Sep 23 2014

Peanut Leggies Swaddle Review

Posted on September 23, 2014 by admin

Comfort and Harmony Logo

Swaddle blankets and suits are big business. Funnily enough they also feature on lots of “Most Pointless Baby Product” lists too. Yet here are so many benefits to swaddling baby, from helping her to settle at night, to ensuring she stays on her back whilst she sleeps. As your baby is encased in the fabric, you also know they’ll be warm enough in their cot - there’s definitely no kicking these bad boys off!

Although Heidi is a fairly good sleeper, we do watch her toss and turn in her cot on the baby monitor. She’s a real fidget and there’s simply no guessing which position she’ll be in come the morning. I worry constantly that she’ll become tangled in her blanket but there’s simply no stopping her. This despite having tried a number of highly recommended swaddle suits. Each time, we last a week with them before the drawer monster swallows them. Heidi isn’t keen on them as a whole as she loves chewing on her fingers and grabbing her feet.

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Hearing all about Heidi’s bedtime athletics, US Brand Comfort and Harmony recently sent me a Peanut Leggies Swaddle to try. They felt their swaddle suit offered something a little different that just might placate my bucking baby. So I thought I’d take one last shot and readily accepted the offer - with the nights getting cooler I’m anxious we find something to keep her snug and warm.

So what makes this different?

It’s a funny looking thing. It’s a regular swaddle on top with separate legs on the bottom, so baby gets the usual benefits but can sit safely in their bouncer or kick their little legs to their hearts content. When securely in the swaddle, your baby should be bound in a peanut shape (hence the name) which gently hugs shoulders and hips. It’s also made from breathable and flexible Bebeflex fabric that allows baby to move naturally inside the swaddle.

Like most swaddles nowadays, The Peanut Leggies also features a zip to stop baby extricating herself. The Top-Down, Bottom-Up Zipper (again a common feature) also makes it easy to undertake a nappy change whilst baby is swaddled up.

And how did we get on?

I’ve had this product now for 3 weeks and I’m really not sure what to make of it.

The Good Points

The sizing is really quite generous
The integrated feet are a neat and welcome feature
The fabric is great - tons of stretch for little wrigglers
Heidi will (and does) sleep soundly in it

Peanut Leggies

The Not So Good

In my experience babies mostly sleep (whether on their backs or tummies) with their arms in a upright position. The arms-down position is unnatural for Heidi and we have to wait until she begins to doze before strapping her in.

Heidi really does look like a straight-jacketed Elvis when she’s swaddled up. As she’s so fond of her tummy time, she’s still able to flip onto her tummy, but she struggles to lift her head without the use of her arms. This means she often face-plants her mattress, playmat or the floor. This makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I therefore would not recommend this product if your baby has a propensity to sleep on their front, or if they are indulging in tummy-time.

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The website states “Peanut Leggies is a leg-free swaddle (that) can be worn safely in 3-point harness bouncers”, yet I’d strongly advice against this. I wouldn’t ever place Heidi in a Jumperoo or doorway bouncer in one of these. In either of these toys, babies will need their hands for balance and exploration. Suggesting the Peanut Leggies is an option for playtime feels like a contradiction to me. Swaddles should be used to help babies settle and rest, not when they are awake and alert.

Finally, I’m not a huge fan of the zip. You secure it under babies chin with a popper that is supposed to stop the zip coming into contact with babies skin, but this still irritates Heidi. A hood over the zip would be a much better solution.

The Better Product

Although this review hasn’t been glowing, there’s no denying that Heidi appears comfortable in her swaddle. When researching the product, I spotted the Peanut Leggies sister product, The Peanut Convertible. This retains many of the features of the swaddle we were sent with optional armholes that can be opened easily. I’d be far more inclined to recommend this product.

The Peanut Swaddle

Unfortunately however, the Peanut Convertible does not have separate legs.

I think Comfort and Harmony have missed a real trick here. They’re definitely onto something with their products, but they just seem to fall short. My instincts tell me that any one of the products below would be fabulous for a baby from 0-3 months. For babies aged 3 months plus, a fusion of the convertible and leggies would be a really innovative and versatile product, and the only product needed.

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The Peanut Leggies Swaddle will be available to buy from Babies R Us later this month. To find out more, you can visit the website or connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.

Sep 22 2014

In The Buff Mineral Makeup: The Poolboy Blush

Posted on September 22, 2014 by admin

I’m a massive fan of mineral makeup. As a busy mum, I’m often hot and bothered. Mineral makeup doesn’t clog my pores or congeal when I sweat, & light pigments also allow me to make the best of what I have when I’m feeling exhausted; emphasising my best bits, and minimising the features that are beginning to show a bit of wear and tear. I never go overboard with my look, it’s all about making me look fresh and healthy (and help me mask the fact I’m often up until 3am with a teething Heidi!).

When In The Buff Makeup announced they were looking for reviewers, I couldn’t resist. As autumn is finally beginning to show itself, I’ll soon be packing up my bronzers and nude glosses, and wearing my pale skin with pride. I therefore need to restock my make-up bag with pinky peach blushes so I don’t look like a wally with a sunbed addiction when the rain hits.

First things first, who are they?

Founded by Becky Laroc in 2009, In The Buff Mineral Makeup specialises in 100% natural makeup, made from 100% minerals. Becky started the company as she wanted to find develop an eyeliner that won’t compromise false lashes. Once she’d achieved this, a passion for combining quality and purity saw her extend the range to include foundation, bronzer, blush and eyeshadows.

Our makeup is 100% pure mineral and our ethos is to enhance natural beauty rather than masking it! Creator & Owner Becky Laroc

Having only very recently launched, the range is ever-increasing. Visually it has real legs, and if this sample is anything to go by, I suspect you’re likely to see a lot more of me In The Buff.

So what’s my verdict?

I selected The Poolboy blush with I’d say is best suited to pale complexions. I have a vague tan but am naturally very fair - this looks great on me (if I do say so myself!). It’s a delicate pink very similar to another favourite of mine Dandelion by Benefit. This will see me through from autumn to winter in place of my usual bronzer. I’m a huge fan of the healthy just-gone-out-for-a-walk-in-the-morning-chill kind of look. This shade is just perfect for this.

It has tons of other uses too. Light reflecting pigments make it a perfect highlighter for photo-shoots, or secondary tone if you’re face-sculpting. It’s incredibly easy to blend too and feels really light and natural on the skin. It really is a versatile blush.

The Poolboy, and all other blushes cost £17 for a full size pot (30ml / 6g net). This is comparable to MAC (from £18) & Bare Minerals (£19). I’d happily pay this as I know it’ll last me a good 6-8 months.

On the subject of pricing, I’m also loving that In The Buff Makeup has sample sizes available to buy. Buying make-up online and choosing palettes and shades to suit your skin tone can be very hit and miss. Even the most high res product images can be misleading. Although I haven’t found this to be case with The Poolboy (my blush looks exactly the same as on the website - see above), but if you’re unsure you can order 0.3g samples of all blushes, bronzers and foundations from £2.

If you want to check out the entire range and all the delectable colours, head to inthebuffmakeup.co.uk. For offers, brand news and more inspiration you can also check out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Quick tip though - don’t Google it and mistakenly click on inthebuff.co.uk - that’s an altogether different kind of site!

Sep 22 2014

Salcura Bioskin Junior for Eczema and Sore Skin

Posted on September 22, 2014 by admin

Bioskin Junior

Craig and I are definitely guilty of being a little lazy sometimes. Heidi is such a good baby, and Dexter such a mischievous toddler, that we often take a few parenting shortcuts - we don’t think twice about it until it bites us on the bums.

Bibs and muslins have fallen into this category. Heidi holds her own bottle so I’m often casually passing it to her when I’m in the middle of dragging Dexter away from the plugs at the back of the telly, stopping him wee behind the sofa or rescuing my coffee from his clutches.

A few weeks back I spotted a few dry spots around Heidi’s neck and behind her ears. Although I’d never leave her purposefully in wet clothes, milk dribbles and teething drool are inevitable when you have a bibless baby who can’t get enough of tummy time. Even the tiniest spot of damp on her collar will chaff her delicate skin. It doesn’t appear to bother her, but the patches do look quite sore.

Heidi Eczema

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Salcura Bioskin Junior for eczema before they got in touch. A quick Google search however told me all I needed to know. This stuff has had such rave reviews, I simply had to take them up on their kind offer of a review. Although I’m lucky enough not to have children with problem skin, 1 in 5 children will experience debilitating eczema. If this product is as amazing as people say it is, it’s something that will transform the lives of so many parents.

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First up we have the Salcura Bioskin Outbreak Rescue Cream

It’s worth pointing out that this isn’t a pretty cream. It’s dermatologically designed to treat eczema, extreme skin dryness, cradle cap and nappy rash on delicate skin. It’s grey / yellow in colour and reminds me of the gruel that Oliver Twist once begged for. It’s also scentless (although it does contain a hint of lavender and rose extract) so a marked difference from our usual lotions and potions which leave Heidi smelling good enough to eat.

It’s a lotion rather than a cream to allow the skin to breathe. Despite the website insisting it’s non-greasy, I’d seriously question this. It won’t stain your towel and baby clothes however and it’s greasiness does make it a cinch to apply - You’ll just want to wash your hands afterwards! Once dry, it can feel quite sticky which was a shock.

Heidi

As there are no artificial skin-thinning ingredients, there’s no limit on usage. With cutting edge natural ingredients of 96% natural origin, it’s hailed as an incredibly effective alternative to steroids.

Salcura Bioskin Junior, is based on the principles of homeostasis - the self-healing capacity of the skin, which is dependent on the supply of nutrients…. Salcura Bioskin Junior rebuilds the skin’s natural membrane instead of artificially substituting it. Healthy skin growth is supported through cell nourishment.

There’s no denying the fact this stuff works. Heidi’s sore patches are visibly better after just a few days use. There are also countless testimonies from parents as to its efficiency. There was also a recent feature in the Daily Mail that has been shared all over social media detailing one family’s life-changing experience with the range. A number of bloggers have also high praise for the products > Check out Fifi Friendly’s glowing report here.

Personally, I’d recommend all parents keep a bottle of the Outbreak Rescue Cream in their bathroom cabinet. Although I wouldn’t substitute Heidi & Dexter’s usual organic cream with this one on a day to day basis, I wouldn’t hesitate to fall back on it when needed.

Secondly, the Salcura Bioskin Bathtime Shampoo

Oddly this is an entirely different proposition. It’s almost like this shampoo belongs to a different range altogether. It smells heavenly with lavender and chamomile and lathers up beautifully. You wouldn’t think this is designed to treat problem skin, it smells and feels like a real treat.

Unlike many other children’s shampoos, the scent lasts. Heidi suffers from a very minor case of cradle cap which is actually looking much improved, and Dexter’s hair is left feeling baby soft and easy to style. Even with a healthy layer of the Outbreak Rescue Cream on top, the shampoos natural fragrance will permeate through to leave your baby smelling lovely.

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Where to buy

The Salcura Bioskin Outbreak Rescue Cream & Salcura Bioskin Bathtime Shampoo costs £8.99ea for 200mls. As most of us will be using it only occasionally, this should last for 12 months. It’s very reasonably priced given they are groundbreaking products which will give your baby much relief from the symptoms of dry and itchy skin.

To buy or find out more about both products and explore the entire range head to salcuraskincare.com, or say hello on Facebook and Twitter where there are competitions, advice and offers by the bucket load.