Babystyle blog

Celebrate Your Baby's Firsts in Style

2009-01-04T08:55:00.000+11:00

How many times has a baby taken a first step? Given a first hug? Learned to sleep through the night? Millions, billions of babies have achieved these milestones before. But that doesn't make it any less special when your new baby does. That's the beauty of it, that's the miracle of life.

These priceless moments are great achievements—however common place they may seem.

Celebrate your baby's milestone achievements with these embroided patches. Each patch is presented on a keepsake postcard with room to write your child's name, age and the date of the milestone on it.

There are two choices:

The Album Set is presented in a beautiful leather album containing the nine patches and postcards comprising the collection, plus room to add your own photographs and up to 25 more pages as your baby earns more patches. USD $59.99

The Postcard Set features all nine of the collection merit badges along with their accompanying certificates, announcing your baby's achievement in an archival-quality protective sleeve. Commemorating milestones including sleeping through the night, first tooth, and more.
USD $49.99

Loopa Bowl

2009-01-02T12:05:00.004+11:00

Meet Loopa, a cleverly designed new gyro-bowl that will turn your world upside down.

The revolutionary spill-resistant technology keeps dry food and snacks inside the bowl and off your floors during snack time.

So while imagination takes your kids to outer space and beyond, the Loopa gyro-bowl makes life easier for you back on earth.

To see how the Loopa bowl works click here

Available from Toys R Us, Big W and on-line

RRP $17.95

Brother Max - Simple Clever Ideas

2008-12-22T07:17:00.002+11:00

Brother Max is a new range of products designed to help get things done more quickly and easily. Each product focuses on making everyday tasks simpler and less time consuming.

I love seeing new innovative products and these Brother Max products are genuinely different to anything currently available.

The 3 combi bibs are a clever idea (and why did I not think of it!). It has 3 ultra soft tops that pop off easily. The top section of the bib folds down into the soft crumb catcher making it travel bag friendly.

RRP is $22.95

4 in 1 cup offers a 4 stage transition bottle to cup, that is non spill meaning mess free for Mum and Dad.

RRP is $19.95

The milk powder dispenser allows you to store 3 feeds of milk powder. With its easy pour spout it make easy transfer from the container into the bottle..

RRP is $16.95

Brother Max have other clever and useful products for you and your baby such as a 3-in-1 thermometer and clever food portioners, and they will be available in Australia from February 2009.

Smarties that are good for you?

2008-12-20T08:08:00.002+11:00

After years of Nestle insisting that their smartie shells and their ingredients are harmless with the many artificial colours - tartrazine (102), quinoline (104), sunset (110) carmoisine (122), ponceau (124) and allura red (129), these will now be be replaced by naturally derived ingredients such as turmeric, carotene and spirulina.

What a win and well done Nestle.

You can read more about this in an interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald today

Ricky Martin's Twins

2008-12-18T18:07:00.000+11:00

Did you know that Ricky Martin has twins from a surrogate? I must have been napping when this became news.

Ricky, is raising the twin boys, Valentino, “the valiant,” and Matteo, “a gift from God”, by himself (although he always has someone around to help).

Here is a picture of his son's nursery decorated in an airplane theme - although they still sleep in their fathers room.

Take a look at the article from Guanabee

Welcome to Pooki Land

2008-12-15T20:10:00.003+11:00

Pooki Land is a land of strange creatures with the most amazing personalities imaginable.

Pooki & Co boasts an impressive range of soft children’s dolls and accessories to enthral children of all ages.

Made from cuddly polar fleece, the Pooki & Co dolls come with a range of matching children’s bags and backpacks to complete their collection.

Pooki & Co Pookies – starting from RRP $14.95
Let your child’s imagination go wild with crazy Pookies Kiko, Liloo, Lola, Mina, Pablo, Pooki, and Totor. Baby Pookies come in a little box that illustrates the story of their birth; Mini Pookies are soft and ready for a cuddle; and large Pookies are a little friend for your little person! Pookies make a wonderful gift.

Pooki & Co Baby’s Mobile – RRP $59.95
Lull your baby to sleep with the lovable soft characters of Pooki Land. Suspended over your baby’s crib or changing table, it is a wonderful addition to any baby’s universe. The mobiles are available in two colour schemes – Liloo (suitable for girls) and Kiko (suitable for boys).

Pooki & Co Bags and Backpacks – starting from RRP $29.95
Whether your child is a fan of bags with handles, bags with straps, or bags that slip onto your back, there is a Pooki bag that’s right for them! In a range of styles and colours, Pooki bags and backpacks feature the Pooki Land characters.

Beep Beep Slings

2008-12-10T16:17:00.002+11:00

Hanging with Mum or Dad has never looked so good. Beep Beep Slings are Australian made and are 100% cotton and they are fully reversible.

These gorgeous slings cost $75, with free same day postage.

Quinny 2009 Sneak Preview

2008-11-26T18:09:00.002+11:00

Early in 2009 Quinny will be releasing new colours.

The colours of 2009 Quinny collection are as follows:
· Grey-blacks of Storm, Raccoon & Breen
· Atlantic blues of Wave and Iron
· Warm reds and violets of Orient

(Storm, Raccoon, Breen, Wave, Iron and Orient are the names of the various models)

Prices and exact release dates have not been set yet for this new range. I will let you know more information when it becomes available.

Penny Scallan Sale

2008-11-20T18:09:00.005+11:00

With pennies being tight this time of year its always good to know of a sale.

Penny Scallan have some great products on sale with up tom 55% off. Be quick as the sale finishes Monday 24th November.

Rock Star Baby by NICI

2008-11-10T20:11:00.002+11:00

This cool rock rat was designed by Bon Jovi rock legend and drummer, Tico Torres, Rock Star Baby by NICI has all the rock star credentials any cool kid could ever want.

The black rats for the adults who are still kids at heart - and the soft greys for those who are a little younger! Flat rats to lie on, snuggle up to, musical rats and little comforter rats. All shapes and sizes.

Rock Star Baby is the alternative for parents wanting more than the typical baby pastels and features soft plush, rattles, cushions, musical plush, comforters, bibs and pram mobiles.

Keepsake Jewellery by Small print

2008-10-29T19:44:00.004+11:00

I attended the Parenting Expo a couple of weeks ago, which was highly disappointing with the small range of exhibitors and low number of visitors.

I did however come across a couple of products worth blogging about.

Small Print offer beautiful pieces of hand crafted jewellery that capture your child's fingerprint in polished silver.

They offer something for everyone - cuff links for Dad, a keyring for Grandpa, a necklace for mum or a keepsake for when they grow up.

They also offer Christmas decorations with your child's finger print, a truly unique treasure to be hung on the tree for posterity.

Noo Design

2008-10-20T21:13:00.003+11:00

In September 2007, I wrote about these cute dress ups from Noo design.

They have added two new costumes to their range, the giraffe and koala. I think the giraffe is very cute.

These are designed and made in Australia and are 100% cotton. Each 4 piece set consists of top, pants, shoes & hat and come in a cute matching gift pouch.

Noo's summer range promises to be just as cute with the addition of onesies and hooded animal towels.

Purebaby Welcomes Summer Time

2008-10-15T19:36:00.004+11:00

I take my hat off to anyone who sets up their own business and makes it a success. It is no easy feat, but worth the hard work.

Purebaby, the Australian organic clothing label for babies and children, is enchanting parents all over the world now with an international distribution to more than seven countries worldwide. Well done Purebaby.

Launched by a mother with a passion for the environment, the entire Purebaby collection, including clothing, accessories, sleepwear and manchester, is simply divine. Carefully crafted from pure organic cotton, the label draws inspiration from new season trends and nature, offering a range that is far from run-of-the-mill baby wear.

Purebaby welcomes it's summertime range with the organic 2008/09 Spring/Summer Collection, featuring an exquisite colour palette and delicate designs to complement tranquil summer days.

Buggy pod Smorph

2008-10-09T11:27:00.000+11:00

Make your single stroller suitable for two with this buggy pod.

Perfect for those who don't need a double stroller all of the time - just when your older child needs a ride from time to time. The buggy pod clips onto the side of your existing stroller frame (and suits most stroller and pram frames including 3-wheelers and twin strollers), transforming it into a two-seater when needed, and folding up neatly when not.

Buggy pod offers a soft concertina fold footrest, luxury seat pad and a 5-point harness. It adds 39cm to the width of your stroller and holds a maximum weight of 15kgs. Suitable for children 6 months to 3+ years. Flexible side fabric to accommodate larger children .

RRP: $199.00

World’s Greatest Pram Stroll

2008-10-08T19:06:00.003+11:00

Now in its seventh year, the Mother’s Choice World’s Greatest Pram Stroll is coming up during the month of October (November 16 in NSW). Please check out their web site to check the date and location of the World's Greatest Pram Stroll in your state.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of socialisation and active recreation for new mums and dads as well as providing information on local support, the resources available to families and the diagnosis and treatments available for post natal depression.

“The stroll brings together families in an active and friendly environment, and encourages people to use our parks as a venue for healthy activities which promotes social connectedness and mental wellbeing,” said Jenny Holliday, CEO of the People and Parks Foundation.

“The People and Parks Foundation is proud to have Mother’s Choice as the major sponsor and thrilled to have Kim Watkins and Shane Wakelin involved as the 2008 Ambassadors and we look forward to another really successful event,” concluded Holliday.

“Everybody knows being a Mum is challenging and it can be quite isolating, so the World’s Greatest Pram Stroll is a great way to encourage parents to pack up their kids, their strollers and a picnic lunch and enjoy all the healthy things parks offer our community,” said Kim Watkins, Ambassador for the stroll.

The World’s Greatest Pram Stroll is proudly partnered by the following organisations:
· Mother’s Choice
· Parks Victoria
· Beyond Blue

New Mountain Buggy Swift

2008-10-06T17:33:00.000+11:00

I am a big fan of the Mountain Buggy, so I was excited to discover that they are adding a new member to the Mountain Buggy family, The Swift.

The swift is to be released in Australia later this year, the 1st of December 2008. Further details on pricing are not yet available, and I will keep you posted on this.

The new Mountain Buggy Swift will be previewed at the Melbourne Baby Expo in a couple of weeks.

What is so exciting about the Mountain Buggy Swift?

Mountain buggy has offered the Breeze for years now, for families wanting a more compact version Mountain Buggy. Although it is a good compact stroller, it doesn't compare the the urban range with its front swivel wheel (although bigger). I have wished Mountain Buggy would make a compact version of the Urban for years now. My wishes have come true with the new Swift.

Key features:

10 inch air-filled tyres for a smooth ride
The swivel front wheel and compact design are perfect for navigating busy streets and narrow aisles.
Quick release wheels and push-in axles make the Swift especially compact to pack, handle and store
At just 9.5kg (21lbs), Swift is easy to handle without compromising on build quality.
Includes a large storage tray and handy zip pocket bag.
The five-point safety harness is fully adjustable and with the full-recline hammock makes the buggy suitable from newborn to toddler.
A stormcover and new zip-in suncover are available

Measurements
Folded length: 96.5cm, (38in)
Width: 64cm (25.2in)
Weight: 9.5kg (21lbs)

I have not road tested it yet, so I can not comment on this new product from personal experience. However if it is of the same quality as the rest of their range, I do not think we will be disappointed.

Colours available will be: Chilli, Lime and Flint

Bonne Bonnet - Give your Bugaboo a new look!

2008-09-28T07:04:00.002+10:00

Here's a great way to give your Bugaboo a new look. I am loving these new custom made replacement canopy for the Bugaboo. They are available in various fabrics, designs, textures and colours.

They are designed to fit the Bugaboo Frog, Cameleon and Gecko. I love that they are machine washable too.

Bonne Bonnets was founded by two moms with a passion for bringing style and creativity to the cradle.

Available from Babies r us in the USA for $98.99 USD plus shipping.

Johnny Loco

2008-09-22T20:24:00.002+10:00

Here's a cool way to get around - the cargo cruiser by Johnny Loco.

It comes with quite a price though, the cheapest is a mere €1 599,00, and yes they ship world wide!

Also check out their junior cruiser, bikes for children, they look amazing.

Beautiful New Branberry Blankets

2008-09-17T09:48:00.003+10:00

I am a huge Branberry blanket fan, and have been wondering when Emma at Branberry was going to be adding new designs to her already fabulous range. Well I have to wait no longer, and you will not be disappointed with the new four-colour stripes range.

All Branberry blankets are made from 70% pure combed cotton and 30% extra fine merino wool, babies and children can be tucked in securely without feeling restricted as they are wonderfully elastic but don't stretch out of shape. They can be machine washed and last year after year.

Gardening Products for Children

2008-09-09T08:05:00.003+10:00

Children love to help and be involved in every day activities that occur around the house.

These new gardening products for children from Twigz allow children to be involved in the gardening too with tools that are the right size for them to be able to do it themselves (which we all know children like to be able to do).

Gardening is a wonderful activity to involve your child. Now that Spring has arrived this is also a perfect time to plant. Why not buy some potted colour and have your child help plant these, or start a herb or vegetable garden together.

Quinny by Henrik Vibkov

2008-09-07T18:27:00.003+10:00

We have seen it done before where designer, artist or someone famous is involved in a limited edition design on a baby product, with some fabulous results.

Quinny are the latest to follow this idea and they have collaborated with Danish designer (musician and film maker) Henrik Vibkov and have developed the ‘Quinny by Vibkov’ line which will be available from October 2008 at a very select number of leading fashion retailers worldwide, including Colette (Paris), Seven (New York), SPRMRKT (Amsterdam) and the Henrik Vibskov multi-brand store in Copenhagen.

Quinny has added Henrik's colourful designs to many pieces, including nappy bags, strollers, wipes and more. The collection also includes pieces for adults such as a poncho, sunglasses and an umbrella.

Unfortunately it will not be available in Australia.

Made With Love by Mamas and Papas

2008-09-03T07:30:00.002+10:00

This month Mamas and Papas are launching their new Made with Love Interior collection. This follows on from the highly successful Interior launches of Roundabout Boys, Girls and Barnaby Buttons earlier this year.

This Interior Collection includes 18 separate pieces that all work together through styling and colourways, enabling you to create a unique nursery with these individually designed pieces. The luxurious mixture of fabrics, hand quilting detail and a beautiful colour palette will certainly bring your nursery to life.

Hand Quilted Reversible Bassinet Coverlets RRP $99.95
Hand Quilted Reversible Cot Coverlets RRP $199.95
Woven Cotton Reversible Pram Blanket RRP $69.95
Made with Love Toys from RRP $19.95
Made with Love Bibs RRP $16.95

Mini Micro Scooter

2008-09-01T14:27:00.002+10:00

A few weeks ago Babystyle blog wrote about the amazing G bike for children. Brought to you by the same company is the mini micro scooter.

These cool mini scooters are ideal for preschoolers (3 years+) as it helps to develop their balance, co-ordination and motor skills.

Mini scooters are made from light-weight reinforced plastic.

A great feature is that they are light weight and portable, and come apart in two pieces - so it will fit easily on top of a buggy or in the corner of a cafe.

The T-bar steering column and unique 3 wheel scooter design provides safety and stability for the very youngest of kids, as they learn to use their body weight and balance to steer. The large high quality non-marking polyurethane wheels give a smooth and quiet ride – and are suitable for indoors and outdoors.

RRP is $99.50 with free delivery.

Lilbird

2008-08-28T17:31:00.003+10:00

I saw Lilbird on a the Metro Mum web site a while ago and thought that's cute, but it wasn’t until I was sent a sample I realised how special these are.

If you are looking for an irresistible baby gift, these are well worth a look.

Lilbird arrives in a complimentary box with their signature papier-mâché egg packaged with a satin ribbon and delicately nestled in its own paper nest, and with a beautiful onesie, tutu, singlet or long sleeve tee inside.

Bamboletta Dolls

2008-08-27T18:52:00.004+10:00

What happened to simple dolls that let children be children? Not dolls that come in bikini and high heels with enough make up to make them look like ladies of the night.

That's why its so refreshing to come across Bamboletta dolls. These are the most beautiful dolls I have seen, and the minute I saw these Steiner inspired dolls I knew I had to order one for my daughter.

They are just so beautiful from the way they look, to the incredible love and care and attention to detail given to each doll. Christina is the amazing lady that makes these dolls, she is a stay at home mum who lives in the woods on the west coast of Canada, her hubby is master head maker and fabric cutter and her Granny does the knitting for the dolls clothes.

You can buy dolls from their etsy web site (more dolls will be available from September) or order a custom made doll through the Bamboletta web site (maybe made to look like the child you are giving it to).

The dolls faces are embroidered with a sweet, simple expression inspired by Waldorf philosophy . They encourage children to engage in open play, reflecting back to the child whatever emotion is timely and appropriate, whether happy, sad, or somewhere between.