Heidi is very dainty and has the most beautiful eyelashes. To us, she’s every inch the beautiful little girl, but owing to my penchant for dressing her in blue, she’ll often get mistaken for a boy. It doesn’t bother me at all, but I would really love for people to see her for what she is. Yes, she has her daddy’s big ears, has sported cradle cap since birth and wears her big brother’s hand-me-downs, but she’s our perfect little madam.

Headbands are a great way of making her look less androgynous, without us having to deck her out in dresses. They don’t have to be powder pink, purple or hugely girly, a dinky little flower does the trick.

I discovered Little Bean Babywear at my local BabyExpo in Berkshire a few weeks ago. The stall was set up with adorable pictures of babies (girls and boys might I add) wearing cleverly designed head wear, and I couldn’t resist popping over.

Who are Little Bean Babywear?

The brand was set up by a mum of two lovable and boisterous boys. Despite a plethora of cute and adorable baby head wear accessories for little girls, she struggled to find anything for her little boys to wear. Not only this, but baby headbands tended to be elasticated, one size fits all and well, boring.

She set about making handmade foam headbands to jazz up baby outfits for both sexes. Made using non-toxic E.V.A foam filling and cotton covers they’re not stretchy, rather they are entirely adjustable as they have velcro fastening at the back.

What do we think?

I really love the adjustable element as Heidi has what I lovingly refer to as alien-head (think as far removed from flat-head syndrome as you can get and you’re there). I joke this is because she’s secretly a baby genius and has a massive brain, but it’s (perhaps boringly) a simple case of genetics passed down from daddy’s side. This fits her much better than normal headbands and stays put during some fairly lively play.

The foam element is also different to anything I’ve seen on the market. Although not listed as such, it actually acts as a neat little bump protector for adventurous tots. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a safety device but if your baby has as many tumbles as mine, it has softened the fall somewhat. It also means your handband won’t lose its shape and has a longer lifespan than others.

Pricewise they weigh in at slightly over high street alternatives putting them more squarely in the gift market. Having said that, you are supporting a local business and helping a very nice mummy get her dream business off the ground. They can also be personalised on request which is something truly unique in the handband market.

Without motif (e.g. cars, trains) £6.99 exc p&p
With motif (e.g. flowers, strawberries, ambulance) £8.99 exc p&p
With accessories (e.g. satin flowers) £9.99 exc p&p

They’re hand washable and cannot be tumble dried. To maintain shape, you’ll also want to leave them to dry flat on a flat surface. Due to their EVA foam filling, this takes a matter of minutes.

Little Bean Babywear also sell a handful of children’s outfits which are sensitively priced and perfectly compliment the range of headbands. If you buy an outfit, a discount will be offered on the headbands.

Okay the website needs a little TLC and you’ll find it a little clunky and hard to navigate, but this is typical of a tiny business getting started. However, don’t be put off should you want to buy as I’m thoroughly impressed with Heidi’s “impy” little headband. I hope you’ll agree that she looks utterly scrummy.

Check them out on LittleBeanBabywear.co.uk or say hi on Facebook and Twitter!