From the EDITOR
If you’re reading this then you may well be pregnant ... Or maybe your baby is already here... Either way, congratulations and welcome to parenthood!
Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of Project Baby! In this edition, we have a wide range of articles that will surely captivate your interest.
Starting off, Kendamil shares some intriguing newborn facts page 16 who knew baby’s didn’t have kneecaps. We would love to hear from you about how many new facts you discovered! Flip through the pages, and you’ll discover the latest fashion trends for mums-to-be.
We know that navigating the world of baby gear can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing between a buggy or a stroller, or even understanding the differences between all terrains and travel prams. But fret not! We’ve got you covered, providing all the information on page 44, that you need to get the perfect set of wheels.
We hope you enjoy this edition and don’t forget to pick up your July edition in WHSmith.
Happy Reading
Natasha
Natasha Hewett, Editor natasha@project-baby.co.uk
Natasha Hewett Editor-in-chief
Rebecca Harding Assistant Editor
Henry Day Copywriter
Lesley Mcdiarmid Sales Consultant
Paul Palmer Webmaster
Gavin Bridle Art Direction
Advertising with us: Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk
Tel: 075957 294 061
General Enquiries: Email: Lesley@project-baby.co.uk
With many thanks to our contributors: Pippeta, Kendmil, Heather from Edx Education, BumpPR, Mamas & Papas, Beyond Nine, Fuse Communications, Ashley Wehrli & all our advertisers.
No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, without the express permission of the editor. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.
The opinions expressed within Project Baby magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.
Project Baby is printed by Manson Group
www.project-baby.co.uk
10 Things WE LOVE
IL TUTTO
Never compromising style for function, iL Tutto offer a selection of stylish nursing chairs that support your feeding journey and blend seamlessly into the home. iL Tutto offer rockers, gliders, swivel bases and electric recliners in premium fabrics across multiple stylish colours that are all Oeko certified and exclusive to iL Tutto. www.iltutto.co.uk
NAJELL
The Najell Rise takes baby wearing to the next level. With minimal settings yet maximum comfort, it’s never been easier to get your baby into the perfect position every time.
www.najell.com
BABYMEL - LENNOX
The Lennox - the ultimate parenting sidekick, this versatile bag is both a baby changing bag and a stylish backpack. www.babymel.com
PETER RABBIT BEDTIME CUDDLES NIGHTLIGHT
Share bedtime cuddles with Peter Rabbit! Soothe your little one to sleep with music, lights and a cuddle from Peter with the Bedtime Cuddles soft toy. www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
PIPPETA COMPACT HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
Being small and lightweight, this compact pump can be comfortably worn inside your nursing bra, with no tubes or wires so it’s truly hands-free. It’s designed with a soft silicone cup that fits snugly around your breast, with 4 modes and a range of pumping levels. www.pippeta.com
ICANDY ORANGE 4
The iCandy Orange 4 is the ultimate companion when it comes to parenthood and the beautiful, multifunctional pushchair is ready for adventure, every step of the way. Single-to-double ready, straight out of the box* the new Orange 4 features functionality modifications, softer suspension and greater manoevrability to enhance day to day life as well as comfort and a smoother ride for both parent and child. www.icandyworld.com
We Love
ROCKIT
Does your little one wake up as soon as the buggy stops moving? The Rockit will keep rocking so you don’t have to! Created to help parents on the go, this handy must-have accessory keeps babies moving and snoozing. www.rockitrocker.com
ROSA & BLUE
Hypoallergenic, eco conscious fabrics to beautiful neutral prints, Rosa & Blue is that sweet spot where fashion meets function. www.rosaandblue.com
ONCE UPON A DUAMY FIRST MEAL SET
Designed with style and purpose. Inspired by faith! Start each day with gratitude with the My First Breakfast Set: Faith Collection, a beautifully crafted four piece kids tableware set made from 100% natural bamboo. www.onceuponadua.com
oral Care Guide bAbY’s first YeAr for
baby gum & tooth wipes
Proper gum care sets the foundation for healthy teeth & gums. Use a Baby Gum and Tooth Wipe to safely clean baby's gums after a feed. Contains only water & xylitol.
nAtUrAl bAbY teething gel
Use a small pea-size amount on a Baby Gum & Tooth Wipe or your finger. Teething gel can help alleviate symptoms of teething. Gentle & soothing formula with chamomile & calendula. Gently spread over the affected area up to 4 times a day. Mild natural vanilla flavour.
silicone range
Parents begin to brush baby's teeth when they appear. Our food grade silicone toothbrushes are gentle on gums & little teeth
Stage 1 finger brush for cleaning gums & first teeth
Stage 2 training brush with safety shield Stage 3 cleans top & bottom teeth at the same time
nAtUrAl certified toothpAste
Kids will swallow! Choose a toothpaste that is safe if swallowed.
8 Natural Certified flavours & Flavour Free
High in xylitol (40%) with silica for gentle removal of plaque.
The first electric toothbrush safe from birth! Baby's first tooth usually appears around six months. Choose a soft-bristled brush with a small head. With a fun light timer for inspection of teeth & gums. 30 second pulse reminder to teach moving the brush!
tickle tooth sonic toothbrUsh
PREGNANCY ROUTINE
During pregnancy, your skin shouldn’t be yet another thing to worry about. Our personalised routine combats pregnancy-triggered changes including hypersensitivity, stretch marks, dryness and dullness.
Price: £115.50 www.uk.typology.com
NOBODY TELLS YOU
With over 100 contributors (including names you will recognise such as Megan Rose Lane, Clemmie Telford and Anna Mathur) we explore absolutely everything you can think of from trying to conceive right through to going back to work after having a baby.
Price: £11.99 www.amazon.co.uk
MY BABY JOURNAL
Packaged in a luxury keepsake box with magnetic and ribbon closure and wrapped in beautiful,branded tissue.
Price:From £35.00 www.cheekylittlesmiles.com
Products for BUMP
THE BRIEF KIT
MAMA MIO BLOOMIN LOVELY PREGNANCY
A carefully curated pamper pack for that special mama-to-be, whether she be a friend, partner, daughter… or quite simply, you! Take some much-deserved time out, put your feet up and pamper yourself from top to toe.
Price: £38.00 www.boots.com
PREGNANCY PILLOW
Founded by 3 Norwegian chiropractors and mothers. When they couldn’t find a good enough solution to help their pregnant clients sleep, they created the bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow. Bbhugme has since grown to be a trusted brand creating concepts for sleep, pregnancy, and nursing.
Adjustable Firmness: Adjust the length and firmness of the pillow to fit your body as your bump grows, ensuring soft or firm support throughout your pregnancy.
Multi-Use Design: Use it as a body pillow to improve pregnancy sleep and relieve tension, or as a nursing pillow for added support with baby.
Price: £143.00 www.uk.bbhugme.com
These new pieces, like the current Secret Saviours range of bump bands and briefs, feature patented Derma Dot™ pad technology by scientists at University College London Hospitals. These pads hold the skin in place, dispersing the pressure as the skin stretches. Subsequently, this blocks the path of stretch marks as they try to rip downwards through the dermis.
Price: £90.00 www.secretsaviours.com
Editors Choice
FINNSØN - FRIDA
Frida is our natural born organiser and makes the perfect companion for a busy lifestyle. With a comfortable crossbody strap and universal Osten stroller clips included, that fit any stroller. The Frida stroller organiser is a compact changing bag, ideal for keeping the essentials close at all times.
Price: £69.00 www.finnson.co.uk
MY EXPERT MIDWIFE PERI PREP YOUR BITS
Peri Prep Your Bits is a midwife developed, mum approved perineal massage oil that is safe to use in pregnancy to prepare for your baby’s birth and is ideal for encouraging the skin around your perineum to stretch more easily during childbirth.
Price: £15.00 www.well.co.uk
Products for
MUM
BEYOND NINE - ESME
Crafted from Oeko-tex certified mid-weight European linen, Esme is that top that every wardrobe needs. With its versatile design, you can mix and match with Mabel in co-ordinating Pink & Black Gingham or Black. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, Esme is the perfect choice.
Price: £65.00 www.beyondnine.co.uk
Baby Shower Gift
PAMPER TIME
MOTHER & BABY HAMPER
The Mother & Baby Hamper is designed with new and expectant mothers in mind.
It features nine products, including our nourishing Mother Bath & Shower Gel, Baby Bubble Bath, Baby Milky Body Lotion, Mother Leg & Foot Treatment, and more skincare and body care to offer spa-level goodness at home, through pregnancy and beyond.
Mother Bath & Shower Gel 300ml Baby Bubble Bath 300ml
Baby Milky Body Lotion 200ml
Mother Leg & Foot Treatment 265g Cowshed Reusable Cotton Pads * May be substituted with Baby Frothy Hair & Body Wash 200ml
Price: £110.00 www.cowshed.com
TOMMEE TIPPEE MADE FOR ME
More milk in less time. Quiet, portable, soft feel double breast pump to support your breastfeeding journey.
Price: £59.00 www.tommeetippee.com
NEW: SLEEP, LOUNGE & PLAY IN STYLE
Gaia Baby introduces sustainable and stylish textiles and bedding range
Gaia Baby; the design-led nursery specialist with a passionate commitment to our planet, and sustainability at its heart, extends its range of products with a new textiles and bedding collection. Introducing the Gaia Baby Maia Collection, carefully curated items with a muted and soft colour pallet, designed to provide the finishing touch to your nursery décor. Created with 100% certified organic cotton, to be kind to Mother Earth, this selection of blankets, sleeping bags, throw cushions, canopies and a playmat is ‘from our family to yours’. www.gaia-baby.com
LITTLE BUTTERFLY LONDON
When mother and baby receive countless presents, we think something you can never have too much of is the way to go. This hamper from Little Butterfly London ensures they’re both stocked up for those early few months.
Price from: From £249.00 www.littlebutterflylondon.com
VITAL BABY NURTURE ADVANCED PRO UV STERILISER AND DRYER
NURTURE™ Advanced Pro UV steriliser & dryer is here, and it’s better than ever. UV sterilisation is proven to be an effective way to kill 99.99% of bacteria, mould and viruses without the fuss of conventional sterilisers that use chemicals, water or heat.
Price: £129.99 www.johnlewis.com
Editors Choice BABY Products for
Soothing Baby
OYSTER SMART MOTION ROCKER
The new Oyster Smart Motion Rocker is suitable from birth to 9kg (approx. 6 months) and is designed to help soothe your baby, safely and securely.
Oyster Smart Motion Rocker offers great value for money - featuring:
- Built-in timer, with auto shut-off after 30 minutes;
- Adjustable seat recline:
- 3 x Swinging Speeds;
- Built-in music with volume control;
- Remote control;
- Built-in remote control cradle;
- Luxurious fabrics;
- Padded newborn insert;
- Powered by adaptor or batteries. Price: £149.00 www.babystyle.co.uk
ROCK STEPPER PLAY MAT
Enjoy captivating alphabet and numbers accompanied by an app for endless creativity and healthy habits. Plus, the soft memory foam cushions your child’s wrists and knees when they learn to sit, walk and crawl.
Experience the perfect mat for babies and parents alike - the Rock Stepper! This waterproof, wipeable, foam-padded innovation offers support for early learning and development.
Price: £199.00 www.trotters.co.uk
TODDLER
TONIES
KIDFIX I-SIZE
The new generation KIDFIX i-SIZE has been developed in partnership with leading car manufacturers, to give the ultimate car travel safety to your child. It’s equipped with the proven technologies of XP-PAD and SecureGuard for frontal impact protection, whilst the new design SICT protects your child from side collisions. Carefully placed air ventilation holes aid air circulation to keep your child comfortable for longer.
Price: £224.00 www.britax-romer.co.uk
Musical storybox designed for little hands and big imaginations. Little listeners just pop a Tonie on top and they’re all set for hours of songs and stories from all of their favourite characters. It’s robust, squishy and totally tumble-proof. But that’s not all! It’s also super easy for children to use independently with intuitive play controls – they just tap and tilt to navigate their way through the songs and stories. And with seven hours of battery life they’ll never be bored, whether they’re on-the-go or hanging out at home. Price: £79.99 www.tonies.co.uk
MY 1ST YEARS
A blue personalised mini backpack by My 1st Years, made in durable canvas. It has a colourful safari animal design, with your child’s name embroidered in white so that their bag is easily identified. The spacious main compartment and front pocket securely fasten with zips. This bag can be hung up using the top handle and has adjustable shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Price: £29.00 www.my1styears.com
They can hear things we can’t Toddlers have extremely sensitive hearing, and pick up higher frequencies than adults. (That’s not to say they will actually listen, of course!)
The average two year old manages to add 5 words a day to their vocabulary every day!
On average, a 4-yearold child asks 437 questions a day.
Source conservamome.com
NANIT
The Nanit Pro Camera & Wall Mount mounts to your wall overhead, so you can see & hear baby with 1080p HD video and two-way audio. Plus, with sleep tracking, breathing motion monitoring, and auto-memory capture included, you’ll never miss a thing.
Get your baby’s sleep stats each morning, plus a timelapse highlight reel so you can rewatch their entire night in seconds. Get personalized, science-backed sleep guidance from the world’s leading pediatric sleep experts, right in your app. Breathing: With Breathing Wear, your Nanit can “see” your baby’s chest as they breathe. Get real-time alerts if they need you, and feel more confident leaving them in the crib for the night. Price: £349.00 www.nanituk.co.uk
VTECH RM7768HD
With the VTech RM7768HD 7” Touch Screen Smart Wi-Fi Baby Monitor. Enjoy a convenient and hassle-free nursery journey like never before, effortlessly navigating and taking control with just a swipe or tap. Experience the standout feature of the 2K CMOS sensor with 24x zoom, providing flexibility and adaptability in capturing more detail and higher image resolution. This results in sharper and clearer visuals, ensuring you never miss a moment. Benefit from cutting-edge features such as HD remote viewing, multiple soothing night lights, and a mesmerizing 360-degree panoramic view.
Price: £249.99 www.vtechphones.eu
We Love
OWLET MONITOR DUO PLUS BUNDLE V3
The Owlet Monitor Duo PLUS is the first baby monitor system to track your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while streaming video and audio to your phone. Keep informed of your little ones needs with handy heart rate and oxygen level notifications. Parents can see live readings using Owlet’s app, but can also use the information to understand their baby’s overall wellness.
Price: £449.00 www.owletbabycare.co.uk
CUBO AI PLUS SMART BABY MONITOR
Includes Cubo Ai Plus camera and wall mount (requires drilling). Provides a bird’s-eye view at a sturdier setup and keep camera out of baby’s hands. The best AI baby monitor to safeguard your baby’s safety from 0-5+ years. AI detection for covered face, danger zone, cry detection, auto photo capture, and lots more.
Price: FROM £159.00 www.uk.getcubo.com
Best Baby MONITORS
Fascinating
NEWBORN FACTS
As you are likely learning as a parent, your little one is full of surprises – and there’s plenty more in store!
1. THEY HAVE NO KNEECAPS
Yes, you heard me right! Babies are in fact born without any kneecaps – they have a structure made of cartilage that resembles a kneecap, but they don’t fully develop until around 6 months of age.
2. BABIES BORN IN MAY ARE THE HEAVIEST
Most people assume that babies born in January will be the heaviest because of all the feasting over Christmas and New Year. But research has shown that babies during the month of May are the heaviest, weighing around 200g more than babies born in any other month of the year.
3. NEWBORN BABIES HAVE NO TEARS
Whilst your baby will howl and scream to get what they want or need, they won’t theoretically cry. Newborn babies are unable to produce tears until around three weeks of age – this is because their tear ducts are not fully developed at birth. They will always produce moisture to keep the eyes well lubricated and healthy, but there will be no proper tears shed at least for the first 3-4 weeks. Phew!
4. BABIES ARE BORN WITH 300 BONES
Babies are born with almost 50% more bones than that of adults. The reason? A number of these bones fuse together during the first several years, bringing the total bones down to 206. For example, the skull of a newborn baby has several bones which overlap, creating what are known as fontanelles (or soft spots), which fuse together over the first 18 months of life. This overlapping of bones also helps the baby pass easier through the pelvis during birth. Thanks, Mother Nature!
5. MOST BABIES HAVE A BIRTH MARK
Most people consider a birth mark is an abnormality, but they’re totally normal – in fact, about 80% of babies are born with some sort of birth mark, with the most common types being a ‘stork bite’ or ‘port wine stain’. Most birth marks are caused by tiny blood
vessels under the skin becoming dilated during labour and usually disappear after a few years.
6. BABIES’ HAIR FALLS OUT
Don’t become too attached to that thick head of hair your baby was born with! Newborns tend to lose the hair they are born with during the first few weeks of birth. While it will gradually grow back over the first year, there’s no guarantee it will be the same as before.
7. BABIES HAVE IMPRESSIVE REFLEXES
A newborn baby is born with around 70 reflexes. For example, if you hold your baby upright with his feet on a flat surface, his legs will do a stepping motion. Of course, your baby can’t walk right now, but the knowledge of how to walk is born as a primitive reflex in your baby. Have you noticed that your baby jumps a lot? This is a reflex known as a ‘moro’, or startle reflex, which is a natural response all babies have to a loud noise. When this reflex occurs, you will see your baby startle and put his arms up and out, whilst bringing up his knees. A lot of these reflexes will either develop or become more integrated as your little one develops and grows.
8. BABIES ARE ALWAYS SLEEPY
You might have noticed that your baby is either always sleeping or looks sleepy. During the first few years of life, your baby will only be alert for around three minutes in each hour during the day (and even less during the night). A baby’s brain which is absorbing so much information in these first few years will use up most of the glucose supplies in the body, which explains why your baby needs so much sleep!
9. TIME TO SMILE
Your baby will start to smile somewhere between 6-8 weeks of age. When you hit this age you can try to make your baby smile with funny faces or voices.
10. YOUR BABY KNOWS YOUR TASTE IN MUSIC
Research has demonstrated that your baby recognises your taste in music. From around four months into your pregnancy, your baby is able to hear sounds and music, so you might
find that music you played frequently during your pregnancy helps to calm your baby after delivery.
11. LOTS OF TASTE BUDS
A baby has three times the amount of taste buds us adults have; to be exact they have around 10,000! Babies start to develop taste buds all around the mouth during the last trimester of pregnancy. Some researchers suggest eating a range of different foods during the third trimester to help pass these varied tastes onto your baby (which in turn, could lead to less fussy infants when starting the weaning process).
12. LOTS OF LAUGHS
Did you know your baby laughs around 300 times each day? Compare that to the 60 times we laugh each day as adults and it’s easy to see why they’re so happy!
13. BABIES HAVE ACCENTS
That’s right, your baby has an accent! Research has shown that babies pick up their mother’s accent during the third trimester of pregnancy and this accent is even reflected in how a baby cries after birth!
14. BABY GIRLS HAVE PERIODS
During pregnancy a baby shares their mother’s hormones. Following birth, some of these hormones will still remain in their body. Because of this baby girls shed their uterine lining which can result in a miniperiod. Both baby girls and baby boys can also lactate a little.
15. BABIES CAN SWALLOW AND BREATHE AT THE SAME TIME
Have you ever noticed when feeding your baby that he can drink his bottle without stopping? This is because your baby has the unique ability to swallow and breathe at the same time until around 7 months of age. If your baby gets a cold or a blocked nose they lose this unique ability, which is why they can get so miserable and refuse to feed during this period.
16. CHANGING EYE COLOUR
All babies are born with vivid blue eyes, which comes from a part of the eye located behind the iris and is not well developed at birth. Your baby’s true eye colour will be evident from around 6 months of age.
17. BABIES ARE OUT OF PROPORTION
Have you noticed how out of proportion your baby’s body appears? This is because at birth, your baby’s head makes up around a quarter of its total length and the brain actually makes up 10% of its total body weight. Don’t worry though, the rest of his body will quickly grow to catch up!
18. QUICKLY GROWING
Your little one is going to be doing a lot of growing during the first few years of life, in fact he or she will quadruple in size, while in just the first 6 months they will double in weight. After the first 2 years the speed of growth will start to slow down – after all, we wouldn’t want your baby continuing to grow at this speed!
is here to help!
We all know how unpredictable babies can be!
Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash
1 weaning
Treatment for Nappy Rash
For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.
Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.
2 common cold
3 teething
4 antibiotics
5 first sleep through the night
6 change in diet
7 diarrhoea
Protection from Nappy Rash
For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.
1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012,
TOP 3 BENEFITS OF PRENATAL YOGA
Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way for pregnant women to care for themselves and their changing bodies.
1. BODY & MIND CONNECTION: IMPROVE YOUR EMOTIONAL STATE
Taking stock of your current mental health is important when travelling through the trimesters of pregnancy. It helps you to understand what areas of your life are overwhelmed and when you might need support.
Prenatal yoga brings about a mind-body connection as it includes working the physical body alongside the mental and emotional being. The deep breathing and mindfulness exercises used in prenatal yoga promote calmness and ease the emotional ups and downs pregnancy brings.
Prenatal yoga helps to release ‘feel good’ endorphins that lifts our mood and energy levels. This improves your state of mind during these uncertain times.
2. PHYSICAL FITNESS AND STRENGTH
Prenatal yoga can not only enhance the mind-body connection but also supports your changing body. You learn how to listen to your body, work within your body limitations, and trust your body.
During pregnancy, changes in your body can happen quickly and your body can need help adjusting and accommodating. Prenatal yoga offers pregnant women optimal ways to stretch and strengthen their muscles to support their growing belly, improve circulation and flexibility.
3. BREATHING TECHNIQUES
Prenatal yoga improves muscle tone and leads you to understand where tension is held in your body. Prenatal yoga teaches you to practice simple breathing techniques to release and let go of tension, especially on days when the current situation seems overwhelming.
Learning and practicing breathing techniques can help assist with reduced lung capacity during pregnancy and in lowering blood pressure.
Breathing techniques practiced during prenatal yoga can be carried through to birth. When in labour, focusing upon your breath cycle and using practiced techniques allow for a smoother and more positive birth experience.
DON’T FORGET!
Any mother will be very familiar with pelvic floor exercises. These exercises are incredibly important, as they help to strengthen the muscles that come into great strain in pregnancy and childbirth. “Begin by sitting, standing or laying down in a comfortable position and squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles (these are the ones you use when you’re trying to hold in a pee). Hold this contraction for up to ten seconds, then relax. Repeat ten times and aim to do three or four sets each day!
1. GET YOUR DOC’S OK.
It’s important to get the green light from your doctor before hitting the gym, especially if you have a medical condition
2. WARM UP.
The type of warm-up you do depends on what you’re doing,
3.
DRINK ENOUGH WATER.
Staying hydrated is important especially during pregnancy and even more so when you’re exercising.
4.
PUT SOME SPORTS ON THE BACKBURNER.
You shouldn’t do any activity that could cause a sudden fall or involve contact with your belly.
5. MONITOR YOUR HEART RATE USE THE TALK TEST:
if you can have a conversation, you’re at the right intensity. “If you’re absolutely breathless, you’re probably working too hard,” Keller said.
6. YOU CAN STEP IT UP.
If you walked pre-pregnancy, you wouldn’t want to do a marathon, but you could definitely add more miles or start out with an easy jog
7. LEAVE TIME TO COOL DOWN.
After your workout, a cool-down is just as important as a warm-up because it gradually decreases your heart rate.
8.
KNOW WHEN TO STOP.
If you’re feeling drained, fatigued or slightly off, cool down and stop for the day. You should feel invigorated, not exhausted.
New Parent SURVIVAL TIPS
By Kendmil
Transitioning to a new arrival is both exciting, daunting and exhausting for pretty much every new parent, but there are a few tips to help make this easier on yourself. Kendamil Feeding Expert KatieHilton shares her top parent survival tips and advice!
ASK FOR HELP
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Both friends and family will be more than happy to offer a helping hand, especially if it means they get lots of baby cuddles! People often won’t know how to help you, or what you need doing so instead get yourself a chalkboard and write a list of things they can help you with – this way, when they visit you can show them the list and they can pick off what they can do to help you both. Also don’t forget to reach out to professionals – your Midwife and Health Visitor are there to help, so give them a ring if you’re struggling or pop along to a baby clinic.
BUILD A ROUTINE
Babies love routines and they like to show you what they need and when – so pay attention to your baby’s cues and cries and start to build that routine early.
It can help to know what to expect and when; although this routine might change slightly from time to time!
Some parents like to follow the eat, play, sleep routine or maybe you’ll create your own. You could also use an app to keep track of your baby’s activities where you might start to see a pattern emerge.
DO EVERYDAY THINGS
Finding just an hour each day to do everyday things such as going for a walk, taking a shower, checking your email or grabbing a coffee will help you to feel like yourself and not just a ‘parent’.
Of course, you can spend this time however you like, but always try to plan in at least a 10-minute walk to get outside of the house.
MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES
You might find everything is upside down when your baby arrives –your moods may be erratic, and you often won’t be feeling or looking like your pre-baby self immediately.
It’s tempting when you’re feeling like this (particularly if you’re also exhausted) to just eat whatever you want. But you’ll feel so much better if you eat healthy, nutritious foods.
Stock up on snacks you can eat with one hand such as almonds, sticks of carrots, fruit and cereal bars.
WEAR YOUR BABY
This won’t be for everyone but wearing your newborn baby in a sling or baby carrier is a great new-parent hack.
It helps promote bonding through skin-to-skin contact, keeps baby cosy and is particularly useful if your baby is fussy.
It’s also a guaranteed way to get your baby to sleep, whilst giving you the time and freedom to do anything you need to do around the house!
DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF
You may find there will be friends due to have babies or with newborns around the same time you have your baby.
You’ll have likely compared notes during pregnancy and you’ll naturally do the same thing once your babies arrive. But sometimes comparing yourself and your baby against others can create stress.
Like if your baby doesn’t gain weight as quickly, or your baby isn’t sleeping as long at night.
It’s important to remember that every baby is different and each will hit those milestones at a different time. Every family’s journey is different, so just concentrate on what’s working for your family!
EVERY STAGE IS TEMPORARY
It’s easy to get hung up on each stage of parenting, but your baby will not be a bobble-headed eating machine who eats every two hours forever – and you won’t be a moody Mum or Dad who can’t get out the house for the rest of your life!
Keep reminding yourself that every stage will pass eventually, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and you will get through each stage.
Did you know`? On average, a baby will need about 4,000 nappy changes before they’re fully potty trained
REST
The old clichéd suggestion of ‘sleeping while the baby sleeps’ might sound unrealistic to mums getting frustrated they can’t sleep despite exhaustion. If this is you, at least rest and relax when your baby sleeps.
Put your favourite TV show on, soak in a bath or curl up in bed with a book. That way you’ll feel a lot more ready to tackle the next part when the baby wakes. Talk to your health visitor or GP if you think you might be getting depressed.
iL Tutto supports parents as they embark on their new family journey, learning how best to feed, sleep & comfort their baby from birth.
O ering Rockers, Gliders, Swivel Bases & Electric Recliner Nursing Chairs in premium fabrics across multiple stylish colours. All Gliders are all OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified & exclusive to iL Tutto.
Everything is considered when designing iL Tutto’s stylish Nursery Chairs with safety, comfort & support always at the forefront of mind.
e ortless comfort, since 2007
EXPERT OPINION Q&A
The revolutionary new way to give the very best food wherever, whenever
Eden’s Bloom is a revolutionary new way to give the very best food to your baby wherever, whenever. This range of Stage 1, 2 and 3 food pouches are complete meals, freeze-dried to lock in all the nutrients and goodness. Simply add water and stir for a simple, nutritious meal anytime, anywhere.
THEIR MISSION:
Eden’s Bloom is on a mission to reshape baby-led weaning with a range of delicious, nutritious, convenient meals filled to the brim with wholesome goodness. Premium whole fruits, vegetables, and grains have been sourced from around the worldensuring sustainability every step of the way. The ingredients are then freeze-dried to lock in their goodness, and then a team of expert chefs create flavoursome recipes using those ingredients, that they know your kids will adore.
We catch up with Founders, Eva and Darren Joseph (AKA Radio 1Xtra presenter, DJ Target) to find out the low down on what lead to the creation of Eden’s Bloom!
Why is your product different from others on the market?
Most current baby food brands use a process of heating to ensure that their products contain nothing that is ‘alive’, such as bad bacteria, but this process can also kill the good bacteria too. Some of these products can also include nutrient powders to add vitamins and minerals, as well as emulsifiers or acids to keep the colour and consistency looking nice.
The Eden’s Bloom range of Stage 1, 2 and 3 food pouches are complete meals, freeze-dried to lock in all the nutrients and goodness. Simply add water and stir for a simple, nutritious meal anytime, anywhere.
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a widely recognised, safe and effective way to preserve nearly all of the nutritional value of fresh foods. In fact, it has been used by astronauts and adventurers for years to ensure they receive complete, nutritionally balanced meals that can be made in seconds. The raw ingredients in Eden’s Bloom have each been freeze-dried and then stored in powder form. Adding water, milk or plant-based milk to this, then rehydrates it for eating. In comparison to dehydrating and canned foods, freeze-drying preserves the most nutrients. The process ensures that Eden’s Bloom meals naturally contain the vital building blocks for infant growth including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A & vitamin C.
Because there is currently no other baby meal concept like this currently on the market, we have a huge task ahead of us in changing perceptions about the way we feed our children. We want to support and educate parents to know that we do not have to compromise on quality anymore, when looking for a quick and convenient solution to feeding.
Looking to the future, we want to be recognised as leaders in infant feeding and wellbeing. A trusted brand: creating insight on how foods can support our children’s development and improve health.
What’s
the price point? And where can my readers find your products?
Eden’s Bloom is available from www.edensbloom.com priced from £2.45 per meal. During 2024, Eden’s Bloom can also be found at the Baby Shows (Manchester, Birmingham & London) and Baby To Toddler Shows (Birmingham, London, Glasgow, Manchester & Surrey).
Our multi packs include 12 x 20g packs, which makes 12 meals for a one-time purchase of £34.50. this can be of one specific favourite flavour or a variety box. You can also subscribe and save 15% off.
Looking to the future, we want to be recognised as leaders in infant feeding and wellbeing. A trusted brand: creating insight on how foods can support our children’s development and improve health.
Why did you think it is important to have your product on the market?
The idea of giving our daughter an off-the-shelf pouch just didn’t sit right with us. We personally felt they lacked flavour, and the process to preserve the product and extend its shelf life required the purees to be heated to such high temperatures, that all nutrients were destroyed in the making of the product.
After our own weaning journey, we knew there was a real need for a convenient yet healthy meal option that both busy mums and dads could easily prepare – without compromising on nutrition. It’s also super important for us that Eden’s Bloom offers a wide variety of highly nutritious ingredients, whilst also introducing lots of different flavour combinations and textures, to really get little taste buds tingling!
What is your background? What made you want to start this business?
As a new mum, starting to wean our 6-month-old, I wanted to feed our daughter natural meals without compromising on quality. I’m a health-conscious eater myself, so it’s important to me that she ate as naturally as I do. I didn’t want to resort to shop-bought pouches and jars, so I spent hours in the kitchen batch cooking food in the evenings, which would then be mashed or pureed and frozen for the week ahead.
Shortly after, I lost my eyesight, which after investigation, was caused by a life-threatening brain tumour. After undergoing surgery to remove the tumour and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, understandably I wasn’t able to make Eden’s food as I did previously.
This was the ‘light bulb moment’ that made me decide to set my sights on creating a product, for children, that would offer natural convenience feeding, without the nasties. Through my research, and through using protein and powdered nutrition supplements personally, I wondered why this couldn’t work for children too? And with that, Eden’s Bloom was born — providing fellow parents with a hassle-free solution for nutritious baby-led weaning.
How many flavours and
what’s your personal favourite?
There are 12 flavours across the three stages:
STAGE 1: Smooth purees designed for those first tastes.
• Apple, Banana and Moringa
• Apple, Broccoli, Spinach and Boabab
• Strawberry, Beetroot and Apple
• Banana, Mango, Pineapple and Coconut
STAGE 2: More textured purees and wider flavours.
• Carrot, Mango and Boabab
• Caribbean Stew
• Sweet and Sour
• Potato, Broccoli and Sweetcorn
STAGE 3: Full flavours and textures.
• Pumpkin and Sage Risotto
• Tagine
• Thai Green Curry
• Chilli Con Carne
All meals have no added salt or sugar, no hidden preservatives or nasties, just 100% natural ingredients. All products are also allergen free* (*Allergens: Peanuts / Fish / Nut / Milk / Egg / Wheat / Shellfish / Soybean / Crustaceans).
It’s super hard to pick favourites as they are all our favourites! But I’d probably say my favourite is the Stage 1 Apple, Banana and Moringa, Darren’s is Caribbean Stew (Stage 2) and Eden loves Carrot, Mango and Boabab, also Stage 2.
Tell us about the brand, who is involved, why, where are your products produced.
Eden’s Bloom is our ‘second baby’ and we’ve spent the past two years perfecting our flavoursome, nutrient-packed products — guided by invaluable feedback from a community of parent and nutrition specialists. Our vision was to create a no-fuss product that offers allergen-free and plant-based meal options, made from the finest ingredients that prioritises gut health, complex flavours, and happy, healthy development.
We decided to call it Eden’s Bloom after Eden, which is symbolic of terrestrial paradise and creation. Although we embarked on this journey because of her, the beauty of it is that her name is synonymous with the ethos of our brand; nature – and all that is fruitful and nourishing.
The bloom element represents growth and development. Ultimately, every parent wants their children to flourish physically, emotionally and mentally, so this for us created perfect synergy for our brand name.
How’s Eden’s Bloom staying sustainable?
Our delicious, nutritious, convenient meals are filled to the brim with wholesome goodness. Made from premium whole fruits, vegetables, and grains, which have been sourced from around the world — ensuring sustainability every step of the way. The ingredients are then freeze-dried to lock in their goodness, and then a team of expert chefs create flavoursome recipes using those ingredients, that they know your kids will adore.
Eden’s Bloom packaging is fully recyclable. Our packing uses PCR film (Post Consumer Recycled), which uses 28% less virgin polymer and as a result we are able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% through the production process.
10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR Toddlers Vocabulary
The younger the child, the easier it is to build their vocabulary, as their brain is still developing and a bsorbing as much information as possible. Parents of most toddlers are unaware of how fast the vocabulary of a child can improve if they had a little assistance. In fact, there are some easy to ways to develop the vocabulary of an 18 month old or older child. A quick look at the vocabulary list of a 28 to 30 months old or even younger toddler can help them gauge their little one’s knowledge of words. Use the methods mentioned below in the article to help boost your little one’s vocabulary.
Children need guidance and a little push from their parents to learn the right things. To encour age speech development in toddlers a little effort is required from your side. Here is what you can do for your toddler’s vocabulary development.
1. READ TOGETHER
This is one of the most recommended activities to enhance the vocabulary of a toddler. Start off with board books and picture books with repetitive words. Point out different pictures and spell out their names loud and clear. Encourage your child to repeat the words that you speak while
explaining those pictures. Engage in this activity every day. You can also do role play with your kids. Take scenes from a book and act them out; involve your toddler too. Soon your toddler will be speaking new words he has learned from the book.
2. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD
There is nothing that works better than the first-hand experience of holding a conversation. So, go ahead and engage your toddler in conversation. Talk to him about what you are doing and point out different things to him when you take him out for a walk. Ask him questions and wait for him to reply. Applaud him when he keeps up with the conversation. This would encourage your child to take a keen interest in what you are saying, thereby improving his vocabulary.
3. SING SONGS
Some toddlers are more enamored by songs than with stories and conversations. There are a lot of songs that help in teaching new words to toddlers. Try out songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and “Old McDonald Had a Farm”. Don’t forget to use appropriate actions as this would keep up his interest and also help your little one understand the meaning of the song.
4. TRY POINTING GAME
Point out different things to your toddler in his books or around the house. Once he is acquainted with most of the things, point out to something and ask him what it is. Though he might seem a bit confused initially, he would soon be able to name the things.
5. TEACH HIM SENSORY WORDS
Engage your child in sensory activities. Like, go outside in the garden after the first rain of the year and ask him what he smells. Take him to different places and ask him to describe what he sees, smells, hears, and feels. You can also allow him to play in the sand and he will tell you what sand feels like inn his hand. Soon, he will have a stock of vocabulary to talk about a variety of things.
6. EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Nature is a wonderful teacher. What we don’t learn in a school classroom or at home, we learn by exploring nature. Toddlers love to go out and learn about new things to feed their curiosity. So, use this opportunity to enhance his vocabulary. Take him to an amusement park or zoo. He will come across new things, both living and non-living—a variety of trees, animals, birds, wooden benches, fountains and what not—he will have a fresh set of vocabulary to take home.
7. LET HIM PLAY WITH OLDER CHILDREN
When your toddler mingles with children who are older to him, he will learn many things. Not only his vocabulary will improve, he will also observe their way of talking, their behaviour, and how they act in different situations. It will make him socially active, thereby improve his confidence.
8. ONE WORD PER DAY
Teaching too many words a day can confuse your little one. Instead, pick one word every day and teach your child what it means. Then
encourage your tot to use this word at least five times during the day. Applauding him when he does this correctly would get him more interested in the game and within no time your tot would have an impeccable vocabulary.
9. WATCHING INTERESTING SHOWS
No, this doesn’t include the generic cartoons that children watch. Allott time every week to watch an interesting and informative show with your child. This could range from an easy-to-understand documentary or even a movie suitable for their age. This will help them listen to more words and even use it in their daily speech.
10. USING MORE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
The more your child listens to words, the more they will use them as well. Make sure you use descriptive words while speaking to family members around the house. You can use adjectives to describe certain things. If it may be out of your toddler’s understanding, try and make it easier for them to understand.
Baby Shower THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST GIFTS
The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time, and one of the best ways to show your support for new parents is by bringing a thoughtful and useful baby shower present. However, with so many baby products to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the best one. Even before purchasing a gift, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
CONSIDER THE PARENTS’ NEEDS AND PREFERENCES.
When choosing a baby shower gift, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of the parents. Are they first-time parents who are starting from scratch or do they already have a lot of toys and clothes saved from their baby’s older siblings? Do they have a specific theme or colour scheme for the nursery? Are they eco-conscious or prefer organic products? These factors can help guide your gift selection and ensure that it’s not only useful but also appreciated by the parents.
Choose practical gifts that will be useful for the baby.
When it comes to baby shower gifts, practicality is key. New parents will appreciate gifts that they can use on a daily basis, such as nappies, wipes, baby clothes, and feeding supplies. Consider purchasing items in larger sizes, as babies grow quickly and may outgrow smaller sizes within a few weeks.
HERE ARE SOME DONT’S FOR BABY SHOWER GIFTS
While choosing a gift for a baby shower, it is important to keep in mind some don’ts that can help you avoid any awkwardness or disappointment. Firstly, avoid gifting any items that are potentially harmful to the baby’s health, such as sharp or small toys, choking hazards, or items that contain harmful chemicals. Also, avoid gifting any items that could potentially trigger allergies or skin irritations, such as scented lotions, perfumes, or clothing made from synthetic materials.
Secondly, avoid gifting any items that may not fit with the parents’ preferences or lifestyle choices. For instance, gifting plastic toys to those who prefer products made from natural materials may not be well-received.
Lastly, avoid gifting any items that may be too extravagant or expensive, as this can put unnecessary pressure on the other guests to match up.
A baby shower is about celebrating the arrival of a new life and showing support and love for the parents.
Now, with that out of the way, here is our ultimate list of the best gifts to give for a baby shower:
BABY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Every parent wants to ensure their baby’s delicate skin is well taken care of, making baby skincare products a perfect baby shower gift. When choosing skincare products, it’s important to opt for those that are fragrance-free, and gentle on baby’s skin. Look out for brands that cater to sensitive skin or cruelty-free products. Some popular options include Child’s Farm, Burt’s Bees Baby, and Mini Mio
BABY BOOKS
Reading to babies is essential for their cognitive and language development. Gifting a selection of baby books is a thoughtful present that will encourage parents to read to their little ones. Some popular books include “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, and “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. Look for board book versions which are more durable for when baby starts teething - they love to chomp on a good book.
BABY TOYS
Baby toys are not only fun for babies but also aid in their physical and cognitive development. When choosing baby toys, opt for those that are safe, age-appropriate, and encourage sensory exploration. Some popular options include baby play mats, bath toys, musical toys and pram toys.
BABY CARRIER
A baby carrier is a practical and versatile gift that allows parents to have their hands free while keeping their baby close. When choosing a baby carrier, it’s important to consider comfort, ease of use, safety and the baby’s age and weight. Ergobaby and Baby Bjorn are popular brands, and their carriers are designed to distribute the baby’s weight evenly, reducing strain on the parent’s back.
BABY SLEEPING AIDS
A well-rested baby makes for a happy baby and parents. Baby sleeping aids, such as sound machines or swaddle blankets, can help soothe babies to sleep. Look for products that are made from soft and breathable materials, such as organic cotton, and are easy to use. Some popular options include the Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets and the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine.
CHANGING BAGS
A good quality changing bag is essential for parents who are always on the go. When choosing a changing bag, consider the size, number of compartments, and the material. Look for bags that are made from durable and easy-to-clean materials, such as nylon or polyester. The London Olivia range is a great option for something that is more stylish but yet has multiple compartments and pockets.
Here’s some of our favourites.
1. Carrier - Babybjorn, 2. sleep aid - Ewan The sheep, 3. Books - beatrix potter, 4. Towel - Cuddledry, 5. Changing Bag - Finnson, 6. Woosh - Rockit, 7. Muslin cloths - Etta Loves, 8. Play toy - Dingle Dangle
OLIVIA ROCKING NURSERY CHAIR & FOOTSTOOL IN OAT
Beautiful in comfort and style, our new Olivia Rocking Chair will not disappoint! This timeless yet modern design oozes style with its elegant design, premium fabric and timber legs.
Price: £549.00 www iltutto.co.uk
LITTLE DUTCH TEA SET
This tea set is a classic role play toy, promoting the development of language and communication.
Price: £24.00 www.thekidcollective.co.uk
Creating Your Dream PLAYROOM
BIGJIGS TOYS WOODEN NUMBER BLOCKS
Learning to count is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Introduce young children to numbers with our bright assortment.
Price: £19.49 www.jarrold.co.uk
TOY PEDAL CAR
This beautiful legend toy pedal car is built to last! With a strong metal body, rubber tyres and adjustable pedal positions, this 1920’s legend car is perfect for the young racing car enthusiast! With it’s twenties design, this is a classic that has been loved by many generations and is still popular with children today. Suitable for ages 3-6, this makes a perfect birthday gift. It’s easy to handle and allows your little one’s imagination to run wild with racing laps and time trials!
Price: £190.00 www.babyknees.co.uk
WOODEN PIRATE SHIP
This high quality Wooden Pirate Ship will help develop physical skills and ignite the imagination through role-play. Your child will be able to create different scenarios and have the best adventures whilst finding the hidden treasure.
Price: £42.00 www.aldi.co.uk
PLAY POD DEN
Arch shaped canopy with wooden frame creates a wonderfully cosy indoor den. Frame is freestanding and easy to move if need be. Available with one pair of curtains, or without curtains
Price: £429.00 www.tts-group.co.uk
the all-in-one baby monitor brand that prioritises sleep safety.
ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH CUBOAI
The creators of CuboAi, an award-winning smart baby monitor brand, understand the importance of providing parents with peace of mind when their babies are sleeping safe and sound. Its proprietary technology was designed to proactively update parents about their child’s sleep patterns and habits in real time, allowing them to step in when their baby needs them and be completely reassured that their little one is sleeping peacefully throughout the night.
Assisting parents on their journey, the baby monitor’s AI technology notifies caregivers of real-time critical situations such as covered face events or rollovers, enabling them to provide the support their babies need. The pioneering baby monitor also grows with little ones from infancy to toddlerhood, offering features like its innovative Danger Zone Detection, which allows parents to carefully map out and restrict off-limit areas like a dirty fireplace or the laundry room - useful when babies begin to crawl and walk.
Supporting your baby’s sleep safety, CuboAi has created the Sleep Sensor Pad to detect your baby’s breathing motion. Paired with a CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor, this one-time installation pad provides parents with in-depth insights, including analysis of their baby’s breathing motion patterns. The continuous, real-time detection of a baby’s sleeping and breathing motion status ensures parents can rest easy knowing their baby is being monitored.
In addition to CuboAi’s leading AI technology, other features include Built-In Lullabies featuring songs such as “Twinkle Twinkle,” white noise, classical music and nature sounds like birdsong to help soothe little ones to sleep. The high-resolution HD wide-angle lens comes with a crystal-clear night vision and no visible red light distraction, which can often disturb little ones when they are in the cot. The useful 18-Hr Playback feature enables parents to revisit the previous night’s sleep timeline with easy-to-access highlights, along with comprehensive sleep analytics offering insights in handy daytime, nighttime and daily reports.
Every CuboAi feature is designed to enhance baby safety, sleep and health and provide parents with peace of mind. This award-winning baby monitor has considered each aspect, from innovative tech right through to design, to enhance every element of the parenting journey.
Thoughtful additions to the CuboAi baby monitor include the clever Picture-in-Picture option that allows parents to keep an eye on little ones when using other apps. Other new additions include Split Screen, which allows parents to effortlessly view multiple cots at once, while the Daily Highlights feature ensures parents don’t miss any precious moments.
Working alongside CuboAi, The Modern Midwife –Marie Louise, shares her favourite elements of the baby monitor brand.
Being a midwife doesn’t change the fact that becoming a mum of two little ones is a process of transition and learning to share my time. My heart is full and so are my hands! Ensuring everyone gets the time they need with me can be a challenge. Georgie is such a wonderful big sister, but the juggle is so real. It is really important for me to have special moments with myself and her where I am able to solely focus on her stage of development. The thoughtful features of the CuboAi have offered me peace of mind, so whilst Frank naps, I am able to enjoy quality time with Georgie. The regular updates through my phone have meant I can be truly present in these special moments and relax with her. The vision quality is impressive and we all enjoy checking in on Frank as a family.
CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor is CTIA Cyber security Certified and data is encrypted with enterprise-level security to ensure parents and only authorised users can watch their little ones grow up. Owners can also see who has connected and accessed the feed at any time with the Who’s Online and Connection History features.
CuboAi bundles are available for purchase on https://uk.cuboai.com. https://uk.cuboai.com The Smart Health Bundle has an RRP of £329, the Sleep Safety Bundle is £289, while the 3-Stand Set is £219, or £199 for the Wall Mount.
6
Tips when shopping for a pram
Choosing the ideal pram is no simple task. With a wide range of options available, from travel systems designed for all terrains to lightweight travel prams, it can feel like navigating a minefield.
SO, WHERE SHOULD YOU BEGIN?
The best starting point is to ask yourself a few key questions:
1. Who will be using the pram the most? Consider who will be doing the majority of the pushing and handling of the pram.
2. Where do you plan on using the pram? Think about the terrain and environment in which you will be using the pram. Will you be mainly walking on city pavements, navigating through parks and trails, or using public transportation?
3. How long do you plan on using the pram? Consider if you need a pram that can accommodate your child as they grow, or if you prefer a lightweight option for shorter-term use.
4. Do you need a pram that can convert into a double? If you have plans to expand your family or if you already have multiple children, a pram that can convert into a double may be a practical choice.
5. What additional features are important to you? Consider features such as adjustable handles, easy folding mechanisms, storage space, maneuverability, and comfort for your child.
6. What is your budget? Determine your budget range before starting your search to narrow down the options that fit within your financial constraints.
By asking yourself these questions, you can better understand your needs and preferences, making it easier to choose the ideal pram for you and your child.
PRAM, VS PUSHCHAIR, VS STROLLER - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A pram is designed to be used from birth and is generally made up of a carrycot, chassis & seat unit – Usually, you can add adaptors & a car seat to create a travel system.
Pushchairs are usually geared towards older babies and feature a seat unit (sometimes suitable from birth with a full lie-flat recline) that can be used until approx. 4 years.
A stroller tends to feature a world-facing seat unit only with a lightweight compact frame. Some, like the Babyzen YOYO2, are even cabin approved & can be taken on board an aeroplane.
DOUBLES
iCandy Peach 7, egg2, Mee-Go Allegra, Silvercross Wave, Bugaboo Donkey 5, Cosatto WOW XL, TFK Duo 2
LIGHT WEIGHT PRAMS
iCandy - Core
Uppa Baby Minu V2
Joolz Aer+
Bugaboo Butterfly
Leclercbaby XL
TRAVEL BUGGIES
Cybex - Coya
Joolz Aer+
BABYZEN YOYO+
Bugaboo Butterfly
Leclercbaby
Didofy aster Mamas and Papas Airo
TRAVEL SYSTEMS
Didofy Stargazer
Cosatto Wow
iCandy Peach 7
Joolz Geo egg 2
BabyStyle
Nuna Triv
ALL TERRAIN
TFK Mono
iCandy Peach7
Thule
Bugaboo Donkey
Out n About
Baby Jogger
Project Baby has teamed up with Cubo Ai to offer 1 lucky Competition readers the chance to enjoy peace of mind and win it’s award winning 3-Stand Set, which is built to transition from baby monitor to toddler camera. As it’s free standing, it has more mobility, allowing you to take it into any room in the home. This allows you to not only use the monitor for longer, but also to safeguard the baby outside of the crib. Perfect for parents on the move, Cubo Ai can be transported around the house or easily taken to friends and families’ homes too.
For more information about Cubo Ai Plus baby monitor visit: https://uk.cuboai.com
The new icon is here
Thule Urban Glide 3 all-terrain stroller, coming early spring
PUMP EAT SLEEP REPEAT
Lets talk all things breast pumping and breastfeeding with Pippeta.
Why don’t I see an output when I start pumping?
Pumping can bring with it a lot of insecurities, especially if you have started pumping after you have already fed on the breast. However, let’s talk about some important details that will help you gain confidence.
First of all pumping takes practice, because a pump is a device that’s designed to mimic motion and behaviours on the breast. But it is still a device. So when a baby goes to the breast and they have the correct latch, a warm mouth, they may fiddle with your breast, their body is warm and cosy and you look at them nursing, all the hormones and physicalities align. However, when we think about pumping we have to create a similar feeling but for a plastic device.
Don’t get me wrong pumps like Pippeta have really made incredible differences in how easy pumping is and how comfortable it can be to pump on the go, as well as at home. But even then you may need a little practice. First off we need to create the correct latch - with a pump this would be the fit and size of the flange, as well as the settings.
The second things is to create a cosy and comfortable environment, by using warm compressions, massage, and breast compressions. You can also create a fun pumping environment by doing something that makes you happy, like watching your favourite tv show, listening to music, going for a walk, or watching baby videos.
Pumping takes a bit of practice and the most important thing to remember is that...
“The amount you pump is what you can pump at this moment in time, not what you produce overall as supply“
This should help you understand that not seeing an output is just a matter of practice. You’re ultimately tricking your body to release milk to a pump, but this is not a representation of your ability to pump overall, neither is this a reflection of what you express when baby is latched onto breast.
Why you need the Pippeta Nipple Cups.
Establishing breastfeeding can be a steep learning curve and sometimes this can lead to damaged, sore or even cracked nipples.
Whenever you experience soreness or damage it is key to find out what has caused this first and foremost. Once this has been established we then need to find a way to heal the damage. One of the most effective ways to do so is utilising the concept of wet wound healing. This can be done with the Silver Nip Cups from Pippeta.
They are mini cups made out of silver. The silver acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps
Is the latch correct?
There are plenty of ways to determine if a latch is correct and if things are going well, but the most important one is to ask the mother how it feels.
No latch checklist in the world will ever cover the right steps if the mum is still uncomfortable. So the first part is to determine how do you feel? Do you have pain? Do you feel sore? Do you have any discoloured, cracked, damaged or sore nipples? If so, when and how does this occur. Establishing this is the key to working on better positioning and attachment.
the healing process. Simply add some of your breastmilk to the inside of the cup, and wear them between feeds. This makes sure your nipples are soaked in your breastmilk to heal, and combined with the healing qualities of the silver, can effectively fix any broken or cracked skin.
They come in a couple of sizes and are a great tool to wear to give your nipple healing space, as well as not reopening wounds when they are removed (many breast pads that have been used in combination with nipple creams can lead to dry up and crust up and as you remove them they rip the wound right
back open). Silver cups do not do that, in fact they shield the nipple in shape and size. The advantages speak for themselves.
Pippeta Silver Nipple Cups
Made in Italy
Starting from £25.99
“Paving the way for affordable awardwinning Breast Pumps”
Pump’s
Starting from £69.99
We don’t want to gloat, however... Pippeta’s awards are stacking up, and we don’t want it to stop, so sign up to our online newsletter or follow us on our socials for the latest news, products, offers, tips and advice!
hello@pippeta.co.uk
Pippeta
THE INGLESINA APTICA TRAVEL SYSTEM - STYLE AND GLAMOUR MEETS PRACTICALITY
AND USABILITY
For those parents who love Italian style and a touch of glamour, Inglesina’s Aptica, the Glam crossover, boasts effortless style and practicality specially designed to benefit baby’s wellness and comfort.
With gold or platinum detailing and vegan leather handle on the chassis, it folds with ease using just one hand with or without the seat unit. Lightweight, it is easy to store and transport. The large padded stroller seat has a double breathable mesh layer to enable air circulation in the summer, and also comes set up with a padded Comfort Cover to protect against the cold in the winter. The Aptica features Inglesina’s signature spacious carrycot and unique Welcome Pad mattress, which offers maximum comfort for your baby.
Thanks to the polyurethane tyres, the Aptica easily handles all terrains, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for your child. With vegan leather and premium fabric the Aptica travel system has luxury appeal and offers incredible comfort for little ones.
For over 60 years Inglesina has been dedicated to innovation and baby wellness with its collection of prams, strollers, car seats and accessories. This is reflected in the Aptica’s key features, which include:
GLAM CHASSIS. With gold or platinum detailing and vegan leather handle, it folds with effortless ease using just one hand.
COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT. The frame design is light, making it easier to store and transport. It folds with and without the seat unit.
ALL SEASON SEAT. The large padded seat has a double breathable mesh layer to enable air circulation in the summer, and also comes set up with a padded Comfort Cover to protect against the cold in the winter.
SPACIOUS CARRYCOT WITH STAND. The large carrycot comes with a unique Welcome Pad® mattress, which offers maximum comfort for your baby. Designed in conjunction with neonatal doctors, it features a breathable, hypoallergenic and antibacterial bamboo fibre lining to help regulate the baby’s temperature, and to help support the optimum sleeping position. Ventilation around the carrycot allows increased air flow. The base can be inclined so baby is propped up, helping ease congestion and the symptoms of reflux. It can be used for overnight sleeping, and comes with a carrycot stand to convert it into a crib.
CROSSOVER SPIRIT. Thanks to the new polyurethane tyres, the new Aptica easily handles all terrains, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for your child.
QUALITY MATERIALS. Vegan leather and Jacquard fabric give the pram its luxury appeal and offer incredible comfort for little ones. Plus, the new design of the Aptica has reduced its environmental impact by 20%.
The Aptica travel system comes as standard with a matching Darwin Infant Recline car seat and rotating isofix base.
The brand new i-Size Darwin Infant Recline car seat with Darwin 360 base includes an innovative mechanism that lowers the backrest and extends the leg rest, allowing your baby to safely recline in a perfectly aligned position.
Key features of the Darwin Infant Recline car seat include:
VENTILATION. The seat is equipped with 149 holes that are evenly distributed to allow for air circulation, to aid baby’s comfort.
ROTATION. Thanks to its small size, the seat can rotate on the base even when fully reclined, so baby’s sleep isn’t disturbed. The base can be used for both the Darwin Infant Recline and the Darwin next stage seat.
BABY WELLNESS. Sleeping fully reclined is best for your baby in the early months, and the addition of a bamboo fibre reducer and head hugger keeps them comfortable during travel.
SAFETY AND COMFORT. The Darwin Recline comes with an Integrated Shock Absorber (ISA) which distributes the energy transmitted in the event of an impact, and high level Side Impact Protection (SIP) technol
The complete Aptica travel system is available in Velvet Grey, Pashmina Beige and Resort Blue and includes the chassis, carrycot, Welcome Pad mattress, all-season seat, cup holder, rain covers, Stand Up, recline car seat and rotating base. RRP £1,595. Available in stores nationwide
For more information on the Inglesina Aptica Travel System, visit: www.inglesina.uk
For stockists please go to www.inglesina.uk/store-locator
Or find us at www.facebook.com/inglesinauk
Instagram - @inglesinauk www.inglesina.uk
INTRODUCING IL TUTTO YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
WHERE STYLE MEETS FUNCTIONALITY
Meet Australian brand iL Tutto, the nursing chair everyone is talking about. Supporting parents as they embark on their new family journey, learning how best to feed, sleep, and comfort their baby from birth. Bringing the most functional and safety conscious furniture to the UK, that not only supports your journey but offers a ‘no compromise’ stylish aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the home.
The iL Tutto nursery chair is so much more than a chair to feed a baby, it’s stylish, super comfortable and perfect for post-partum recovery. The support a good nursing chairs can offer from a postural and alignment perspective is unrivalled. Nursing Chairs are designed in a way that gives the correct support all over the body to better aid feeding, and yet so many people opt for a ‘chair’ thinking it will be comfortable enough. Spending half the night feeding a fussy baby is a challenge, let alone doing it in an uncomfortable chair!
It’s also one of the only items of furniture that your baby can’t grow out, so a piece you can keep forever. Choosing your chair wisely allows you to select something stylish that will fit seamlessly into your home as well as become a beautiful part of your family’s story. iL Tutto chairs stand the test of time and can be kept for many years after the nursery becomes a bedroom - there are a lot of books to read with little ones as they grow, and it’s nice to have a special snuggle chair.
iL Tutto have covered all bases when it comes to functionality, rotation, motion, and support. The collection features gliders,
rockers and even electronic recline.
Arm rests height and back support has all been design to a ‘T’ for optimal support when feeding baby, and gliders can move 360, meaning parents can grab things out of reach when ‘nap trapped’ under a sleeping babe. If space is an issue, gliders with a build in leg rest are a great choice, as they don’t take up the same room as rockers with a separate ottoman.
Working with current and classic nursery trends, iL Tutto’s stylish colours and premium fabrics give a nursery a gorgeous textured feel that is both cosy and luxurious. The fact that they are offering both Teddy Fleece and Boucle fabric is a real win, as it’s so on trend, but neutral enough to be a classic.
iL Tutto’s core collection offers only the very best products in terms of safety standards and style. Exclusive to iL Tutto, the CoZee Breeze PLUS embraces style like no other newborn co-sleeper bassinet and is second to none. Boasting all top-quality features; larger sleep space for longevity, easy to fold down for travel (within 30 seconds to be exact), a fold-downside to securely attach to parents bed that also offers 6 height positions to
cater for all parent bed-types. The handy storage shelf under the co-sleeping bassinet can store all your newborn essentials and the Breeze Plus Co-Sleepers conveniently comes with both lockable wheels for mobility around the house or rocking legs to help soothe your baby to sleep. To be honest, there’s nothing this Co-sleeping Bassinet doesn’t have!
And the bonus, it’s beautiful, now available in the trending walnut and ecru colours to match and complement our range of evergrowing cream Nursery Chairs.
Safety certified with the highest available safety standards available, the Breeze PLUS comes with a natural fibre mattress made from corn fibre and covered with a breathable mesh case for healthy airflow. A variety of mattresses, mattress protectors, bedding, fitted sheets, blankets and accessories are also available as part of the CoZee range.
Best Family Festivals
Summer Vibes for the whole family
DEVA FEST 8-11TH AUGUST
Deva Fest is now in its third year and is going to be bigger and better than ever in 2024, with the three-day festival featuring headliners such as Will Young, Fleur East, Starsailor, and Morcheeba. There’s top-notch family entertainment such as a fairground, a superhero day, a comedy tent and water sports unrivalled.
CAMP BESTIVAL
Camp Bestival, the UK’s best-loved and most successful festivals combining action-packed festival adventures with a fantastic family camping holiday.Celebrating 16 years of family fun festivals.
CARFEST 23-25TH AUGUST
This year’s festival weekend promises to bring us all together, to admire the fastest cars, enjoy performances from some of the UK’s best artists, bands and DJ’s, get involved in incredible food demonstrations and meet a host of the UK’s TV, theatre, music and sports legends.
CAMP BESTIVAL DORSET
25-28TH JULY
Calling all astronauts, aliens and cosmic explorers! The UK’s favourite family festival is landing back in Lulworth Castle, Dorset (25 – 28 July 2024) with a totally out of this world lineup featuring a galaxy-bending UK festival exclusive headline performance from PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS – Jules Buckley & The Essential Orchestra, pop Queen Paloma Faith and everyone’s favourite McFly. James Arthur will appear as a Special Guest.
CAMP BESTIVAL SHROPSHIRE
15-18TH AUGUST
For the attention of all time travellers! Prepare to dust off those dancing shoes and get ready for another epic year of family fun as the stellar sister show to the UK’s favourite family festival is returning for its third year to Weston Park, Shropshire (15 – 18 August 2024). Headliners include Faithless, pop Queen Paloma Faith and 80s, 90s AND 00s hero Rick Astley. Time travel pioneers but with no Marty… McFly will also perform as well as dance music heroes Families can also explore a world of new activities for 2024 with their festival tickets.
REVOLUTIONISE PARENTHOOD WITH ICANDY’S LATEST LAUNCH:
The iCandy Orange 4
This Spring, brace yourselves for the launch of iCandy’s latest showstopper – the most versatile companion for a growing family, the iCandy Orange 4 promises to redefine the way you experience early parenthood!
Picture this: a single-to-double ready pushchair that bursts onto the scene with the energy and vibrancy that parenthood demands. The iCandy Orange 4 is not just a pushchair; it’s a masterpiece of convenience, style and fun for both rookie parents and those who are levelling up their family game. Evolves Seamlessly with Your Family:
Straight out of the box, the iCandy Orange 4 is ready when you are, adapting effortlessly to your growing family’s needs. Enhanced functionality, softer-than-a-cloud suspension, and impressive manoeuvrability ensure that this pushchair is your family’s trusty sidekick on every adventure. Style That Turns Heads: Who said parenting can’t be chic? The iCandy Orange 4 laughs in the face of ordinary with its sophisticated aesthetic. The water repellent breathable canopy, complete with mesh ventilation, is available in five trend-led colours – Pistachio, Fossil, Latte, Rose, and the oh-sosleek Black Edition on a Jet Black chassis.
KEY FEATURES:
• Single-to-Double Ready: A versatile design that grows with your family.
• Enhanced Functionality: It’s not just a convenient ride; it’s a smooth journey with state-of-theart suspension upgrades and enhanced manoeuvrability.
• Sophisticated Aesthetic: Because your pushchair should be as stylish as you are. Personalise your pushchair by switching up the ColourSplash Canopy according to your mood, the season or your baby’s personality!
• Fashion-Forward Canopy: Water repellent, with mesh ventilation, in five trend-led colours.
• Integrated Ride-on Board: A stroke of genius for added convenience.
• Lightweight and Streamlined Chassis: Manoeuvrability with a touch of finesse.
• Super Spacious Basket: Because life with kids requires a lot of stuff.
Ready, Set, iCandy Orange 4:
Whether you’re entering the parenting arena for the first time or expanding your brood, the iCandy Orange 4 is the sturdy superhero every family deserves. Boasting an integrated Ride-on Board, a lightweight and streamlined chassis and a basket spacious enough to rival Mary Poppins, this pushchair is not just a statement – it’s a lifestyle.
iCandy is ready to revolutionise the parenting journey with the iCandy Orange 4 – where style meets functionality, and fun is non-negotiable!
Available for pre-order now: Pistachio, Fossil, Latte, Rose and Black Edition
Orange 4 Bundle: £1,099.00
Orange 4 Car Seat Bundle: £1,399.00
boori.com/uk
Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
What can you do to solve your sleep problems during pregnancy? Here are some tried-and-true suggestions
• Avoid caffeine (in all its forms, so put that chocolate bar down) after noon.
• Get your eight glasses of water (or other fluids), but taper off at night.
• Drink if you’re thirsty, but don’t down a 16-ounce water bottle right before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly - during the day or early evening. A daily workout will help you sleep better, but if it comes too close to bedtime, it could actually sabotage sleep (exercise) is energising)
• Take a warm bath just before bed. The soothing and relaxing effects of the bath should help you summon the sandman sooner.
• Make love, if you’re in the mood. Or at least ask your man for a massage - both of which can relax you.
• Have a light snack before hitting the hay to stave off midnight hunger pangs. Include protein and a complex carb (think cheese and a whole-grain muffin), as well as some warm milk (it really works!) or decaffeinated tea. Besides the duh (avoid caffeine, again in all its
forms - sorry, no chocolate with the warm milk), stay away from sugar, which will give you an energy boost when you least want one, and then leave your blood sugar levels wobbly during the night (yet another strike against chocolate).
• Crack a window - as long as the weather’s comfortable (which for a pregnant woman means anything from 65 degrees on down-way down). The fresh air can be soporific. If the weather’s not cooperative, keep the room comfortably (for you, not your spouse) chilled. Remember, your heat’s up, the thermostat’s should be down.
• Try some relaxation exercises - visualisation, deep breathing, meditation, or even yoga or chanting before hitting the sack. And actually, counting sheep can work the same way - the monotony of watching those little guys jump over the fence can be truly relaxing (unless you associate them with insomnia).
• Leave a night-light on in the bathroom - switching on the overhead is way too much of a wakeup call and will make it much harder to fall back asleep.
Our award winning, self-warming eye masks will relieve epic mum-level tiredness.
SENSITIVE SKIN EXPERTS SINCE 2000 EVERCALM™️ IS SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT & LACTATING PEOPLE Helps to strengthen, repair & protect the skin barrier.
