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Welcome To Hey Baby Shop Blog

Welcome To Hey Baby Shop Blog

Monday 20 August 2012

Choosing a buggy

We see lots of expectant parents (and grandparents) in the shop. When you are pregnant one of the big decisions is which pram/buggy to buy. It is an interesting one because it seems to be one thing that everyone has an opinion on. The grandparents are often consulted because they are buying or contributing and of course the choice these days is overwhelming, even to an expert!

Families often stare wide eyed at the choice and ask 'which one is best?!' Of course that is not a question that can be answered because every family is different and has different expectations and priorities.

I always suggest to people that perhaps the best way to make a decision is to look at the practicalities first. For example, if you drive your buggy needs to fit in the car. You also need to be able to get it in the house easily, so check doorways, alleys and garden gates before buying anything too big! If you need to get up and down stairs go for something lightweight or try to negotiate a safe place to leave your chassis downstairs and buy something with a detachable carrycot.

Next, have a good think about what you will be doing once you have had your baby. Will you be in and out of the car several times a day? On public transport? Walking....through town or off road? Where will you store your buggy when it is not in use? 

There is one more thing I always mention. It may seem obvious but it is, I believe, a common mistake when buying your first pram/buggy. Try to think beyond your baby's first 6 months. It is so easy when you are pregnant to focus on your newborn baby and, of course, you should! But try also to remember that your tiny bundle will very quickly grow into a bonnie baby and throughout their first year, what you and they need from their wheels will change drastically! It is very common for a second buggy to be bought when the baby reaches around 6-8 months of age because the first choice is too heavy or cumbersome. 

Of course, it can be helpful to talk to other families about their choices, particularly if they have a similar lifestyle to you. What have they been pleased with, anything they regret? But do remember that what works for one family may not be suitable for yours. 

If you focus on your everyday routine and what you want your buggy to do for you and your family, you should make a good decision!


Wednesday 15 August 2012

Waste free lunches

Waste free lunches

I hate to say it but my thoughts are starting to turn to that 'back to school' preparation. With our youngest about to start school and my husband now working in an office away from home we will find ourselves making 5 lunches some days.

I had a purge on plastic about a year ago, we don't buy cling film anymore and replaced our lunchboxes with Lunchbots. My next obsession is trying to find an alternative to disposable wrap for sandwiches/cakes etc. We have substituted cling film for greaseproof paper or paper bags but if we get through 5 a day that is a lot of waste! So, I am thinking what the alternatives might be?  

I have had a look online and found companies that make a reusable sandwich wrap, which usually consists of a large square of fabric, waterproof/wipe clean on one side with a velcro type adjustable fastening. I reckon I could make my own. I am going to do some fabric research because I want them to be plastic free, wipe clean and machine washable.

I am hoping the inner glow I feel when I don't have to throw away 5 paper bags or 5 lots of greaseproof will be worth the investment!  So, if you have made a reusable sandwich wrap or have any inspiration please let me know. In return I will keep you posted on my progress!

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Work can wait!

I have to admit that a few weeks ago I was dreading the Summer holidays. This is most unlike me. I normally look forward with anticipation to having time to spend with my 3 children, catching up with friends (mine and theirs) and a break from the old routine. 

However, this year all the rain combined with the fact that I am a self employed mum running my own business (often from home) I was a little anxious about how we were going to get through it without falling out...more than a few times!!

2 weeks into the holidays and I have to say my fears were unfounded, so far! Our saving grace has been that the rain has stopped. That and the fact that I managed to find a holiday club with an interesting and varied programme of activities that they were all happy to go to once a week.

We have managed days on the beach, Olympic activities, time with family, a camping trip, horse riding, swimming and cinema. We have had friends to play and this evening we are packing for a few days away. 

But what I have remembered over the last 2 weeks is that what I love most about the holidays is the lack of routine. Its the ability to ignore the rules without suffering the consequences. Being able to say 'yes' to their 'can we.....' more often. The time to let them get bored and find them 10 minutes later engrossed in den building, or a game of make believe, or a board game that has not been out of the cupboard for months.

Don't get me wrong, it is not all sweetness and light in our house. The boys have discovered that they like to argue, much to my annoyance, and the long days out have been followed by late nights at work. The lack of Blog posts will give you some idea of the lack of work time!

In 4 weeks they will all be back at school, our youngest starts in reception this year and for the first time in 13 years I will be with out a little one at home during the day.

Work can wait!