Conception Pregnancy Parenting Australia

The Thursday Cooking Adventure Club

2011-07-21T14:59:00.010+10:00

If you'd told me a year ago that I'd spend my Thursday afternoon baking ANZAC biscuits and then blogging about it - I'd have laughed at you ... then I would have hurried off to see what was burning in the kitchen.

I'm definitely not the 'baking' type. Don't get me wrong, I love to eat the 'baking' and I don't even mind 'baking' the baking ... my downfall has always been 'remembering' the baking.

Once, as a 19-year-old, I enthusiastically popped a roast dinner into the oven to surprise my flatmates. I then, with equal enthusiasm, accepted the offer of a last-minute shift at the video store where I worked. Three hours into my shift I received a phonecall from my flatmate - she was MOST surprised. Surprised to find a rock-hard, unidentifiable lump of what could be meat, smoking away in the oven. Not so surprised to hear that it was my fault though ...

I surprised other flatmates with my cooking amnesia over the years. You should have seen the surprised look on the face of one of them when she saw her expensive, new saucepan blackened by the popcorn I forgot about ... not that I got a good look at her face. I was too busy cleaning oil off EVERY SINGLE THING in the kitchen, even the things inside the cupboards (how did that happen?).

Anyway, even though I'm now older and wiser it is still with some trepidation (and an alarm on my phone) that I embark on any cooking adventure. Especially with The Toddler around as an added distraction.

And still, I've spent this afternoon baking a batch of ANZAC biscuits from a recipe my Nan gave me. And I've only burnt the first batch (a little), so far ...

Here's the recipe ... plus recipes for My Mum's Easy Chocolate Cake and Simple Pancake Mix.

My Nan's ANZAC biscuits (makes 12-15 depending on size)

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup coconut
1 cup brown sugar (although I used half white sugar today)
1 cup SR flour
3 tablespoons golden syrup
125g butter
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Melt the butter with the golden syrup

Mix the bicarb with 2 tablespoons of boiling water, then add to the melted butter/syrup mix

The butter/syrup mix should froth when the bicard is added. Pour all of this into the bowl of the dry ingredients and combine.

Roll into balls and place on a greased baking tray. Squish the balls with the back of the fork (not sure why, just doing what Nan told me to).

Bake in moderate (350F/180C) oven for about 15 minutes.

Biscuits will harden when cooled. Yummo!!

My Mum's Easy Chocolate Cake

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup SR flour
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

Melt butter.

Combine the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl and pour melted butter on top.

Beat hard for 3 minutes

Pour mixture into greased cake tin and bake in moderate (350F/180C) oven for 45-60 mins.

Easy Pancake Batter (makes 10-12)

2 cups SR flour
2 eggs
Milk (added slowly until mixture is the consistency of cream)

Beat eggs, add flour.

Stir while slowly adding milk. You want it runny, like cream.

TIP: Cook them on a sandwich press! Wipe the sandwich press with butter, pour the mix on, wait for bubbles to appear, then close the lid! No flipping required!!

All the best!!!

BH Editor

TELL US!! What is your favourite Pancake topping????

The forum is down: Your Survival Guide

2011-07-12T14:01:00.008+10:00

The Bub Hub forum needs upgrading and will be down for four hours in the morning!! But there is no need for you to panic! And there is certainly no need to do any housework!!
I've thought of a few things you could do without resorting to that ...

1. Like The Bub Hub on Facebook

We are still around ... in fact we are extra busy because of this upgrade thingy (can you tell I'm not the technical one in the office?). Chat to us or among yourselves on our Facebook page.

2. Do an early Spring clean!

Bor-ring!! Cleaning the house is something you do (or avoid doing) every day so why should you do it today? We've been over this already ...

But ... what I'm suggesting is a type of cleaning that you would actually LIKE to do but never get around to ... I'd love to sort through my clothes. I'd get a bag to give to a charity as well as hopefully rediscover some long lost gems! Hopefully I'd make enough room to justify a shopping trip for some new clothes as well!!

Rearrange your furniture!

3. Get in touch with an IRL friend

Does your grandmother live in another town? Why don't you sit down and write her a letter and send her some recent photos! It will be just like the olden days! And she'd love it!!

Or, if you're like me, there is one or two long emails from a friend in your inbox that you just haven't gotten around to replying to! It feels like you have to write an equally long email to do justice to their original email. Now you have the time to ...

4. Pamper yourself!

If you're pregnant or a mum already you are probably sleep-deprived! Why not have a nap!

I'd love to have a nice long hot bath. Although now I'm preggers, I'm not supposed to have super hot baths and once I got in there I'm not sure I'd be able to get out!! But don't let that stop the rest of you!

Make a body scrub from kitchen ingredients: Try this one ... Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of sugar. If you've got some essential oils like lavender or something similar add that too! It will make you smell like a day spa, not a biscuit!

5. Play with the kids!

Build a fort. Drape an old sheet over the kitchen table or the couches and have morning tea in the 'house'!

Find a cool park nearby and take a picnic down there.

Make play dough: Mix 2 cups plain flour and 1 cup salt. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, 1/2 to 1 cup cold water and 2 drops of food colouring. Combine until it is play dough-ey! Add more flour if it is too watery!

Pretend to be a horse!

6. Do the thing you're supposed to be doing!!

Are you moving house this weekend but haven't started packing ? Maybe do that then ;) Are you normally on Bub Hub while you're working. Maybe do some work (just for today though ... )

7. Hire a DVD!

Then write a review for it on the Bub Hub film reviews page

8. Bake a cake

Here's My Mum's recipe ... It's easy peasy!

My Mum's Chocolate Cake

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup SR flour
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

Melt butter.

Combine the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl and pour melted butter on top.

Beat hard for 3 minutes

Pour mixture into greased cake tin and bake in moderate (350F/180C) oven for 45-60 mins.

Do you have any other suggestions on what to do while the Bub Hub forum is down??

BH Editor

The Toddler picks up his act ... just in time!!

2011-06-25T12:39:00.006+10:00

Here we go again!!! Too lazy to write about my first pregnancy
and too tired to write about the second ... until now!!!

Isn't it funny how sometimes things just fall into place?

It doesn't happen often ... not in my household anyway. Don't get me wrong ... a lot of things FALL in my household ... I have clumsy pregnant fingers and The Toddler, well he is just clumsy (he *obviously* gets that from his father).

And lately as I enter the Third Trimester I have lost the ability to pick up the things that fall.

I'm speaking literally here ... this isn't a metaphor for life ... if I drop something on the floor I usually just wait for The Toddler's Father to come home from work and ask him to pick it up.

This can get gross obviously (yesterday The Toddler ate some Floor Lunch Toast as his dinner entree) ... but normally, in these circumstances I psych myself up for a few minutes then crouch down to pick it up. I don't waste the opportunity either ... once I'm down I may as well stay down and clean the entire bottom half of the house.

Anyway ... I've gone slightly off-topic.

Things have fallen into place ... just as I lose the ability to bend over, The Toddler gains the ability to pick things up when I ask!

Finally, I can say "pick that up and give it to Mummy" and off he toddles and does as his told! Yay!! He even wipes up spilled water with a teatowel (he usually spills the water so it is only fair) and he surprised me the other day by heading to the kitchen unprompted to get the teatowel himself. Wow.

Obviously this is just the first step. There are many more things I won't be able to do as my belly expands ...

Here are a few things I need The Toddler to learn to do in the next 12 weeks:

Cut my toenails.
Lift heavy things - a problem when the heaviest thing I frequently lift is in fact, him.
Climb into the car seat. And, just as an added extra, do up the harness too ... those twisty straps give me a headache.
Speak ... and recognise numbers ... just enough to read the scales when I stand on them. The belly is already in the way and the numbers change when I lean forward to look.
Cook dinner ... this isn't really pregnancy-related... I just can't be assed anymore.

Am I asking too much of The Toddler?

What did your toddler surprise you by doing before the next baby came along?

BH Editor

More useful links:

Read articles about Toddlers

Sign up to our Baby & Toddler Development emails

Chat about General Parenting Topics on our forum

Win an awesome prize on our competition page

The AWA helps prevent window falls

2011-06-23T12:55:00.004+10:00

I just wanted to follow up on an article we ran recently on Child Window and Balcony Safety.

The article was based on research that showed at least 12 children were admitted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW) after a balcony or window fall each year.

The CHW report also outlined strategies for addressing this issue. As part of this, The Bub Hub published the article to help make parents aware of the dangers in their own home.

Now, the Australian Window Association has also come on board - releasing a fall prevention label designed to attach to the frame of most standard fly screens where the mesh is held in place within the frame using flexible rubber or PVC splines into a rebate.

This is what the label looks like:

This is what the AWA says:

"The message we must get across as an industry is that the mesh and plastic clips holding the screen to the window frame are not designed to withstand loads such as a child pressing or falling against them. Their precise functional purpose is to keep insects outside."

For more information on the labels and how to order them visit the AWA website

More useful links:

Look for safety products on our directory

Read articles on child safety

SMS support improves breastfeeding rates ... is there anything a mobile phone can't do??

2011-06-14T08:54:00.005+10:00

I love my phone ... in fact I spent the majority of my drive to work this morning justifying my love for it to DP, who believes it is an unnecessary luxury (not so much the 'phone' , but the 'i' in front of it).

So when I finally arrived at work I was more than happy to find this email in my inbox ... a new study has found that SMS support improves breastfeeding rates!

Excellent, now I've got another item to add to my "reasons why phones are important" list, which I am compiling for the drive home.

Anyway, according to this world-first study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), new mums are four times more likely to stop breastfeeding after eight weeks, than mothers who have received text message support.

The eight week project involved 130 mums across Australia who were given breastfeeding support via SMS

The SMS was also linked to the counselling service offered by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which offers free telephone assistance about breastfeeding for new mothers.

Professor Rebekah Russell-Bennett, who led the study with Dr Danielle Gallegos, said at the beginning of the study 83 per cent of women taking part fully breastfed their newborns, compared with the national average of 62 per cent.

"The SMS service aimed to increase breastfeeding rates among new mums by providing a direct link with women and offering support, encouragement and advice when needed," Professor Russell-Bennett said.

"The messages were considerate of women's feelings. They weren't judgemental, they avoided guilt, stereotyping and acting as if breastfeeding was easy and natural."

"After completing the eight week program, there was only a four per cent decrease in women who were fully breastfeeding. This compares with a decline in the national average of 16 per cent (down to 46 per cent)."

Professor Russell-Bennett said the SMS program proved successful in encouraging women to continue breastfeeding, resulting in significantly improved breastfeeding rates.

"Women who participated in the study said they felt reassured by the text messages received," she said.

"Many women said they looked forward to receiving the messages as it made them feel like they were part of a group.

"They also said the messages offered information 'that told me things were normal'.

"Many women who find they are struggling with breastfeeding feel like they are failing, but by receiving the text messages they get the support they need."

Dr Gallegos said while the study sought to increase breastfeeding rates, it also aimed to empower women to make the "right" feeding choice for their child.

"Ultimately if women choose not to fully breastfeed, that is OK. But what we want to happen is to see women make the right decision for the right reasons, without feeling guilty," Dr Gallegos said.

Chat about breastfeeding on the Bub Hub forum

Find out more about the Australian Breastfeeding Association

Read articles on breastfeeding and feeding your baby

Find shops selling breastfeeding books and accessories

The Ins and Outs of Pregnancy Part 2

2011-05-18T11:58:00.009+10:00

Here we go again!!! Too lazy to write about my first pregnancy and too
tired to write about the second ... until now!!!

So here I am. UTD again. How did this happen? I'm blaming a combination of Christmas cheer (ok, wine), the Queensland floods, and me not paying enough attention in Year 11 science when we studied the female menstrual cycle (or in any other class to be honest, but that particular one seems rather important right now).

Anyway a lot of you probably already know this, but things are sure different the second time ... not worse necessarily, just different.

I would never go as far to say that being pregnant was easy the first time around. But I don't think many would disagree that having a toddler to care for adds a whole extra path to the pregnancy journey.

For example, early in Pregnancy Part 1 I was tired and exhausted so at 5pm I would be snug in bed watching TV shows for tweens on ABC.

Early in Pregnancy Part 2: This Time it's Personal I was also tired and exhausted but at 5pm I would be dishing up some pumpkin-based mush to an unwilling 11-month-old (let's call him Outside Baby) while trying not to dry retch at the mere smell/thought of it.

And by 5.30pm I'd be on my hands and knees scraping 90 per cent of it off the kitchen floor.

And I've only got one Outside Baby to look after - massive kudos to all my fellow preggos with two or more little ones at their (swollen) feet!

The other difference is that in Pregnancy Part 1 I had ample time to read up about my 'condition' - dutifully checking to see which fruit/vegetable my unborn child resembled each week. Now I barely remember how many weeks pregnant I am. Sometimes, usually while reaching for the brie, I forget that I am pregnant at all.

But just because I'm not reading up on every aspect of my UTDness, doesn't mean I know it all! There are plenty of new things I've learned second time around ...

These include, but aren't limited to, the following:

If you're making your toddler a peanut butter sandwich and it slips off the bench don't attempt to catch it using your growing stomach.
It is really cute when your toddler lifts up your shirt to press on your now-deformed navel. It is significantly less funny when he does it while you're at the check-out paying for the groceries.
It is hard to pee 50 times a day without waking your toddler who is asleep on the opposite side of the wall to the toilet.
It doesn't hurt when your unborn baby kicks you in the middle of the night. But it does hurt when your co-sleeping toddler does it as well - especially if he gets you in the jugular.

And, I'm sure there are plenty more examples ... but I want to know what did you learn during your second pregnancy?

Thanks!

BH Editor

Oh - and for the sake of this blog - I just checked and at 22 weeks, 2 days (yikes already?), Inside Baby is now as big as a Papaya (20.32cm, 540g). Cute ... except paw-paw gives me indigestion (coincidence? I don't think so!)

Now where did I hide those Fruit Tingles ... ?

Useful links:

Acupuncture during pregnancy

17 natural remedies for morning sickness

Bub Hub 40-week pregnancy calendar

Choosing baby names - baby name finder

2011-04-14T11:01:00.004+10:00

Mothers are doing it for themselves!!!

If your Facebook newsfeed looks anything like mine, every third post will be from a friend-turned-WAHM, aka working-at-home mum, showing off their latest creative venture.

Gorgeous children's clothing, beautifully designed cards and invitations, handmade cookies/confectionery and the cutest MCNs you'll ever see ... all making me feel especially lazy/useless on the days I struggle to brush my hair (OK ... teeth).

It appears that many stay-at-home mums, aka SAHMs, just need a great idea plus the motivation to make it happen before they can officially swap acronyms.

And they are apparently the majority!

According to a recent survey, 70 per cent of Aussie women have thought about pursuing a business idea since becoming a mother.

I'm clearly part of the remaining 30 per cent as most of my thoughts, post-birth, have revolved around sleep and how I can have more of it.

Anyway ... enough about me.

If you're in the 70 per cent but lack the money to get your idea off the ground then check out the Huggies MumInspired Grant Program.

The program will award five mums with $20,000 each to act on their child-related business idea!!

There is also a People’s Choice element to the program - which means you can vote for your favourite MumInspired grant recipient to receive an additional $10,000.

More useful links:

10 steps for mums Starting their own home business

8 top tips for mums on running a successful business

Jobs and careers articles on The Bub Hub

Discuss working from home on the Bub Hub forum

How to be a Mumpreneur: Tips for starting your own business

The Bub Hub Friday Book Club* - The Panic Virus: Fear, Myth and the Vaccination Debate

2011-04-05T13:17:00.005+10:00

The Panic Virus: Fear, Myth and the Vaccination Debate by Seth Mnookin

There have been few parenting issues as emotive as the debate over vaccinations.

Ever since now-discredited doctor Andrew Wakefield published his paper linking the MMR vaccination with autism a growing number of parents have chosen to not vaccinate their children.

In Australia, the debate came to a head in 2009 when Toni and Dave McCaffery's daughter Dana died of whooping cough when she was just 32 days old.

Dana's parents were unaware that they were living in an area with one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in Australia. They were also shocked to be on the receiving end of vitriolic emails and letters accusing them of lying about Dana's illness and colluding with pharmaceutical companies.

Their story and the media attention that followed features in the preface of Seth Mnookin's Australian edition of The Panic Virus: Fear, Myth and the Vaccination Debate.

Mnookin, a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and former senior writer at Newsweek, felt compelled to write The Panic Virus after a dinner party conversation with an anti-vax friend of his who admitted he based his choice on what he "felt" rather than the available evidence.

"Anecdotes and suppositions, no matter how right they feel, don't lead to universal truths; experiments that can be independently confirmed by impartial observers do," he writes. "Intuition leads to the flat earth society and bloodletting; experiments lead to men on the moon and microsurgery".

So Mnookin began working on The Panic Virus the next day. First confirming that no link existed between childhood immunisations and developmental disorders then attempting to answer the following questions:

"Why, despite all the evidence to the contrary do so many people remain adamant in their belief that vaccines are responsible for harming hundreds of thousands of otherwise healthy children? Why is the media so inclined to air those views? Why are so many others so readily convinced? Why, in other words, are we so willing to believe things that are, according to all available evidence, false?"

To answer these questions, Mnookin looks at the history of vaccinations and takes the reader inside the anti-vaccination community.

He looks at the spread of the anti-vax movement and how it was propelled with the help of the internet and the decline in investigative science journalism.

The result is a well-researched, scientifically sound investigation of the emotive issue. A must read for anyone interested in the debate.

For more information about visit Black Inc Books

(* yes, I realise it is Tuesday but I wanted to keep the Friday Book Club name ...)

More useful links:

Read about the Australian vaccination schedule and clinics

Discuss immunisation issues on the Bub Hub Forum

The Bub Hub Friday Book Club*

2011-03-11T14:13:00.012+10:00

Welcome to Bub Hub Friday Book Club*

We at Bub Hub HQ receive quite a lot of information about books relating to conception, pregnancy and parenting. Sometimes we even receive the actual books themselves – but not often …

In any case we are happy to give them a bit of a free plug because we know that a lot of the time they are relevant to our Bub Hub members.

Here are a few that have come to our attention this week:

Hallmark has brought out two Conversations To Keep books - Mum & Me and Grandma & Me. Basically each page has an open-ended question on it and a record button. So you ask your kid the question and then record their ridiculous (or ridiculously cute) response – presumably so you can bring it out at their 21st and embarrass them in front of their friends and the girl/guy they've been trying to impress all year. Awkward!! In Grandma & Me your child answers questions such as "If Grandma were famous, what would she be famous for?" Just make sure you delete anything along the lines of "being smelly and old" before you proudly hand it over on Mothers' Day.

Aussie author Kate Minehan has created Minkie Mary the Dummy Fairy to help children give up their dummies! This book pack has a cute story to prepare kids for a world without dummies as well as a little pouch to leave their dummy in when they are ready to give it up. As a reward for being big and brave Minkie Mary leaves behind a special toy mouse when she takes the dummy.

Brisbane mother Karly Wegner wrote Then There Was You - An IVF Story to help tell her young son about how he was conceived. Her book is aimed at children who were conceived using IVF and is designed to be read from a young age through to the time they can read it themselves. She said that starting to read the book to your child from early age would help IVF become part of their story.

(* Please note: Bub Hub Friday Book Club might not happen every Friday. It occasionally might happen on days other than Friday. It is possible that it may never happen again.)

Stockists details:

Hallmark Conversations to Keep and Recordable Storybooks are RRP$34.99 and available at leading retailers, newsagents and selected gift stores nationally or online at http://www.hallmarkcards.com.au/

Minkie Mary the Dummy Fairy will have its official book launch at Ariel Bookstore, 42 Oxford Street Paddington, NSW, on April 17th at 10.30am. Visit http://www.minkiemary.com/

For more information about Then There Was You - An IVF Story visit http://www.explainingconception.com.au/

More useful links:

See articles on the Best Kids' Books and Games

What are the 20 Best Picture Books of All Time?

See the Top 10 Children's Books for Preschoolers (ages 3-5)

See the Top 10 Children's Books for Ages 18months - 3 years

See the Top 10 Children's Books for Ages 0-18 months

Not Jack of it yet ...

2011-02-18T14:48:00.013+10:00

There's a lot of talk about Australia's ageing population but what about Australia's growing population of Jacks?

How are we going to support all these Jacks once they get older? Will there be enough personalised number plate variations to go around? Things are going to get confusing ...

This is all tongue-in-cheek of course. Jack is a popular name because it is an awesome name! It is short, it is manly, it is cute and it is easy to spell.

I don't have a son called Jack, but if I did, I would.

Anyway, I'm bringing this up because most Australian states have released their lists of most popular baby names in 2010.

And, not surprising, Jack is on all of them ... again. Has there been another name so popular in recent years? I can't remember the last time Jack wasn't up there!

So here are the top 10 lists from each state (but not the Northern Territory, as they haven't released their list):

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Boys
Jack
William
Joshua
Oliver
Lachlan
Ethan
Lucas
Riley
James
Max

Girls
Ella
Charlotte
Ruby
Chloe
Mia
Lily
Emily
Isabella
Sophie
Olivia

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Boys
Jack
Oliver
Lucas
James
Noah
Thomas
Ethan/Riley
Joshua
Jacob
William

Girls
Ruby
Chloe
Emily
Isabella
Ella
Olivia
Sophie
Lily
Sienna
Charlotte

NEW SOUTH WALES

Boys
William
Jack
Joshua
Thomas
Lachlan
Noah
Oliver
Cooper
Ethan
Lucas

Girls
Isabella
Olivia
Chloe
Ruby
Charlotte
Mia
Lily
Emily
Ella

ACT

Boys
Oliver
William
Lachlan
Jack
Alexander
Ethan
James
Liam/Thomas
Lucas

Girls
Emily
Sophie
Lily/Ruby
Olivia
Chloe
Charlotte/Grace
Ella/Mia
Amelia

VICTORIA

Boys
Jack
William
Thomas
Oliver
Joshua
James
Ethan
Noah
Cooper
Max

Girls
Ruby
Charlotte
Mia
Olivia
Chloe
Lily
Ava
Isabella
Ella
Emily

TASMANIA

Boys
Oliver
Jack
Thomas
Charlie
William
Noah
Cooper
Harry
Samuel
Xavier

Girls
Ruby
Isabella
Lucy
Charlotte
Lily/Lilly
Ella
Sophie
Chloe
Mia
Grace

See the full lists:

Top 20 baby names 2010 South Australia
Top 50 baby names 2010 Western Australia
Top 10 baby names 2010 New South Wales
Top 10 baby names 2010 ACT
Top 100 baby names 2010 Victoria
Top 30 baby names 2010 Queensland
Top 20 baby names 2010 Tasmania

For more on baby names:

Chat about choosing baby names on the Bub Hub Forum

How-to guide to choosing baby names

Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Volume 1 will be out in time for Christmas

2010-11-15T13:53:00.004+10:00

For all of you with Ben 10 fans in the family (yes, my hand is up, too, as I have a little would-be-Ben-5) this news will come with welcome relief.

Madman Entertainment have proudly announced the date for the DVD release of BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: Volume 1 - the highly anticipated first volume of the action-packed new Ben 10 series - will be December 1, 2010.

If you really don't want Santa to overlook this must-have addition to the DVD collection, you can pre-order your copy online at Madman Entertainment. RRP$19.95.

Kids movies are always popular gifts. A solid library of childrens movies are a great back up plan on a rainy day, or just when your child needs a little quiet time. There are so many classic children's films coming back into fashion it's like I never left my own childhood.

Think Pink this Christmas - Silver and Gold are so last year!

2010-11-12T13:37:00.005+10:00

Now this is a great idea. With Christmas fast approaching, here's an option where you can buy Christmas gifts with the added seasonally-aligned good sumaritan knowledge that your spend is doing something for the greater good.

In case you weren't already aware, the McGrath Foundation has a number of great gift ideas to suit all members of your family.

Picured are the super cute SKEANIE 'Love Me' shoes (RRP$19.95) available for the precious little tot in your life in a range of sizes, and the Kitchen Apron, 100% cotton and available in hot pink or black (RRP$33).

But the gifts don't stop there... check out the online catalogue of the McGrath Foundation website and you will discover there is a world of shopping bliss (and nearly all of it perfectly pink) - clothing, books, sporting gear, Christmas decorations, shoes (yes! I said shoes!), jewellery and skincare. And the list goes on. Check it out for yourself.

Remember - The sale of these products helps the McGrath Foundation to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia and increase breast awareness in young Australian women. Breast cancer affects women of all ages and nationalities. We should all think beyond the cash register this Christmas.

A Baby Horoscope is a gift for life

2010-11-09T15:26:00.004+10:00

Being a Gemini with a Gemini partner and a Taurean daughter (who was meant to be a Gemini but came early) and a Scorpion son, I really find the whole daily horoscope thing interesting. Some days, the dynamics in our house work wonderfully, and then the next day, they don't (but that could have just as much bearing on the fact that the Scorpio boy is a bossy, strong-willed soon-to-be 5 year old!!!).

So, it is with this calamity of household that I found this book to be really great idea.

The Complete Edition, a hard cover (30-40 page) perfect-bound book, is available direct from the creators, Whahoo, and costs just $94.50 (plus postage+packaging). This Complete Edition includes your own printed dedication as a foreword, or a blank page for you to write this in your own handwriting. You can also illustrate the text with up to 15 of your own photos, including one on the front cover.

The Horoscope Book is a real keepsake, just like many other possessions from early childhood. So think carefully about the illustrations you want to include. Obviously you'll want to put in the nicest and cutest photos of the child. But why not also scan a birth announcement. Or a toddler's very first drawing. And some family photos, of course.

Horoscopes can be inspiring and useful as you observe the way children develop. Even though a child seems to grow the fastest during the first year, it is often after that when you'll notice a real personality emerging. The horoscope gives you an idea of what to look out for and how you can encourage your child to make the best of their talents and abilities.

Ahhh, now I just have to try and harness that Scorpio spirit!

Lounge around the pool in style this summer, kids!

2010-11-05T11:39:00.004+10:00

Bring on summer! No longer is lounging around the pool just a thing for grown-ups! No sirree!

As with most beaut kids products these days, the notion behind these stylish bean bag chairs for kids was born from the fact that Lelbys director, Lesley, couldn't find a suitable chair for her one year old that would match in with their decor and home furnishings.

Now with a range of throw rugs to match, Lelbys design and produce contemporary toddler's bean bag chairs to match the colour palate of most living rooms. The range is designed to enhance the interior of adult living spaces, suiting the style of most modern parents.

The colour scheme ranges from ash blue to light, medium and chocolate browns, and the fabrics are of the best quality cotton and faux fur. There is even a range that comes in pastel pink and blue cotton damask for those traditionalists.

Made for children 1-5 years old, the bean bag chairs require approx 100 litres of bean filler (and I don't mean mexican beans here, people), have an outer sleeve with a child-proof zipper and a no-spill inner calico bag that is easy to launder. Prices start from RRP$99.95 and the kids lounge chairs are available online at Lelbys.

Kids bedroom furniture is readily available in many baby nursery shops these days and via babies furniture online retailers. With the silly season looming, not only is this a great gift for kids that can be home delivered, it is also one that will keep you out of the local shopping centre maze.

Santa might just get the Sack because of these!

2010-11-03T17:25:00.003+10:00

Christmas is big in our house - lots of tinsel, heaps of decorations and mountains of love and good cheer. Each year I get the kids another decoration for the tree so I'm always on the look out for that something a little bit different. And this year, I've found it. In fact these are so cute, Santa might not even remember to put the pressies under the Christmas tree!!

These personalised Santa Sacks are just perfect! Made from strong, cotton canvas with a sturdy drawstring, they are generously sized to take the best Santa can dish out. Designed and printed in Australia, the XL-sized Santa Sacks will certainly become a treasured personalised keepsake. And there are 8 gorgeous designs for you to choose from. A couple of them carry Australiana imagery so ideal as gifts for kids overseas.

Xmas Angel

Santa

Elf on a Shelf (too cute!)

Social Snowmen

Chrissy Koala

Partridge in a Pear Tree (my personal fav!)

Surfin' Santa

Chrissy Roo

You can order these super stylish kids' Santa Sacks online through Identi Kid. RRP$39 includes packaging & postage in Australia, or RRP$49 for airmail delivery outside Australia.

Are you looking for Christmas gifts for kids with a difference this year? Really uber cool toys? Toys stores are stocked up right now with everything you'll need to make this Christmas the best ever.

These Designer Moses Baskets are just heavenly!

2010-11-01T16:06:00.004+10:00

These came across my screen today and I just had to share them with you. These beautiful moses baskets are timeless creations for your precious little one.

Each basket, available online through Australian store Sleepi Spaces, is sold as a set which includes a 100% cotton designer liner and matching blanket, a BabySafe mattress, fitted sheet, mattress protector and a dust-proof storage bag. There are 7 gorgeous linens in the range to select from.

There is also the option to buy a stand for the basket - either a rocker stand or the classic fixed stand (in timber or ivory) - along with additional sheets and protectors. If you already have a moses basket, you can also purchase the designer baby linen on its own to suit your needs and nursery decor.

The moses basket sets start from RRP$260, linen-only starts from RRP$180 and you can purchase the stands from RRP$79.

Shopping for your child's nursery furniture can be so much fun when you explore what's available for nursery bedding and baby linen.

Sydney Seminars on the The Balancing Act of Parenthood

2010-11-01T12:11:00.002+10:00

We all know parenthood brings massive changes. But not every couple is prepared for the impact pregnancy and childbirth can have on their intimate relationship, not to mention the trials of weaning, fussy eaters, when to let them hide under the doona, and when sleep is more important.

Where can you get solid information on hot topics such as food for under 5s, sleep and settling, and balancing family life with your intimate life, all in one place in one day?

"Sleep, Solids and Sparkle – the Balancing Act of Parenthood" is a day-long parenting seminar designed to help and guide you with expert, up-to-date information, delivered in a relaxed environment with a little spice and a lot of laughs.

Start off your lazy Sunday by lounging around with morning tea as you register at 9.30am then settle in for a fun, relaxing and inspiring day with 5 awesome guest speakers:

Martien Snellen - "Sex and Intimacy after Childbirth"

Dale Nigro - "Time to Eat - Food and Under 5s"

Beth McGregor - "Babies Sleep Time Needs - What Every Parent Should Know"

Mirna Tarabray - "Brain Development and Children"

Monica Hogan - "Baby-Led Weaning - A Parent's Perspective"

The Seminar, which is presented by the Australian Breastfeeding Association at Castle Hill, will be at Castle Hill Community Centre, on Sunday 14 November from 9.30am-4pm. The cost is $85, but discounts are available for Health Care Card Holders. Morning tea and afternoon tea are provided, lunch is not included however there are some great places nearby to grab lunch. Parking is free on-site and at Castle Towers.

To book, phone 02 8853 4900 or send an email to abanswoffice@breastfeeding.asn.au

Bookings are preferred as they cannot guarantee any seats will be available on the day.

Information on parenting courses in Sydney can be found online. Whether you need baby sleep & settling advice, breastfeeding information or tips to tame your toddler, let your fingers do the walking and search for parenting information online.

Who Would You Invite to a Green Tea Party?

2010-10-31T15:10:00.004+10:00

Put on your best dress-up frock and your finest Sunday outfit, you're invited to a Green Tea Party. If you're not into teas with a difference, don't despair... it's not a 'Green Tea' party, it's a 'green' tea party!

Isn't this just one of the most delightful gift ideas for Christmas! The Tea Set consists of a teapot, sugar bowl, milk pitcher, 2 tea cups, 2 saucers, 2 teaspoons, 2 tea bags and 2 cubes of sugar.

Children can play various roles as owner/customer of the tea shop or they can enjoy having tea with their friends or in a group, helping them learn how to get along with others and developing social skill and language abilities.

To add to their child's vocabulary, parents can teach children about each utensil and familiarise them with its name.

Children will learn how to be responsible for cleaning and washing their own dishes just as their parents do.

Plan Toys are made using environmentally-friendly materials:

Kiln dry, chemical free rubberwood

E-zero glue

Water-based, non-toxic colours

Recycled and recyclable materials

Printed with soy ink & water based ink

The children's tea set is available online through Modern Little Munchkins - a great website with heaps of interesting products for today's modern eco family. RRP$49.95

Wooden toys are all the rage this year for kids Christmas gifts. Kids wooden toys come in all shapes, sizes, functions and prices so you'll definitely find something that will impress the little person in your life, whilst at the same time, lessening the amount of plastic in the world AND helping the environment. Check out your local toy store or hit the computer and shop for toys online.

How I Long For 5 Minutes Peace

2010-10-25T12:13:00.004+10:00

Came across this the other day and it immediately made me think of relaxing in the bath, enjoying 5 minutes peace (and yes, I was picturing Mrs Large, the mother elephant of the Large Family at the time, from Jill Murphy's classic children's book, Five Minutes Peace, except my daydream was minus the little ones interrupting me and I was wearing a much classier shower cap!!).

This gift hamper makes the perfect gift for a new mum. Products included are all from the Natural Home Collection and are serenely vanilla scented.

1 x soothing vanilla bath lotion (90g)

1 x soft face washer (pure white)

1 x wooden brush

1 x relaxing bath fizz

1 x gentle bath sponge

1 x light lemon candle cup, vanilla scented

This gorgeous pack is an ideal gift for mum and a new mother gift. Along with a host of other great new mum gift ideas, it's available online at Gifts for Bub and includes a complimentary gift card message. RRP $34.95

Gift hampers for new babies are a very thoughtful and always appreciated idea, but sometimes it is also nice for the new mum to get gifts for her, too. Sigh... I'm heading off to run the bath now....!

These Summer Kids Thongs Will Rock Your Socks Off!

2010-10-11T23:01:00.004+10:00

To top off a fabulous Summer 2010 collection, Chillikids have just launched the super cool 'Andy' thongs. Printed with bright bubbles and bold stars and stripes, these new thongs are the perfect addition to any kids’ summer wardrobe.

Especially for little girls, the retro hot pink bubble 'Andy' thongs are playful and fun.

And for boys and girls, the all-American inspired stars and stripe 'Andy' thong is quirky and unique. With the stars to be worn on one foot and stripes on the other, these are also an original Christmas gift idea.

Available in stores in early December and priced at RRP$24.95, the new Chillikids 'Andy' thongs will literally rock socks off!

Have the best dressed kid on the beach with these great options for trendy yet practical kids shoes. Kids fashions change with the seasons, and your child's wardrobe needs updating just as often as yours does - more so, in fact, as they grow so fast the middi last season quickly (and unintentionally) becomes the mini this season! Good style sense and tips helps kids to feel confident, and teaches them life lessons of fashion survival! Hopefully, they won't get picked on by the fashion police!

Man With a Pram - worth a look!

2010-10-11T11:36:00.003+10:00

The Aussie bloke's guide to all the stuff you need to know, prepare, paint, pack, do and fix - for the best moment of your life - and co-authored by a male mid-wife!

The concept for MAN WITH A PRAM was born (excuse the pun) from the authors' observations that most men were not interested in the current pregnancy literature on the market. Added to this was the observation that many a pregnant partner seemed to be frustrated by this perceived lack of interest in pregnancy literature.

Essentially, the current pregnancy literature isn't interesting for men because it's aimed at women, it's all a bit peaches and cream, a bit preachy, over-serious and well. . . Boring! Let's face it, most men would rather walk over broken glass (or watch sport) than read a book punctuated with fog lensed pictures of smiling pregnant women with chapters entitled 'How You're Feeling'. The authors reasoned that for a pregnancy book to appeal to men it needed to state the facts of pregnancy issues while couching them in humour, science, statistics, trivia and male orientated advice: basically things that men like to read about.

THE AUTHORS
Jon Farry is a father of four (twins included) and is a nurse and qualified midwife, quite a rarity really. Being a man, a father and a midwife he is excellently qualified to co-author a book about pregnancy for men and to prove it he's started one. His interests include bird-watching of rare inner city species and he has a passion for garage table tennis. Steve Mitchell has a background in graphic design, publishing and education. He is also a man, a father and some say quite funny, making him well qualified to co-author a book about pregnancy for men.

Published September 2010 by Hachette Australia RRP$24.99

In today's community where family support is not as prevalent as it was a few generations ago, parenting books are a great source of advice, parenting tips and general parenting information. Most parenting journals are available in general books stores whilst some authors also chose to retail their parenting books online direct to the public. You can also consider borrowing the book from your local library. Whatever your choice, remember, knowledge is the lightest thing to carry (as my dad always used to tell me when I was at highschool!).

Great idea for a double baby bonus!

2010-10-07T12:16:00.003+10:00

Can't stand the thought of your wedding dress gathering dust? Still White was started by a husband and wife team and began after their own wedding. "We had such a beautiful day and the dress was an important part of the magic. We decided that we didn't want the dress to sit under the bed when it could play a part in another girls' dream wedding".

So Still White opened it's doors in hope to assist recouping some of the costs of a wedding, whilst passing on dream dresses at affordable prices. Wedding dresses are listed until sold, no ongoing fees or commissions to pay. It's easy to list and only takes a few minutes.

On a tight budget and looking to save on your wedding, then you should explore the option of a pre-loved dress. Most often, these stunningly stylish frocks have only been worn once and you have the chance to buy a gorgeous wedding dress at a greatly discounted rate, putting more money in your pocket for other things.

The money that you make (or save!) can then be spent on you or your family for things you need now, especially with Christmas toy shopping and back-to-school just around the corner. Or if your baby is on the way, think of it as a double baby bonus!

Fun in the tub with Tommee Tippee's new bath toys!

2010-10-05T12:14:00.004+10:00

Bath time is one of the most special times of the day as you watch your baby laugh, play and interact with their toys. And now, you can let the bath come alive like the sea with the brand new, colourful bath toys from Tommee Tippee. Introducing the new crew - Kissee Fishee, Surfee Squirtee, Fishing Net with Floatees and the new Bath Squirts!

Tommee Tippee Playtime Tip: As your little one starts to grab hold of things, help develop your baby's fine motor skills by encouraging your baby to use the Fishing Net to scoop up each sea friend as you drop them into the bath one by one.

This bright and interactive new range will be available from October 2010 and are priced from RRP$3.95. Each of the bath toys is suitable for babies aged 4 months + and are available from Target, selected pharmacies and baby stores.

For more information and to view the full range, visit the Tommee Tippee website or phone 1800 890 011 to find your local stockist.

People might think that knowing how to bath a baby is a natural instinct. For some of us, it is. For others, it takes a little getting used to. It is important to keep bathtime a happy and calm play space. This will benefit your child later in life, especially when it comes to water familiarisation and enjoying learn-to-swim classes.

New range of stylish BPA-free toddler bottles for Summer

2010-09-30T15:04:00.005+10:00

Cheeki is a fresh new Australian brand available through a wide range of retail outlets such as health food stores, pharmacies, grocers, outdoor sports and gift stores.

No nasty toxins to leach into your or your child's drinking water; pure stainless steel inside with BPA-free lids. Notice how the water tastes fresh and clear! Non-toxic inks used on artwork exteriors. Cheeki Bottles are manufactured from premium 18/8 304 Food Grade Stainless Steel.

Cheeki aim to encourage a huge reduction in the consumption of disposable plastic water bottles. Just fill your Cheeki bottle and leave it in the fridge overnight, next day out you go to work, school or head off to the local park or playground or daytripping out and about for the whole family.

Dishwasher Safe – (just don’t put the lid in the dishwasher!)!

Make your Cheeki bottles a way of life! The range is continuously growing and includes some fabulous new designs out for summer. Discover the full range available on Cheeki.net.au and to locate your nearist stockist.

Throw them in your nappy bag, travel with them in your car and in the pram, and stay hydrated. Sports lids are a great accessory for the adult bottles, as are the kids handles for the baby bottles. Slings and pouches available, too!

350ml Kids range RRP$16.95

Kids Pouch RRP$9.95

Kids' Handle RRP $5.95

With stylish designs like these, you can ensure you don't head home from the park with the wrong water bottle for your toddler.... again!

Settle your baby to sleep in a meadow of friends

2010-09-28T12:45:00.002+10:00

Recognising the signs of a tired baby is one of the keys to successful sleep in young babies. It can be difficult for a first-time parent to recognise the signs of tiredness, which are often misinterpreted as boredom causing the carer to wave more toys in front of the frazzled youngster, over-stimulating them more and setting up a cycle of crying.

grobag® swaddling is a cotton wrap that has been specially designed to make swaddling simple. Swaddling recreates that comforting and soothing feeling of being in the womb with a gentle pressure around the baby's body.

Swaddling helps your newborn to sleep undisturbed by preventing the 'moro reflex', which is the tendancy for newborns to startle themselves by suddenly moving their arms. Swaddling can also help ease the discomfort of colic in the early weeks. As your baby gets bigger, grobag® swaddling can be used for underarm swaddling, too.

Lightweight shaped wrap

100% stretchy cotton

No Velco®, poppers or zips

Suitable from Newborn up to 62cm or 6.5kgs

5 designs available

Machine washable @ 40°C

The pictured baby wrap pattern is Meadow Friends - Chickens and bunnies playing in the meadow, and it is available online at Bambini Pronto. RRP$34.95. There are four more delightful designs for you to choose from. These new baby wraps make great new baby gifts and are ideal as christening gifts.

New parents are always looking for parenting products and tips on how to get baby to sleep, and there are lots of sleeping and settling products available on the market. It is not uncommon for parents to seek out professional advice from parenting clinics. With adequate sleep being the quintessential key to life's balance and sanity, it is very important that parents, babies and children get the sleep they need.

From freezer to microwave to highchair! Total convenience!

2010-09-26T15:59:00.004+10:00

The NEW Press 'n' Pop™ Mini Freezer Pots from Heinz Baby Basics are perfect for freezing homemade baby foods or storing breast milk in convenient 30ml portions when you are weaning your baby.

The secure, clip-on lids ensure that food is protected from contamination and the soft Press 'n' Pop bases make it easy to pop the frozen food cube out … OR… microwave, defrost and warm straight from the freezer and feed directly from the pot! Convenience at it's best!

Press 'n' Pop freezer pots are made from safe BPA, PVC & latex free materials.

Soft bases to make popping cubes out easy

Freeze homemade foods easily

Stack and freeze neatly in the freezer

Pictured is the pack of 8 x 30ml mini freezer pots. Products from the Heinz Baby Basics range are available in Big W, Target and specialist baby stores.

You can find all the information you need regarding the Heinz Baby Basic range on the Nice Pak website.

Weaning baby from liquids to solids is an important baby milestone. Starting baby on solids opens a whole new world of taste sensations and experiences for your child. It is best to start off conservatively to see which foods your baby likes - there's no use cooking up and freezing a whole pumpkin if your baby prefers fruit! Trying new foods should be a gradual thing.

Finding the ideal first foods for baby also means you need to look for the ideal highchairs for baby. Read highchair reviews before you buy this big ticket item as not all stack up as well as you'd think.

This Seasons Hottest Pregnancy Denim Look Direct From France

2010-09-25T13:25:00.004+10:00

This is the MUST HAVE dress for any fashionista mum-to-be who wants to be comfortable and stylish this season. You will look amazing in this maternity dress at any occasion - simply dress it up with the season's hottest accessories or relax with casual style and flair.

This sassy denim maternity dress is designed by L Avenue des Bebes, made in France, and is 100% cotton. RRP $159.

Check out the full range of hard-to-find French fashions for mums-to-be, mums and babies now available online in Australia at Little Frenchy. The latest french trends at your doorstep.

Buy your maternity wear online and you need never leave the house. Most online maternity wear websites carry a very clear and helpful size guide and offer realistic return policies. Check these, though, before you buy your maternity clothes online.

When it comes to a new house, it's location! location! location!

2010-09-23T16:16:00.004+10:00

This has caught our eye!

Designed in Australia by Discoveroo, this lovely wooden dolls house, complete with furniture, will provide hours of pretend and imaginative play. The doll house has two storeys and is very spaceous with an open plan living design. There are five rooms in the dolls house which include bedroom, bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen.

The doll house and accessories are made from Plantation Birch Wood, safe fabrics and non-toxic paints. The wooden dolls house stands 41 cm tall, and measures 57 x 43 x 10 cm. The perfect size to fit easily into any child's bedroom or playroom.

This wonderful Discoveroo product, along with many other toys, including educational toys and wooden toys, can be purchased online at Just Toy'n Around. RRP $99.95.

With Christmas just around the corner (I was reminded of this yesterday when one of the large department stores announced they have their Christmas decoration section set up already... and it's only September!) now is the time to start thinking about which kids toys to buy. The choices are endless when it comes to toys for kids. Watch this spot because we'll be keeping you up-to-date on all that's hip in the world of kids toys and which will be shaping up to be the top toys for 2010 and the top of Santa's list.

Frills & spills at the playground just got a whole lot better to watch!

2010-09-22T22:20:00.005+10:00

Now these are just so darn cute they're making me clucky!!

Your gorgeous little bambini will absolutely steal the limelight in these 100% cotton Frilly Tushies. No more worrying about whether she's wearing her best nappy or not at the playground, these stylish and cute pants hide your little girls' nappy with two rows of flouncy ruffles, complete with soft elastic and lace around the leg. Aren't these nappy covers just scrumptious!

The style pictured is Addison, and you'll find this design and many others available online at Frilly Tushies. And priced from RRP$12, you'll be wanting to get a set for every outfit!

Going shopping for kids clothes can be so much fun. With new seasons childrens fashions taking up more space on the racks about now, it's time to revamp the wardrobe and buy kids clothes that will suit your child's personality and your hip pocket. Check out kids clothing sales and discounts where you can, or even look at recycling some of your best at a pre-loved clothing store.

Which nappy bag does new yummy mummy Dannii Minogue love?

2010-09-21T13:51:00.003+10:00

It seems as though celebrities just can't get enough of il tutto's fabulous nappy bags, and Dannii Minogue (pictured) is the latest celebrity mum to be caught out and about sporting the totally chic il tutto patent navy 'Nico' parenting bag.

Joining the likes of Cate Blanchett, Sarah Murdoch, Naomi Watts and Denise Van Outen, who are all devoted il tutto fans, the ever-so-stylish Dannii is obviously taking advantage of il tutto's little piece of effortless luxury.

Il tutto's sleek designer nappy bags are a favourite among the celebrity-mum set as they are the perfect way to incorporate the daily baby essentials while still looking like a star with a fabulous handbag, and Dannii is no exception (she looks amazing!!).

The range of nappy bags are available in a selection of baby boutiques nationwide and online at www.iltutto.com.au. Copy Dannii's style and pick one up today!

Royal Kids Furniture Ideas

2010-09-13T14:06:00.005+10:00

This one has certainly caught our eye! Colourful and fun, Kalamazoo's Kidz Kastle is ideal kids furniture for children's bedrooms, kids playrooms or anywhere a "special space" can be enjoyed. Sturdy, functional and easy to assemble, Kidz Kastles provide hours of fun.

Perfect for kids bedrooms or the rumpus room, the Kastle creates a special area where kids can spend hours happily playing. The Kastle becomes a child's own space, a safe cocoon they can dream and play.

Other uses include hanging above children's beds to create a feature in a kids bedroom.

Kidz Kastle comes in a handy canvas carry bag and is easy to assemble and pull down.

Available in a range of colours:
- Navy Stripe
- Navy Stripe with Red Trim (pictured)
- Pink Stripe
- Pink Stripe with Lime Trim
- Red Stripe

The play tent is just one of the imaginative kids furniture products available online with Stix & Stones Baby. Prices of the play tents start from $259.95.

Shopping for kids bedroom furniture can be a hoot if you know where to look. Many kids furniture pieces can be purchased online and delivered to your door for a little extra. There are many kids furniture specialists around these days, and buying kids furniture online can ensure you get something a little special and different than you'll find on the floor of your local major department store.

The Gold Star Treatment for Stretch Marks

2010-09-12T14:32:00.003+10:00

Scar Heal is Australia’s first complete, 24 hour treatment for damaged skin with products that include surgeon recommended silicone sheeting for surgical & traumatic scars, silicone gel technology and Scar Creme for stretch marks, acne scars and skin blemishes.

Scar Esthetique Scar Creme penetrates deep into the skin's epidermal layers to treat scar tissue damage from the inside. It stimulates new cellular growth to reduce scarring and is the only scar cream available that can remove scars. Scar Heal is perfect for reducing pregnancy stretch marks.

The full range of Scar Heal products, including a Caeasarean Section Scar Healing Kit, can be purchased online on the Scintera website.

During pregnancy, the skin around the abdomen has to stretch to accommodate the growing baby and sometimes, the skin fibres weaken as they stretch. The results are stretch marks. The use of stretch mark products during and after your pregnancy can help to lessen the severity of pregnancy stretch marks.

Read stretch mark product reviews before you buy, but remember, everyone's skin is different so a stretch mark cream that works for one person, may not work exactly the same for you (in fact, it may perform better!). You can buy stretch mark products online and in your local chemist. There are also a number of organic stretch mark products to consider.

Clean up down the supermarket aisle with Clean Shopper!

2010-09-08T16:21:00.002+10:00

No need to worry anymore about germs on supermarket trolleys! Keep your baby and toddler safe, germ-free AND comfortable in this innovative must-have for all hip mums on the go!

Eye-catching style at an affordable price - that’s what makes the Clean Shopper Chic line so hip! All of the Chic Clean Shopper® shopping trolley covers have been designed with the trendy mum in mind. No need to break the bank just to keep those nasty shopping cart germs away.

Be the star of the aisle! The Chic Super-Soft Clean Shopper (Sage Bubbles pictured) is extra fluffy and totally hip! And, it comes complete with 2 toy loops, 2 side pockets, a safety strap and a wildly adorable matching drawstring tote!

Available online at Clean Shopper and priced at RRP$57.95, you'll certainly help to keep the germs at bay this season. Check the Clean Shopper website for other styles and the full range of fabrics available. One size fits most trolleys. You can even buy disposable Clean Shoppers and Twin Clean Shopper models.

Shopping trolley covers are the perfect gift for baby, and represent great value for money, whilst also offering great peace of mind for the germ-a-phobic parent (and I can say that because I was one!!).

New from ERGObaby... the Performance Carrier

2010-08-31T15:27:00.002+10:00

The world's most loved baby carrier is set to launch a new line just in time for the warm weather. Introducing the new ERGObaby Performance Carrier - featuring lightweight, hi-tech fabric and breathable CoolMax mesh lining - it will ensure parents and babies stay cool and comfortable all year round.

The ERGObaby Performance Carrier offers a smooth and supportive fit for all sizes with its streamlined design and comfort contouring. Sharing all the award-winning features of the classic carrier, the new Performance is now even lighter and more compact. Parents can enjoy the ERGObaby freedom from birth to preschool (max 20kgs) with three ergonomic carry positions, front, hip and back. The new line will be available in two colour ways – Spring Green and Grey.

The Performance Carrier will be launched late September 2010 and will be available through leading baby chain stores, baby boutiques and online at www.babesinarms.com.au

RRP - $189 for a limited time. $199 from January 2011.

Before you buy your next baby carrier, check out baby carrier reviews. With so many styles to choose from (baby slings, hipseats, back pack carriers, pouch carriers and more) it is important to know what will work best for you and your baby.

Gittabags - A great change for change time!

2010-08-30T15:39:00.002+10:00

With red exterior, light blue interior, change mat and zipper, the red Gittabag is the HOT one. The Red Gittabag is perfect with the Camel ActiveFold. The Gittabags diaper bags, intended for parents and babies, are characterised by a trendy look combined with maximal functionality.

Gittabag model 108 is a large nappy bag for parents who want to make sure they have everything they need when going outside.

This is not just another ordinary mummy bag; this amazing bag features the ActiveFold - An activity arch attached to the change pad inside the bag. The arch comes with 2 soft toys providing constant amusement while changing a nappy.

Front compartment for easy and quick retrieval of nappies, wipes and ointments

Large partitioned main compartment

Two external insulated bottle pockets

Internal bottle pocket

Thermal bottle holder

Wallet compartment

Mobile phone pocket

External or internal clips for keys and dummies

Rear compartment for nappies and wipes which opens into a changing mat

Zippered dirty laundry bag

Adjustable shoulder strap

Buckles onto all kinds of prams and strollers

Dimensions 40x36x12 cm

Capacity 17lt

This stylish baby nappy bag is available online from Perfect Baby Shower for $229.

Heading out and about with baby? Make sure you have your nappy bag stocked up with everything you need for changing babies nappy. This handy nappy bag packing checklist will keep you and your nappy bag sorted! There are many wonderful nappy bags online to purchase. Designer nappy bags are all the rage and come with different looks and price tags. Our tip before you buy anything at all? Make sure it's functional!!

Explore the magic world of Toot Toot

2010-08-24T14:41:00.004+10:00

Here comes the train!! Bunny is in the blue engine, a green giraffe stands tall in the middle, followed by a red lion at the end. These darling characters are coming your way to brighten up the nursery with beautiful tartan blues, polka dot reds and a cheerful combination of colours and patterns across many accessories in the Toot Toot range.

The gorgeous 250 thread count cotton applique comforter and coordinating sheet set from Toot Toot create a beautiful cot for your baby. Knit blankets, cotton bunting, nappy stacker, tab top curtains, cushions and wall canvases are all available for you to create a cheerful and unique nursery with your own touches. You can view the full range online at Baby Bedding, your online baby bedding superstore.

Choosing the right nursery furniture to suit your budget and style ideas is an important yet fun part of being a parent. Creating a calming and positive vibe in your babies' room can all be easily achieved when you explore the many options available in online nursery decor stores and online baby boutiques. Whether you're looking for nursery furniture, cot sheets and baby linens, art for nursery walls, rugs for children's rooms or the like, you can research and buy it all online. You can even get personalised children's artworks created for that something super special.

Maternity Lingerie ... every woman deserves the best!

2010-08-23T14:11:00.004+10:00

Worn and loved by celebrities around the world, Cake Lingerie empowers women to celebrate their new found curves with graceful elegance. With astonishing attention to detail, this gorgeous collection of maternity lingerie will make you look and feel fabulous.

Pieces from the Blue Berry range (pictured) are priced at RRP$35.90 for the briefs and RRP$74.90 for the bra.

Stocked in over 250 high end lingerie and maternity boutiques around the world (and growing!), Cake Lingerie is revered for being the premier authority in creating quality maternity and nursing lingerie.

Spoil yourself and enjoy! Cake Lingerie is made by mothers for mothers... every woman deserves the best!

Something special for dads-to-be and the women who love them!

2010-08-19T09:39:00.006+10:00

Based on the mega-selling DVDs, Being Dad is the bloke's guide to pregnancy, birth and babies. Whether the dad-to-be would rather undergo Chinese water torture than attend a child birth class or is keen as mustard but utterly clueless about all things baby, this is the book for him. Sam Holt and Troy Jones have interrogated hundreds of men around the globe and discovered what dads-to-be are most confused and worried about. On the way they've also helpfully exposed what mums and dads to-be are thinking during the different stages of pregnancy. Whether you'll be into sex after baby, or not, whether you need to buy a Toyota Tarago right now, what to do if you go into labour in the carpark at Woolies: the answers are in Being Dad, dished up with reassuring info and irreverent humour.

Full of invaluable suggestions and ideas

Authors are standard Aussie blokes

How to avoid mistakes others dads made

A comprehensive guide for couples

ISBN: 9781742371269
Australian Pub.: August 2010
Publisher: ALLEN & UNWIN
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
AUD $27.99 | NZ $32.99

Being Dad is available to purchase online at Allen & Unwin.

Other informative and easy-to-follow books for dad and dads-to be are available online and in all good quality bookstores. Fathers Day gift ideas should include at least one good book, and we know for sure the dad or dad-to-be in your life will get a lot out of having this latest release in his parenting library! And the best thing about this book.... it's written for men by men!

The latest cool gifts for dad from Koolaman Designs

2010-08-17T10:51:00.003+10:00

With Father's Day so close, we're really loving these stylish Fathers Day gift ideas from the girls at Koolaman Designs.

Hand-stamped and truly unique, gifts for dad from Koolaman Designs will be treasured forever. Your children's names and dates of birth can be included on more than 20 gorgeous pieces to chose from in the Koolaman collection.

Pictured is the Finn piece. Priced at $150, up to four rows of text can be included - ideal for the large family! The range includes pendants, army tag style pieces, bracelets, keyrings and cuff links and more, with pieces starting from as low as $35.

Buying gifts for dad (or grandad) doesn't need to be boring. Shopping for dad online can be as easy as turning on your computer and seeing what's available. Don't let this Fathers Day be the same as last year. WOW him with a special gift for dad that will be treasured for a lifetime.

The funky, new kids product putting the fun into toilet training

2010-08-16T12:40:00.004+10:00

New Potti-Dots™ potty training stickers are the ultimate in potty training fun for kids AND parents! Bright and cheeky, they go straight on the outside of the potty or toilet in celebration of every little achievement - and best of all, they are 100% removable!

Use them 'one-by-one' as a simple reward system, and your little 'trainee' will light up at the thought of potty time. Personalise the bonus 'Potty Licence' with your child's photo for added encouragement, and watch them go, as they become a 'Wee Wonder Kid'!

Potti-Dots are visually engaging, very cheeky, and guaranteed to have the potty (or even the enormous family toilet) looking friendly and fantastic in no time at all.

Available in two cute and quirky designs - boys & girls! Each pack includes 20 Potti-Dots™, as well as the bonus 'Potty Licence', just waiting to be personalised with a name and photograph. RRP $8.95

This wonderful toilet training product is available online at Brolly Sheets.

Toilet training children is inevitable so it's best you find the right toilet training products for your little person. Before you buy, read helpful toilet training product reviews so you know what to look for in when buying potty training products.

New Eczema Cream Launched by Nature Within

2010-08-10T14:47:00.003+10:00

Organic baby skincare company, Nature Within is proud to launch the new Nature Within Soothing Moisturising Eczema Cream Aust L: 168199. Expanding on the hugely popular babies range, this delicate cream contains only the purest active ingredients. This unique blend works together to gently soothe irritations, restore moisture and relieve the itching associated with dry skin conditions, such as eczema.

Nature Within Soothing Moisturising Eczema Cream contains a nourishing blend of Shea Butter, extracted from the African Karite tree; it has tremendous skin softening properties and cell regeneration activity. Aloe Vera containing vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene, is cooling, soothing and moisturising, ideal for sunburn, insect bites and other skin irritations. Vitamin B5 for its hydrating and reputed, wound healing properties and Gota Kola herbal extract, used in the treatment of burns, skin ulcers, eczema, scars and dry itchy skin. Calendula is used to promote skin healing and repair. It has anti-inflammatory properties which is excellent for wounds, chapped, cracked skin, eczema and burns.

Nature Within Soothing Moisturising Eczema Cream is suitable for sensitive, dry and itchy skin. It can be used for the treatment of minor skin disorders such as wounds, eczema, dermatitis and it may assist in the formation of scar tissue. It is anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce itch and irritation. The cream also helps to moisturise and reduce the inflammation of sunburn.

RRP: $19.99 for 75g

Nature Within products are available to purchase online and can be shipped internationally. Visit their website or call 1300 229 488.

Organic baby products are becoming more popular with parents these days. Product information on eczema creams should always be read when shopping for eczema products for children. Before you buy any products, you should also read reviews of ezcema products. If you're already using this new eczema product, tell us what you think of it when you add your eczema product review.

Your baby will step out in style in this season's soft leather shoes

2010-07-29T19:36:00.006+10:00

babybuds have loads of new products arriving in store, and something that caught our eye was the gorgeous new range of shoes for baby.

Leather baby shoes don't get any sweeter or softer than these Bobux Marshmallow Heart Baby Shoes. Made from super soft leather, these scrummy pink baby shoes feature a white and pink heart trim and white scollaping around the ankle.

Bobux shoes keep little feet warm in winter and absorb sweat in summer, and mould around baby's feet, allowing them to develop naturally without restriction of movement. Perfect for helping to reach those important baby milestones in comfort (and style!).

These stylish shoes for bub are available online at babybuds.com.au. RRP$37 and available in small, medium and large. babybuds range also includes sporty shoes for boys and snug boots.

Don't be a dummy when it comes to which soother to choose for your baby

2010-07-26T12:12:00.007+10:00

Philips Avent Silicone Soothers have extremely high standards of safety and are guaranteed to meet the mandartory safety requirements introduced by the NSW State Government in 2008.

Each Philips Avent Silicone Soother has a safety ring handle and is of a size and shape to ensure the safe removal of the dummy from the child's mouth after each use.

Philips Avent soothers' vented collapsible teats and perfectly symmetrical design ensure the natural development of palate, teeth and gums.

Unlike unvented soothers, they can be steam sterilised and each soother has a snap-on protective cap to keep it clean until ready for use.

Avent soothers are made from Silicone which is taste and odour free and tend to last longer than latex soothers.

Avent soothers are available in 3 sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6 months + and come in a variety of designs to suit everyone.

Twin packs available through Big W, Target, K-Mart, Toys R Us, local supermarkets, pharmacies and specialist baby stores nationally for RRP$11.95

Do you need to learn settling baby techniques or need tips to settle a crying baby? It is a common for parents to seek help from sleep clinics and professional parenting clinics to guide them through this trying time of getting baby into routines.

Fundough is the stress-free playdough... LITERALLY!

2010-07-23T10:38:00.009+10:00

I'm soooo loving this! FunDough is the new squishy range of dough for kids. FunDough is made from natural ingredients and is infused with pure Organic Essential Oils. Just squeeze the dough to release the oils.

FunDough comes in five bright colours and Aromatherapy blends.

Red - HAPPY - infused with uplifting lime and mandarin

Blue - CALM - infused with calming lavender

Yellow - SMART - infused with lemon and grapefruit

Orange - BALANCE - infused with sweet orange

Green - COMFORT - eucalyptus and tea trea

There's even an adult stress dough for adults, infused with blends of Pure Organic Essential Oils. Available in two blends:

Calm - infused with lavender and bergamot

Uplifting - infused with grapefruit and geranium

Priced at RRP $14.95 for the adult stress dough and the kids range is RRP $9.95 for 350 grams, RRP $15.95 for 650 grams, RRP $22.95 for a 1kg bucket.

FunDough is available online at Promo One and in over 200 local baby stores, local toy shops and homeware and gift stores across Australia and New Zealand.

Looking to buy kids toys online? It's never been easier (or more fun!) to buy kids gifts! And the biggest plus is that it nurtures the inner child in all of us. Gotta love that!

Sneak Peek at Sudos Summer Collection

2010-07-22T13:31:00.002+10:00

This Spring/Summer, Sudo kids will be stylin', with statement pieces that rock! This designer childrenswear collection, direct from the catwalk, encompasses all the key trends for adults, but in stylish kids clothing. Celebrity bohemian style, punk rock tie dye, a dash of 50’s greaser and fashion forward inspirations are all blended together to create the Sudo look. A collection of stylish clothing just for girls and boys aged 2 to 12.

The girl's clothing collection uses superfine fabrics, delicate floral prints, patchwork, crochet, fringing and frills. For spirited girls who won’t sit still, there is a range of sleek jumpsuits. Choose from the Alexa Short in retro prints, the Shelby denim styles or the Carla full jumpsuit for cool cats. As well as knickerbockers, shorts, tanks, jeans and T-shirt dress, all in styles that yummy mummies will wish they could fit into!

The boy's clothing collection is edgy but wearable, with fine stripes, checks, feather prints, tie-dye and denim. The colour palette of grape, pewter, desert, burnt orange and white is anything but conservative. Key trends include the Ryder denim jacket and skinny rocker jeans for your stylish little man. For the smarter young man, there is a modern range of dress shirts in prints or check with trim detail. The boy’s collection is just so sharp, it hurts!

The Sudo 2010/11 spring/summer kids clothing collection is sure to be a big hit with the kids, and parents alike. A perfect blend of vintage inspired pieces, tie-dyed prints and punk-rock tubes, mixed with a modern bohemian feel. A range that will make you crave summer even when it’s long gone.

Sudo collections are sold in over 70 kids clothing stores, with stockist across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Germany and several online kids clothing e-boutiques. For more information or your nearest retailer visit: www.sudo.com.au

Deck Your Kids Out in Style And They'll Spring Into the Garden!!

2010-07-20T14:38:00.005+10:00

Do you want your kids to garden in style? Get your kids ready for Spring Gardening. Australian label, me2me2, has created a new range of kids fashionable gardening sets. Let your kids play in the garden with real, mini-sized tools, real tool belt, and designer, washable garden gloves.

me2me2 gardening sets are suitable for children 4 - 10 years and each is of limited production. The garden gloves are 100% cotton and made with beautiful retro prints. Just the thing to inspire kids to get out into the some for some real play in the garden.

Designed and packaged in Australia, the gardening sets have style and functionality with a simply, adjustable fitting tool belt.

RRP $29.95. Visit me2me2 for more information and stockists information. me2me2 also stock a range of cooking kits for kids.

Kids cooking kits are even more popular these days with the success of Master Chef. Get your little kitchen apprentice decked out in the right garb and the world will be their oyster!

Best Ideas for Fathers Day Gifts

2010-07-12T14:58:00.006+10:00

With Fathers Day just around the corner, it's time to get geared up and get that special Fathers Day present happening. Gift ideas for dad don't always flow easy. Too quick are we to fall into the repetitive, not to mention, overtly boring, trap of easy-to-fit sock and jocks.

This year, we challenge you to come up with the best gifts for dad. Think about the latest sporting book for dad, or an autobiography of his childhood mentor. Why not celebrate fatherhood with a personalised photobook of memories that got him to where he is today or get a stylish, contemporary family photo canvas created for his office.

If he's a wine connoisseur, grab him a bottle worth cellaring or spend a bit more and spoil him with his favourite top shelf indulgence.

If sports are his thing, grab box tickets for his favourite team's home game, or better still, find him a signed jersey and get it framed.

For something outside the square, book a family holiday and head away for some true quality time with each other.

There are many unique gifts for dads available. You've just got to know where to look! And remember, nothing quite says Happy Fathers Day like a hand-made card from the kids!

Look gorgeous this pregnancy regardless of your size!!!

2010-07-11T15:07:00.002+10:00

Are you expecting and are you a big girl? Plus Maternity is a range of gorgeous plus size maternity wear, designed in Australia by a mum who understands the requirements of a plus sized mum-to-be and manufactured here also, using Australian premium fabric, where possible.

All of the Plus Maternity garments feature important details especially for plus size girls; tops that are longer line, busts with a little more room, maternity pants with stretch, nightwear that has easy opening fronts for breastfeeding bub once they arrive and breastfeeding tops that accommodate big boobs. Sizes 18 - 28 available.

Featured item: Scoop neck top with empire line and long sleeves. Great with black pants and ballet flats for the office or team with pull on jeans and a funky scarf for weekend. RRP $89.95. Available online 24/7 at Plus Maternity.

Bright, bold colours, lots of cotton with just a little bit of stretch - no nana prints to be found! No longer do you need to feel like the odd one out, you can look fantastic right though your pregnancy & beyond.

If you're shopping for plus size maternity clothes, look no further. Shopping for maternity wear has never been easier or more fashionable! And don't forget to make the most of the maternity sales!

Latest Parenting Books to Guide You Through the Maze

2010-07-02T14:46:00.006+10:00

Whilst parenting comes naturally to some, for others, the path is not so easy. Parenting books can give you great insight into what avenues you may follow to help you see things from a different perspective and to make you feel less alone, confirming that you're not the only one going through your situation. They are also offer you ideas on how to solve your parenting issues. Have you seen these new parenting books on the market?

How To Live With Your Children by Don Fontenelle
Every parent knows that dealing with children on a daily basis is not always easy. Frustrations can mount and it is often easier to opt for temporary sanity than to discipline unruly offspring. However, there is a more permanent solution within reach. Don H. Fontenelle, a clinical psychologist, provides parents with a few basic concepts and offers examples to demonstrate how they can be applied in every situation. By emphasizing a predetermined set of rewards and punishments, children learn about consequences and become more responsible for their own actions. This is a lesson the author believes is important for a manageable household.

Short chapters and subheadings make this book a quick reference for a myriad of situations. Sections touch on a wide range of issues, including fear, physical and emotional disabilities, bedtime problems, and teenage behavior. Children can develop bad habits that progress over time and inhibit growth and maturity. A child who is raised with stable, recognizable boundaries will not only be well disciplined, but will develop a healthy self-esteem, a strong sense of responsibility, and an increased learning capacity. The author shows families how this is possible.

RRP: $44.95 / ISBN 9781935235019 / 626 pp / Paperback / Pelican Publishing

Keeping Kids Fit by Len Saunders
Addressing the childhood obesity crisis that is facing today's youth, this simple and effective guide to exercise and nutrition provides a comprehensive plan for encouraging children to live healthier, more active lifestyles. Not limited to diet alone, this guide examines the psychology behind sports and how parents can help to positively encourage their children to participate. Reducing the use of technology, keeping healthy sleep patterns, minimising snacking, and staying hydrated are topics also addressed in this handbook, which helps parents make healthy lifestyles fun and exciting.

RRP: $23.95 / ISBN 9781934184264 / 225 pp / Paperback / IPG

These books, along with many other informative parenting titles, are available online through John Reed Books.

Books on parenting are available online or in your local bookstores. With many businesses offering discounted or free postage these days, buying parenting books online is definitely an affordable option. Before you buy or to tell the world what you thought of your latest parenting book purchase, share your book reviews with other parents to help them to know what to buy.

Remember, knowledge is the lightest thing to carry!

LEGO DUPLO bricks and Toy Story characters join forces

2010-06-29T16:46:00.005+10:00

With more LEGO toys to play with than ever before, it has never been easier to bring your child's imagination to life. And with so many new and exciting products, there's no reason to wait.

Combine the beloved characters from two of the most popular Disney movies with LEGO DUPLO bricks and you get an instant classic. Little builders will love reliving their Disney favourites with these fantastic DUPLO sets.

With characters amd play sets that mimic scenes from the movie, the four distinct products from LEGO brand Toy Story 3 allow children to immerse themselves in the Toy Story Universe and build adventures where they are the hero.

DUPLO: years 2-5

The range includes:

Jessie's Round-Up RRP $36.99

Pizza Planet Truck RRP $34.99

Alien Space Crane RRP $59.99

The Great Train Chase (pictured) RRP $59.99

Head to your local toy shops to buy LEGO and to buy DUPLO. Kids toy shops will stock a huge range of LEGO and DUPLO products for you to choose from. Save your feet (and time!) and buy kids toys online.

Get Your Baby Around In Comfort in the Snow This Winter

2010-06-28T12:40:00.005+10:00

Finally, a ski for your baby stroller! Parents and babies now can enjoy the advantages of their stroller in winter on snow, slush and ice. No longer will you be restricted on where and when you can go.

Just attach the skis to your pram or stroller and venture outdoors. Children between 2 and 4 years love riding in their pram when it has the special stroller skis attached.

Benefits and inclusions:

fit all small single and double wheels

fit air wheels up to about 30cm diameter

have a wide sliding surface with a groove to keep track

less risk for overturn with mounted skis

also include a convenient carry and store bag and safety strap.

Skis are very easy to attach and once you've travelled across the snow and reached your destination, can be removed just as easily, turning your pram back to normal.

Stroller Skis are available online through Babeaze. RRP $125

Looking for info on for your next family holiday accommodation? Why not enjoy a family ski holiday! Book your family-friendly accommodation through Stayz or Wotif.com. Check out families' favourite family holiday resorts before you book!

Find local family activities at local parks and local attractions when you're out and about with baby. Discover what's on for school holiday activities and keep the kids happy and active (and your sanity intact!!).

Stunning Evening Wear To Celebrate Your Pregnancy In

2010-06-25T12:05:00.004+10:00

Pregnancy and style go hand in hand and here's proof.

This Grecian inspired 3/4 length satin formal maternity dress from Ripe Maternity is simply exquisite. The delicate, shimmering fabric, the plunging neckline and the softly draping folds are pure elegance. Pictured in Metal Silver, and also available to special order in Black, Ivory, Ruby Red, Bronze, Golden Latte, Ice Baby Blue, Dahlia Deep Blue and Guava Pink.

This stunning maternity frock is available online through Bella Bellies who also stock a full range of maternity wear online including maternity lingerie and maternity bras, maternity clothes for work, nursing wear, maternity pyjamas, maternity swimwear and much more.

Why stay in when you can paint the town silver and feel a million dollars!

Check out the latest in cool shoes from ChilliKids

2010-06-21T11:31:00.004+10:00

Offering a range of casual canvas shoes for kids, Chillikids have gone bright and bold for Summer 2010! Polka dots, inner stripes, metallics and a pinch of sparkle are all featured in the new collection, with the interior just as fun as the exterior!

Bettina Parker, owner and designer "wanted the colours to represent the Australian Summer - clean, warm and fun." Drawing inspiration from the typical carefree Aussie kid, the collection speaks of easy to wear childrens shoes with style.

Following from two previous successful collections, the classic styles were reworked and highlighted with exciting colour and details, with elements of comfort, affordability and wearability still very much present in each pair.

Chillikids childrens shoes are available in a variety of colours from sizes 22-35 and prices range from $34.95 - $39.95. All styles will be available from July 2010 at David Jones nationally and selected children's boutiques.

Looking for kids shoes? Buy kids shoes online or head into your local kids shoe shop for all the latest in fashion and style. Your little tyke with be dressed to the nines from head to toe!

The Milk Bar that's open all hours!

2010-06-16T14:46:00.004+10:00

The Milk Bar nursing pillow is a multi-use parenting god-send! Ideal for supporting your pregnant tummy when sleeping when you adapt it to be a pregnancy support pillow, the Milk Bar was originally designed with breast-feeding newborns and babies in mind. Supporting baby's weight while feeding, the Milk Bar elevates baby's head to a comfortable level for breastfeeding baby and aids digestion.

This innovative breastfeeding pillow also ensures that the mother's posture remains comfortable and correct for problem-free breastfeeding, reducing neck, back and arm strain.

Single Milk Bar is available in Pink/Sand, Chocolate/Sand and Blue Sand. Twin Milk Bar available in Chocolate/Sand. RRP Single $64.95 + Twin $99.95

This Australian-designed nursing pillow is available online through Bambini Pronto and other gorgeous baby stores online. You will also discover a world of amazing breastfeeding products online, along with information on breastfeeding, including the latest and greatest in nursing wear and breastfeeding clothing online, allowing you the joy of discreetly feeding your baby in public.

The Only Fever a Baby Should Get...World Cup Fever!

2010-06-08T09:49:00.007+10:00

World Cup mania is sweeping the world with only days until kick-off!

babybuds baby Socceroo range of licensed baby clothing has arrived just in time for little ones to get into World Cup Fever and support the Aussie Socceroos.

Your baby can be a 'true blue' Aussie green & gold supporter from their beautiful beginning and onwards.

Licensed baby Socceroo clothing is available in three (3) sizes - size 0, 00 and 000 and baby soccer boots are available for babies aged 3 - 21 months.

Limited stock available. You're sure to score when you view the range at www.babybuds.com.au

Want to kit your kids out in and buy the latest kids fashion online? Save time when you buy clothing online or visit your local kids clothing shop. Dress them perfectly for joining local kids clubs and being active and healthy.

Go the Socceroos!

Turn Your Little Terror Into a Little Angel

2010-06-07T09:58:00.005+10:00

Announcing the arrival of the exciting new range of Reward and Routine Charts from Little Billies, Positive Parenting Tools. Capturing children's imaginations to bring about positive change in behaviour has been the driving force behind the creation of Little Billie's personalised, magnetic and reusable reward charts and childrens routine charts. Colourful, fun designs visually depict a range of activities and behaviours to illustrate your child's progress through positive recognition and reward designs.

"We are so excited about these new designs" said owner and mumpreneur Sarah Dawson. "I created the first range for my own children and they worked so well I just had to share them with other families. They’ve been incredibly successful in helping children to learn new habits in a way that builds self esteem, independence and confidence."

Sarah also said "Children often get quite focused on a particular theme, like dinosaurs, butterflies or cars and we are delighted with the designs that we now have on offer to further engage children in positively changing their behaviour". Little Billies now offer a comprehensive range of coordinated sets which include a Reward Chart, Day Chart, Week Chart and Morning and Evening Routine schedules. New design themes include 'Woodlands', 'Fairy' and 'Rockets'. They also are customised with each child's name, giving a sense of ownership which is a big winner!

Charts start from as little as $27.50 and are available online at Little Billies.

Check out what else is available in free reward charts for kids online. You'll also find these very useful and free to print off: Weekly Family Meal Planner, Ready for School check-charts, Family Organiser Charts and free parent helpline contact info.

Could this be the tiniest pram on the market?

2010-06-04T13:31:00.009+10:00

As we all know, there's not a whole lot of space in the boot of some modern cars. Combi's Ricco W stroller can fit in the boot of most hatchbacks standing up. Does that give you an idea of how small they fold down to?!

All Combi prams and strollers are really well designed and have a bit of a cult following in Australia. The Ricco W is super lightweight (at only 4.6kg it weighs not much more than a newborn) and has the one-hand opening and closing mechanism that all Combi prams offer. It is only 76cm tall when folded. That's tiny!

The Ricco W is the pram you want with you when you travel. Suitable for children from birth to about the age of 2-3 (17kg), it also has:

A fully reversible handle and active independent front suspension

An orthopaedic seat insert

Seatback ventilations system (so they can catch some breeze on their back on a hot day)

A huge sunshade (95% UV resistant) that can be pulled down to cover all of your baby

A multiple seat recline

Combi is one of the largest and oldest specialist producers of baby products in the world with a heritage dating back to 1957 in Japan. Combi's product design and innovation is largely influenced by feedback from parents which is enhanced and realised by a team of experienced designers, engineers and medical experts.

It comes in either Active Gray or Active Khaki. RRP $699.99

The Combi Ricco W Stroller is available at leading specialty stores and baby stores nationally. Visit www.combi.com.au for more information and stockists.

Before you buy something like your next pram, make sure you check out parents pram reviews to ensure you're buying the right pram for you. Save your feet and buy your baby products online or test-drive instore at your local baby store. And don't forget to read this important pram guide.

Aquaborn Eco Birth Pool Now Available in Australia

2010-06-03T11:20:00.005+10:00

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, a NSW based company providing support and information to midwifery professionals and parents, is the first to launch the Aquaborn Birth Pool range in Australia. This timely launch comes at a time of unrest for the future of independent midwives and the services available for mothers considering home birth in Australia.

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond unveils the new Aquaborn Eco Birth Pool range this month. The Aquaborn range is available to independent midwives, maternity hospitals, midwife managed birthing centres and mothers enabling greater choice for expectant mothers who are considering how and where to give birth. Aquaborn Birth Pools are ergonomically designed, portable birthing pools and have been used in thousands of water births across the globe. They are the strongest birth pool of its kind.

Aquaborn Benefits the Mother:

Quick set up time.

Greater depth to provide improved buoyancy and ease of movement in the pool.

Internal and external handles to assist in all birth positions.

Easy entry and exit from pool.

Air filled chambers and lid insulate the hot water.

Aquaborn Benefits the Midwife:

Ergonomically designed to reduce risk of midwife injury.

Liners reduce infection control risks and provide a quick and easy clean up.

White floor provides improved visibility when assessing mother.

Improved access to mother.

Maintained water temperature.

For more information on these birthing pools, visit Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.

Research what other great birthing equipment is available. Discover all there is to know about home birth in Australia and chat with other mothers who've had a home birth. You can also chat with mums who've had a water birth to see if it is something you'd consider when having a baby.

Kids Birthday Party Checklist - A must-read!

2010-05-31T10:48:00.009+10:00

To help you to plan your next children's birthday bash, whether for a one year old or a 13 year old, here's a kids' party checklist to make it easier than whipping cream.

About 4-6 weeks before

Your budget - work out how much you want to spend on the party before you do anything else and try your best to stick to it.

The date - most people like to have a party on a weekend, but if it is a busy party time of year, you may have to consider having it after school/preschool instead.

The time of your party - this will depend on the age of your child and their current sleep pattern (if applicable). For children under 8, a 2-hour party is usually long enough for both the children and the parents. For children aged 3 and under, you could even look at less time. And remember to check what your guests have planned and work in with that, if possible, eg sports or religious commitments.

A theme for the party - best to let your little one tell you what they would like and work from there. Many will choose their favourite character (Elmo, Dora the Explorer, Bob the Builder, My Little Pony, etc) and you will be amazed at how easy it will be to find all the party supplies you need, including invitations, themed appropriately. Others might just want a theme such as underwater, pirate or fairy, etc, and this means your imagination can run wild with what you do.

The party venue - this can be a toughy! The easiest in terms of your organising is to have it at your house where your kitchen, fridge and bathroom are handy, but not all of us want to have 15 children under 5 racing through the en suite, playing hide and seek, do we? You could look at a local park (make sure it has toilet facilities), a local hall or even a venue with party rooms, with many of these offering to cater for you for a fee.

The guest list - work closely with the birthday girl/boy on this, firstly deciding on the number that are to come, and then whom. Some parties seem to have all the children of the class invited, and if you are happy to do this, great. But if you prefer something smaller, both for financial reasons and for more of an intimate gathering, set the number low and perhaps look at hand-delivering or posting the birthday party invitations so that classmates not invited won't get offended. A good rule of thumb is to invite a friend for each year of their age, eg a 2 year old would have 2 friends come to her/his party; a 6 year old would have 6 friends come to his/her party.

Party Invitations - these can be handmade or purchased (custom printed party invitations and personalised party invitations are a very affordable option, too, and give that extra special touch). Remember to be clear on the invitations of the party start and finish times, and whether or not parents are expected to stay (parties seem to be of a more drop-off nature around 6 years).

Kids Party Entertainers - in theory, it all seems easy. Your child's friends come over for playdates and seem to play quite happily together when it is just them. But once you have a group, the dynamics change dramatically. At this point, you will find that adult-organised games are the key to ensuring everyone gets their time with the birthday person. Also, unless you are preschool teacher by choice, you will find this task bigger than you imagined, even though it is only for a couple of hours. That, coupled with getting the children fed and the birthday cake ready at the right time is enough to bring down even the most organised parent! I think you see my point. So, some form of kids party entertainment is always a good idea - a clown with tricks, a face painting fairy, a kids party super hero, jumping castles, animal farms, kids party magicians, balloon artists ... the list is endless! Do your homework and check prices before you book. Many of these businesses are booked well ahead so once you're sure who you want, make the booking. Again, remember to work within your budget.

Party Food - at the end of the day, kids' party food is pretty easy, but you do need to remember to be creative and have some fun with it. It is a party for kids, after all! Don't overload the children with sugar or they will run around like headless chickens, which is probably not the farm theme you had in mind. Try to offer a range of foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables and make sure you check if any of the guests have any allergies to food: nuts, gluten, lactose, etc. Warm options are ideal in the cooler months, but check the food is not too hot when you serve it that it might burn them. If you don't feel confident enough to handle the food side of things, there are professional kid's party catering businesses that will make it all come together hitch free and with a third of the effort or stress you will put yourself through.

About 2 weeks from the big day

Work out a wet weather alternative, if you need to, and let parents know either the night before or on the day (with as much notice as possible) if there is a venue change. You might like to make mention that you will contact them at a certain time on the invite so they can look out for that phone call, text message or email.

Confirm any bookings you've made (party caterers, party venues, party entertainers) and make sure you have paid any necessary deposits, etc.

Party Photographer - work out with an adult guest - ideally a steady handed one - if they would be able to be the official photographer of the party. That way, you won't miss any magic moments when you're busy in the kitchen. Give them a list of shots you would like, eg blowing out the candles, playing a certain game. Read this handy party photo checklist with top tips for taking great photos.

The week of the party

Grocery Shopping - head off to the supermarket and grab everything you need. Remember that if the adults are staying, you may need to think about adult food. Most parents these days do not expect anything special but if you've got grandparents or elderly relatives coming, they usually like to eat something other than fairy bread with their cup of tea. If you're having the party in a local park or playground, contact a mobile coffee van and tell them where and when your party is so that they can turn up. That way, you'll keep the adults happy too - just pre-warn them so that they don't leave their wallets in the car.

The Cake - if you're making the cake yourself, you can bake it and freeze it uncut. If you're getting a professional birthday cake, get your order in if you haven't already.

Make up the Goody Bags for each child to take home with them and remember to make a couple of extras for younger siblings who might be at the party, although not officially on the guest list. Rather than filling the bags with lollies, you could do something different like follow the theme of the party: party novelty items such as magic tricks, pencils with animals on top, porcelain fairies, stretchy animals, some simple painted shells with their names painted on will be treasures forever and won't break the bank. If the budget allows, think of giving something really different like a garden set, complete with kids' gloves, tools and seedlings, or a kids' cooking set with apron, cookbook and some biscuit cutters! Very stylish!

Party games - if you haven't got any help coming, organise the games you will be playing and get all the pieces ready. Pass the Parcel, Pin the Beard on the Pirate, Samantha Says ... there are a myriad of games you can adapt to work in with your theme. Adapt your favourite games to play with babies or your favourite games to play with toddlers. At a party, even most boys will get into the craft act - decorating balloons and even their own Goody Bag are all perfect ways to make your party unique and memorable.

Work out a running sheet for timing of things and be exact.

Birthday Presents - don't forget to get the birthday girl/boy their present from you! Check out this birthday gift guide if you need some tips.

Night before / day of the party

Put up all the party decorations - it's a good idea to invite some adult help to blow up all the balloons, or at least invest in a reliable balloon pump!

Decorate the cake, or pick it up from the cake shop.

Set up a gift area near the entrance for presents to be placed.
If children are being dropped off, make sure you get a contact phone number for each parent just in case there's an emergency. Yours won't be the first party to have a broken bone or a bumped head, but it is better to be prepared.

Super, Super Important - Make sure the guest of honour has a good nights sleep before the party. It is their special day so it is important that they are not stressed (which always ends in tears!!) in the lead up to the party. Plus, you'll be surprised to learn that most children are a little nervous, too, when they have a party, wondering if it will all be as wonderful as they hope.

Opening Presents - depending on your situation, it may be easier to open the gifts after the party, just so that your child doesn't manically rip through paper and forget about the true meaning of why they are receiving such gorgeous birthday gifts. If you have decided to open the gifts at the party, ask an adult to be the monitor so that you can keep track of who gave what by simply jotting on the back of the card what the present was.

A week after the party

Send out the Thank You cards - a good rule of Thank You card etiquette is that if your child opened the gift whilst the giver was there and they said thank you at the time, you do not need to send a card. If your child opened the present after the guests had left, a Thank You card is a really nice touch. As with the invitations, you can buy these personalised or off the shelf, even in co-ordinating theme to the invitations. You can also consider hand-making the cards, although this does become harder to achieve time-wise when you have more than one child. For younger children, you could put a hand or footprint on card (use non-toxic paint) and stick it to the front of a blank card. You could also look at using a photo taken on the day for the front of the card, perhaps of the child having fun at the party or even a group shot of all the guests on the front of the card as a really special memento for them to keep. Grandparents and elderly aunts and uncles also usually appreciate a Thank You card, along with those who have sent a gift for the child without being a guest at the party. For these, it is a nice idea to include a photo of your child with the gift they received from that person.

So that's it. Well done - the party is over for another year and having followed the Party Checklist, the event was a great success. Now all you have to deal with is finding the time to get through all those wonderful craft gifts your daughter was given or how to get off the roof all those balls your son received that somehow always seem to make their way mysteriously up there despite no-one owning up! We won't even go into how to get over finding that hidden pirate sword or fairy wand behind the cushion on the lounge when you least expect it!

Hot Fashion For Cool Winters!

2010-05-25T14:09:00.003+10:00

Think cute and colourful. Think ingeniously simple. Think BabyLegs - award-winning leg and arm warmers! There are 101 amazing ways to keep your child warm this winter with BabyLegs! One size, perfect from birth to tweens, BabyLegs are the best winter warmers this season!

For the stylish little fashionista, new innovations in the BabyLegs Winter 10 designs will delight! They include braided and scalloped cuffs, lettuce edges and ruching , while glossy vicose yarn adds an element of shine, and animal prints will make your little one 'roar' with excitement. The BabyLegs boys' collection zips, zooms and vrooms into wardrobes with transportation themed legwarmers and socks for the little police officer and train conductor in the making. Just in time for the soccer season (and World Cup) sees the arrival of soccer themed BabyLegs for your little Beckham.

BabyLegs have also extended their range to include sweet socks, knee highs and tights in designs to match the leg warmers.

Prices start from a low $14.95 and come in a plethora of colours and patterns to mix and match perfectly with your child's existing wardrobe.

Have your little person looking the schmickiest on the block in the latest kids fashions. Shop online for kids clothes or head to your local kids clothing boutiques. Check out end of season sales and save.

Increase Your Kid's Balance and Look Cool at the Same Time!

2010-05-24T11:32:00.003+10:00

Introducing Kiddimoto's newest addition to its award winning rockstar mini-bike collection, the clear Superbike.

Fast becoming the must-have accessory for cool toddlers aged 2+ everywhere, Kiddimoto bikes are the perfect tool to teach kids balance, co-ordination, stability and confidence and will get them riding a normal bike without training wheels in no time!

Made from lacquered natural birch plywood (a perfect blank canvas for the little Picasso's in the making...!), these Motocross GP inspired Superbikes still have all the features the award-winning Kiddimoto bikes are known for like wooden spokes, steel rims and treaded rubber tyres, but with a price tag suits everybody.

With prices starting from $199, Kiddimoto bikes are available through select children's boutiques and motorcyle retailers nationally, and online at Kiddimoto.

Let you child's imagination run wild with wooden toys for all ages. Buy toys online or head to your local toy shop. But be careful... you may loose yourself in the wonderland of childhood!

Pure Platinum Perfection From Il Tutto

2010-05-21T12:12:00.004+10:00

Made from 100% genuine metallic leather, this gleaming 'Nico' has been sent down from nappy-bag heaven being one of the most stylish and practical nursing bags on the market. Recently featured in Grazia Magazine and rumoured to soon be flaunted by a few celebrity yummy mummies-to-be, this chic designer tote has all the necessary features any fashion-savvy mum will need to keep organised.

The new Platinum 'Nico' has all the usual features we've come to know and love from Il Tutto's fabulous baby bags, such as:

Insulated bottle holder

Waterproof changing mat with easy Velcro closure

Clear plastic zip pocket case for wet items

A zip-out black and white spotted lining for washing

Large back zip pocket and roomy end pockets

Removable and adjustable shoulder strap

Unique hardware embellishments

Signature hand-stitched monster teddy, this time in patent black leather

This limited edition bag is priced at RRP $599 and will be delivered to selected boutiques nationally from August 2010. Pre-orders are also being taken online at Il Tutto.

Save yourself time and buy nappy bags online. Not sure what to put in it? You won't waste space when you read this useful nappy bag packing list.

Highchair to Play Table in One Easy Movement

2010-05-18T13:50:00.007+10:00

The NEW Silver Cross Doodle is a unique highchair design.

Doodle is not only a handy high chair for meal times but, once converted, it also provides a low chair complete with table for playtimes - suitable for children up to 5 years!

It can be used with the tray attached when in high chair mode or detached when using the table. Doodle also includes a mesh toy basket and crayon cups.

Key Features:

Converts from highchair to play table and chair in seconds

Four way automatic patented locking system

Central storage compartment

Four detachable crayon cups

Removable feeding tray, dishwasher safe

Quick release seat pads and harness for easy cleaning

Optional extras: Additional chairs

Available in Apple, Aqua and Stone
RRP $ 279

Available June 2010 in Australia and New Zealand.

Head to your local baby nursery store or perhaps you could buy highchairs online. Before you buy, highchair reviews are useful to read up on so you don't get the wrong one for your needs!

Don't Miss The First Brand New WHAT TO EXPECT Guide in 14 Years!

2010-05-17T14:15:00.005+10:00

Expecting to expect? Plan ahead. Don’t miss the first BRAND NEW What to Expect guide in 14 years!

What To Expect Before You're Expecting - The Complete Preconception Plan

A step-by-step guide to making a baby, including preparing for conception, boosting your fertility, adjusting your lifestyle, timing sex for baby success, and more.

Practical advice, tips and strategies:

Getting into tip-top baby-making shape

Fertility-friendly eating

Pinpointing ovulation

Overcoming fertility bumps on the road to baby

A journal to keep track of it all.

What To Expect Before You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, with the Australian Foreword by Devora Lieberman, MD, MPH, FRANZCOG, Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist, President Family Planning NSW.

Launch Date: 01/05/10
RRP: $35.00 (HarperCollins Publishers)

Purchase this and other great pregnancy books and parenting books online or from your local bookshop. Before you buy, read reviews of parenting books, pregnancy and birth books and books on fertility issues.

Learn more about conception and fertility to keep your journey on track.

How to look good and get fit during pregnancy

2010-05-14T10:24:00.003+10:00

fitformum has launched an essential range of maternity active wear that is designed to flatter your figure at every stage of your pregnancy and, importantly, afterwards as you get back into shape! This unique range of gear especially made for the mum-to-be, is extremely comfortable, stylish and supportive whilst exercising during pregnancy.

The full range of pregnancy exercise wear is made in Australia with the best quality Supplex fabrics - really soft and super stretchy, it breathes and wicks away the sweat. The range of gear is made to support the growing belly, and the fabric is designed to holds its shape, going back to its original state after the baby is born. The fitformum active wear range has been designed to look "non-maternity-like" so that you can wear the tops and pants after the baby is born, while getting back into shape in style. Great value for money!

The range currently includes tops and full length and 3/4 length trousers, with new styles and colours to be launched over the next few months.

Prices start from RRP $89.

Keep healthy during your pregnancy by joining local pregnancy exercise classes. Keen to practise at home, you can also shop online for at-home pregnancy exercise equipment and information. While you're at it, why not find check out the latest maternity wear online.

Germany's Top Baby Carrier Now Available in Australia

2010-05-12T14:00:00.003+10:00

The number one baby carrier in Germany has just arrived on our shores. There is currently no Australian Standard for baby carriers, however the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued guidelines for safe babywearing, which include ensuring your baby's head is close enough to kiss, and baby’s knees are higher than its bottom (a bit like a capital “M”).

Manduca Baby Carrier carries the baby in this orthopedically correct position, while giving the parents great padded support on the hips and shoulders.

Suitable for babies from 3.5 kg to 20 kg, and made from 100% certified organic cotton or organic cotton/hemp options in a range of colours and patterns.

RRP $159

The Manduca Baby Carrier is currently available online at Fertile Mind.

Find other great out and about with baby products. Before you buy your next baby sling or baby carrier, read about them first-hand when other parents share their baby sling reviews.

Snazzy Baby Wins Another Award!

2010-05-10T11:22:00.006+10:00

Are you concerned your baby will graze or bruise their knees as they're learning to crawl? Well, you need not!

Introducing Snazzy Baby Knee Pads, probably, one of the best safety accessories for babies in it class. Part of the reason for this is that Snazzy Baby Knee Pads are made to the very highest safety standards. Having the comfort of knowing this and that the product is endorsed by medical professionals, parents can be confident of their child being safe while learning to crawl without any undue pressure or stress.

Product Features:

Made to the very highest safety standard

Endorsed by medical professionals

Ergonomically designed safer flexibility and movement

Visual assurance of safety

Made of medical quality Neoprene

Suitable for use indoors and outdoors

Easy simplified fastening system to ensure proper fitting every time

Available in 4 super snazzy colours: Starfish Blue, Princess Pink, Seafoam Green and Midnight Blue. RRP $27.95

Target age group: 4 months to 4 years

Available online at Snazzy Baby, not surprisingly, the Snazzy Baby Knee Pads continue to win awards around the world.

Find great ideas on games to play with babies and games to play with toddlers. Find more great out and about with baby travel products. Shop for baby safety products online.

What's new on the market in organic baby foods?

2010-04-29T12:20:00.005+10:00

Establishing healthy eating patterns in babies as soon as they are starting solid foods is vital for a lifetime of healthy eating, according to Amanda Murphy, creator of Yum Mum Organic Baby Food.

Yum Mum is a range of ready-made, certified organic food for babies from nine months of age. However, Yum Mum is not your average baby food! Based on the premise that children's taste buds need to be developed, Yum Mum has specifcally chosen ingredients that are tactile, colourful and above all else TASTY!

Yum Mum is proudly Australian owned and made. The range includes:

Organic Middle Eastern Lamb Pilaf

Organic Veggie Macaroni

Organic Pumpkin & Tomato Risotto

Organic Tuscan Bolognese

Yum Mum is available through selected independent grocery stores, health food stores and online at Yum Mum. RRP $4.50 each.

Conveniently order online and have your baby food home delivered. Check out this handy guide to weaning and starting solids. Read up on feeding your baby first solids.

The Ultimate in All-Terrain Baby Travel

2010-04-26T15:34:00.004+10:00

Silver Cross' latest vehicle, Surf, is all about the ride and comfort for you and you baby. The ultimate all-terrain package, smart folding and lightweight, designed for life.

The Silver Cross Surf is a unique all-terrain reversible pram and pushchair combination. The lightweight magnesium alloy chassis is air sprung, giving maximum strength and minimum weight, whilst providing unrivalled comfort and maneuverability. The seat unit faces forward and rearwards, allowing eye-to-eye contact with your newborn, and has numerous recline positions with a large adjustable hood to protect against the sun.

Supplied with the Surf is Silver Cross' new Babynest which allows a full lie flat position for newborns.

To complete the protection of your baby, the Silver Cross Surf package includes a protective apron, seat liner, parasol, raincover and insect net.

RRP: $1,199. Carrycot sold separately $349
Available in Black and Chili

Available from June 2010 in Australia & New Zealand.

Shopping for baby strollers and baby travel systems needn't be a daunting task. You just need to know where to look!

Winter has never looked so good!

2010-04-22T15:49:00.002+10:00

From gorgeous Parisian stripes, pretty pink posies to the roaring dinosaurs and magic monkeys, Marquise will keep all babies warm, cosy and comfortable this season in their NEW joyful winter prints.

Marquise’s wide selection of rompers, body suits, grow suits, leggings and tops - all made from the finest 100% breathable cotton, lets your baby look adorable for every occasion.

As one of Australia’s oldest and premium brands, Marquise has been dedicated to providing a combination of durable and classically designed babywear since 1932.

Parents can relax knowing that the everyday needs of their newborn bundles of joy are met in style with Marquise.

Available at selected Myer, David Jones and speciality childrens stores Australia wide including children's clothing shops.

Something big is brewing...

2010-04-20T12:45:00.004+10:00

The Juice Brewery Australia is creating quite a stir with the launch of their new Adult Drink called "Hopper Soft Brew."

Hopper is a new product and the first "Soft Drink Born in a Brewery". Brewed with hops, malt and fruit with absolutely no alcohol and less than 95 calories per bottle, it is a credible and refreshing alternative to alcohol with no comparison. In fact, it's created its own category.....the "Soft Brew" category.

Hopper is easy to drink with a refreshingly clean finish, "quietly" carbonated, with a distinctively adult look when poured into a glass. So adult, it pours with a head just like a beer due to the unique brewing process.

Given the issues surrounding the current social drinking environment, Hopper Soft Brew gives adults a real and positive alternative to alcohol that allows adults to still be part of the fun and keep their head.

Aimed directly at restaurants, cafes, hotels and sporting venues as well as perfect at home around the BBQ, Hopper Soft Brew is the perfect adult alternative to alcohol.

Hopper is 100% Australian owned and is brewed in Australia. Made with natural ingredients and preservative free it was launched in February 2010 and is currently being trialled at 7- Eleven stores as well as a number of cafes, gourmet delis and restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

BREWaah "a new way of drinking – a new way of thinking"

Coco Chanel's Ideas On What A Woman Should Be

2010-04-14T16:59:00.007+10:00

As Coco Chanel once said, "A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous!".

In 2007 and with this is mind, Ros Canales, a fashion-conscious single mum with little money and a lot of determination, designed the Pouchmiss.

The Pouchmiss is the accessory for modern mums, combining the functionality of a nappy bag with serious style.

With features for mother and baby such as:
+ 14 pockets and compartments including 2 insulated side pockets
+ Zippered compartment for coins and cards
+ Matching baby change mat that folds to fit neatly inside
+ Straps have been replaced by sleek new handles

You'll find the Pouchmiss in all quality mother and baby boutiques and online at thepouchmiss.com.au. RRP $39.95

Looking for other great nappy bag ideas? Find your closest nappy bag retailer here or why not purchase nappy bags online. Before you buy, make sure you read this handy nappy bag packing list.

Mooo Can Transform Your Childs' Bedroom

2010-04-13T11:44:00.005+10:00

How? With Kids Canvas Art - Personalised Wall Art For Your Kids Bedroom!

Transform your kids bedroom with Mooo's personalised canvas art! Mooo's kids canvas art will bring beautiful wall art and color into your kids bedroom.

Their canvas art can be personalised and you can choose from a variety of designs and colors to decorate your kids bedroom wall, babies playroom or baby nursery.

Designed and made in their studio at Mooo, the artworks are printed direct to canvas with light fast ink and then gallery wrapped around a deep 36mm box frame. The kids canvas art is available in two sizes, 30x30cm and 60x60cm.

Mooo has a huge range of designs and colour options, which includes personalised canvas art, and initials canvas art. Having personalised canvas art on your kid's bedroom is the perfect gift for any kid and they will love you for it.

Update your child's nursery furniture and bedroom decor today! Personalised art and stick on decor designs are all the rage!

Gwen Stefani's New Set of Wheels

2010-04-12T16:10:00.005+10:00

As we enter the decade known as the teenies, it's singer, designer and superstar mum Gwen Stefani that has caused a stir in the parenting world, spotted in London, LA and New York with Mylo by Mamas & Papas, the latest and most coveted piece of pram machinery to hit the market in years.

Introducing Mylo and it's urban counterpart Urbo, the result of over three years of research and development by leading UK nursery brand Mamas & Papas. Prams that not only look good, but push the boundaries of industrial engineering, and are truly revolutionary in both design and functionality.

Unveiled at the Nursery Trade Fair in Cologne in Sept 2009, the Mylo and Urbo prams have created a buzz in parenting circles, with media featuring Gwen Stefani pushing her 18 month old son Zuma in Mylo.

Both prams have been developed with the modern parent in mind. Many larger pram models appeal to the parent for the first few months of an infants life, but then seem too bulky once the child needs only a stroller. This can make many prams seem like a luxury spend with limited use. Both Mylo and Urbo boast incredible versatility and hence value for money, having broken the mould on pram travel systems, compact push button closure and comfort.

Driven by the ethos of revolution, not just evolution, Mamas & Papas set about to deliver prams that had everything a parent needed of a new generation multifunction system - compact and easy to fold, light to push, simple to use, and everything the baby needs as well.

Visit your local pram retailer to discover what's new on the market and what best suits you. And before you buy, make sure you read what other parents thought of the pram in this useful pram reviews section.

A giraffe in the bath... does that make you laugh?

2010-04-11T20:25:00.006+10:00

A giraffe in the bath - does that make you laugh? Or a frog in the flour? Or a sheep in the shower? An owl with the flu? Or a roo on the loo? A crocodile with style - does that make you smile?

What makes you laugh? This very funny picture book, written by Mem Fox and Olivia Rawson, suggests increasingly silly and hilarious possibilities. Lots of fun for every reader, with wonderful, giggle-inducing illustrations by Kerry Argent.

Published by Penguin Books Australia, this wonderful children's book is available in hardback (36 pages) in all good bookstores. RRP $24.95.

Visit your local children's bookseller for this book and many other delightful tales sure to capture the imaginations of all. Childrens' storybooks make wonderful gifts for children and, best of all, nurture the life-long gift of reading.

Wheelie Wonderful Labels!

2010-04-09T13:56:00.007+10:00

Want your wheelie bin to stand out in the crowd! Want a wheelie bin that comes home? Want your house number easily seen and identifiable?

Children's name label guru, Identi Kid, have come up with the solution! Tough, waterproof and UV resistant for up to 5 years with correct application, Identi Kids Bin Labels are just what you need. Available in a range of 6 gorgeous colours, these personalised labels will ensure your bin is the coolest on the block!

Create a bin label fundraiser next time and get the whole neighbourhood involved - truly the perfect preschool fundraising idea or school fundraiser with a difference.

Identi Kid retail their Bin Labels for $19.00 (pack of 2) and are available online on their website.

Personalised label companies can be found online here. There are many great fundraising ideas for you to consider.

(minimink) Faux Fur Range Always a Popular Newborn Gift

2010-04-07T15:49:00.008+10:00

This is the original product in the (minimink) range. It has many uses and is a perfect new baby gift although lasts much longer than just the "baby stage".

It is designed to perform several uses such as:
~ a play rug (either around the home or when traveling)
~ a pram wrap with a rounded corner so that it can be placed inside the pram; baby on top against the cotton and the rug folded over baby's body
~ a throw - lovely in baby's room when going into them in the middle of night - or in almost every room in the house! Older children (and adults!) also love to use the (minimink) rug/wrap/throw in the car, to lie on, or under, and on their bed.

The size is approximately 100cm x 100cm with one rounded corner.

Gorgeous as a gift for a newborn baby, the (minimink) range are also perfect for christening gifts. Find your favourite online christening gift retailer to grab your (minimink) product. You'll love all the newborn baby gift ideas available for you to discover!

Ramalama Bamboo Baby Wear - Soft, Safe, Sustainable

2010-03-30T13:01:00.002+10:00

Imagine dressing baby in baby clothes as soft as their own skin...Ramalama have created a range of essential baby wear perfect for baby’s first year that is made from a unique blend of high quality bamboo and spandex.

While staying true to Ramalama designer and founder Deena Ramadan’s ethos of producing 'luxury with a conscience', this delicate yet durable baby essentials range uses bamboo, a sustainable resource that requires no chemical fertilizers or pesticides making it 100% natural and biodegradable.

With amazing thermo-insulating, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic properties, bamboo is the perfect choice in fabric, helping to keep baby warmer in winter, cooler in summer, fresher and drier all year round.

Featuring 4 of the most practical and easy-wearing styles of clothing for newborns as well as a wrap and bib, all are available in a choice of 4 neutral colours of Natural, Mushroom, Slate and Black.

Ramalama’s quality range of baby wear gives mums piece of mind knowing that their baby’s skin is being protected by the most natural materials.

All styles can be mixed and matched and except for the leggings, feature an envelope neck for easy dressing and press studs to allow easy nappy changing access. Prices start from RRP $19.95.

Ramalama is stocked in leading children's boutiques nationally and available in many online children's clothing stores.

Let Them Eat Cake - latest collection by Cake Lingerie

2010-03-29T10:47:00.004+10:00

For Mums craving a treat and an indulgence that will make them feel fantastic, Cake Lingerie is a must have. A true Australian success story, the Cake brand was launched in August 2008 and is now available in 16 countries and over 250 stores, and in some of the most prestigious boutique and specialty retailers like 'Harrods' in the United Kingdom and 'Destination Maternity' in the United States.

Cake Lingerie is exquisite, feminine, fashionable and tasteful. Cake's beautiful maternity bra styles are cleverly engineered to look light and flatter the body, whilst delivering exceptional comfort and support. Cake products are produced to exceptionally high quality standards, using chemically certified fabrics and all materials subject to stringent fabric, dye and product testing.

‘LET THEM EAT CAKE’ is the gorgeous new collection from Cake and the styles become progressively more delicious as the recipe evolves. The maternity lingerie collection is made up of spectacular styles in Plum Pudding, French Vanilla, Meringue and Blueberry. Inspired from vintage wallpapers, china tea sets to old school Hollywood glamour, results in the selection of rich navy blue prints, deep reds, crisp whites and angelic blue for timeless appeal.

Constructed from a delightful mix of soft lace, stretch fabrics and luxurious satin. All maternity bras are cotton lined and feature cleverly disguised drop cups for easy feeding. Inbuilt support ensures shape and comfort are delivered, in a garment that looks amazing and is a joy to wear.

Cake Lingerie takes pride in offering maternity lingerie indulgences to new Mums that are designed to make them feel special, products that celebrate being a women and becoming a Mother. For all pregnant and breastfeeding Mums, it’s definitely time to treat yourself to some Cake.

Shop online for your maternity lingerie or breastfeeding clothing that will celebrate your femininity.

First Aid Book for New Parents a Must-Read

2010-03-26T10:33:00.003+10:00

Want the best for your baby? Want practical advice? Want to be a confident parent? You will want Baby SOS!

Baby SOS is a must-read first aid book for new mums and dads. Looking at over 60 common problems with real solutions, and answering more than 200 common questions, Baby SOS will be invaluable for first time parents. With the addition of St John Ambulance Australia’s Basic First Aid Guide, Baby SOS seeks to help new mums and dads get a basic understanding of first aid procedures.

People aren’t born parents. Some of it is common sense, and the rest has to be learnt. You learn to be a parent by talking to other mums and dads, browsing the internet, reading, and getting advice from medical professionals. By reading Baby SOS, all the work has been done for you.

Keep Baby SOS close, and be comfortable that you will have the first aid resources to deal with stressful, yet rewarding, problems.

First aid courses for parents are run all over Australia - find your local first aid course today. The life you save could be your childs.

Buy today your favourite parenting books online.

Shine like a Hollywood star during your pregnancy

2010-03-25T09:57:00.000+10:00

Mambino Organics offers organic skincare products crafted using pure, luxurious and highly effective 100% natural ingredients, synergistically blended without the use of chemicals or additives....ever.

The range includes lip care, bath and body, firm and tone, anti-stretch and rebound, nursing care, organic baby care products, organic products for pregnancy and motherhood, aromatherapy and more.

Featured here is the 'Bun in the Oven" pack. Taking care of your baby starts with taking care of YOU. You wouldn't dream of putting harsh chemicals on your baby's skin, so why would you put them on yours, especially when you're pregnant? Packed with skin loving essentials, from head to toe, to keep your skin healthy, smooth and stretch mark free. Each product feels amazing and smells delicious! Then just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. 5 piece pack - $73.95 (RRP)

Purchase these gorgeous organic products online in Australia through Ecobabe and Ramalama along with selected retail locations.

Prevention and a Cure - NitWits will scare the wits out of the nits!

2010-03-24T16:40:00.000+10:00

Nits – the one word parents across Australia dread to hear. But now, thanks to a unique new prevention and detangling spray from NitWits – the leading manufacturer of natural head lice products – it’s easy for parents to keep head lice at bay!

NitWits has expanded its range of natural products to include a new Natural Head Lice Prevention & Detangling Spray and Natural All-in-One Head Lice Action Cream. Both of the new products are incredibly effective whilst still being completely natural and gentle to children.

With scary facts like head lice being able to live on a person’s head for up to 35 days or that catching head lice is as easy as catching a common cold, NitWits is a must for all homes! To ensure your child stays head lice free make NitWits Head Lice Prevention & Detangling Spray (RRP $12.95) your new best friend! However, if your child does catch head lice at school, NitWits Natural All-In-One Action Cream (RRP $18.95) is your easy one step solution to lice free hair.

The new NitWits products are available from leading pharmacies.

Read useful parent's reviews on which head lice products are best to use.

2010-03-24T10:05:00.001+10:00

Baby name picker checklist - http://ping.fm/vbDVr

Marquise Latest Kids Undies Range

2010-03-23T10:33:00.002+10:00

Fun·dies pl.n. Informal. A new, fun and super comfy pair of underwear, made especially for boys or girls, by Aussie children’s brand Marquise.

Marquise’s new range of kid’s underwear is better fitting with greater cover for comfort and warmth. The clever designers have used fully combed cotton and a rib construction, which has proved to have superior comfort and stretch. The quality waistband is softer on the skin, the label has been sewn down for maximum comfort and there are no annoying over-locking seams. The boy’s undies feature a double front for greater comfort and the girl’s knickers have a double gusset for utmost comfort. The designs feature bright colours and patterns, which is why we’ve labelled them Fundies.

Keep your kids in style in hip children's clothing this season.

Marquise’s undies are available for both boys and girls in sizes: 2-3yrs, 3-4yrs, 4-6yrs, 6-8yrs.

Available from Myer, David Jones and speciality stores and at $12.95 for a 2 pack they’re great value. Head to your local kids clothing store and have the best dressed kids on the block from top to bottom.

Silver Cross Soon to Launch New Pop Sport

2010-03-22T11:59:00.000+10:00

Check out the latest Silver Cross pram at your local nursery store.

The Silver Cross Pop Sport stroller is always ready for when you need to pop out to the shops, pop to your friends, hop on a bus, whizz round the shops, or go on holiday. Quick, simple, light and easy, Pop Sport is a distinctive, lightweight stroller with a fully reclining seat back, carry strap and handy cup holder. It’s easy to open, easy to fold, easy to store and easy to recline: it has a unique, one-handed adjustment system that smoothly lowers your baby to a recline angle suitable from birth.

Available from April 2010 in Australia & New Zealand.

Before you buy your next pram, read this handy checklist for buying a pram. Prams and strollers can be bought at your local general nursery store or online.

Il Tutto launches new 'Nico' Nappy Bag

2010-03-19T12:11:00.000+10:00

Looking for a hot, new nappy bag?

Bring out your inner rock chic with the newest Nico tote by Il Tutto. This stylish and practical tote will be the envy of every mother, standing loud proud in winter's most glorious shade of navy.
Made from a durable and vintage-feel material with a patent finish, and featuring unique hardware pieces and a metallic silver monster teddy, the navy 'Nico' offers the look and feel of a designer handbag, but with so much more!

With all the usual features we've come to love from Il Tutto's fabulous baby bags, such as insulated bottle holder, waterproof changing mat with easy velcro closure, clear plastic zip pocket case for wet items, a zip-out printed lining for washing, large back zip pocket and roomy end pockets, this luxurious nursery bag is so versatile.

Priced at $249.00, the new 'Nico' tote is available online at Il Tutto and selected boutiques nationwide. Discover your preferred online nappy bag retailer. Important checklist for packing your nappy bag!

2010-03-18T09:43:00.001+10:00

What parenting books are our members loving right now? http://ping.fm/vYqft Find out!

2010-03-11T08:57:00.001+10:00

Do you feel pressure to be a "good mum"? http://ping.fm/fysjH

2010-03-08T10:52:00.001+10:00

Travelling by plane with children? It's never fun, so ease the pain with our top tips...http://ping.fm/Up1xP

2010-03-05T10:44:00.001+10:00

Maintain your sanity and find out the best methods for disciplining your children http://ping.fm/AWuFT

2010-03-04T08:47:00.001+10:00

Which pram is best for you? Follow the step-by-step guide to choosing - and avoid expensive mistakes! http://ping.fm/hqiql

2010-03-03T10:23:00.001+10:00

Have you got your kids properly restrained in the car. New law changes and fines are in effect! http://ping.fm/e8UBM

2010-03-01T11:28:00.001+10:00

Did you know that there are over 150 different types of nappy available on the Aussie market? http://ping.fm/8wKzk

2010-02-26T11:51:00.001+10:00

When it comes to getting your child to eat dinner - it's all in the timing. What is the best time? http://ping.fm/S2a50

2010-02-25T10:50:00.001+10:00

Got pregnancy brain? Never forget another thing with our FREE Pregnancy To Do Checklist http://ping.fm/pZoD2

2010-02-24T09:37:00.001+10:00

The Post-Baby Conversation - Five tips for achieving 'happy couple' status post-baby http://ping.fm/wKQvY

2010-02-22T10:01:00.001+10:00

Did you know that McDonalds is the world's largest distributor of toys? Get some real toys - local and online stores http://ping.fm/HKIIE

2010-02-19T11:00:00.001+10:00

Read the Kids Party Survival Guide! http://ping.fm/9caTp

2010-02-18T11:30:00.001+10:00

When is the 'right' time to start having sex again after having a baby? http://ping.fm/KMPsO

2010-02-15T11:25:00.001+10:00

Check out the top 12 foods to NOT give to your kids. http://ping.fm/50QAK