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IN THIS ISSUE: Away with the Tots Hosting a Baby Shower Expert Tips Reader Discounts and much more . . .
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A note from the editor
contents
Welcome to the latest issue of My Baby Magazine!
3 6 10 11 14
In this issue, we help you to share the joy of a mum-to-be and celebrate the arrival of a new baby with a baby shower – you will find some great ideas for planning the event as well as some gorgeous gifts inspirations for the new arrival. International parenting expert Sue Atkins shares her tips for holidaying with a toddler and in our Away with the Tots section you will find our top suggestions for fun breaks and things to do with the family. Also, check out our Tots on the Go section for tips for getting out and about with little ones. If you are struggling to get your child to sleep through the night, you’re not alone! Read our mummy’s story and find out about the Children’s Sleep Charity on page 16. We’ve included some fun ideas for toys and games that will not only grab your child’s imagination but offer hours of fun learning opportunities. Plus inspirations that we are sure you will find really useful for kid’s fashion, children’s rooms as well as new and innovative products for pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Tots’ Trends Hosting a Baby Shower Gifts & Keepsakes Tots’ Playtime Toys & games that provide a platform to play and learn
Tots on the Go! Getting from a-to-b with little ones COMPETITION: Win a Funky Little Bugs Change Bag
16 18
Sleep
27
Baby & You
30
Health
32 34
Kids’ Rooms
35
What’s New
Bedtime Blues
Away with the Tots • Top Tips for Camping with Kids • Things to do with your child this month • Stay on a Farm • Family Fun in the East of England • Cornwall – loved across the generations • Capture your adventures on camera • Top picks for Spring trips
Enjoy the read! Best Wishes From Karen and the My Baby Team
Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/My-Familymagazine/178172092255392 Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com @MyBabyMag
The benefits of cloth nappies
A spring in your step… by Dr Joanna Helcke
Expert Tips Happy Holidays by parenting expert Sue Atkins
Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com and Shutterstock.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources. COMPETITION RULES Full details of competition rules are available on our website www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the print magazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules. DISCLAIMER The information contained in My Baby magazine is not meant to replace that of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Baby would always recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified health professional.
My Baby Magazine 3rd Floor • St Georges House • 6 St Georges Way Leicester LE1 1SH Telephone: 0116 2014424 For advertising enquiries email karen@mybabymagazine.co.uk
www.mybabymagazine.co.uk
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Handknitted Alpaca Fair Isle Yoke Cardigan for ages 3 months to 5 years
Girls’ Merino Pointelle Tunic in Taupe – ages 6 months to 5 years
Baby Cashmere & Merino Stripe Hats & Blankets
Hand knitted loafer bootee (part of set)
Hand knitted Mary Jane bootee (part of set)
www.picaloulou.com
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T-SHIRTS • BABYGROWS • BIBS • GIFT SETS
www.spoiltrotten.com
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TOTS’ FASHION
Hold Them Up: Funky Braces, Belts & Bow Ties for Kids concerned about fiddly buckles when they need the toilet; Hold Them Up’s bottle opener belts have an uncomplicated clasp that helps them maintain their independence and save any wee embarrassments caused by tricky buckles.
Kids love dressing up and once past the baby stage, it’s not long before they want to dress themselves and have input about what looks good. Most children have a very clear understanding of what they like, and are not as reserved as grownups when it comes to having fun with fashion.
Hold Them Up also stock a great range of bow ties in a vibrant array of colours for mini trend setters aged 3-12 years. Perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit for a special occasion, wedding outfit, for a formal event or just for the fun of it!
If your child is wild about fashion it is worth checking out online retailer Hold Them Up for a fantastic range of funky braces and colourful stretch belts, designed to fit babies, toddlers, young children and teens. Even if your child isn’t losing their trousers, the brightly coloured belts and braces make a very stylish statement. Because Hold Them Up belts and braces are available in a range of adjustable sizes, they are extremely comfortable for even the most active of children. Available in an array of colourful and exciting designs for girls and boys, they are sure to please little fashionistas everywhere. Older children’s belts are available with a traditional pin buckle, but for little ones
To place your order visit
www.holdthemup.co.uk
LONG SLEEVE BABYGROWS SHORT SLEEVE BABY T-SHIRTS MATERNITY TOPS BABY GIFTS SCRATCH MITTENS MUM & DAD T-SHIRTS FATHER & BABY GIFT SETS BABY HATS & MORE
www.spoiltrotten.com
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BABY SHOWER
Hosting a Baby Shower Baby showers have seen a huge rise in popularity and they are no longer just for celebrities and royalty. Throwing a baby shower is one of the nicest ways to celebrate the imminent arrival of a new baby and for a mum-to-be to share the joy of becoming a mother. Traditionally a baby shower is a women only event and usually a friend or sister will hold the event for the mum-to-be. There are no hard and fast rules for planning a baby shower but here are a few things that you can do to make sure that it is a fun and memorable event.
Be creative Having a theme will make the event even more fun – if you know the sex of the baby you could hold a gender reveal with a pink or blue theme. Alternatively you could hold afternoon tea or plan your event around a type of food – cupcakes are popular. For an eco-friendly baby shower you could ditch the pink or blue theme and go green instead – send e-invites instead of paper invitations, suggest that anyone who wants to give a gift makes it eco-friendly and offer guests tasty organic and fair-trade refreshments.
Decorations
The ideal time to hold a baby shower is during the last trimester, a few weeks before the baby’s due date – you don’t want the guest of honour’s waters breaking during the party.
You can theme your event with pretty table cloths and napkins, vintage crockery and cake stands, favours, party decorations, balloons and bunting to match the party theme. You can find all the party supplies that you need at a good party shop or from online party suppliers – for a greener alternative you could make your own.
Invitations
Keep catering simple
The guest list can include a mixture of friends and family or you can hold separate events for work colleagues, friends and family. Give plenty of notice – send invitations out about 6 weeks
You don’t have to serve lots of fancy expensive food – serve finger food such as sandwiches, pizza, dips and a selection of snacks. Alternatively you could hold a barbecue in the
Set the date
6
before the baby shower and include directions to the venue plus a telephone number and email address for guests to respond to your invitation.
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summer or tea party – remember to include meat free options for vegetarians. Beverages could include exotic alcohol free cocktails, tasty smoothies and milkshakes.
Baby shower gifts Ask mum-to-be to make a gift list – the best gift is always one that's wanted. Using a gift list services is a great way for friends and family to club together for a larger item; it will also prevent the disappointment of duplicate gifts being given and ensures that the new mummy will have exactly what she wants and needs for new baby’s arrival. We have also included some gorgeous gift suggestions on pages 7-9.
Entertainment Make you party fun! It’s a good idea to have some kind of activity planned. There are a number of free printable baby shower party games online or you could set up a mini spa with manicures, pedicures and massages.
Goody Bags Not a requirement for a good baby shower but a lovely touch for guests at the end of the party. For an inexpensive option you could fill the bags with sweet treats including pink or blue sweets, meringues or a boxed cupcake. A more extravagant treat could include toiletries, fragrant handmade soaps a personalised candle or keepsake.
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BABY SHOWER
Bibbles are functional, attractive and great for teething babies and dribbly toddlers. Designed and lovingly manufactured in Nottingham, UK. Bibbles are made with a quality soft cotton top fabric to absorb wetness and a soft fleece under layer to act as a barrier, preventing clothing and baby’s chin from becoming wet and uncomfortable. Adjustable nickel free press-studs means it’s a comfy fit and being machine washable, your Bibble will last for years! Bibbles come in a continually changing range of colours and designs to suit every taste and will enhance any outfit, ideal for the modern mum and baby of today.
Coochy Coo Nappy Cakes create stunning hand made gifts for all new baby occasions. These gifts make fabulous baby shower gifts, beautiful maternity leaving gifts or simply something unique and practical to send to new parents to welcome their new arrival into the world. FREE standard delivery in the UK on all orders.
www.coochycoonappycakes.co.uk
10% Off your 1st order with code FAMILY
www.bandana-bibs.co.uk
Stunning fine silver jewellery, gifts and keepsakes featuring an impression of your loved one’s fingerprints, handprints, footprints or pawprints. Free UK postage on all orders of at least £50 and your jewellery will be delivered "ready to give" in a complimentary branded gift box complete with satin ribbon.
www.jwls.co.uk Download our app and start recording those special moments to create a personalised printed book which can be kept for years to come. At Baby Biography we try to make those first few years a little easier by helping you create the perfect baby book, and so the precious time you do have can be spent enjoying your new family
www.babybiography.co.uk • Email: info@babybiography.co.uk
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BABY SHOWER
Capture every special moment with the Baby Biography Mobile App and baby book Wherever you are in the journey of being a parent the Baby Biography App is there to help you record all those special moments, and create a personalised printed baby book. The Baby Biography App has been specifically developed for all new and expectant parents. Every step of the way it helps you store information and photos, plus if that’s not enough you can even keep friends and family updated of those special milestones with a click of a button. To make things even easier for new busy parents there is the option to purchase all your moments in a book. Meaning no more hunting around for photographs stored everywhere to print and place in a baby book, or searching for a pen and paper to make a note of that special moment. l If you are trying for a baby, you can use the Ovulation Calculator to help determine the best days to try.
l Throughout your pregnancy use the Baby Biography App to record feelings leading up to the birth and preparing for the arrival, store appointments, ultrasound dates and photos. Capture special moments like the date that you first heard your baby’s heartbeat and felt movement for the first time. l Record the birth story – find and document what’s happening in the world at the time baby was born, take note of your feelings when you met baby for the first time. As your baby develops use the reminder function within the app to take a photo of baby same time each month for the next year.
l During the early years you are able to store and record details of coming home, visitors and gifts received as well as noting many other key milestones and events. You can keep track of height, weight and immunisations and there is even a tooth chart to log which teeth appear and when. Whatever your parental background or circumstances our app is suitable for you. Use the information you have entered within the app to create a baby book that is unique for your child. Unlike other baby record books, Baby Biography allows you to
choose the content that you want to record. If there’s something you want to include that doesn’t come as standard, it’s no problem – the team at Baby Biography will simply add it for you! Why not download the Baby Biography App today, and see for yourself!
Looking for something a bit different to give to your friend or relative who is expecting a baby? Why not give them a baby book like no other, showing only what’s special to them and their baby. Gift vouchers available from as little as £19.99, gives you a standard 38 page book. Contact us for more details at info@babybiography.co.uk or visit the website: www.babybiography.co.uk
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BABY SHOWER
Gorgeous Handmade Baby Gifts If you are looking for the perfect gift for a baby shower, gender reveal party, 1st birthday, christening or for a work colleague that is leaving work to go on maternity leave, Coochy Coo Nappy Cakes® could be exactly what you are looking for. At Coochy Coo Nappy Cakes® you will find an adorable range of handcrafted nappy cakes filled with high quality baby clothing, bath time products and precious keepsake products for a special little person. With more than 120 eye-catching designs, from mini nappy cake gifts, through to the larger three tier designs, baby clothes bouquets, cupcake gift sets, twin baby gifts and personalised gifts, you’re sure to find a gift with real WOW factor! Every nappy cake is handmade to order right here in the UK but if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for a bespoke gift can be created especially for you. For the most adorable baby gift visit
www.coochycoonappycakes.co.uk
Pregnancy Art My name is Cassandra Stephens and I am a dedicated wife and mother to my 3 boys. I am a professionally trained freelance Makeup Artist with many years’ experience specialising in Bridal Makeup, Photographic Makeup & Body painting. My fascination with makeup started at a young age but it wasn't until 1999 that makeup featured more strongly in my life when studying Artistic Makeup & Special Effects. I enjoyed college immensely and while studying I learnt I loved makeup and the body paint application, how it can change the appearance of somebody whether it be for a bride, photographic or character makeups.
Bibbles Bandana Bibs With years of experience in the textile trade and retailing, it seemed quite surprising for Linda Percival to have uncovered this wonderful product quite naturally as a busy grandmother. Modern mums are looking for more, something that looks good and does the job, better. So, with that in mind I created several bibs initially for my granddaughter, she was a big dribbler! And before I knew it went into production retailing on eBay initially and thereafter I formally created the Bibble and more recently BibblePlus, our new range of bandana and long length bibs for older children and adults. Bibbles are hand-made in Nottingham, using a unique combination of cotton and fleece, the outer cotton layer absorbs wetness whilst the fleece under-layer acts as a barrier, preventing clothing from becoming wet. The 'tunnel' fleece disperses the wetness, creates airflow and allows moisture to evaporate so the bib dries out quickly. At Bibbles you will also find beautiful unique baby gift ideas such as limited edition Bibbles bandana bibs, nappy cakes, gift vouchers and gorgeous leather baby shoes for boys and girls.
I am an artistic person who has fallen in love with the world of baby bump painting. It all started for me when I was expecting my first child in 2004, I asked a friend to paint my bump and I then went on to paint friends’ bumps from there. Pregnancy was such a wonderful experience for me and I wanted to remember my bump and being pregnant. I get great joy in creating a unique memorable design and experience by helping a woman express herself, her family, and her pregnancy through my designs at Pregnancy Art.
Why would you want to have your belly painted? Creating a lasting memory of pregnancy through the art of Belly Painting is a great idea for the creative, fun and loving mum to be. It’s a fun way to create a lasting memory of your ever expanding belly, beautified and completely unique to you. Pregnancy Art can give a shy mum-to-be the confidence to do a maternity photo shoot – even your well-earned tiger marks can be covered by the paint and design. Your design could be a way to express yourself and in some cases include your family and is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the beauty that is a woman’s pregnant body and to create a memory with your unborn baby, even before he/she is here.
www.pregnancyart.co.uk
www.bandana-bibs.co.uk mybaby
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GIFTS & KEEPSAKES
Give a Little Love with a Traditional Ecuadorian Alpaca Blanket Mandoux collaborates with highly skilled artisans in Ecuador who hand weave alpaca blankets. Alonso and his family are indigenous to a region of Ecuador which has a 500 year history of weaving.
shmuncki’s NEW Harbour Collection British childrenswear brand, shmuncki is thrilled to unveil their highly anticipated Harbour collection, suitable for little ones from birth up to the age of 18 months.
It is with the help of Mandoux that they are able to keep their traditions alive and pass them on to the next generation and together we create a range of baby blankets and large double blankets in a variety of bright and natural shades.
Beautiful ecofriendly candles by Little White Dragon For a really thoughtful and unique present, give a personalised candle by Little White Dragon. The sheer appreciation and enjoyment to be had from a scented candle warming the room is only part of the reason the recipient will love your gift. Little White Dragon’s delicious fragrances have been special created to suit the tastes of UK consumers with delightfully mouth-watering, edible smelling aromas including Hot Chocolate, Peaches & Cream, Salted Caramel and Tropical Coconut, to name just a few.
The gorgeous new range follows the brand’s popular limited edition babywear made using Liberty art fabrics which launched earlier this year. Inspired by traditional designs but passionate about contemporary style shmuncki’s new Harbour collection is fresh with a modern nautical feel. The collection which is designed and made in Britain includes romper suits, t-shirts, hats, bibs and reversible lined blankets. Made from 100% jersey cotton that has been tested to Oeko-tex standard 100, the simple and striking design of pastel blue anchors, sail boats, ship wheels and masts is sure to appeal to all!
Each gorgeously fragrant, eco-friendly candle is handmade in Wales using 100% natural soy wax, which is non-toxic and burns up to 50% longer than cheaper paraffin wax candles. Soy wax produces a gorgeous creamy white candle that burns cooler, for a faster release of fragrance that lasts longer too.
Brand new to shmuncki, the Harbour collection also includes the brand’s very first gift sets, presented beautifully in gift boxes and tied with ribbon.
Alpaca is the most wonderful fibre – very similar to cashmere, it has an extremely light, fine, warm and soft texture that feels wonderful on the skin, with the added value of being naturally hypoallergenic. The fibre has a hollow core which traps pockets of air, insulating against both cold and heat, keeping you “snuggly buggly” wherever you are. To clean, simply toss in the washing machine on a cool cycle. Even better is the fantastic value for money. 10% DISCOUNT available if you tweet me @mandouxrocks #mandouxrocks For further information on all products visit
The first gift set includes the cute matching romper and hat and the second gift set includes all the essentials for a newborn – the Harbour blanket, bib and snuggly hat. Available exclusively from
www.shmuncki.com
Little White Dragon will personalise your candle for the perfect gift and if you need a scent for an event, they will help you create a fantastic and memorable atmosphere for whatever you are planning. Little White Dragon’s products are never tested on animals and to spread a little bit more happiness around, 50p from every candle purchased is donated to Orphan Aid Africa.
www.mandoux.co.uk
To browse Little White Dragon’s full range visit
or email Mandy: mail@mandoux.co.uk
www.littlewhitedragon.com
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TOTS’ PLAYTIME children to use their imagination rather than directing how they play – dolls, playhouses, dens and cars are good examples of toys that will spark their imagination and provide a platform for play.
Play & Learn Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their development. Kids learn best when they are having fun because they engage more. Learning through play helps children develop social and cognitive skills, gain self-confidence and mature emotionally.
It is good for a child to be able to entertain themselves but equally important for them to be able to play with others, share and understand the rules of game play. A game that they can play with other children or their parents such as a board or card game will challenge them and encourage social interaction. When choosing an item for your child to play with avoid gimmicks and toys that are too complex – simplicity allows the child to use their own imagination and avoids the frustration that comes with over complicated gadgets and gizmos. Look for toys that encourage creativity, such as toys that can be taken apart and put back together again or that involve creating shapes or models that will grow with your child and provide hours of fun. Wooden blocks, sticky bricks, jigsaws and craft kits are good examples of creative gifts that have stood the test of time. Think back to how you played as a child; most of us have fond memories of playing ‘let’s pretend’ with our friends. Good toys allow
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TOTS’ PLAYTIME
10% OFF all orders with the code Mybaby
Educational toys for pre-school aged children www.thelittleland.co.uk
Helping to make family life & parenting a little easier and a lot more fun! Informative articles, discounts and so much more . . .
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B Bareef autiful oot B ook Use p romo co de ‘ m ybab y ’.
Mandoux collaborates with highly skilled artisans creating unique rocking horses and camels. Hand carved from rosewood, a durable, honey grained hardwood traditionally used in furniture. Our horses saddlery is adjustable and removable, hand stitched leather, available in two colours.
In the tummy of the rockers is a secret hiding place for childhood treasures. 1 meter in length they easily fit into any home.
Visithop! our s- Saturdamy
10% discount available – tweet @mandouxrocks #mandouxrocks
ay 0p Mon0dam - 5:3 9:3
01558 824755
sales@evestoyshop.co.uk
or visit us at: 1 King St, Llandeilo, Camarthenshire, SA19 6AA 12 mybaby
Further information on all products:
www.mandoux.co.uk • email: mail@mandoux.co.uk
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TOTS’ PLAYTIME
Toys that make learning fun! When you are looking for toys that are designed to make learning fun, pay a visit to Eve’s Toy Shop where every toy has been carefully selected for their charm, educational and enjoyment value. At Eve’s Toy Shop you can shop with confidence, knowing that every toy stocked is safe, well made and built to last. You will find an excellent collection of toys for boys and girls of all ages including indoor and outdoor toys, by well-known toy makers including Lego, Brio, Djeco, Galt, Haba, Orchard Toys and many more. For an extensive range of beautiful award winning toys and games visit their brand NEW website www.evestoyshop.com. Use code mybaby at checkout to receive a FREE Barefoot Book with your first order.
Introducing Happy Hopperz Playful Puppies Happy Hopperz, are the multi award winning and brightly coloured inflatable animals, which take bouncing to a whole new level! Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, they are great exercise and help strengthen core muscles and coordination skills! Perfect for indoors as well as outside, a Happy Hopper promises to brighten every nursery or bedroom. The perfect mode of transport for going from room to room or a comfortable seat for reading, a Happy Hopper is sure to make a bedroom a fun place to be. The recently launch ‘Playful Puppies’ are set to be a favourite for 2015. The two new characters are available in pink and blue, and are certainly a great alternative for every little one hoping for a real puppy! Priced £21.99 available from
www.happyhopperz.co.uk
Welcome to the magical world of
Win Green Win Green believe that children should be encouraged from an early age to explore their imaginations through play, allowing them to use their own creativity to develop their individual playing and learning skills. Created with love, passion and plenty of imagination, they have designed an enchanting collection of playhouses and accessories, helping to create the perfect backdrop to whatever magical tales of make-believe your children choose to explore! Beautifully hand-embroidered and appliquéd, Win Green’s 100% cotton creations feature bright colours and imaginative detail with inspired themes including the traditional Toy Shop, fun Beach House, delicate Fairy Cottage, swashbuckling Pirate Shack and enchanting Princess Castle. Perfect for that extra special hide-away in a delightfully themed bedroom … or the setting for a magical scene in the garden … children can enjoy them wherever they please, whatever the weather!
Preparing for a sibling arrival? New Baby Lotto from Orchard Toys is designed to help parents prepare their child for the arrival of a new baby. Psychologists say that the most important thing is to prepare your child in advance of the birth, by talking about the new arrival and including them in the preparations for their new sibling. That’s why Orchard Toys have designed and produced a fabulous new game for children (from 2 years) to help parents’ prepare their child for the arrival of a new baby. With the introduction of New Baby Lotto before the baby arrives, they will already have some idea of what to expect and the routines involved; they will be familiar with many of the objects needed to care for baby and will be able to help, which will make them feel important. When baby is asleep, they will be able to play the game and share some special one-to-one time with Mummy and Daddy! RRP £9.50 • Available from:
www.orchardtoys.com
So, if you want to encourage your children have fun and to explore their creativity and imagination, take a trip to the magical world of Win Green at
www.wingreen.co.uk mybaby 13
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TOTS ON THE GO
Getting from A to B with Little Ones As any parent knows even a simple trip to the shops with a child is a challenge and if you have more than one tot under 5 you need to be super organised if you want to get anywhere. The logistics of getting from a-to-b can be overwhelming, but there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your trip is a stress free and happy one for everyone.
Be prepared Think about different scenarios that could happen, being prepared for any little blips is half the battle. Think about what you will do if your child has a meltdown, needs a nappy change, becomes tired or hungry (or all of the above) and plan how to prevent it or how you will deal with it when it happens.
Destination Whether you are popping to the supermarket, coffee shop or for a family trip there are a few things to check out before you hit the road – Parking – is there enough space to get everyone and your buggy/stroller out of the car? Is parking close enough to the destination? Are trollies near to the parking spaces?
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Facilities – check that there is easy access for your buggy/stroller, especially if you have a double buggy – you don’t want to arrive at to find you can’t even get through the door. You may need baby changing facilities, somewhere quiet to feed baby, a highchair or changing room that you can fit everyone and your pram/buggy into – check online or call ahead if you are not familiar with your destination.
a good idea if you are using a variety of vehicles or hiring a car
When you get to your destination take a few minutes to find out where baby changing facilities, lifts etc. are located and if possible check that everything is in good working order.
Timing
In-car safety In the UK Children must use the correct car seat until they reach 135 centimetres tall or age 12. The type of car seat your child needs depends on their weight. If you are travelling abroad, always use a car seat when travelling by car – a universal model is
First aid It’s a good idea to have a basic first aid kit to hand – you can buy one or make your own, visit www.nhs.uk or www.redcross.org.uk for more information.
Timing is crucial for a successful outing! When possible plan your trip around nap and feed times. Earlier in the day is the best time for little ones who may get tired and irritable later in the day. Allow a little extra time to deal with the unexpected – think about how long your trip will take and take into account times that traffic may be heavier as your journey will take longer. If you are shopping or going to the bank, choose a time that is likely to be less busy with other shoppers or workers on their lunch break.
Boredom busting Prevent boredom with buggy toys and in car toys to keep your little one entertained while you are out and about. Toddlers will get fed up if they are in a buggy for too long, so if possible let them walk with you for a while or find a play area or place where they can let off steam for a few minutes.
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TOTS ON THE GO
Win a Funky Little Bugs Change Bag As any parent knows, a trip out and about with the kids takes planning and usually involves getting an awful lot of kit from a-to-b.
alternative to the usual change bags available on the high street. For nursery, as an overnight bag or just because they look great, Funky Little Bugs Toddler Bags are an essential everyday piece of kit! They are super stylish and so much fun that every child will want a trendy toddler bag of their very own! New lines are regularly added but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, Steph welcomes orders for commissioned items - working with her customers to create a bag that will suit the users own style and need.
But, don’t despair – Funky Little Bugs offer an eye catching collection of Nappy Bags, Toddler Bags, Jeans Bags, Tote Bags and baby accessories, to carry your essentials in style. Mums all over the world love the unique, quirky range of bags and accessories featuring the popular Marvel Comic series, Disney, Mr
To find the perfect bag for you or your little one visit
www.funkylittlebugs.com Men and many more original designs, handmade by Steph Morrell, right here in the UK. Funky little Bugs Change Bags which include matching changing mat, dribble cloth and wipes pouch, are cleverly designed to contain all your baby essentials on the go. With bags of ‘WOW!’ factor they make a stylish
WIN! + WIN! + WIN! Funky Little Bugs have teamed up with My Baby Magazine to offer you the chance to win a Funky Change Bag of your choice worth £34. To enter simply email your name and contact number under the subject My Baby Comp to flbcomp@hotmail.com (competition closes at midnight on 29th June 2015).
Twister Trio Set Let's twist again – and turn pram, car seat or seat unit by 360° using only one hand. With its stylish chassis and high-quality materials, the Twister will certainly stand out in a crowd. This lightweight stroller offers the perfect ride every time. With its comfortable wide seat kids will enjoy the generous space and freedom of movement. Backrest and footrest can be adjusted and for added comfort there is a removable seat pad in a contrasting colour. The soft touch handle is height-adjustable and the extendable hood provides protection against all weathers. The carrycot with soft mattress creates a safe environment for newborns whilst the Zero Plus Comfort 0+ car seat offers an innovative side impact protection system plus padded 3-point harness. For information visit www.hauck.com or telephone 01978 664362.
RRP: £550
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SLEEP
Bedtime Blues A survey of parents, whose children didn’t sleep well, shows how sleep deprivation has impacted their lives. Those surveyed commented that sleep deprivation caused by having a non-sleeper in the family can cause irritability, moodiness and inability to concentrate but more alarmingly it can be a factor in poor health and depression. Of parents who took the survey, 52% said their child’s inability to sleep had affected other children in the family and a worrying 65% of those surveyed said that their relationships had suffered. One parent commented ‘Strangely, it’s making my ability to actually fall asleep harder. I’m not the mum I want to be, and my husband isn’t the dad he wants to be. We feel that because we are so tired, we’re permanently irritable towards both our children, even though it’s only 1 of them causing the deprivation’.
Another parent felt that those around them don’t recognise how much lack of sleep affects your life and often felt perceived as a moaning parent rather than someone who needs help. Of the parents surveyed 47% were woken every night, nearly half woken once or twice each night, 25% 3-4 times every night and 15% more than 5 times – so, what can be done to help? If you need to speak to somebody about your child’s sleep issues help and support is available – The Children’s Sleep offer sleep clinics for parents to meet on a one-to-one basis with a sleep practitioners to speak about the problem and to develop and implement a sleep programme. You can contact them on 07912 667676 or for more information visit www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk
A mum’s account of life without sleep You’ve read the books, tried the suggestions of friends and heard ‘he’ll grow out of it’ a million times! But from one parent of a non-sleeper to another, you’re probably not finding any of these suggestions helpful. Sometimes it just helps to know that you are not the only one awake at 3 am with a screaming child, so here’s my story… My son’s inability to sleep made me irritable and moody; I suffered with my weight and struggled to concentrate. I would find myself drifting through the day on auto pilot and I’m sure I have nodded off on the loo a few times! He would wake many times during the night (or not sleep at all) for many different reasons – from colic in the early months to growing pains and night terrors or just a straight forward fear of the dark as he got older. There was no single reason, which made the issue even harder to tackle! Our GP who was great but had no miracle cure and in the end we realised that our search for the perfect solution and desire for a full night’s sleep with everyone in their own bed, was just adding to the stress. The need to sleep took over and the battle to keep our son in his own bed at 3am gave way to a new era of being more relaxed about the situation and letting him climb into bed with us – this didn’t solve the problem but at least it enabled us to get some sleep before work the next day. Whatever your situation or whichever way you decide to tackle those sleepless hours, it’s worth remembering you are not alone.
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SLEEP
One small step for son, a giant leap for mum-kind! The transition from cot to bed doesn’t have to be difficult for mum or baby, thanks to My First Snuggle Sac – the cuddly sleeping bag speciallydesigned for toddlers to replace conventional bedding, which often falls off the bed during the night leaving the child cold and crying.
The Snuggle Sac is endorsed by the highly acclaimed Children’s Sleep Charity as an alternative bedding solution that helps provide a comforting, secure environment, to ensure a good night’s sleep for your child.
The award-winning Snuggle Sac is the brainchild of mother-of-two Tina Luraschi who needed something to help her 2-year-old son, Oliver – an active sleeper who struggled to settle into a big bed, as he would wake up cold with his covers on the floor.
My First Snuggle Sacs can be machine washed and is easily tumble dried, which makes it ideal for the potty training years, as it can be back on the bed in no time at all. Available in several bright, appealing designs (measure approximately 150cm x 60cm) with 100% cotton lining, My First Snuggle Sac ensures that little ones are snugly tucked up for a good night’s sleep, every night of the year.
Tina explains “Any parent will tell you that sleep deprivation can affect our ability to make even the simplest decision. The Snuggle Sac changed our family’s lives for the better, and we know that they’re doing the same for others in the UK and across the world.”
Bedtime with Nubie In order for your child to sleep well their bedroom or nursery needs to be a calm, restful place where they feel comfortable and safe. A good bed or cot should always be top of the list for a good night’s sleep and at Nubie you will find the very best collection of cots and beds for your little one. Award winning nursery retailer Nubie, offer a fantastic range of stylish cots and cribs from Oeuf, Kalon, Leander and Hugs Factory that will bring style and classic design to your little one's room. For children who are old enough to sleep in a big bed, choose from beds with storage and trundle options, space saving bunk beds or bring some WOW and smiles to your child's bedroom with Nubie’s amazing kids themed beds including Caravans, Jeeps, Camper Vans to name a few.
SAVE 10% off all orders with discount code MYFAMILY10 at
www.nubie.co.uk (offer valid until August 2015)
My Baby readers can SAVE 10% OFF by using code MF10 at the checkout when you order from
www.snugglesac.com
Sleep and Your Special Needs Child Antonia Chitty and Victoria Dawson Sleep is vital for children’s well-being. Without enough sleep their health, mood, behaviour and learning ability may all be impaired. Research shows that children with additional needs are more likely to have sleep disorders than typically developing children, and that without intervention these problems will persist. Victoria Dawson is a successful sleep practitioner and founder of the Children’s Sleep Charity. Here, together with health writer Antonia Chitty, she shares her own experiences, those of other sleep experts and those of parents. While most parents of babies expect sleep problems to resolve within months, parents of children with special needs can find them lasting into adolescence and beyond. This book addresses sleep problems using a highly successful behavioural and cognitive approach to sleep management. The practical advice contained is invaluable for parents who want to feel more in control and more confident about tackling sleep issues in a way that is appropriate for their child. Available from
www.halebooks.com mybaby 17
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Top Tips for Camping with Kids by Lin Mussett – Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site
A well organised camping trip with young children can be a fabulous adventure for the whole family, time to enjoy the beauty and simplicity of the natural world around us that so often goes unnoticed in our busy lives. Stop, look and listen to the birds and insects, the sound of the wind in the trees or a wave breaking on the beach, carefully lift a stone or log to find what creepy crawlies live beneath, see weeds and wildflowers quietly displaying their blossoms – there is so much you can discover, if you teach your children to how and where to look. Try bug hunting or a Scavenger Hunt, pond dipping or crabbing, look to see how many different birds you can spot. Teach them to respect nature and to look not touch anything that might bite or sting. Before setting out on your trip take a few minutes to think about and plan what will help to make your trip a good one, a little planning ahead can make a big difference. Read our tips and advice to help you make camping a pleasurable and relaxing experience that you will love to return to time and again. l Before you book check out the local area for places to go and things to do suitable for the ages of your little ones. When you arrive use the local
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knowledge of staff, ask about child friendly things to do on and around the campsite. l Involve the children in packing some of their favourite things, a special cuddly toy or blanket – snuggly pj’s and hot water bottle for cooler nights. A plastic storage box with lid is great for this as you can tell them they can take what will fit in, and doubles up as a bedside cabinet to hold a drink and night light. Leave electrical games behind or limit use to a few chosen minutes a day. l A Porta Potti or child’s potty with liners is invaluable for night time calls of nature, saving the inevitable trip to the toilet block during the night. l Take layers of warm clothes for cooler evenings also wellies for dewy grass or rainy days.
l Take a bathmat for the showers – it provides a dry area for drying and dressing your little ones. l Before you go accustom your children to being outside in the dark and hearing night time sounds, the sound of a fox calling or owl hooting should be exciting not scary if they know what it is. l Take a basic first aid kit, insect repellent and sun screen, find out where the nearest Walk in Centre or A&E is and pop in your Sat Nav if you have one – it’s much easier to do when you are not in a panic.
l Use a good campsite finder and read customer reviews, often a valuable source of information and insight to campsites. l Check at time of booking your pitch is in a suitable position for little ones, not next to a pond or stream for example and close enough to a play area so you can keep an eye on them playing. l A local pub or restaurant with kids menu for days when you don’t want to DIY cooking, within walking distance is great for Mum and Dad if they want a well-earned glass of wine with their meal. Remember it’s a break for all of you – so relax and enjoy it.
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Family Friendly Camping
at Fen Farm Just off the Essex coastline, around 10 miles from Colchester, in the peaceful rural setting of Mersea Island you will find Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site. Owned by The Lord family since 1918, the small yet well-appointed site offers its guests a warm and friendly welcome, catering for tents, trailer tents, touring caravans and motor homes of any size. Fen Farm boasts award winning loos, a laundry and shower block with solar powered water heating and a family sized shower room that provides plenty of space for parents to attend to little ones at shower time. The site’s proximity to the Essex marshes provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere ideal for those wanting to escape the distractions of everyday life.
At Fen Farm kids can enjoy themselves without having to switch anything on or boot up! There is a play area with swings, seesaws and climbing frames, plus plenty of wide-open space to explore including a wonderful south facing beach within walking distance of the site. Fen Farm holds the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for the work done to protect the environment in and around the campsite, making it a popular with those wanting an eco-retreat. SPECIAL OFFERS Call 01206 383275 for information on our special offers.
For more information visit www.fenfarm.co.uk or telephone 01206 383275
Things to see and do . . . Mersea Island is one of Britain’s best-kept secrets – a tiny island, just 5 miles by 2 miles with 12 miles of coastline surrounding wonderful shops, cafes, a museum and restaurants, many of which sell the famous native oysters.
Jump on the foot ferry to Brightlingsea or take to the water for sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing or try crabbing in the creek. Visit Colchester town centre – just 20 minutes’ drive away for a spot of retail therapy or pay a visit to Colchester Zoo where guests at Fen Farm can enjoy discounted entry.
Looking for something a bit different to do with your baby/children this month? How about baby yoga? A fun theme park? Toddler rugby? Or maybe something a little more creative with pottery painting? Many families find it hard to keep children entertained every day whilst making sure that the activities they book are going to be good (and they don’t break the bank either!).
Toddlers can be entertained with dried pasta pictures for a certain time, but older children and even parents, need to get out and about or to join local clubs. To find lots of ideas for children, all recommended and checked out by parents, take a look at KalliKids.com. Ever thought of going to a music festival with the whole family? Camping out with the kids with lots of exciting things to do and see and everyone bopping to music – makes for a fantastic weekend. Debbie and Neil took their two children to the Elderflower Festival in Sussex (www.kallikids.com/elderflowerfields-festival-2015-22-25thMay) and loved it. How about skate boarding lessons? Projekt Indoors Skate Park (www.kallikids.com/projektindoors-skatepark) is in central
Manchester and children can take skate boarding lessons with their friends or even as family. Thinking of where to book your holiday this year? Go to Cornwall and delight the whole family with surf–boarding lessons (www.kallikids.com/fistral-beachsurf-school). Rosie says that her 5 year old son, Toby, took to surfing like a duck to water!
Get inspiration for no-cost fun at home. Every experience helps a child develop and role play can help children understand how to make friends and gain confidence. Find ideas at: www.kallikids.com/role-play-athome Find recommended activities at KalliKids.com or suggest your favourite place to go/children’s activity and win £100 M+S vouchers – simply go to www.kallikids.com/Favourite
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Stay on a Farm If you are looking for a family holiday with a difference, head for the heart of the British countryside and take a break on a farm.
Stay on a Farm at
Wheatacre Hall Barns If you are looking to break away from humdrum of everyday life, a visit to Wheatacre Hall Barns could be just what you are looking for.
For families looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a farm break provides the opportunity to enjoy a rural lifestyle for a while and a base to explore all that the countryside has to offer. From arable or dairy to smallholders, when you take a break on a farm there are many types of accommodation available from camping and glamping to farmhouse bed and breakfast stays, cosy cottages or self-catering breaks in luxurious barn conversions, to name a few. A farm holiday is a great way for children to connect with nature and find out about the animals, insects, birds, flora and fauna that surround them. The tranquil surroundings of the countryside provide a place to catch a breath of fresh air and to let off steam, while exploring all that nature has to offer right on your doorstep. Many farms offer a range of activities on or nearby including woodland and farm walks, hiking, horse riding, golf, cycling, fishing, bird watching and sometimes even the opportunity to help on the farm with lambing or milking.
Nestling in the charming south Norfolk countryside, amongst rolling farmland and hidden waterways – the attractive cluster of eight barns on the Burroughs family working dairy and arable farm, provides the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of country life. Wheatacre Hall Barns have been tastefully restored with stylish and comfortable interiors to create luxurious, well equipped self-
catering accommodation, for couples and families alike. Each barn boasts its own private garden and furnished patio area with barbecue, where guests can relax and enjoy dining alfresco. There is a play barn to keep under 5’s amused and for more energetic members of the family there is a games room, fitness barn and plenty of grassy areas for football and other outdoor games. Children are sure to love visiting the animals on the farm and the abundance of wildlife and birdlife will delight the nature lovers of the family. The Wheatacre site has extensive river frontage for fishing and there are network of walks varying in length amid the picturesque landscape.
To find out more or to check availability visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk or telephone 01502 677208
Things to see and do . . . Hop aboard the lovingly restored Betsie Jane for skippered tour of the Southern Broads – the ideal way to explore the Broads in style as part of your holiday or for a special day out.
Africa Alive at Lowestoft is well worth a visit – one of the UK's largest and most exciting wildlife attractions, this awe-inspiring recreation of the African savannah is set in 100 acres of dramatic coastal parkland, where the animals of the plains roam freely together.
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A Cottage Break in England’s smallest county Quietly nestling in England’s smallest county is St Monica's Cottage, a place to unwind and enjoy a taste of traditional England. Set in the quaint and picturesque conservation village of Egleton in Rutland, the beautifully renovated cottage overlooks scenic farmland to the rear, beyond which is the well-known Rutland Water. St Monica’s is a single storey thatched cottage, furnished to a very high standard with leather sofas, a fitted kitchen and central wood burning stove, providing luxury self-catering accommodation for up to 6 people.
Family Fun in the East of England For a family break packed full of diverse places to visit, take a trip to the east of England stopping off at England’s smallest county Rutland – an idyllic rural destination that is a relatively hidden gem quietly nestling in the English countryside. Rutland has much to share with you; not least, fantastic Rutland Water, an array of unspoilt villages and two attractive market towns including Uppingham, which is blessed with a range of speciality shops and traditional retailers, many of which are still family owned and run (for information visit discoverrutland.co.uk).
There are two bedrooms – one large double bedroom with king size bed and en-suite bathroom with roll top cast iron bath and large shower, plus a twin bedroom with adjacent shower room. The enclosed gardens are furnished with a table and seating, providing a peaceful place to enjoy views over open countryside and a safe environment for children to play. Easily accessible by car or train this dreamy little cottage provides perfect location for those wanting to explore an array of unspoilt villages, attractive market towns and the beautiful countryside of Rutland and beyond.
For more information visit www.holidaylettings.co.uk/95665 or telephone: +44 (0) 7771 610668 or +44 (0) 1572 722749
Head further East to discover the picturesque county of Norfolk, the part of Britain loved by the Royal Family. With miles of unspoilt coastline, beautiful countryside, forests and heathland, internationally-important nature reserves and fabulous seaside resorts, it’s perfect for family holidays. On windy days you can see the sails turn at the Bircham Windmill – over a hundred years old, it’s been fully restored. Children can make their own loaves in baking sessions and watch sheep being milked (for information visit birchamwindmill.co.uk). A popular destination for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is the Kings Head in Great Bircham, specialising in traditional British food including specialities such as Cromer Crab and classic British roast beef. Children are treated like – well – little princes with healthy but delicious food. You can stay here too – rooms start at £99 including breakfast (for information visit the-kings-headbircham.co.uk ). If your budget doesn’t stretch to this, Sandringham has two campsites – there are plenty of pitches in this woodland site and there’s a shop that sells food made on the estate (for information visit campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk or caravanclub.co.uk)
Things to see and do . . . At nearby Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre you’ll find plenty of things to keep your family entertained – feed the animals, hop on a tractor, race around the kart track or learn about olden day farming practises.
Little ones can make friends with Bluebell the rabbit, meet Beatrice the shire horse and George the lamb, explore the straw bale maze and the indoor activity barn.
Sandringham, Norfolk (Photograph by gracious permission of HM The Queen)
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A Family Friendly Holiday
Cornwall – loved across the generations
in Cornwall
Cornwall is a firm favourite for family holidays and with over 300 beaches, countless attractions and every type of activity a child could dream of, it’s little surprise. © Visit Cornwall/Matt Jessop
The tiniest toddlers to the coolest of teenagers will fall in love with this unique peninsula and discover the natural playground which has been the background to childhood holiday for generations.
A warm welcome awaits you at Fox Valley Cottages, located in the beautiful countryside of south east Cornwall. The sweet little cluster of 11 self-catering cottages and apartments offers the perfect base for families to explore this wonderful part of the world.
© Visit Cornwall/Matt Jessop
With 80% of Cornwall surrounded by the sea, with the longest stretch of coastline in the UK including miles of amazing beaches, rivers, lakes and estuaries it’s the perfect destination for those who love watersports, fishing, coastal walks or a day on the beach.
If you fancy a splash about with the kids, pop on down to the pool room to take a swim or simply enjoy relaxing in the Sauna and Spa. In the Games room you will find a Pool Table, Table Tennis and Table Football plus an area to keep younger children entertained.
Explore Cornwall’s quaint seaside towns and fishing ports – at Looe you can watch the day’s catch being auctioned on the quay and pick up some fresh fish for dinner. If you don’t fancy cooking, try some of the town’s best eateries from award winning fish and chips near the river to gourmet menus in smart restaurants perched on the hill overlooking the harbour.
Along the harbour wall is perfect for catching crabs – a line, a small bucket, a piece of bacon and a bit of patience is all you need to keep the kids entertained for hours.
For further information www.visitcornwall.com
Kids can let off steam at the outdoor play area where they are free to run around, kick a ball or play cricket – there is a trampoline and a Jungle Jim with swings and a slide. Little ones will love Fox Valley’s furry residents, Dec the guinea pig and Tufty & Chestnut the rabbits, plus a number of chicken and ducks, who are looking forward to meeting them too!
Visit www.foxvalleycottages.co.uk, email foxvalleycottages@btconnect.com or telephone: 01726 870115
Things to see and do . . . © Visit Cornwall/Matt Jessop
Those who fancy a walk on the wild side, pay a visit to Bodmin Moor - from the top of Rough Tor and Brown Willy, the two highest peaks in Cornwall, the views are spectacular. A brilliant place for walking with over 150 square miles to explore – this is Cornwall at is wildest.
The properties on the complex cater for 2 – 6 guests and are comfortably furnished and well equipped. Out in the garden there is a terrace furnished with sun loungers, plenty of garden furniture and a barbeque for those evenings when you fancy cooking alfresco.
At Bluereef Aquarium, Newquay there are 40 naturally themed habitats to take you on a fantastic journey from Cornish waters to exotic seas.
Come face to face with freshwater turtles, watch pulsating jellyfish and meet amazing pufferfish! At the Aquarium’s heart is the ocean tank where an underwater tunnel offers incredible views of giant Loggerhead turtle, reef sharks and shoals of colourful fish.
© Visit Cornwall/Adam Gibbard
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Capture Your Adventures On Camera by Lucy Tobias, www.23snaps.com Spring is definitely on its way, and it’s a fantastic time of year to get away with the family. Whether that’s heading to the park for a picnic, spending a day at the beach, or braving the dreaded aeroplane ride with small children to jet off on holiday; make the most of the milder weather and have some fun with the family. It’s great to help your children experience all that our big wide world has to offer, and capturing those new experiences on camera is so important. As hard as you try to remember every detail of the wonderful time you’ve had, those memories can fade with time. So turn on that camera and let the lens just take it all in. Looking back over those photos will bring you so much joy, it’s essential not to leave them locked away on a hard drive, on your camera, or in your smartphone. There are tonnes of ways to show your photos off in style, with an option that’s right for everyone.
Public Online Photo Albums Google+ offers some fantastic tools for sharing your photos with a wider audience, as well as providing some very cool features to edit and optimise your images. If you’re taking your photos primarily on your smartphone,
you can also set up Google+ to automatically upload and backup all of your snaps, to make sure your memories are kept safe and sound. You will also find that Google will sift through all the images from a particular day trip or holiday, and highlight your best photos – saving you the effort of doing it yourself!
Private Online Photo Albums If you want to keep your family & friends up to date with what you and your little ones have been up to, without sharing your special moments with the whole world; 23snaps might be the option for you. This free app allows you to create a private network where you can curate and share the photos and videos you take with your children - safe in the knowledge that only the people you want to see them will ever have access. Another good option for private photo sharing is Dropbox, where you can easily create folders containing your favourite photos and videos, and making it much easier to go back and look at the photos you love. You can also send a secure link off to your loved ones, who can then access your folder and browse through your snaps at their leisure.
Printing Photo Prints For the traditionalists, nothing quite beats a stack of prints that can be lovingly organised into a beautiful album. Because this is becoming less and less common, there are
loads of apps offering a monthly subscription of free prints, and all you have to pay is the cost of shipping. Check out Free Prints and Snapfish for their deals.
Printing Photo Books If you love the idea of a beautifully printed album, but don’t have the time to make it yourself, why not order a photo book with all of those lovely holiday photos? Printastic offers high quality books at a great price, that can be ordered right from your iPhone or iPad. You’ll have a variety of options when it comes to how you want your photos arranged, allowing you to create the book that’s just right for you.
Creating Photo Posters Putting your pictures up on the wall is a lovely way to keep fond memories fresh in your mind. With services like Polagram and Photobox, you can create beautiful posters with a collage of your favourite photos that will give you something to smile at, every time you walk down the hallway (or wherever you choose to show it off). However you choose to share and display your photos, the most important thing is capture everything. Every moment with your children is precious, and taking photos of all of your adventures is the best way to remember it all.
Happy snapping! mybaby 23
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AWAY WITH THE TOTS Whether it’s a picnic in the park, ice creams on the beach or a family BBQ, make sure your little one is sitting comfortably whilst dining al fresco with Totseat, the washable, squashable travel highchair. £24
Top picks for Spring trips As Spring is upon us, we’ve already started thinking about our plans for days out and great ways to enjoy the warmer weather.
www.totseat.com
Here at My Baby, we have been looking out for some great products that you might want to take with you to make your trip even more enjoyable.
If you’re heading out for a picnic, the Bugs lunch bags from TUMTUM are essential. The bright colours and adorable characters make them a hit with tots and parents will love the functionality! The side can be unzipped and folded down to use as a placemat and they are fully insulated to ensure food stays fresh! £12
Whether your family is off on holiday, planning a picnic or having a day trip to the beach, we’ve put together some great little travel buddies for you!
www.tumtumtots.com Snoozeshade is the UK’s original and bestselling, breathable, blackout sun and sleep solution for prams, car seats a travel cotscreating the perfect sleep environment whilst out and about, making any time naptime. £24.99
www.snoozeshade.com
Help other parents and build an income as a KalliKids Champion Parents across the UK are helping themselves by helping others and we’d love you to be part of it. F ind out more
KalliKids.com/My-Champion-Role
Vital Baby’s award-winning Trap-a-Snack allows little ones to carry their own snacks whilst out and about. With a SoftGrip handle and soft slatted lid especially made for little hands, there will be no messy spills on those summer days out! RRP: £3.99
www.vitalbaby.co.uk
The ideal travel companion from Soothe-me.com Upset children and anxious parents are not good ingredients for a great holiday, so get a little help from Soothe-me with Calm Baby Mist – a delicately scented aromatherapy spray to help calm mood. Calm Baby Mist is 100% natural and free from man-made chemicals, made with only pure floral waters and beautiful Lavender and Mandarin essential oils. Use around baby and on clothing and bedding to create a soothing calming scent. l For bedtime, spray in the air near baby and onto bedding l Use to help create a calming mist during long flights l Calm heat rash, itchiness, ease dry, sore skin and mild sun burn l Especially formulated for babies & children with sensitive skin l For babies OVER 6 months can be used on the skin (patch test first) (Pssst… hey grown-ups you can use me to help treat tired feeling skin and eye area) Suitable for use from 4 weeks of age (external use only, avoid eyes). Price £14 for 100ml spray from
www.soothe-me.com/product/calm-baby-mist
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Jakabel is number 1 for safety in the sun! We have a range of sun protection swimwear with UVP50+ as well as wetsuits, floatsuits and pool toys for kids aged 0-13yrs in cool, fashionable designs! Call 020 8715 2385 info@jakabel.com www.jakabel.com
SAVE 25% OFF with discount code MF1
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SwimFin – tips for teaching your child to swim… Children love to swim and generally as a rule the earlier you get them into the water the better. When teaching your child in the water make sure your eye level is the same as your child's and always maintain a smile.
negative comments. Lavish your child with praise in the water and you will see their confidence grow immensely.
Kids pick up on negativity and angst so remember to reinforce the positive and never use
If attending lessons many parents find it difficult not to interfere when the child is crying. The best
thing to do if this happens is to leave it to the teacher and go and have a coffee! A good instructor will soon gain the trust of the child. A fun way to teach children to breath properly in the water is to use phrases like “talk to the fish” by blowing bubbles in the water, or “listen to the fish” by turning the head with an ear in the water and breathing in. If your child really doesn’t want to get into the water then don’t force them – play it down and suggest they sit on the side with their feet over the edge so they can kick and splash the water instead. Just sitting will increase their confidence – not every child wants to jump straight in!
SwimFin aims to provide and encourage a fun learning experience for children and family members of all ages and abilities without being restrictive. Kids love pretending to be a shark so make learning to swim more of a game than a chore. SwimFin (RRP £21.99) is used by instructors worldwide as it works across all 4 swim strokes. For further details visit:
www.swimfin.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter
Sun, Fun and Safety from Jakabel Whether you are planning a holiday abroad or are just going to the seaside for the weekend, you will need to give your kids some protection from the sun this summer.
Jakabel specialises in UV50+ Sun protective swimwear which blocks out 97.5% of the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun – available in children’s sizes 0-13 years plus an adult range of swimwear as well. Jakabel even takes care of babies with an exclusive Baby UV romper and gorgeous swim nappy designs to keep those little accidents from creeping out! The colourful designs in Jakabel’s ranges mean kids love to wear
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SAVE 25% OFF with discount code MF1
them! “We don’t make black wetsuits,” says managing director Jo Shephard, “as kids prefer a bit more pizazz when they are out and about.” If you are heading for the pool, Jakabel’s exclusive Swimsafe floatsuit is the only ‘learn to swim’ aid which does not tip over in the water, so kids can swim freely and easily and parents can relax while watching over them. “I can’t believe how quickly their confidence grew over a two-week holiday,” said Liz from Windsor after her two boys had a fantastic time in Portugal wearing Jakabel floatsuits!
For swimming games/toys or accessories, look no further as there is fun for all the family too! From water bouncing balls to water blasters they have it all, with loads of exciting toys to choose from. For fun and safety in the sun we highly recommend Jakabel this summer! To find out more, visit
www.jakabel.com Telephone: 0208 7152385 Mobile: 07957 541406 or email: info@jakabel.com.
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BABY & YOU
Was my baby the odd one out? Did I create a monster? by new mummy, Lauren Chapman I was one of those expectant mothers who bought enough ‘understand your newborn’ and ‘parenting 101’ books to fill a library. I dedicated the latter part of my maternity leave to studying the art of looking after a little one, by the time my daughter was here I felt I could have stood on the rooftop of that maternity unit shouting ‘throw anything at me – I can cope! I have read ALL THE BOOKS! So you can imagine my surprise when in despair I realised (in my sleepdeprived, unwashed and hungry state) that I had absolutely no clue how to console my ever screaming baby or to get her to sleep any longer than an hour of two at most. I felt cheated, the baby books said nothing about this! Or was my baby the odd one out?! Where was the glowing bliss and the gentle cooing I had expected? Where were the sleepy, blissful cuddles I had enjoyed when she was first born? Did I do this to her? Did I create a monster? I was at my wits end. I thought I had failed her, didn’t understand
her, worried that we had no bond. I wondered, at 3am, why we were still awake and why nothing I did could get her to relax. She was just so grumpy, and I was so tired. Looking back I was feeling pretty desperate at times. My family and friends nodded sympathetically when they daren’t ask about how we were getting on or asked the question every tired mum dreads ‘is she sleeping well?’. My poor husband felt helpless and I’m sure he felt the brunt of my frustration a few times sadly. And after plenty of frantic thumbing through in the middle of the night desperately looking for answers, my collection of baby books (clearly written about a baby who was the polar opposite to mine!) gathered dust in the corner.
It was one wintery, cold night when my daughter was about 12 weeks old and we were up for the 4th night that week with terrible crying and fussiness that I found my oasis in the desert of exhaustion. The Wonder Weeks website. I had googled ‘baby crying 12 weeks’ and lo and behold www.thewonderweeks.com popped up. After reading a little about the book and watching the YouTube video, I downloaded the app, ordered the book and by the time that little app had finished downloading I felt like a weight was being lifted. The Wonder Weeks simply outlines the times in a baby’s life when he or she is going through a period of mental or physical development which is likely to make baby fussy and upset and can be difficult to parent and manage, and the typical patterns are simply charted week by week with a handy ‘dark cloud and sunny day’ key so you can easily see where you are and of course this gives you prior warning instantly it all made sense! I can honestly say that after finding The Wonder Weeks there was a real turning point in both our confidence to
parent our daughter and our confidence in ourselves. I especially had taken a real confidence knock and at times felt like a bit of a failure but all of a sudden I was able to look back at those really bad times and pin point the ‘stormy days’ and suddenly I found myself matching up dates and the chart and saying ‘so that’s why she was upset!’ – I half expected a chorus of angels and blinding sunlight to pour through the window, it was that much of a revelation! One of the best things about The Wonder Weeks is the element of surprise: knowing there will be a change in your baby once the rough patch is over and wondering what new skills they will show you next! It makes it all worth it, and makes it all bearable because you know it will end, it will get better and rather than getting upset with her and with myself I try to remember ‘this too shall pass’. Having a baby is a wonderful, tiring, rewarding, testing, beautiful gift and goodness knows it can be very hard at times but The Wonder Weeks takes the guess work out of it, but there is nothing better than knowing that you’ve got a week before the next storm hits to prepare which in turn makes it all the more bearable.
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BABY & YOU
The benefits of using ‘Real Nappies’ Whether in the early weeks of pregnancy or as a new parent it will probably have crossed your mind just how many nappy changes your baby will need between the day your baby arrives and the time they are potty trained. For every year your baby is in nappies, he or she will need nearly 2,000 nappy changes. With potty training averaging at two and a half years, that is nearly 5,000 nappies per child! Research by The Real Nappy Information Service shows that 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK every year – equating to over 355,000 tonnes of disposable nappy waste every year, with 90% of this going to landfill and an annual disposal cost to local authorities (and tax payers) of £32 million. Reports have shown that a 40% carbon saving can be made through using reusable nappies compared to using disposables – and yes that includes the washing! It is not just our local community that benefits, but our wider environment as well. Disposable nappies can also take 500 years to decompose.
With Real Nappy Week (20th-26th April 2015) just around the corner we caught up with Emma King, founder of Funky Monkey Pants, to find out more about the benefits of opting for real nappies. How will I benefit from using real nappies? Firstly, cloth nappies are more comfy. Ask yourself ‘would you prefer to wear paper pants or fabric ones all day?’ They are also cheaper – a full time birth to potty set of cloth nappies
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costs £120-£250 and these can be used again when a second or even third child comes along. Disposables can cost around £1200 per child, over the same period.
What types of real nappies are there for my baby? There are 5 main types of cloth nappies available in a fantastic choice of cute styles, fabrics and colours. All in ones – these go on in 1 piece like a disposable nappy it consists of the waterproof outer and absorbent material inside. All in two nappies have a shell with an absorbent insert – if the nappy is wet, a clean insert can just be popped in making this an economical system. Pocket nappies have a waterproof outer with a stay dry fabric that goes next to baby’s skin – there is a pocket where the absorbent insert is placed. Fitted nappies are shaped like a disposable nappy and are a good choice for heavy wetter’s and overnight – the whole nappy is absorbent and needs a wrap on the top. Flat nappies are very economical and hard wearing. Traditional terry square and prefolds – a rectangle piece of fabric made from layers of fabric, with more in the middle these are pad folded and placed in a wrap.
What are reusable nappies made from? Many cloth nappies are made from natural fabrics such as bamboo, hemp or cotton, as more and more parents are opting for natural
fibres against their baby’s sensitive skin. Another option is Microfiber – a man-made fabric which is super absorbent and quick drying.
Can I use cloth nappies in childcare? Most nurseries and child-minders will use them but a pocket nappy or all in one might be a better choice, some will ask you for individual bags for the dirty nappies.
How easy are real nappies to use? If you can change a nappy and use a washing machine you will be fine. Used nappies are put in a dry bucket or wet bag, then every 2-3 days put them in the washing machine run a rinse cycle and then wash at 40-60 degrees, dry them on the line, clothes airer or tumble dryer – following care labels.
Where can I buy real nappies? A full range of cloth nappies and accessories are available from Funky Monkey Pants – for further information and advice visit:
www.funkymonkeypants.com or if you live in Cornwall drop in and see us at 5c Water Ma Trout Industrial Estate Helston, TR13 0LW.
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BABY & YOU
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HEALTH
A spring in your step… There’s no doubt that by this time of year we’ve all had enough of winter. It might still be chilly but the days are lengthening and there’s a distinct whiff of spring in the air. It’s most definitely time to come out of hibernation, dust off the outdoor gear and get out – and I don’t mean out to the shops. I mean the great outdoors.
Exercising outdoors in beautiful surroundings is one of the best ways of lifting your spirits and leaving you feeling positive and happy. I know it’s not always easy to squeeze in the exercise when you’re a mum but it’s often a case of “where there’s a will there’s a way”. The outdoors is ripe with opportunity when it comes to family exercise. Got a baby in a buggy? Go for a hilly power walk and don’t forget to throw in some intervals so that you build up a bit of a sweat. Not all little ones are happy in a pushchair for very long, so how about incorporating a pit stop in a play area when you go for your walks? Spotted a bench? Perfect, now do some press ups and tricep dips! Got a little one who is not keen on the buggy? How about biking it? You can buy a reclining baby seat to attach to your bicycle, older children love being in a trailer, and after a certain age they’ll enjoy pedalling on a tag along bike. In short, the outdoor world is your fitness oyster!
Dr Joanna Helcke is an expert in pregnancy and postnatal exercise and winner of the UK’s most prestigious fitness award: the 2014 FitPro Award for Excellence in Fitness. She is the creator of the UK’s first online pregnancy and postnatal fitness programme. For weekly mum-to-be and new mum health and fitness advice, and recipes, sign up to Joanna’s newsletter at www.joannahelcke.com
The natural alternative for you and your family Award winning Soothe-me products have been designed to take care of your family with a deluxe natural skincare range, created with pure plant essences and beautiful essential oil.
Soothe-me products are handmade in East London, with bio-active ingredients, to harness the natural healing properties of flowers, organic oils and herbs. Tailor made to nourish your skin in harmony with your body. Sooth-me ‘Hero’ products include Super Baby Oil a beautiful moisturiser to ease dry skin and infant eczema, ideal for baby massage. For mum-to-be Bump & Boobs Oil helps support skin during pregnancy and ‘Green Parent Natural Beauty Award Winner 2013 and 2014’ Yum Yum Balm for lips and skin, with Plum oil and sun protection SPF10 is a must have product all year round. A great product for use during pregnancy, birth and beyond, Refresh! Face Mist will awake your senses and refresh your skin – with Frankincense to clear mind, Mint to cool, Lavender to soothe and Witch hazel to heal. Gently spaying mist can help ease morning sickness nausea, use to cool the face and calm during labor and birth or for new mums who need a boost, to revive and refresh tired skin and eyes. Soothe-me has been created as a ‘natural alternative to big brand, mass produced skincare. Designed to act like ’natural health
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food for the skin with No Sodium Laureth Sulphates – No Petrochemicals – No Synthetic fragrance or colours – just pure natural goodness and always 100% free from animal testing.
For more great products from Soothe-me visit
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HEALTH
A Holo lot more comfort for mums-to-be Relaxation in pregnancy is a difficult one, especially by the third trimester, when your bump is really getting in the way; causing pains in your pelvis and stopping you lie in a comfortable sleep position. Well, that was until the holo arrived! Unable to find a comfortable position to lie down in because of her growing bump and losing sleep with the discomfort, Emma Benson took a lilo and cut a hole in it.
FOR SLEEP If you are finding it hard to sleep and just want to lie on your tummy again to get some well needed rest, then the holo will let you do this. There is no medical reason you should not lie face down while pregnant, only the obvious physical constraints that stop you. Lots of women use pillows and cushions to enable tummy sleeping – the holo is a modified simpler sleeping aid that will allow you to sleep in your favourite position while pregnant.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
The result was the holo and since its launch Emma, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has received messages from expectant mothers and their partners from all across the globe, thanking her for giving them some much needed pain relief.
Don’t stop your physio session or have it lying on your side just because you’re pregnant. Take a holo with you and lie on your tummy for your usual treatment.
OSTEOPATHY Take a holo with you if you require some treatment due to pregnancy or previous complaints and need to be able to lie on your tummy for the best position for treatment.
The holo has actually made it possible to be comfortable right up until birth. Tried and tested by thousands of pregnant mums, worldwide, it is proven to be an absolute godsend for the relief of SPD pains, catching up on sleep, turning the baby into optimal position for birth and can even be used for yoga sessions, pregnancy massage and for getting your back brown on holiday! Used by physios, osteopaths, midwives and pregnancy yoga teachers worldwide, the holo has certainly made its mark and here are a few of the ways that it can help you –
SUNBATHING You definitely need a holo for holiday. Whether you use to sunbathe on the beach or float around in the pool or sea, totally relaxed – without one, is it really a holiday?
YOGA For total relaxation at the end of a yoga class, why not take your holo, and make your fellow class mates jealous! So why not treat yourself to a comfortable pregnancy? You are most definitely worth it! Here’s what mums-to-be say about the holo… “The holo is a truly wonderful thing! I would recommend it to pregnant women everywhere!” – Alexandra Orchard, UK “The holo saved my life. I had not sleep properly in months and was in a lot of pain from my pelvis. I normally sleep on my front or side and obviously couldn't. Since having gotten the holo I am sleeping better and am able to walk with a lot less pain. It really has made the last couple of months bearable.” – Rhonwen Hyslop,UK
FOR PROFESSIONALS
MASSAGE With a holo you can treat yourself to a lovely pregnancy massage and actually be able to lie on your tummy for it!
Peter Mulvey, Prophysiotherapy, London, MSc MMACP MCSP, said “We use it with nearly every pregnant patient now. As health care professionals, finding a comfortable position to treat pregnant women in can be difficult. The holo solves that problem easily. We can more effectively assess back pain and pelvic pain when they are on their fronts. We love it and recommend other clinics give it a try.”
If you are a Physiotherapist, Osteopaths, Yoga teacher or have a practice where your pregnant ladies would benefit from a holo, here’s what the professionals say…
“What a fab invention” said Amanda Wardle, Supervisor of Midwives, Airedale Hospital, West Yorkshire. “Wishing you all the very best with this wonderful product”. Suitable for use on land and water – the holo is available in blue, pink and mint. Recommended retail price is £39.99 including delivery to UK (delivery is also available worldwide -prices are available on the website). For more information visit www.holo-lilo.com, facebook – the lilo with a hole and twitter @hololilo.
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IDEAS FOR KIDS’ ROOMS For a special place to sit and read their favourite story book, little ones will adore these cute handmade chairs from www.fairytalechildrens furniture.co.uk
Wall-to-Wall Fun for Kids’ Rooms When you are designing and decorating your child’s room don’t be timid – you can have real fun with bold designs and themes, even in small spaces.
In the nursery, a Ro-Ki Rocker by Olli Ella not only provides a place to rest and nurse baby but makes a stylish addition to any room in the home- available from www.nubie.co.uk
Plain walls can be transformed using wall art, stickers and posters, to personalise your child’s space with their favourite theme.
Ignite their imagination with a beautiful playhouse with matching accessories from www.wingreen.co.uk
Use bunting, throws and cushions to add colour and texture – they will also make the space feel cosy and comfortable.
Keep kid’s clutter at bay with Bed Tidies, the handy and stylish way to keep a child’s room neat by www.snugglesac.com
Not all toys and personal items need to be stored away, let your child choose a few of their favourite items to display. If you are looking to give your little one’s room the’ WOW!’ factor, here are five of our favourite items to help you create a fresh new look…
Add a fairytale touch to children's bedrooms with these stunning silver Heico lamps from www.petithome.co.uk
Check out the latest issue of My Baby FREE on your PC, mobile or tablet at
www.mybabymagazine.co.uk
Talk to us about child-safe blinds and shutters for your child’s nursery, bedroom and playroom. We offer an extensive range of blinds including Verticals, Venetians, Romans, Pleated, VELUX and Woven Wood Blinds Specialists in shaped Conservatory Roof Blinds and Wooden Plantation Shutters Also a wide range of Awnings – Manual, Motorised, Automatic and
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Jam packed with great features including travel, kids’ fashion, informative articles, fun competitions, reader discounts and so much more! To advertise your business in our next issue, email karen@mybabymagazine.co.uk or call 0116 201 4424. Follow us on Twitter @MyBabyMagUK
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EXPERT TIPS
Happy Holidays with Sue Atkins, international parenting expert We all love the annual holiday – whether it be an Easter break or you’re patiently waiting for a summer vacation – if a toddler’s in tow you will want to be fully prepared to ensure things run smoothly! First things first . . . getting there! You’re looking forward to being away for a couple of weeks free from the usual routine but you’re really anxious about keeping your young kids occupied on the flight. Here are some practical tips for travelling with toddlers and preschoolers that will help you to relax and ensure you all arrive with your sense of humour!
Bathroom Make sure that your toddler has used the toilet before boarding – they are spacious and much cleaner! It’s also a good idea to carry a supply of baby wipes, but put them in a place where you can easily reach them throughout the flight.
Seat choice Only choose bulkhead seats if your baby needs a baby bed as the armrests can’t be moved. Normal seats are far better if your toddler wants to lie down as the armrests can be moved up which is far more comfortable.
Ear pressure If your baby is breastfeeding or on a bottle, feed them during take-off and landing as it is the best thing for their sensitive ears. They will be more relaxed and far less distressed and you will feel more at ease too. If your child is older, cotton wool or earplugs can be worn during take-off and landing. Or play a yawning game with them to see how many times they can yawn on takeoff or landing as this helps pop their ears so the pressure doesn’t cause them discomfort.
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Food Carry a supply of biscuits, water, juice and healthy snacks for your toddler. Raisins are great for keeping little hands and minds occupied for quite awhile and also carry milk packets (the UHT small packets) yourself.
Health If your child has a cold it’s a good idea to see a doctor before the flight to check if your child is fit to fly. Toddlers flying with a cold can experience terrible pain during take-off and landing and it’s also dangerous to their eardrums too!
Clothes Always carry a change of clothes for your child and it is a good idea to carry a change of top/ t-shirt for yourself too. You never know when you will need it . . .
Books It’s always a great idea to carry reading books (new ones as well as old favourites), colouring books and crayons, as well as an ipod with their favourite songs and stories to listen to.
Sue is author of the ultimate parenting support CD’s available to buy here: www.sueatkinsparentingcoach.com/audio _cd/the-positive-parent-daily-workout
If you can carry a portable DVD player they are usually a big hit with toddlers too to provide choice from books and toys!
Games to play Besides packing a few great new travel toys that your toddler hasn’t seen before, you’ll want to have some airplane activities that won’t break, get lost or cost the earth Pack a goody bag filled with things like play dough, a few blocks, some small board books, a little car or your toddler’s favourite teddy. You could wrap each item in wrapping paper a few times too and play pass the parcel with them, to add to the fun and excitement. Put some fun pictures onto your digital camera of the people and places you are going to visit or pictures of a recent trip you’ve been on, like to the zoo, for your child to look at. During the flight, you can relive the fun and tell stories about where/who you’re visiting. When the flight attendant delivers drinks, ask for a cup, a couple ice cubes, and a straw. There are endless games you can make up with this combination as ice is fascinating to toddlers. Make sure that the ice doesn’t end up in their mouth though as it is a choking hazard. And don’t forget the old favourite “I spy”!
It’s all about relaxing! Imagine the journey going really well a couple of nights before you fall asleep, so your unconscious gets ready for the journey positively. It’s also about being flexible when unexpected things happen that you have no control over. Toddlers will pick up on your vibes so lighten up, chill out and have a brilliant holiday!
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WHAT’S NEW
Say Hello to Funky Little Bums Introducing Funky Little Bums, the NEW place for parents and mums-to-be to shop in confidence for change time essentials and complimenting accessories for their little one. Funky Little Bums is bought to you by Steph Murrell, founder of Funky Little Bugs the site featuring her collection of award winning handmade bags and baby accessories. The popularity of her quirky personalised change bags with matching mat, dribble cloth and wipes pouch, encouraged Steph to launch a site where those looking for good quality change time products could find everything they need – and Funky Little Bums was born.
When you are out and about with your baby, keep your nappies and wipes along with all your baby essentials in a stylish change bag handmade for you by Steph to suit your own personal taste and requirements. You are sure to catch the admiring glances of passersby with a Funky Little Bugs creation featuring the famous Marvel Comic series, Disney, Ninja turtles and many other fun designs.
Check out Funky little Bums Facebook page to keep up with all the latest arrivals including cloth nappies by Wonderoos in time for Real Nappy Week, 20th- 26th April 2015. Award winning Wonderoos are the original “one size” pocket nappy that has become a popular choice with parents around the world for good reason. Not only are they extremely comfy, they are also highly adjustable; fitting babies from birth to potty. You can choose from colourful designs and fabulous unisex prints, with colour co-ordinated snaps for a smarter look and trim, sleek shape that gives a great fit across the age span.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/funkylittlebums say hello and tell us about your favourite Funky Little Bums item and then like and share with your friends and family to help spread the word.
Teething babies and their stylish mummies will love Funky Little Bums range of BPA Free chewable non-toxic jewellery by MummaBubba. A fashionable and safe alternative to costume jewellery for mums with teething babies and perfect for babies who like to grab and chew. This range of glamorous teething necklaces, bangles, bracelets and pendants are designed to provide safe relief for your baby’s gums and they look fabulous too!
If you are a fan of cloth nappies and are looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable wipes, Funky Little Bums handmade washable wipes are just the answer – they can be stored in a wet bag and easily washed and dried ready to reuse as a fresh clean wipe.
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Our funky handmade Nappy Bags are cleverly designed to contain all your baby essentials on the go – includes matching changing bag, mat, dribble cloth and wipes pouch. Checkout our unique range of bespoke Nappy Bags, Toddler Bags, Baby Accessories, Jeans Bags and Tote Bags in cool designs including Marvel Comic, Mr Men, Polka Dots & many more. Each design is handmade to order in small limited runs and if you can’t find what you’re looking for we can customise a bag for you.
www.facebook.com/funkylittlebugs
Funky Little Bums New parents, mums-to-be and everyone looking for a gorgeous gift idea, check out Funky Little Bums – the NEW place to shop for yourself and the special little person in your life. For change time essentials you’ll find a great range of colourful Wonderoos cloth nappies, handmade washable wipes in lovely soft fabrics and super-stylish change bags with matching change mat, dribble cloth and wipes pouch by Funky Little Bugs. Teething babies and their mummies will love our range of BPA Free chewable nontoxic jewellery by Mumma Bubba. Our dummy snuggles will help to keep your baby’s soother safe and are great for a comforting cuddle. Pay us a visit and like our page at www.facebook.com/funkylittlebums
www.facebook.com/funkylittlebums