Aug 21 2014

Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

Posted on August 21, 2014 by admin

We’re all familiar with Bepanthen as sore bum and nappy rash experts. Now they have an entirely different offering, a stretch mark cream for use both before and after pregnancy. Okay, I can’t comment on their preventative powers, but I can tell you if they’ve reduced the look of my stretch marks after 4 weeks use.

Bepanthen Stretch Marks

What is it?

Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream is developed with the latest scientific knowledge and the needs of mums-to-be in mind. Unlike other stretch mark creams, Bepanthen comprises a unique formula which works to strengthen and support the skin before the first signs of stretch marks appear - thus reducing the risk of occurrence.

Contains:

Extract of Centella Asiatica which encourages the production of collagen
Provitamin B5 and glycerine which are proven to nourish the skin to improve elasticity
Pure Olive Oil and skin lipids to moisturiser and act as a barrier to external influences
Hypoallergenic and free from colours and preservatives

The lowdown before the cream…

Two babies have taken their toll. Okay, the stretchmarks aren’t disastrous (and they certainly don’t make my Craig think twice) but they might signal the end of my bikini-clad days.

Stretch Marks

Initial thoughts…

Before trialling this, I’ve been a big fan of Bio-Oil. It does the job, sinks in easily and eases my conscience that I’m at least trying to cover up the road-map my babies have left. I wouldn’t go so far as to pretend it works, who knows if it prevents marks you haven’t got yet, and they’re all still very much there (if a little lighter).

I have to admit that the pursuit of a scar-free tummy doesn’t consume me. I think my Craig is sensible enough to realise that the odd scar I’m sporting is because I’ve given him the best gifts on earth, more so, it could be a damn sight worse! I would like to look like Kelly Brook, but life just gets in the way.

So I used it on the odd few marks that my babies have left; twice a day (as recommended) on my tummy, my breasts and my thighs.

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And?….

Oh dear. I soooo wanted to bring you a success story!

I’m not suggesting this cream has zero benefit.I actually like the smell (although have read online that some find it unpleasant), and it does offer fabulous hydration throughout the day. It has an almost silky texture and rubs in incredibly easily.

Within minutes it dries to a matt finish and leaves the skin feeling tighter and firmer. I haven’t had any new stretchmarks since using it which could indicate it’s doing its thing, or just that I’ve finally reached the pinnacle of physical fitness and have stopped growing (that’s a joke if ever there was one!).

I also really like the bottle design which features “bag in a bottle” technology. The action of pumping squeezes the bag inside the hard exterior case so you can access every last drop of cream. Well done Bepanthen - more companies should embrace this technology so we’re not so wasteful and get the most out of our purchases. I won’t bore you with all the lengths I’ve gone to to get the last bits of foundation out of my bottles.

Bottle

Usually £24.99, it’s now reduced to £16.66 at Boots. If we compare this to other well regarded stretch mark lotions and potions, you can see that stretch marks are big business and Bepanthen’s offering is competitively priced :

Bio Oil (200ml) RRP £19.99

Clarins Stretch Mark Control (200mls) RRP £37.00

Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter (125mls) RRP £23.50

Various Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Remedies RRP from £3.00 -£9.00

Weleda Pregnancy Oil (100mls) RRP £15.00

TEN Stretch Mark Prevention & Reduction Cream (200ml) RRP £35.00

In fairness I’d buy the product again if I were to go on and procreate some more, but for now I’ll be sticking to Bio-Oil in a fairly half-arsed attempt to fade out my current tiger stripes. That said, it’s certainly been well received by others and was recommended by a massive 96% of mums-to-be during a product trial on Netmums.

To find out more about the entire range of Bepanthen products, head on over to Bepanthen.co.uk.

Aug 21 2014

Gummee Glove Anti-scratch Teething Mittens Review

Posted on August 21, 2014 by admin

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Dexter didn’t take to scratch mitts. He’d bite them off within seconds and was never one for tearing his face to shreds. Heidi on the other hand is a complete nightmare. One night with her hands to herself and she’ll look like she’s been in a street fight with David McIntosh.

It might be because she’s teething early, but Heidi loves a good pair of mitts. So when I saw that Gummee Glove were looking for reviewers for their anti-scratch mittens designed for babies 0-3 months, I fell over myself to volunteer. Until now she’s been using John Lewis sleepsuits with integrated mittens, or her GuavaMitts (that I’d totally recommend by the way). Another pair would certainly be welcome. 006

Besides, these looked seriously good and have tons of positive reviews online. Dexter also had a Gummee Glove teether many moons ago that was fabulous as a soother when he was teething.

Completely machine washable, and available in 3 colours, the mittens feature raised silicone dots that massage your baby’s gums. They also have a velcro fastening at the wrist so they’re adjustable depending upon how dinky your little pint-sizer is.

Finally! Anti-scratch mittens that stay on, with the added benefit of a very soft, textured silicone coating to provide relief & stimulation for babies who like to chew Gummee Glove

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When they arrived, I quickly relieved her of her sodden Guavamitts and popped these on…

… And that precise moment was where the love affair ended.

I couldn’t comfortably get these mitts on Heidi. Your baby’s hands have to be completely flat to get them on which just isn’t feasible with a fisted Heidi. Even with the help of daddy, and finally unfurling her fingers, she went right ahead and bunched them up again inside the glove.

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This is a major flaw with these mittens. Although the adjustable wrist cuffs are entirely welcome (and work very well with Guavamitts) unfortunately the peep-hole is way too generous and little fingers do find their way back through. This means my little Houdini can find her way out of these mitts within minutes. The velcro cuff is also a little tight and could use a little extending.

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I don’t want to deter you from this product altogether. They’d have been perfect for Dexter as he wasn’t so much of a fidget. The feedback from my blogger friends is also really quite positive. I also can’t argue with the fact that Heidi’s hands would have stayed much dryer with them than they do in the Guavamitts (if only she wasn’t a little Muhammad Ali in the making).

I’ll let you read through my friends review to make your mind up. If you’re tempted, I’m sure they’d make a welcome baby shower gift.

Mummy in Training HERE / When Flowers Fall HERE / My Buggy Junction HERE

Gummee Glove Anti-scratch Teething Mittens are available here for only £7.99. Whilst there, you simply have to take a look at their flagship product - the Original Gummee Glove (complete with biteable side tabs and a detachable water filled teething ring)… These really are worth the money and I’d recommend them. Come on, I dare you not to give it a go if you’ve been 24+ hours with a teether!

You can also find out more on Twitter or Facebook.

Aug 19 2014

Funky Giraffe Bibs Review

Posted on August 19, 2014 by admin

funky giraffe bibs logo

Bibs are an essential baby accessory that often cause more frustration than is necessary. Whether it’s itchy velcro fastenings, troublesome stains, or just that you never seem to be able to find a clean one when you need it - you’ll find yourself moaning about them at least 5 times a day during the early stages of parenthood.

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The trick is to find a brand that fit well, are comfortable for baby and available in tons of different colours to suit every dinky outfit and sleepsuit you bought. Once you find a bib that does the trick, buy tons of them. I’m talking 15-20. You’ll be amazed how many you’ll end up washing in a week, and how quickly they mysteriously disappear down the sides of your sofa or into the depths of your changebag.

This is the beauty of Funky Giraffe Bibs. The more you buy, the more you save. For example, if you consider that a bib is priced at £4 individually, if you buy 10 the price comes down to just £2 per bib - that’s a HUGE 50% saving! Better still, you get free UK delivery if you spend £7. 10 bibs will therefore set you back just £20 delivered. That’s the cheapest deal I’ve come across online. You’re literally spoilt for choice too with hundreds of designs and colourways (including seasonal limited editions).

FG Bibs

Dexter did have a few bandana bibs when he was younger (Funky Giraffe Bibs as it happens), but he wasn’t a particularly dribbly baby and was out of cloth bibs and into plastic ones as soon as we started weaning him. Heidi, on the other hand started teething at 6 weeks and is constantly sporting a chin full of baby drool. She’s also developed an annoying habit of falling asleep mid-bottle so a pool of milk will collect in the creases of her neck saturating her clothes.

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Funky Giraffe bibs are therefore great for my little madam. They’re adjustable with cleverly designed popper fastenings that allow you to achieve a really snug fit under the chin to catch all the drool. Made from 100% cotton, they are also supremely soft and wash like a dream (even at high temperatures). A fleecy lining also provides great wetness protection so baby’s skin and clothes stay dry. They really are fabulous quality.

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I’d wholeheartedly recommend Funky Giraffe Bibs and it seems I’m not alone as they have some seriously impressive feedback collected from thousands of customers. If you’d like to buy some yourself and check out the other things they sell (including adorable socks and hats) then head to the new look website at funkygiraffebibs.co.uk or say hello on Twitter and Facebook.