Posted: September 9th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Baby, travel | Tags: travel | No Comments »
One of the biggest decisions as a mother or father to be, is purchasing a pram/ pushchair. When I was pregnant, I was insistent that I wanted a pram. My husband, having one child already, told me not to. “It’s a waste of money” he said – “You’ll use it once or twice and then it’s redundant. A good pushchair and carrier is the way forward”.
But I was determined. “I want a pram!” I said. So he gave in. We bought a travel set. A beautiful pram and pushchair set.
I hate to say it, but he was absolutely right! When Alex was born, we only used the carrier when we went out. The pram was used twice and so it felt like a total waste of money. Alex slept well the couple of times when he was in the pram, but it was a nightmare to take places. I visited my husband twice with the pram in central London… very bad idea! This is where the carrier is a genius invention!
The Maclaren Techno XLR Pushchair
I was given the opportunity to review the Maclaren Techno XLR. As a new mum, I was always under the impression that Maclarens are for older babies/ toddlers, but apparently not. This attractive chair is suitable for babies from birth and comes in five different colours. It’s so easy to set up straight from the box. The box also includes the footmuff and hood. The website does say it also comes with a rain cover, however, there was no rain cover in the box.
The seat has four reclining positions which can be adjusted to suit your child’s requirements. Your child is well secured in the pushchair with a 5 way harness, which as well as being child-proof, is almost adult proof – but I don’t see this as a negative. There are two pockets on the back of the hood which are perfect for phones, purse and keys and also a reasonably spacious basket at the bottom of the pram where I put some nappies, wipes and changing mat which means I don’t require a handbag.
The maneuverability of the pushchair is fluid and extremely flexible. It folds with ease and in fact, I managed to pull the chair from the boot of my car and set it up, all whilst holding my son in the other arm. Incredibly easy! Serious top marks to Maclaren for that. I was beyond impressed! I certainly didn’t expect to be able to do that whilst holding my son. Size wise, it’s one of the few pushchairs that will fit my tiny boot as I own a Renault Clio and the boot isn’t exactly it’s best feature!
All in all, I could rate it highly enough. It’s been well thought out and if it had come with a rain cover and possibly a sun umbrella, it would have been perfect! The pushchair retails for around £200. A great long term investment.
As an accessory to this fantastic pushchair, I would suggest purchasing a Buggylock. If my Maclaren was stolen, I would be distraught and with this great little gadget you can secure your pram/ pushchair. It’s extremely affordable and in most cases it can be purchased for around the £10 mark. In my opinion, a must have for all parents!
Posted: July 26th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Baby, Breastfeeding, Fashion (Post-Natal), Maternity Wear, Nursing, Pregnancy | Tags: breastfeeding, emma jane, Nursing, the bithing shirt co, Vertabaudet | No Comments »
If you are a new Mum, you might get very confused by the sheer number of products on the market for giving birth and especially breastfeeding. The one issue I was faced with when I gave birth was that I didn’t have any nursing clothes or products to support my breastfeeding. As you can imagine, when Alex came along, there was a huge rush.
Here are a few of my favourite bits n bobs that I have religiously used since giving birth:
The birthing shirt co
So lets start with the birth. There’s not a great deal you need other than something comfortable to wear during and after birth. I opted for
The Birthing Shirt Co nursing nighty. This fabulously versatile nighty can be used from pregnancy as an alternative to your usual nighty/ pjs as it’s roomy and incredibly comfortable. During labour it’s great as it’s loose fitting and it’s bamboo fabric allows is moisture absorbing and is breathable. I found the poppers at the top perfect for when Alex was born as it allowed me instant skin to skin contact and feeding. For post pregnancy it continues to support you during breastfeeding as it’s easy open top allows you to breastfeed at anytime. I found this shirt especially handy at night times as it kept me warm whilst breastfeeding.
In addition to this shirt, there were some nursing tops and bras that I just couldn’t do without. Emma Jane has to be one of my favourite brands from pregnancy through to post pregnancy. As well as using the Emma Jane maternity bras whilst pregnant, I had to try out the nursing wear they offered. The Emma Jane Nursing Top 826 is so soft and comfortable, together with the Emma Jane nursing bra made breast feeding exceptionally easy during the day. The top was a lovely soft feel bamboo material and has great functionality with an easy to do/ undo clip for quick and easy access whist breastfeeding. The top comes in back and white as does the bra.
Vertabaudet breastfeeding top
Last but not least is probably my favourite top to wear out, the
Vertabaudet nursing top in grey marl. I’m pretty sure everyone feels rather frumpy after they’ve given birth, I know I did, but this top looks great, covers the flab and has easy access openings to feed your baby. I felt smart and confident wearing this top as most maternity/ nursing wear can be rather dull. Definitely one to get all the colours in and a bargain at just £19 a pop!
In our next post, we’ll be looking at the Medela Swing and Calma bottle range. So keep checking back for more up to date parenting news!
Posted: April 18th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Baby | Tags: baby bjorn, baby carrier, carrier, sling | No Comments »
Baby Bjorn - Original Carrier - City
The
Baby Bjorn is one of the most popular baby carriers in the UK. When looking for baby carriers, you want something that’s going to be comfortable, secure and supportive of your baby. With over 50 years in the baby carrying business, you can be assured Baby Bjorn know what they’re talking about. Working closely with parents as well as medical experts, all of their products have been extensively tried and tested.
Not only does the Baby Bjorn carriers cover all of the above, they also have an attractive design and there are various designs for different age groups and uses and climates. The carrier comes in Midnight Blue, Navy, New Denim, Herringbone Red, Gingham Black, City Blue and City Black.
We have had the privilege of reviewing the standard Baby Bjorn Original Classic Carrier. Priced at £64.99, this is a great little carrier for your baby. It can be used from newborn (at least 8 lbs and 21 in/3.5 kg and 53 cm) up to 25 lbs/11 kg. Depending on the age and strength of your child, you can have him/her facing you or facing away.
The carrier is 100% cotton and the carrier is “guaranteed harmless to children’s sensitive skin and will not trigger allergies”. Taking care of the product is also easy! Just pop your carrier in a warm machine wash at 40 degrees – Simple!
All Baby Bjorns are especially designed for the optimum comfort and support for your baby and extend as your baby grows. Baby’s head, back and hips are all correctly supported and the carrier is also Pediatrician Recommended.
The carrier is easy to assemble and as well as being comfortable for baby, it is extremely comfortable for Mum and Dad too.
A Bumps n Bubs must have! 10/10.
