Dr Golly x BabyLove: Why the Little Things in Parenting Matter

I’ve spent my career helping parents navigate the early years, but being a dad to three kids has taught me just as much about parenting as being a paediatrician ever could. It’s messy, exhausting, wonderful and sometimes completely overwhelming. And looking back, it’s often the smallest moments that mean the most. – Dr Daniel Golshevsky

Anyone who’s had a baby knows that parenthood is nothing like you imagined.

There are the sleepless nights, the endless washing, the nappy changes that somehow require an entire change of clothes for everyone involved, and those moments when you wonder whether you’re getting any of it right.

But then there’s that first smile. The tiny hand wrapped around your finger. The cuddles when they fall asleep on your chest.

And somehow, those moments make everything else worthwhile.

It’s this very real side of parenting that BabyLove is celebrating through its partnership with paediatrician and father of three, Dr Daniel Golshevsky, affectionately known as Dr Golly.

We sat down with Golly to talk about life as a dad, the things he’s learnt along the way and why he believes the little things really do matter.

Being a Dad Changes Everything

Q: You’ve helped thousands of families as a paediatrician, but you’ve also raised three children of your own. Has being a dad changed the way you approach your work?

Dr Golly: “Absolutely. I think becoming a parent gives you a whole new appreciation for what families are going through.

It’s one thing to sit in a consulting room and explain what parents should be doing. It’s another thing entirely to be standing in your kitchen at 3am with a crying baby, absolutely exhausted, trying to remember what you were supposed to do!

I’ve been there. I’ve had the sleepless nights, the moments of uncertainty and the days when nothing seems to go to plan.

I think it’s made me a much more understanding doctor.

Parents don’t need someone telling them they’re doing everything wrong. Most of the time, they need someone to listen, give them practical advice and remind them that they’re doing a better job than they think.

And that’s something I feel really strongly about.”

Why BabyLove?

Q: BabyLove was a brand you used with your own children. What made this partnership feel like a natural fit?

Dr Golly: “Well, firstly, I’ve changed more nappies than I’d care to remember!

We used BabyLove with our own three kids, so there’s a genuine connection there. It’s a brand that was part of our everyday life when the kids were little. And when you’ve got young children, you quickly realise how important the basics are.

You want a nappy that fits properly, keeps your baby comfortable and doesn’t cost the earth. Because let’s face it, you go through an extraordinary number of them!

I also really like BabyLove’s philosophy of loving the little things.

It’s something that resonates with me, particularly now that my own kids are getting older.

When you’re in the middle of those early years, you don’t always appreciate how quickly they pass. You’re often just trying to get through the day!

But looking back, it’s those ordinary little moments that you miss the most.

So for me, this partnership feels very natural. It’s a chance to talk about the things that actually matter to parents, share some helpful advice and hopefully make those early years a little easier.”

Getting the Basics Right

Q: Parents have so many choices when it comes to baby products. When it comes to nappies, what actually matters?

Dr Golly: “I always tell parents not to overcomplicate things.

There is so much information out there, and I think it can make parents feel like every decision they make is enormously important.

When it comes to nappies, you really want to focus on a few simple things.

Does it fit properly? Is your baby comfortable? Is it absorbing moisture well? And importantly, how is your baby’s skin responding?

Babies have delicate skin, and sitting in a wet or soiled nappy for too long can contribute to irritation and nappy rash.

Regular changes, gentle cleaning and keeping the skin as dry as possible are really important.

And remember, every baby is different.

Just because your best friend’s baby wears a particular nappy doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the right one for yours.

Find what works for your baby and your family. That’s what matters.

And please don’t feel that you need to spend a fortune to be a good parent. You absolutely don’t.”v

Q: Nappy rash is something almost every parent encounters. What would you want parents to know?

Dr Golly: “Firstly, please don’t beat yourself up about it.

Nappy rash is incredibly common. I’ve seen it thousands of times in my clinic, and I’ve dealt with it with my own children too.

It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

The best approach is usually pretty simple. Change nappies regularly, clean the area gently, give the skin a chance to dry and use a suitable barrier cream when needed.

Sometimes a little nappy-free time can help as well, although I’d suggest choosing your location carefully for that one!

If the rash isn’t improving, is getting worse or your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, get it checked.

But my biggest message is that these things happen. Parenting isn’t about preventing every little problem. It’s about knowing how to manage things when they come up.”

The Nappy Years

Q: Thinking back to when your own children were babies, what do you remember most about those early years?

Dr Golly: “Oh, where do I start?

I remember being tired. Really tired!

I remember the constant feeding, changing, settling and then doing it all over again.

I remember thinking we’d finally figured something out, only for one of the kids to change the rules the very next day.

That’s parenting, isn’t it?

But I also remember the really beautiful things.

Having a baby fall asleep on your chest. Watching them discover something for the first time. The little giggles and funny faces.

And I remember how quickly it all went.

At the time, those early years can feel endless. Particularly when you’re not getting much sleep.

But then suddenly they’re walking, talking, starting school and becoming their own little people.

You don’t necessarily miss the nappies, but you do miss the babies who wore them.

Although I have to say, I’m a little jealous that kids these days get Bluey on their BabyLove nappies. Mine would have absolutely loved that!”

Learning to Appreciate the Little Things

Q: BabyLove talks about ‘Loving the Little Things’. Now that your children are older, does that message mean something different to you?

Dr Golly: “It really does.

I think when you’re a new parent, you’re always looking ahead.

You can’t wait for your baby to sleep through the night. Then you can’t wait for them to crawl, walk, talk or become a little more independent.

And that’s completely normal.

But one thing I’ve learnt, both as a dad and through my work, is that there’s no rush.

They’re only little for such a short time.

I know that’s probably not particularly helpful advice when you’re surviving on three hours of sleep and have just changed your fifth nappy before breakfast!

And I’m certainly not suggesting that parents need to enjoy every moment. Some moments are genuinely hard.

But I do think it’s worth trying to notice the good things amongst all the chaos.

The way they look at you when you walk into a room. The funny little noises they make. The way they reach for you when they need comfort.

Those are the moments that stay with you.

And I think sometimes, as parents, we need reminding that the ordinary days are pretty special too.”

A Little Reassurance for Parents

Q: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when your first child was born, what would it be?

Dr Golly: “I’d probably tell myself to relax a little!

I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to get everything right, particularly with our first baby.

You worry about how much they’re feeding, how much they’re sleeping, whether they’re developing properly, whether you’re doing enough.

And of course, those things matter. But I think we sometimes forget that parenting is something you learn as you go.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to have difficult days. There will be times when you feel completely out of your depth.

And that’s okay.

Your children don’t need a perfect parent. They need someone who loves them, keeps them safe and is there for them.

I think that’s something every parent deserves to hear.”

Q: Finally, what’s one thing you’d love every new parent to remember?

Dr Golly: “That you’re probably doing a much better job than you think.

I see so many wonderful parents who are constantly questioning themselves.

They’re worried they’re not doing enough, or that everyone else seems to have it figured out.

Trust me, they don’t!

Every family has its challenges, and every child is different.

Try not to compare yourself to everyone else.

Ask for help when you need it. Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. And give yourself a little credit for everything you do each day.

Because those little things really do add up.

The feeds, the cuddles, the nappy changes, the comforting, the showing up when you’re exhausted.

It might not always feel like much, but to your child, it’s everything.

And one day, you’ll look back and realise just how special those ordinary moments were.”

Love the Little Things with BabyLove

At BabyLove, we understand that parenting isn’t always picture-perfect.

It’s a collection of small moments, everyday challenges and countless little acts of love.

Through our partnership with Dr Golly, we hope to share practical advice, trusted insights and a little reassurance for families navigating the early years.Because while the days can sometimes feel long, the years have a funny way of flying by.

And it’s often the little things we remember most.

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