Holidays are coming....

Apologies for the lack of content over the last week or so. We have been plunged into Christmas chaos with school nativities, concerts, carols etc and, as ever at the least convenient time, 3 poorly kids. It looks like the weather is taking a turn too, it has definitely become much colder over the last few days, which adds to the excitement as the children (and me if I am honest!) keep their fingers crossed for snow.

I have to admit that with all the chaos this week I have started to panic. The holidays are imminent and I have not finished all my Christmas jobs. I have no idea if I will get time now. However, Christmas would not be Christmas without the last minute dash to the shops and the excitement over the weather forecast. It all adds to the atmosphere!

So, I for one am looking forward to the kids breaking up from school, the cold weather and dark evenings that are a good excuse to light the fire and some time to spend with family and friends.

Of course the shop will be open over the holiday period, we will be taking it in turns so that everyone gets time off! Our opening hours are as follows:

Christmas Eve - Open 0930-1230

Christmas Day - Closed

Boxing Day - Closed

December 27th - Closed

December 28th - Open 0930-1700

December 29th - Open 0930-1700

December 30th - Open 0930-1700

December 31st - Open 0930-1600 (early closing)

January 1st - Closed

January 2nd - Closed

January 3rd - Open and back to 'normal'!

Let It Snow

It is at the forefront of our minds given the weather over the last two Winters and yet at the moment the sun is shining, it is really quite mild. Our kids are praying for snow, and if there is one thing our snow fun has taught us it is that to have fun you need to keep warm.

Last Winter it would take us 20 mins to get everyone ready to go out to play! We are (unfortunately) not skiers and do not have specialist snow wear. We go for the layers approach! Base layers, a couple of t-shirts, fleeces, and waterproofs on top. Our fleece lined waterproof all in one suits have been invaluable. The little ones then get put in their buggies with Buggysnuggle and a warm water bottle to cling to! Older ones wear wellies with liners. Hats and gloves are donned and off we go.

There is nothing like a bit of snow to help us get in to the Christmas spirit....Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Away for Christmas?

Its the one thing that people always ask when chatting at this time of year...are you away for Christmas? Travelling with kids can be a challenge, even if it is just a car journey to stay with grandparents. Do you have an item that you would never travel without??

I like to travel light, but as far as the children are concerned there are a few things that can make it easier.

•My Carry Potty - an ingenious design that means you have a loo with you for all those emergencies and due to its clever seal, you don't even need anywhere to empty it straight away, simply deal with it at your destination!

• wet wipes - I am a washable girl all the way BUT I have to say for longer trips when there may be restricted access to a washing machine I do use disposable wipes. Invaluable.

• Grobag - sleep is so important for everyone to be relaxed and enjoy Christmas. We found as long as they had their familiar Grobag, ours would settle anywhere. It provides a warm, familiar and soothing environment, just right for sleep.

• baby carrier - I am not a carrier purist, I think buggies have their place but when travelling and with a car stuffed full of pressies, a decent carrier is invaluable. It can also help your baby feel secure and in a familiar environment, even if they are clearly not!

If you have any essentials that you will not leave home without this Christmas we would like to hear about them!

Creature Comforts

Does your baby or child have a a favourite comforter or toy? Have you bought a spare because you can't face the consequences if it is lost?

We had a lovely email from one of our customers this week with a photo of her grandaughter's birthday cake attached. Her mum had made her a fantastic birthday cake shaped just like her favourite toy, her Kathe Kruse giraffe. They have bought several from us as it is an absolute must!

Kathe Kruse make a great range of toys and dolls in Germany, many of which are still made or finished by hand. "The hand follows the heart" was the motto of the founder Kathe Kruse and the company still follows that philosophy today. If you would like a toy your child can really love, you should take a look at Kathe Kruse.

Advent

I am writing this in between Advent assembly at school and popping into town to find items to fill the advent calendars. December does this to me every year. I refuse to think about Christmas too early because I like it to be confined to December, it makes it more exciting as far as I am concerned. However, every year I get caught out with filling the advent calendars. We have 3 children and they each have a fabric advent calendar with 25 pockets....that makes 75 little pressies that need to be thought of (the hard part) and then bought/made and wrapped. All this while the usual Christmas chaos and excitement ensues. Christmas plays, Christmas baking, Christmas concerts, Carol services, social gatherings, writing cards, baking, shopping, wrapping, Christmas decs, Christmas Tree....the list goes on, the excitement builds!

Luckily for me, I discovered that Dorchester Chocolates make the most beautiful Christmas Chocolate 'slims' which are gorgeously wrapped and fit beautifully into the pockets on the advent calendars, so that cuts my work in half as they have these on alternate days. I usually fill the rest with stickers, pencils, hair slides etc. It is a lovely part of the countdown to Christmas that we all enjoy!

Baby's First Christmas Part Two!

So if it is your baby's first Christmas and they are approaching 6 months what would the ideal gift be?

The second 6 months of your baby's life are a period of rapid growth. During this time they will almost certainly begin moving around the room independently and may even be walking. Hand eye co-ordination improves as does dexterity so holding toys becomes easier and bashing them together becomes a favourite pastime! During this period your baby will also begin babbling and will enjoy 'talking' to you.

Ideal toys for this stage include:

• stacking toys - enjoy piling them up and watch them fall, then do it all again!

• moving toys - now your baby can move he will enjoy chasing toys!

• push along brick trucks/trolleys to help support them while they learn to walk

• soft toys for cuddling and comfort

• it is never to early to read to your baby. Keep stories simple and repetitive.

Look for toys that have development potential so that they will retain your child's interest as they grow, that way you get better value for money. For example, a shape sorter can be used for grabbing, passing, feeling initially, then used to problem solve (why won't the cube fit in the round hole?) then used to develop counting, colour and shape recognition.

Above all, don't buy too many toys, keep it simple. A few wisely chosen good quality toys will last years and take up far less space. Sometimes, to much choice can be overwhelming and put them off.

Enjoy your baby' first Christmas!

Baby's First Christmas

Your baby's first Christmas is such an exciting time. We are always talking to families who say that Christmas is somehow more 'special' with children around. I guess we re-live all the excitement of our own childhood through our children. Of course your baby is probably not going to notice if they do not receive any gifts on their first Christmas Day, however, in our experience there are not many parents (or Grandparents!) out there who can resist.

So what toys are right for your baby's developmental age and stage? I found this great article on The Baby Centre website which explains bit about how they develop and what they will benefit from over the first 6 months.

In a nutshell:

• your baby's first 6 months is a period of very rapid development

• most babies have good hearing from birth

• a newborn baby has fuzzy vision and can only see objects up to 20-30 cm away

• new babies have a strong grasp but will only start to use this from around 3 months

• from around 5 months, everything goes in the mouth. Babies use the high concentration of nerve endings in their tongue to explore objects.

• from around 6 months your baby will begin to sit up and this opens up a whole new world of play!

First toys for babies seem to fall into 2 categories. Comforting or stimulating. The comforting toys are the ones they use to calm and soothe themselves when tired or anxious. If you sleep with a comforter for a few nights before giving it to your baby they will smell you on it and are more likely to feel soothed by it. Anything with a bit of fabric, maybe some knots for chewing/sucking on as they get older and possibly a silky ribbon or tag for rubbing.

The stimulating toys are the ones they want to play with when they are awake and content. Look out for sounds (they will hear before they see clearly) high contrast patterns and colours (black and white for very young babies and bright colours a bit later). Dangling toys that will give movement will encourage your baby to watch and eventually reach and grasp. Anything with a variety of textures will stimulate the senses, soft, scrunchy rough, smooth etc.

Of course, toys do not have to be of the bought and packaged variety. There are many things your baby will love to play with that were not specifically designed for the purpose. Natural wood can be fascinating and has a smell and texture that baby's will find fascinating. Stimulating sounds can be made using rice or beans sealed in a container or scrunchy empty packets. However, please keep safety in mind. Check for loose parts, anything that could get wrapped around necks or limbs (ties, ribbons, elastic) and check paint content.

Above all, enjoy playing with your baby!

Children in Need

Today the BBC are holding their annual Children in Need appeal. It is a reminder to me how lucky I am, and how lucky my children are. It makes me feel humble and grateful in equal measures for everything in my life. It is a great cause, raising money to help children who may not be so lucky. The one thing most of our friends, colleagues and customers at heybaby* have in common is children.

I know times are tough for lots of people at the moment but take some time to count your blessings and if you can go without one small luxury this week, give the money to Children in Need instead. I know its a cliche but if we all do a little bit....

How many buggies?!

Are you in the market for a buggy or pushchair? Are you a first time parent or are you looking for a subsequent child? Or, just because you fancy a change?!

It astounds me how many expectant parents come to the shop looking at buggies and during the conversation it emerges they are expecting their 3rd child and buying their 5th buggy! I guess none of us know what the future holds as we shop for our first and we could be forgiven for making a bad choice once, but a string of them? Really?

Part of the problem is that mums with bumps do find it hard to see beyond the first 6 months. I can't say I blame them. A newborn baby is so precious and vulnerable and it's needs are very different to a (no less precious) 2 year old's. Yet we want a buggy that will do both with comfort and ease, and preferably 3 times over.

So what were your priorities when you bought your first buggy? With hindsight, did you make a good choice? And, be honest, how many buggies have you bought so far?! We'd love to know...

Lunchboxes

A friend of mine posted on Facebook recently that she wanted to put making the kids' lunchboxes into Room 101! I chuckled, firstly because I had forgotten about Room 101 and how much we used to enjoy watching it, and secondly because lunchbox making in our house is not a favourite part of the day.

I get really stuck with what to put in them, knowing if I try anything too adventurous it may come back uneaten (and they will be hungry) but if I keep giving them the same things, eventually they get bored and refuse to eat it anymore.

Combine this with our drive to reduce our reliance on plastic and packaging and 3 lunchboxes = hard work! We have, after some trial and error, got the packaging sorted. We bought some fabulous LunchBots lunch boxes, some of which have inbuilt dividers meaning that often no wrapping at all is required. If some wrap is needed, we use either greaseproof paper or a small paper bag. This has been successful and we no longer use cling film at all. My next step is to invest in washable sandwich wrap and food bags. The LunchBots then go in an insulated Zoo Lunchie (for the younger ones) or straight in a ruck sack (too cool for a lunch bag at 12!) The kids all have a Klean Kanteen for their water, so no waste there either.

Our main problem is the 'sandwich' part of the lunchbox. We have tried them all...wraps, muffins, bagels, crackers but our eldest has started taking one bite and leaving the remainder, then eating the fruit, yogurt and chocolate biscuit. After several warnings he is now on a 'sandwich and fruit only' lunch regime until he starts eating the sandwiches again.

Lunchbox ideas we have tried with success include:

• pasta, they all like this but get bored if they have it too often and it wipes out pasta as an option for dinner!

• soup, well received in Winter but not too often or they start to moan

• mini quiches, love them occasionally, lots of work, not a quick fix!

• veggies and dips/hoummus, well received but not that filling

If anyone has any good ideas not mentioned above please let me know, my husband (who nearly always makes the lunch boxes) will be most grateful!!

Inline or side-by-side?

I had an in depth discussion with a customer on the phone today. She was looking for a new buggy for her two children aged 8 months and 2 and a half years.

She phoned initially to discuss the pros and cons of the Mountain Buggy +one and the Phil&Teds Explorer. We talked over the configurations, the foot room, the view (for the kids and the 'driver') and the single buggy that is left when the eldest child no longer requires it's services.

The caller then informed me that really she would prefer a side-by-side double, (she was worried her toddler would pull it's younger sibling's hair!) but as she lives in London and has trouble getting through some doorways with her Bugaboo Cameleon, this was not an option. I introduced her to the Mountain Buggy Duet, we did a few width comparisons, and she was amazed!

The upshot was that she called me back 5 mins later and ordered a Duet. It is on its way to her and I am looking forward to hearing her experiences of using it in London.

We would love to know if you have experience of using a double buggy, whether you opted for an inline or side-by-side version and whether you were happy with your choice? It is always good to get as much feedback as possible so that we can use this to inform our customers when we are asked. Much appreciated!

Get out of town!

I am often asked if I would consider moving the shop (currently run from Poundbury, a development about a mile out of town) into the town centre. The truth is that when I started looking for a premises, 10 years ago, I started my search in the town centre. After months of looking and not being able to find the right place, I was persuaded to look in the relatively new development of Poundbury.

I was almost immediately convinced that this was a better option for my business. Being a baby shop, access and level floors were really important. In town this is hard to find as a lot of the retail spaces are in very old buildings. I also needed to consider the lease, and being a new business I was nervous about committing to a long term. My landlords were flexible on this and made it relatively easy for me to get up and running.

We have been in our current location for 10 years now and we are very happy with it. There is free parking right outside, the roads are not too busy so families do not need to worry about crossing roads etc. There are a choice of nice cafes, several play areas and lots of community events (including a Friday morning toddler group) run from the Brownsword Hall right opposite.

Best of all, we are in good company! There are now a multitude of businesses running from Poundbury, ranging from an award winning florist, several gift shops, a couple of ladies clothes shops and a great garden centre to a chocolate factory (yes a real one!) and the mighty Dorset Cereals. We will soon have our own Little Waitrose too....handy for milk on the way home!

If you fancy doing your Christmas shopping somewhere a little more relaxed, take a trip to Poundbury, grab yourself a Poundbury Business Map and spend a day exploring.

Stocking fillers that won't cost the earth

I have to admit that my attention has started to turn towards Christmas, mainly because there is so much to think about!

Our kids love their stockings but it is a challenge every year to think of exciting things to fill them with. It is so easy to go to the nearest toy shop (or even supermarket) and fill them with short attention span, plastic trinkets that may get played with for a minute and then litter bedroom floors until they are put in the bin.

I am trying hard to avoid the easy option. It is not that I am a killjoy, I want my kids to have as much fun and pleasure when they empty their stockings as all their friends. I just can't justify spending money on plastic 'rubbish' that soon literally becomes rubbish.

I will be sticking with a few wooden toys that can be passed on and re-used when we have had our fun. They will, of course, get some edible treats and the usual shower/bath stuff. It is also a good time to stock up on things that they will need throughout the year but will have fun opening!

I have had a few other ideas that should give us all some pleasure:

• small packets of seeds either flowers or edible plants

• bubble mixture

• play doh (bought or home made)

• crayons, pencils, erasers, glue, glitter, paper...anything creative!

• face paints

• 'sprinkles' for decorating biscuits/cakes when baking, cup cake cases

• small books

If you have older kids, some of the above might not be appropriate. But how about:

• voucher for cinema or a 'movie' night at home (invite friend, make popcorn!)

• hair bands/clips

• first screwdriver, spirit level, hammer, nails, sandpaper to start a tool box

• coloured pencils, sketch book

• yarn, knitting needles, basic pattern

• first sewing kit

Let us know if you have any ideas to add, we could always do with more!

Fair fairies!

Hands up who as a little girl who loves to dress up?

Our daughter requests a party dress on a daily basis, the pinker and prettier the better. When I saw that the clever people at Piccalilly were producing a range of fairy dresses and tutus I was really pleased (I have not shown my daughter yet!) Not only are they gorgeous, they are ethically made on a Fair Trade project in Bali.

So now you can really enjoy your little flower fairy, with a clear conscience!

Happy customer!

I met a lovely family in the shop this week. A mum came in with her 2 children aged 17 months and 8 weeks. She called in for a demo of the Kari Me baby carrier as she thought it would be useful to have some hands free time to spend with her eldest.

I showed her how to do the basic front knot carry using our weighted demo doll, then I had a lovely cuddle with her little one while she practised with the doll. Once she was confident, she was able to try the Kari Me with her own baby. In between, I had fun playing with the 17 month old, reading stories and building towers.

She bought the Kari Me and I really felt like I had helped her. It reminded me why I love working in the shop so much!

Christmas is coming (like it or not!!)

At heybaby* we are having our usual debate about when we should put up the decorations in the shop.

I usually insist on waiting until 1st December because I believe that Christmas should be confined to the festive season and if they go up too early it kind of detracts from the magic. I also don't believe that Christmas should be led or dominated by the retail sector, but appreciate that buying and giving gifts is a big part of the celebrations for most families.

However, there is no denying that our customers thoughts have turned to Christmas, and I wonder whether they would actually like to see the decorations up and the lights twinkling to help them feel festive?

We would love to hear your thoughts on this subject...get in touch!

Halloween fun

Excitement is building in our house as we get close to Halloween. I don't remember it being a big deal when we were children, we used to do a bit of apple bobbing and maybe dress up for a social event but that was about it.

The big thing in our house is the pumpkin carving. We have gone from one pumpkin for the family, to one for each of the children (making 3) and this year my husband came home with one for me....?! The kids get their increasingly elaborate designs down on paper and then when they are happy, daddy, rather too readily in my opinion, carves the design into their pumpkins (couldn't possibly let the kids have a sharp knife etc etc) I think the 4th pumpkin was for him really!

Four pumpkins to be hollowed out is going to leave us with a lot of pumpkin flesh which I can't bear to throw out. I am going to try using our favourite carrot cake recipe and substitute the carrots with pumpkin. I will let you know how it goes!

If anyone has any good tips for using up spare pumpkin flesh we would love to know....

We have just returned home from the school run, and everybody is talking about how cold it is! It does seem unbelievable that 5 days ago I was in the sea (yes in England!) and this morning I layered up with woolly hat, fleece, down gilet and gloves to take the kids to school!

When we get sudden temperature drops like this it is important to look after delicate skin. Little faces cannot be covered completely, which is why we love Naturally Cool Kids Cheeky Chops Lip and Cheek Protector. Made from all natural ingredients, it is a multi purpose, easy to apply stick that (as the name suggests) will help prevent little cheeks and lips from becoming chapped in the cold. It is also great to help little noses from getting sore when they are constantly being wiped.

Keep one in your handbag and use it for all the family!

Shopping...

I have just arrived home to our weekly veg box from Riverford. After 10+ years of ordering our vegetables from Riverford, I still open the box with eager anticipation every week! It is always packed full of lovely (relatively) locally grown goodies. By association, I then enjoy cooking the contents for my family far more than I do when I buy vegetables from the supermarket, knowing they have the optimum vitamin and nutrient content. Sad as it may seem to some people, I feel good about it!

I get the same feeling when I buy something we need from a local shop. I know I am a bit biased about this (being a local shop owner) but if I need to buy something, I like to go and chat to a person who can offer advice. I like to touch and feel what I am buying, I like to know exactly what I am buying without any guess work being involved. Most importantly, I like to know that if I have a problem, I can go back to the same place and get help with whatever the problem is. I don't mind paying a little more (not loads more!) for this service, I see it as a kind of insurance.

When I have made my purchase I like to walk away knowing I have made a small contribution to keeping that business going, because I do not want our town to become a bland void with no sense of community.

I know times are tough for lots of people (count us in!) but I don't believe that buying goods as cheaply as you can is the answer. Instead, I would encourage families to think about what they are buying and whether they really need it. Buy less but pay a fair price for it. That way, the growth might be slow but it will be sustainable and hopefully leave a solid economy for our children.

Birth Essentials

We often get expectant mums coming to the shop with a list of essential items they need for the birth and early days of their new baby. Generally they are extracted from magazines, hospital booklets or books with a few 'pearls of wisdom' from granny.

Having spoken to many of these mums I have concluded that the list of 'essentials' is as personal as the birth plan. Every family has different needs and expectations. It fascinates what one mum sees as essential, another may not have even considered.

Having had 3 babies, my list would consist of:

•water

•hypnobirthing track on my ipod

•tens machine

•clean, comfy clothes for me

•washable nappies

•car seat

•a few babygros/vests

•comfy feeding bra

•arnica

•nursing pillow

•baby carrier

•Cheeky Wipes

I think that covers it... but this list is vastly different to the one I would have written prior to having my first baby!

What would your essential birth/early days items be and why??

Essential toys....

We have had a lovely weekend with some friends who came to stay with their 18 month old daughter. We had a beautiful walk along the beach and a day out at Farmer Palmers. On both occasions there were lots of families out doing similar things...enjoying the weather and enjoying the kids.

I spotted several Like a Bikes, plenty of scooters, a few Baby Whoozits and the odd Sophie the Giraffe. It got me thinking about what we have bought over the years for our kids and what we would recommend to others. What would you put in your best 3 toys for the under 5s list?! We would love to know......

New Mountain Buggies - Part Two!

Very soon we will have the fabulous new Mountain Buggy Duet on our shop floor. We are looking forward to it's arrival - mainly because it has to be seen to be believed! It is all very well looking at the measurements and statistics, but if you are anything like me, you have to see it to really get it. How can a buggy that measures 63cm wide have room for 2 full size toddlers??

It is all in the design, of course, (those clever people at Mountain Buggy have really outdone themselves this time) but I have to admit that I have seen this buggy, I have pushed it (great handling by the way!) I have folded it (easy peasy) and I have played with all the features....and I still cannot work out how they have done it.

If you are looking for a side by side double buggy, if you have a second child on the way ,if you are expecting twins or if you just fancy checking it out, give us a call on 01305 259929 or email us on enquiries@heybabyshop.co.uk and we will let you know as soon as our Mountain Buggy Duet arrives so you can come and have a test drive!

New Mountain Buggies - Part One!

If you know me, you will know that I am a dedicated Mountain Buggy fan. I have a faithful Mountain Buggy that has done two and a half kids at the last count, and still has plenty of life left in it!

When Janet and I attended a Mountain Buggy University (aka training day) back in July we were really excited to be getting a glimpse of the new models before they went to production.

Mountain Buggy have stuck by their core strengths of maneouvrability, adaptibility, durability and simplicity when designing the +One, and have managed to put all these assets into an inline buggy that will comfortably accommodate two children.

The stats?! It weighs in at 13.5kg and is 63cm wide. Quite impressive for a buggy that is strong enough to accommodate two children up to 20kg.

The +One comes as a complete buggy, that is, for one price you get everything you need to use the +One as a single buggy and adapt to a double. The +One has all the same great features as the Urban Jungle but with a few tweaks, has the capability to become a double.

It features rear wheel suspension, swivel/lock front wheel, adjustable handlebar, full recline on the main seat, foot operated brake and a lightweight aluminium frame. As with all Mountain Buggies, the +One comes with a 1 year first purchaser warranty.

Having had a go with the +One I can confidently say it has all the handling of any other Mountain Buggy. The advantage it has over other inline buggies (apart from being a Mountain Buggy of course!) is that the second child sits higher so can see over the child in front - a real plus!

We will have a +One on the shop floor really soon so if you fancy having a go, come and see us. They are now available to pre-order, just visit our website, give us a call on 01305 259929 or pop in to the shop.

More on the new Mountain Buggy Duet (super narrow side-by-side double) tomorrow!

Carry me!

My daughter and I had a lovely day out with her pre-school last week. To be honest, when she bought the letter home I thought it was a bit optimistic. A day on the beach at the end of September?! However, as you will have noticed, Summer was not ready to say goodbye and it turned out to be a great decision. We had a day on a beautiful sandy beach and they were all able to go in the sea.

We caught the train to get to the beach (the most exciting bit of the day for some of them!) and I had the dilemma of whether or not to take our trusty Mountain Buggy. I knew that she would not need it for most of the day but also knew that the walk home might be unbearable without it! I decided in the end that if I threw in my ERGObaby carrier it would avoid buggy/train issues and would mean she could opt to walk and get a carry when necessary.

I was really glad I had taken it but what was noticeable was the reaction of the other mums. A lot of them had clearly never even considered that a carrier could be useful with a 3 year old, whereas it is still an essential piece of kit in our house! There were numerous comments about how easy it was to use and we avoided the problem of crossing the bridge with 100 steps at the train station....result!

A piece of advice....when looking a baby carriers, think about the long term. Are you just looking for something to pop a newborn in around the house to give you a bit of hands-free time or are you likely to use it beyond those early stages when out and about? Do you plan to have more than one child? Because if you have an active toddler, having a baby in a carrier is far easier than trying to manage the 'baby in a buggy and toddler on the run' scenario. For me a decent carrier would be top of my 'essential baby kit' list.

National Grandparent's Day

Becoming a parent is one of the big milestones in life. Everyone who has kids agrees, it is a life changing moment. What about when those kids have their own kids?! My mum says she enjoys her Grandchildren more than she enjoyed us as children, simply because with the Grandchildren she can relax and enjoy, without worrying about the mechanics/logistics (most of the time anyway!)

I, like mums everywhere, talk about my parents and my in-laws with my friends. I often chat to customers in the shop about their parents reaction to becoming a Grandparent and conversely, with Grandparents about their new grandchildren and the change in the family dynamic. Of course, it is not always a smooth transition and we all have our moans periodically but generally speaking, we are all grateful for the time with each other.

I watch my kids with their Grandparents and enjoy seeing their relationship develop. I think the feeling is mutual. My kids love their grandparents unconditionally. They know time with them is special time. They know the rules are different when they are with them. They have special things that they do together that are unique to them.

National Grandparent's Day is a great opportunity for us to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have both sets of Grandparents close by. How lucky our kids are to have regular time with them, to really get to know each other. We know lots of people are not so lucky.

This Sunday 2nd October is UK National Grandparent's Day. If you get to spend time with Grandparents this weekend, think yourselves lucky and take a moment to give them an extra hug. If you are not so lucky and can't see the Grandparents this weekend, for whatever reason, perhaps take a moment to talk to your kids about their Grandparents. Talk about time you have spent together, talk about happy memories.

Hooray for Grandparents!

Playing house!

We spent the afternoon sheltering from the rain at home yesterday. The children came and went, along with various friends. At one point our middle one (aged 8) was at home with two of his friends. His younger sister and older brother were both busy elsewhere.

Watching them play, it reminded me how important it is to provide a variety of play opportunities for children of all ages. Outwardly, they seem to grow up so quickly, and yet I frequently hear parents commenting to each other, 'he still likes a cuddle at bedtime' or 'she still plays with her dolls you know'. The three boys at our house yesterday, independently instigated a game of 'shops' which grew into role playing different members of a family, one of whom had their birthday. By the end of it we were all involved because they insisted on us all coming to the 'birthday party' - the cake was delicious!

I know that if I had suggested they play like this, I would have been met with fierce resistance, but given an afternoon of wet weather and some good company, they had a great time, fully engrossed in their make believe family.

I guess it just made me realise that at 8 and 9 years old, they still love to really 'play'. Give them a variety of ingredients and let their imaginations loose....I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I have just had the promised call from my daughter's pre-school (second day, I think it is worse than the 1st?!) to reassure me that she does want to stay for lunch because she is so excited about her new Skip Hop lunchies lunch bag!

I have been working hard on reducing our reliance on plastic so the fact that the Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies are BPA and phthalate free is a bonus for us.

The photo shows how pleased she is with it and I have to say, I am almost as excited! The Skip Hop Zoo lunchies and Zoo packs are just adorable and they really appeal to kids. If it makes her happy at lunchtime, I am all for it!

As I looked out of the window waiting for my eldest to get home from football last evening it struck me how, all of a sudden, the evenings are drawing in. It seems to be dark so early. This coupled with the fact that I have had trouble keeping warm the past couple of evenings, can only mean that Autumn is just around the corner.

I have to admit I am a real sun worshipper. I love the warmth of Summer, I love the beach and swimming, I love having the kids at home, the absence of school runs, not having to carry a coat everywhere and sandals are so much easier than socks and boots!

With young children we are constantly reminded of the passing of time. Every time we see someone we have not seen for a while the "Oh you've grown so big," and "Hasn't she shot up?" comments reinforce it.

So this year as they go back to school, I am trying not to wish their short childhoods away. I am trying not to mourn the loss of Summer because I don't want my children to feel negative half of the year. Let's face it, they often moan if its too hot, they don't seem to worry if they get wet in the rain, they love standing on a hill with the wind really blowing, they love kicking leaves and collecting conkers and the past couple of years they have seen more snow than they have ever seen before! I am not going to label the day as 'miserable' just because there is cloud in the sky. I am not going to let the weather stop us finding fun things to do outdoors and I am going to enjoy cuddling up by the fire.

Although I am a sun worshipper I can see that without Autumn and Winter, the Summer would not be half as appealing, so come on Autumn, do your worst!

Essential kit for making the most of the Autumn and Winter:

• sleep is essential all year round, but children can be confused by changes in sunset/sunrise times. Get them a GroClock so they know for sure when it is time to go to sleep and when to get up.

• don't let the weather force you to stay in when you want to be out! Get waterproofs and wellies and go splash in the puddles!

• make sure everyone is warm enough, especially at night. Get 2.5 tog Grobags and a GroEgg Room Thermometer to make sure your little ones are just the right temperature.

• BuggySnuggles are great for keeping them warm in the buggy and we found that they often do away with the constant on and off of a Winter coat.

• new Split Leg Babysnuggles from the makers of Buggysnuggles are great in car seats and baby carriers where the straps can get in the way of some all in ones.

Well, as I am sure you are all more than aware, the Summer hols are over for another year.

We have had a wonderful Summer and hope you have too.

As always in our house, September is a month of catch up. My husband and I both work from home as much as we can but over the holidays this obviously presents challenges!

Apologies for the scant input on the blog over the last 6 weeks but I intend to get back into the swing of it, with lots of new input over the next few weeks. I just hope all you working parents have enough spare time to read it occasionally!

Like a Bike Fun!

We have just returned from a Bank Holiday camping trip with some friends. We had a great weekend and the weather was, on the whole, good to us!

I was reminded (yet again) of why I love our Like a Bike so much. Our youngest and her friend were able to whizz around the campsite, keeping up with all the older kids and really get a taste of independence. Their Mountain Classics (each now being ridden by a fourth child) enabled them to join in to the full and not get left behind. Muddy fields, hills, gravel, puddles.... they took it all in their stride. Of course, in reality, we had an eye on them the whole time but for them it was a big adventure!

Teal Blue Bravado

During my first pregnancy, I spent a fortune buying new bras every couple of months as everything expanded! Every time I went shopping the choice became more and more utilitarian, and there was certainly no colour choice. White (quickly to become pale grey) was the standard and there was no deviation.

Discovering Bravado, after a recommendation from a friend, during my second pregnancy was a revelation. Comfort and colour/style choice...I can have both?!

The Bravado Bodysilk Seamless is our best selling bra. It is comfortable, versatile, pretty, easy to get a good fit and comes in a range of stunning colours. The name says it all really. It fits like a glove and because there are no seams, there is nothing to rub. The molded foam cups give a great silhouette so you can wear it with confidence under fitted tops, even with a breast pad but they are removable when you don't need them. The real revelation is that you don't need to keep buying new bras as you grow. Most women can get away with buying one or two sizes at most to cover their entire pregnancy and breast feeding period. Bravado are the experts at designing maternity underwear, they really know what they are doing and when you try their products it shows.

This season's new colour is a stunning Teal Blue. The seasonal colours are limited in availability, so grab one while you can!

All of our staff are trained to fit Bravado bras so if you are able to pop in and see us we can ensure you leave happy! However, the Bodysilk Seamless is particularly easy to buy online using the Bravado sizing guide. If you need any help just give us a call on 01305 259929. We are always happy to help!

Riverford Field Kitchen

We have just had a week camping in South Devon, hence the lack of activity here!

Despite the changeable weather we had a great time and have returned home with a car full of very wet camping stuff.

One of the highlights of our week was stopping off at Riverford Field Kitchen on our way home. We booked this ages ago as we have been meaning to take the kids to see where our veg boxes come from and for one reason or another have never made it (we have been having a weekly veg box delivery from them for over ten years...highly recommended!)

On arrival at Wash Farm you are directed to visitor parking which is a short walk away from The Field Kitchen. The setting is on a working part of the farm, don't wear your best high heels! The Field Kitchen itself is a modern building and as we entered we immediately felt at ease, despite our distinctly ragged appearance (we had just packed up our tent in the rain!) We were shown to our table which we shared with another family as all tables seat around 10 people. The Field Kitchen was buzzing - lunch was nearly ready and the place was fully booked.

The service was great. We were served with drinks (delicious Heron Valley Pear and Apple Juice), followed by hot plates being delivered and then lunch arrived. There is no choice. A set menu is offered and changed on a daily basis but there is a good variety of food offered. We had all three kids with us (aged 12, 8 and 3) and they ate well. Our lunch consisted of 6 dishes all delivered on platters or in serving dishes to be shared amongst everyone on the table and there was plenty to go around.

After the main course we were invited up to the kitchen to choose desert. This too offered plenty of choice and all looked delicious (frustrating as only one visit to the desert service is allowed!)

We followed dinner with coffee (not included but equally good!) and enjoyed a quick walk around part of the farm before getting back in the car. The walk would have been much longer but we wanted to get out of the rain, having already packed up the tent in the wet!

As I said earlier, we have been meaning to visit The Field Kitchen ever since it opened and we were not disappointed. It is more than just lunch, especially for our kids who have been eating veg from the farm since they were born. We would definitely go back....hopefully fairly soon!

Take a look at the Riverford website for details on The Field Kitchen and their veg box delivery service. When they say prior booking is essential, they really mean it, please book before you go or you will not get lunch!

Day four and we are on the move! The Stokke Xplory has really shaken up the buggy market since its launch. I think it is fair to say you either love it, or hate it. And guess what? We love it!

Yet again Stokke have approached the design of this fantastic product from a different angle. Suitable from birth, but will easily accommodate a 3 year old, your child can be close to you when necessary and explore the world when they want to. The seating position in the Xplory is the best we have come across. You can use it as a high chair whilst out and about, you can even use it on 2 wheels over rough terrain. We took the Xplory to the Natural History Museum and it was great as our 2 year old could sit up high, facing out and see everything we could see. It saved us lifting him out of the buggy every time he wanted to look at something (and avoided the consequent struggles to get him back in!)

A full range of accessories are available to adapt between the seasons and keep your baby comfortable. It folds down to a fairly compact size.

It really is the only stroller you will ever need!

We Love Stokke!-Part 3

Next on our list is the Stokke Sleepi. What a great concept! Buy one gorgeous bed for your new baby and it will last until they are around 7 years of age, at which point they can use it as chairs or a day bed in their bedroom.

No moses basket to store, no cot to collapse, no junior bed to choose and best of all, no trauma and sleepless nights over moving from one stage to the next! Just a cosy, familiar space that your child can call their own for 7 years!

The Sleepi comes in 5 stunning colours and Stokke have also made a beautiful range of textiles to complement any room. The same 7 year extended guarantee applies if you register your Sleepi on the Stokke website.

Available as a package or as separate elements, you can choose what suits you and your family. Thank you Stokke.

We Love Stokke!-Part 2

So, day 2 on our Stokke week brings us on to the new Bounce 'n' Sleep.

This is the latest offering from Stokke and, as with all Stokke products, looks great!

The designers of the Bounce 'n' Sleep spent time observing real families in real homes to discover how we look after our babies and the obstacles we encounter, and this unique combination of adjustable bouncer and day bed, really does address a lot of the practical problems that arise when you try to look after a baby and do anything else at the same time!

If your baby is awake and playful you can sit the bouncer up, they can play safely whilst being able to see you, whatever you are doing. When your baby needs to sleep simply lie the bouncer flat and lift it into the day bed for a comfy, safe place to sleep.

We love the Bounce 'n' Sleep for various reasons, but the main one is that this product has functionality at its heart. It really will make it easier to have a baby around the house, without you having to compromise on the time you spend with them.

We Love Stokke!

Here at heybaby* we have been selling Stokke products for 10 years. We love them so much we have decided to have a Stokke week on our blog. Featuring a different each day, we will highlight some of the features and tell you why we love them soooooo much.

We are starting at the beginning with the classic Stokke Tripp Trapp. A best seller for us, there are not many parents who think this is a bad idea, and it really is very rare to come across someone who has tried it and is able to contain their enthusiasm!

A chair for life...it really is! We have them on display for every age from birth through to adult. It sometimes takes a while for customers to realise it is the same chair at all stages, but the concept is faultless. Buy one chair when your child is born and they can use it (and take it with them when they leave home???) for life.

We all have them in our house. All 3 of our kids have them, each adjusted to fit, so that everybody can relax and sit comfortably at dinner time. Our eldest also has one at his desk so that he is comfortable while doing his homework (no excuses!) When we are not sat on them they tuck neatly away under the dining table. They are easy to clean, and they look great (available in a multitude of colours and wood finishes, with co-ordinating machine washable cushions).

Stokke are so confident about the quality of their product that they offer a free 7 year extended warranty if you register your purchase on their website.

I would play fair and write about the downsides but I can't think of any!

Happy Birthday Sophie

Phew! There was a heat wave in Dorset today, it was even warm in the shop and that rarely happens.

Our product of the day was......drumroll please......Sophie the Giraffe. She was in high demand, mainly being bought as a present for new babies, but also by mums who had seen her in action with friends' babies.

Sophie is 50 years old this year! Born in France in 1961, Sophie quickly became a “must have” in baby’s essentials. Designed to stimulate the senses and soothe teething gums, mothers recognise right away the benefits of this little giraffe for their child.

Sophie the Giraffe has wowed over 20 million babies (and parents!) with her natural beauty and charm. These days in France 9 out of 10 newborn babies are given their own Sophie La Girafe.

Most importantly her flexible, renewable, natural rubber materials and non-toxic paint mean Sophie the Giraffe is a safe and all-natural teething toy for your little one.

Vulli, a company based in Rumilly in the Haute-Savoie region of France has continued to keep the jealously-guarded secret of how this wonder toy is made. In today’s fast paced world it is unusual to see a high production toy still "tradionally produced" and made by hand: Sophie requires more than 14 manual manufacturing steps.

From your baby's perspective, Sophie offers so much, stimulating all their senses.

SIGHT : At the age of 3 months, a baby's eyesight is still limited and he can only make our high contrasts. The dark and contrasting attention-catching spots all over Sophie the Giraffes body provide visual stimulation and she soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object for baby.

HEARING : Her squeaker keeps baby amused, stimulates his hearing and then later, helps him to understand the link between cause and effect.

TASTE : Sophie the Giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint, and is completely safe to chew, just like a feeding bottle teat. Her soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs) make her perfect for soothing baby's sore gums when teething.

TOUCH : Touch is the first means baby has of communicating with the outside world. Sophie the Giraffe's soft feel is just like mummy's skin, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses that soothe baby.

SMELL : The singular scent of natural rubber (from the Hevea tree) makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify amid all his other toys.

EASY TO GRIP : Sophie the Giraffe's shape and 18cm size are perfect for baby's small hands. She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip, even from his earliest days.

All this aside, the fact remains that Sophie is loved by babies everywhere. Put a few babies on a picnic rug with Sophie and I can guarantee they will gravitate towards her!

Party on!

I don't know about you, but I always feel really guilty when I throw out yet another handful of plastic toys from the latest party bags. I am not sure how I feel about party bags. I can see how they have evolved, and the idea/sentiment behind them is lovely. However, I really do not see the point in handing out bags full of plastic and sugar.

Over the years I have come up with some fairly creative ideas as alternatives to party bags. Plant pots and seeds, lucky dip, drinks bottles....and now the boys are older I simply give a piece of cake and thank the guests for coming (controversial)!

We are having a party on Sunday for our youngest and I have put together some really cute party bags for the occasion. I have used our recycled paper bags which we will decorate for each child. Inside there will be a small wooden toy, a piece of birthday cake, some bubbles and a balloon. All things that will hopefully get used and provoke a few giggles in the process.

That's Not Fair!

I have just been looking at school uniform for when the boys go back to school in September. I was amazed at just how cheap some school uniform is these days. It made me think how on earth the suppliers of cheap school uniform can make it for the prices they are offering. I found packs of 3 shirts for £3.00, 3 polo shirts for £2.75 and trousers from £3.00 a pair.

As a mum of three I am keen to save money where I can but on the other hand, I don't want to send my kids off to school in uniform made by kids who will never have the opportunity to go to school.

I felt much happier when, after some searching, I found school uniform with the Fairtrade mark.

Having looked at the Fairtrade foundation and what it does, I would urge you to do the same (go on, take some time to read all about the greatthings they do) and wherever possible, buy Fairtrade.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. It gives people a fair chance to sell their products at a fair price. For a small percentage on the price of many everyday products, you can help provide safe, sustainable employment for people in developing countries. What a great lesson to teach your kids before they even go back to school in September!

School's out!

We are on the cusp of the Summer holidays. Do you remember that feeling as a child? 6 weeks off school seemed like such a long time. Some of my happiest memories are of just playing with the neighbours: hide 'n' seek, racing on our bikes, days on the beach.

Now, as a mum, I still feel the same excitement at the thought of six weeks without having to do the school run. We are hoping for some sun. It makes everything so much easier (and cheaper!)

I don't mind the odd wet day. We all have waterproofs and I am not one to stay in all day, whatever the weather. I can build dens, make cakes, make junk models, play board games, do play-doh, painting....heck, I can even get the kids involved in a bit of cleaning/tidying if necessary. BUT I can't do this every day of the holidays without the cracks starting to show.

Do you have any great ideas of things to do with the kids if we get another wet August? If so, please share them here, the lower the cost, the better!

Fingers crossed for some sun....