New parents
The 3 am station: set up one corner before the baby arrives
A short argument for setting up one small feeding and changing corner before the baby arrives, instead of buying a room full of gear you will not use.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Margaux Dupont
Writer
Writes the guides for teachers, remote workers and new parents.
Articles by Margaux
Teachers
How to stop losing your voice when teaching
Losing your voice from teaching all day is common. Here is how to stop it with water, rest and simple habits, and when to see a doctor about it.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
Remote workers
Do you need a footrest at your desk? A quick test
Do you need a footrest at your desk? Yes if your feet do not rest flat on the floor. A quick test and a free fix using a box or a stack of books.
Margaux Dupont3 min read
Teachers
Insoles vs anti-fatigue mat for teachers who stand all day
Insoles vs anti-fatigue mat for teachers: one goes where you go, the other covers one spot. Here is how to choose for a classroom with hard floors.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
New parents
Diaper bag vs backpack: what new parents actually use
Diaper bag vs backpack for new parents: the answer depends on pockets, hands and who carries it. Here is how to choose without buying a second bag.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Remote workers
Fix your home desk in this order
Most home desks fail at the chair, screen height and keyboard position. Here is the order to fix them in, with checks that cost nothing.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Remote workers
Laptop stand vs monitor arm: which fixes your screen height
Laptop stand vs monitor arm: both raise your screen to eye level, but they suit different desks. Here is how to pick without buying twice.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
New parents
How to choose a baby carrier for a newborn
How to choose a baby carrier for a newborn: check the age and weight range, the baby's position and the fit on you. Includes the safety points to check.
Margaux Dupont6 min read
Remote workers
Office chair vs gaming chair for working from home
Office chair vs gaming chair for working from home: adjustability matters more than looks. Here is how to choose for an eight-hour day at a desk.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Warehouse and trades
Do you need a back belt for lifting at work?
NIOSH found no good evidence that back belts prevent injury for people without back problems. Here is what to do first, and who to ask about a belt.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
Teachers
Best bag for teachers carrying marking and a laptop
The best bag for teachers carrying marking is a backpack or a bag with a stiff back, a laptop sleeve and a base that stands up. Here is how to choose.
Margaux Dupont6 min read
New parents
How many newborn clothes do you need? A simple count
How many newborn clothes do you need? About seven to ten sleepsuits and bodysuits cover the first weeks if you can do laundry every few days.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Do you need an instant read thermometer in the kitchen
Do you need an instant read thermometer? Yes if you cook meat, poultry or fish for others, because colour and time are poor guides. Here is how to choose.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
Warehouse and trades
Tool bag vs bucket organizer for trades and site work
Tool bag vs bucket organizer for trades: bags carry more and zip shut, buckets sit stable and hold wet tools. Here is how to pick for your site work.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Nurses
What to pack for a night shift: food, bag and basics
What to pack for a night shift: food that lasts, water, a warm layer and a few small things for the 3 am dip. A plain list by hour and by need.
Margaux Dupont5 min read
Remote workers
How high should your monitor be? A quick check
How high should your monitor be? The top of the screen should sit at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away. Here is a quick check.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
New parents
New parents
How to choose a baby monitor without overspending
How to choose a baby monitor: decide audio or video, check the range and the cord safety, and know what a monitor cannot do. A plain guide for new parents.
Margaux Dupont5 min read
Warehouse and trades
Ear plugs vs earmuffs for loud work: how to choose
Ear plugs vs earmuffs for loud work: plugs are small and fit under other gear, muffs are quick to use. Here is how to choose and when to ask a safety officer.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Wood vs plastic cutting board for a busy kitchen
Wood vs plastic cutting board for a busy kitchen: plastic wins on washing, wood wins on feel and your knives. Here is how to choose and keep them clean.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Teachers
What to keep in a teacher desk drawer for a bad day
What to keep in a teacher desk drawer: a short list of small items that fix the usual problems, from a dead phone to a missing marker, without clutter.
Margaux Dupont5 min read
Remote workers
Noise cancelling headphones vs earbuds for a home office
Noise cancelling headphones vs earbuds for a home office: comfort over eight hours, mic quality and who is in the house decide it. Here is how to pick.
Margaux Dupont4 min read
Teachers
Best water bottle for teachers who talk all day
The best water bottle for teachers is large, spill-proof and easy to refill. Here is how to choose one that you will actually drink from between lessons.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
Nurses
Sore feet after a 12-hour shift: what to change first
Sore feet after a 12 hour shift usually come from worn shoes, bad fit or no breaks. Here is the order to fix things in, and when to see a clinician.
Margaux Dupont5 min read