own; seeking out different opinions, certainly, but then choosing her own way based on what she feels is right. It's always better to make your own mistakes than someone else's.

3. If you need help: Ask for it. This has always been my weak point. I've always been afraid of bothering people, and as a result I've made mistakes (for example while breast feeding) that I am sure I could have avoided if I'd asked for help. Choose someone you can rely on with regard to the particular help you need, and trust in that person.

4. You won’t manage without: A fantastic mei tai baby sling. It's the only thing I haven't tried and that I would like to use even now that my son weighs 3 stone.

5. My motto for moments of desperation: How the hell did my granny manage with 10 children? If she made it, I have no excuse.

You have probably already visited her website, but are you familiar with her five tips on how to survive pregnancy and motherhood? Here they are!

1. Do not underestimate
the power of maternal instinct and the strength of the unconditional love that binds a mother to her child. Being a mother is not easy but it is the most beautiful experience a woman can wish for.

I receive hundreds of letters from pregnant women who are afraid they will not be able to deal with a baby. I think that being afraid of not coping is a feeling we all shared during the nine months of pregnancy. This fear usually vanishes as soon as we look into the eyes of our little one.

2. Do not overestimate
unsolicited advice and your strength. When you have a baby, especially the first, everybody is at the starting line ready to give you opinions, advice and sometimes even disapprove.
Non-constructive criticism is to be ignored, advice and opinions should be welcomed with ‘thank you’, but ultimately the last word is yours.

You should never overestimate the strength of your body – learn to listen to the alarm bells of exhaustion. Sleep when the baby sleeps, turn a blind eye on what needs to be cleaned and find a part of the day for “me time”.

3. If you need help
Ask, call, share, let off steam and confide in somebody. Never be afraid to ask for advice. Talking to other mums is very useful and a great way to make good friends. This happens every day on my website. Do not be ashamed to say that you can’t do it. It can happen – we’ve all been through it. Ask your partner, mother (even your mother-in law if necessary) for help.

4. You won’t manage without…
Contact with your child and don’t be afraid to spoil him! Cuddles are the cure for all your baby’s problems and for you as well.

5. My motto for when you are desperate
Life carries on in one way or another, you'll get over this and tomorrow will be another day, certainly better than this one.

After all, was there ever a mother who didn’t wish she had a magic wand? Elisabetta describes herself as a “semi-witch, a journalist, an enthusiastic cinema fan, a cyclist braving the streets of Milan." One thing's for sure - she gets straight to the point.

1. Do not underestimate: Relatives barging in…

2. Do not overestimate: How much you can cope. You need to rest if you are breastfeeding. Ask someone (your mother, partner/husband, neighbour, friend, anybody!) to help you.

3. If you need help: Everything you need is online

4. You won’t manage without: Having some way of letting off steam! Make sure you have hobbies and interests, other than your children and housework.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: ADELANTE!

Bewitched

1. Do not underestimate: Yourself when you think about labour and birth. It will naturally bring out the best in you.

2. Do not overestimate: The accuracy of your due date! You could be one or two weeks early or late, so try not to pack your hospital bag and prepare the baby’s room between contractions. If you are overdue, be patient, smile and wait!

3. If you need help: Say so! Do not deny it - we have all been through it and we can all help. Speak to your neighbour, the shop-assistant, another new mum you have not spoken to for some time…

4. You won’t manage without: A good stroller you and your baby can explore the world with.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: “Relax and enjoy your child… Your baby was born to be a reasonable, friendly – though occasionally demanding – human being,” said Benjamin Spock. He also said we should not be afraid to love them and enjoy them - babies need smiles, words, games and cuddles as much as they need vitamins and calories.

Littleelo

1. Do not underestimate: The importance of friends who are mothers too – they are the only ones who really understand you and can give useful advice.

2. Do not overestimate: Your strength. You’ll feel on top of the world during pregnancy, but tiredness will hit you after childbirth. Admit it, you are knackered. Try to rest.

3. If you need help: Do not be ashamed to ask for it. Ask anyone, even your mother-in-law or your nosy parker neighbour.

4. You won’t manage without: Stopping and thinking. If you are normally always on the go, children will force you to slow down and stop.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: “Fortunately, they do grow up.”

ItMom

“I used to be a manager,” she says. “Now, with two children, I manage what I call the ‘family business’. I do not sit at a desk all day, which makes me feel more alive and interesting than ever.”

Here are her essential tips on how to survive motherhood.

1. Do not underestimate: Your skills. It may be difficult at first, but you will succeed in being the best mother for your child. You are not born with maternal instincts, you develop them as the days go by. One day you and your child will look at each other in the eye and understand each other immediately.

2. Do not overestimate: People who are always giving advice. Mothers and mothers- in-law were young mums thirty years ago – now they are making up most of what they are saying. Accept help, but do not put up with being criticised.

3. If you need help: Say so! Meet up with other mothers, talk to friends. You will find support.

4. You won’t manage without: A husband and a cooperative, attentive father. To be a happy woman, you need good father, not a boyfriend.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: Half your problems vanish as time goes by.

Manager di Me Stessa (My own Manager)

1. Do not underestimate: How relations with relatives (EVERYBODY!) change with respect to you and the baby. Try not to be sucked into the gaping hole that will open once the baby is born!

2. Do not overestimate: Yourself. Do not try to do everything perfectly, do not plan every fine detail, do not waste time planning. There is one thing that having children has taught me – precise plans and time frames are useless! Do some organising, but don’t over do it.

3. If you need help: Speak to another mum! Or look for an online community of mums, where advice is given by women who know what it is like to be a present-day mum.

4. You won’t manage without: A camera! No matter how many photographs you take, they will never be enough!

5. My motto for when you are desperate: NEVER forget you are the best mum your child can have - and your child knows it.