Sep 13 2015

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Posted on September 13, 2015 by admin

MombellaLogo

Heidi is teething. Uncontrollably in fact. It’s been a real wake up call for us as Dexter’s teeth seemed to come through with ease overnight, whereas every single one of Heidi’s seems to be accompanied by a cacophony of misery & insomnia. She’s now sporting a rather nifty baltic amber necklace, but her the necks of her tees are still absolutely soaked and she’ll regularly bite into my shoulder, finger, boob… & whatever other bodily part she can get ahold of.

I’ll try anything when it comes to teething, medicinal or otherwise. When you have a baby who wakes some 3 times a night (often with night-terrors) you spend a fortune hoping for a breakthrough and a decent nights kip.

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Straightaway Mömbella’s Octopus Teething Toy looked intriguing. Made from 100% eco-friendly food-grade silicine (and free from BPAs, Phthalates, lead, cadmium, lead, latex or any harmful toxins), this little fella promises to see your little one right through to a full set of gnashers. He’s tough enough to withstand some major chomping and will survive all the trips to the freezer you can throw at him should your LO need extra cooling comfort. He’s also colourfast and dishwasher and microwave safe for sterilising.

Mömbella is a father-owned company established in 2013 by David Guan. As a young dad he searched high & low for a teething toy that would soothe his baby. Yet all the teethers he tried were either too hard to be gnawed on, or too boring to sustain baby’s interest. With a decade’s worth of experience in bringing new baby products to the market, he joined forces with a Pediatric specialist, & set about making these rather funky silicone octopuses.

Octopus Doo is a hollow, light and soft silicone toy perfect for early teethers from 3ms+. Ergonomically this is much easier for baby to handle than traditional teethers, with each tentacle soft, flexible and textured. Better yet, each of these tentacles double as a silicone toothbrush to gently soothe, massage and clean baby’s gums. Safety-wise, this has also been specifically designed so baby can chew away to her heart’s content yet no part of the toy can get far enough inside baby’s mouth to become a choking hazard.

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There’s so much here texture-wise - from the nodules on either side of his tentacles (bumpy on top, with malleable spikes to the underside), to Doo’s ribbed hollow hat. The protruding bow on his hat, and his mouth are also chewable for more skilled and practiced teethers. In this respect, the toy will also promote fine finger dexterity as your child explores all its lumps and bumps.

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At 15 months going on 15 years, I wasn’t sure how Heidi would take to Doo, and I was pleasantly surprised to watch her chomp away on his tentacles. She also seems to enjoy squeezing the life out of his neck and rolling his tentacles between her fingers. She doesn’t actively search him out when she is suffering, but she does grab at him when we offer him to her. What is usually a meltdown of epic proportions becomes a silent gnaw-fest which we’re only too happy to let her crack on with. We’ve also found Doo particularly helpful at night as she’ll suck on his tentacles and self-soothe back to sleep.

Manufactured in China, they’re available to buy here in the UK in four bright and vibrant colours via Amazon for £13.88 each. To get a closer look at the rest of the range visit Mömbella.co.uk or check out their social media channels below.

Twitter: @MomBella_baby / Facebook: @MombellaBaby

Want one?

Mömbella have kindly given me 3 Mömbella Octopus Teething Toys to giveaway - that’s 3 chances to win! If you know a little one that could use a little relief, enter via the rafflecopter below.

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Feb 27 2014

New Discoveries at The Baby Show

Posted on February 27, 2014 by admin

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I’m sure I’ll be bleating on about The Baby Show for a few weeks to come yet. This is my millionth show (it certainly feels like it) and it never disappoints me. As soon as I don that magical press bracelet I turn into a David-Bailey/Kerry-Katona hybrid that doesn’t shut up, gets sore cheeks from grinning, and is often found on the floor pretending to flex her professional photography skills when she’s really just trying to spread all the water that has gathered in her pregnant ankles back up to her thighs.

It’s a great networking opportunity for the blogger set, and many of the brands are known to us. We’ll have reviewed for them in the past, we’ll converse regularly with them on Twitter, and could probably recite their entire stock if asked (I have several sample products to review so expect a few dedicated posts on these later). But it’s also a great opportunity to discover new brands - distributors or otherwise - and share our thoughts on what we believe is set to be a hit over the next few years.

Here’s just a handful of those newly discovered mum and baby businesses that impressed me with their products:

Slumber Roo

A Devon-based distributor with an impressive range of brands under their wing including Moby, Scootababy, Boba, Beco and Babyhawks slings. The staff (*waves to my new mate Rosie*) were incredibly knowledgeable and gave in-depth demos to us sling novices without the hard-selling techniques regularly deployed by Alan Sugar’s babes. Here’s me modelling the Boba sling with Eric (the eerily life-like baby doll) - I did warn you my smile was scary.

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I’m seriously tempted by this sling. Although I’m not planning on having a wardrobe stocked up with every baby-wearing device known to man, I can definitely see the benefit of rocking the sling on short missions to the shops and back. Given I’m soon to have two in nappies, there’s something to be said for having my hands free to stop Dexter pinching penny sweets whilst I’m selecting a bottle of wine in the newsagent. This one was by far the comfiest I tried on, and thanks to Rosie I can do it up without cutting off baby’s blood supply!

Slumber Roo also stock Jellystone Designs teething range. We nearly bought the jchews SMARTPHONE for Dexter a year ago but unfortunately couldn’t find it in black (Slumber Roo will be stocking these from May!). As most mums and dads regularly find their black devices gummed to death by their dear babies - whipping out a bright pink fake one definitely wouldn’t have fooled my little genius back in the day, but I have high hopes for the black one for Mini Madam. There’s a large selection of teething jewellery too which looked great.

Eric is also handily modelling some Beco Rock-a-Thigh socks which are rumoured to have real staying power. I have no idea why we didn’t buy up every pair they bought to the show as Dex could really use some new ones. He’s in full on foot-fetish mode at the moment and is forever whipping off his shoes and socks in his pushchair and launching them in the aisles of Tesco.

Emi & Nell

I loved this stand. Loved, loved, loved it. Had Craig have been stupid enough to let me hold the credit card for the day, I’d have bought every last thing (… and ended up a single parent to two babies).

Famed for their use of organic fabrics. chic colourways and vintage-inspired designs, they stock beautiful nursery accessories and clothes that remind me of Suri Cruise. Their beautiful pom pom balls and lampshades are the nicest I’ve seen in some time, and I’m regretting not buying the grey and pink bedding set they had discounted for the show - this was exactly what I’ve been looking for over the last few months! Oh and those gorgeous tutus… I could go on…

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Given there always seems to be a lack of nursery interiors available to buy at the show, I was pleased to see they’d scored a stall in the Baby London Boutique section. I hope they smashed their sales targets and we’ll see them again as The Baby Shows needs them in my opinion.

Not limited to interiors however, their clothes are to die for (if a little pricey). I have to include a few piccies from their website as I can’t possibly expect you to fall in love with them as much as I have from my own photos.

Toto Kidogo

Husband and wife team, these guys are single-handedly bringing a bit of a revolution in playmats to the UK. The story goes that since becoming parents they’ve bought a number of genius baby products from all over the world. Now their jet-setting days are over and they’ve bedded down in the UK they’re repeatedly asked where they bought them. Their Parklon baby play mats are the perfect example.

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They hit every nail on the head. With tons of engaging imagery, they’re educational and bright for curious toddlers. They’re also waterproof, wipe clean and non-toxic. They feel a little like snake skin (of course they’re not!) as in they appear to be made from dozens of tiny squares with a memory foam inner. This makes them incredibly flexible, and ideal for protecting wooden floors and carpets from little madams and monsters, whilst providing a safe landing for their knees.

I particularly liked the fact these mats are double-sided as there’s plenty of variety. One of them even featured a roadmap design that would be perfect for micro-machine wars!

We currently have an interlocking foam playmat with a pop out letters and shapes. This looks gorgeous but Dexter makes a mess of them everyday. It is currently sat under his highchair to protect our carpet from an onslaught of mashed potato, tomato sauce and gravy, but Toto Kidogo’s one would be far better for this purpose, and much more besides. Luckily she’s agreed to let me review one in a few months time when they receive their next shipment.

Nappy Cakes By Betty

How much do I love this girl? You could even argue that this wasn’t a new discovery for me as we started tweeting each other weeks ago after I discovered her on the #BabyHour hashtag. Exhibiting at the Baby Show for the first time ever, I’m not sure how she ever managed to get all her specially prepared show cakes to the ExCel as they’re incredibly heavy - actually I take this back, look at her other half’s guns! (I should point out he spent around 30 minutes holding this whilst I nattered with the girls).

Nappy Cakes by Betty

Far from being the little old tea-addicted lady I strangely imagined her to be, Betty was young, pretty and madly enthusiastic about her creations. She’s also incredibly sweet and charming. It’s clear she loves what she’s doing and bringing smiles to people’s faces. Her nappy cakes are unrivaled in my opinion. The love and attention to detail that goes into every one of them, and all those elaborate designs and quality ingredients make them the ideal baby shower present for someone special.

She’s passionate about sourcing the best nappy cake contents and it shows. There are traditional wooden bookends, bubble blankets, gorgeous soft toys and more crammed into her cakes (depending on which you choose of course). I’m not sure I could ever bring myself to dismantle one of them to use… but if anyone is stuck for a new baby gift for me (dad?) I want one!

So that’s it! I’ll be raving about the usual biggies at a later date, and there will be reviews on new friends Cudaboo (the ethical clothing range that’s partnered with 3 conservation charities), and Peep Baby (a chic and stylish breastfeeding poncho that’s stocked in Harrods) next week, but aside from this, these were my top picks on the day. Do check out their websites and say a quick hello on Twitter and FB.

Dec 16 2013

Parents in the UK reveal kids toothbrushing problems

Posted on December 16, 2013 by admin

I was recently sent some research from Aquafresh all about kids toothbrushing. This is something I can definitely empathise with as I struggle with Dexter on a daily basis. As there are so many gaps, I often worry about the amount of pressure I’m applying to his gums. I’m also the first to admit I’ve used some pretty inventive DIY teethers including frozen banana and carrot batons. Well it seems I’m not alone. Here are Aquafresh’s findings and some advice on how to get your children’s teeth off to a healthy start.

In total, more than one in ten (12%) parents surveyed spend at least three days a year getting their kids to brush their teeth
Two thirds (67%) of parents don’t know when or how to look after their child’s teeth
Parents are making DIY teethers out of things they find in the home

Toothbrushing time wasting

One in ten parents are spending at least three days per year trying to get their kids to brush their teeth, and roughly one in 50 are losing almost a week of their time.

The latest survey* of 1,000 parents by the makers of AQUAFRESH reveals almost one in ten (9.8%) feel they’re wasting a lot of time trying to get their child to brush, with a quarter (25%) of parents admitting it’s a difficult and stressful experience for both of them. In fact, one in 15 (6.5%) find it more stressful than putting their kids to bed or getting them to eat fruit and vegetables.

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Parenting worries

When it comes to their kids, topping the table of parents’ worries is their diet (31%), looking after them (13%) and toothbrushing (12%). 12% worry about toothbrushing more than bathing baby (1%) and getting them to sleep (10%).

Toothbrushing is often the cause of arguments in the family, along with getting their kids dressed (6%), brushing hair (6%) and leaving them with someone who isn’t mum or dad (5%).

One in seven (14%) say their child hates toothbrushing. This could explain why more than one in ten mums (13%) admit to bribing their kids to brush with a variety of rewards.

The survey reveals the areas parents would like more support on, with sleep (21%) and looking after children’s teeth (20%) at the top. In comparison, 9% wanted more support on playing with their child and bathing their little one (1%).

DIY teethers

Over three fifths (62%) of parents find the first year the most stressful in relation to their kids’ first teeth and teething. Many are turning to a variety of weird and wonderful objects to help. Parent’s most used DIY teethers are revealed as:

· Toys (46%)
· Frozen fruit and veg (28%)
· Wash cloths (19%)
· Keys (10%)
· Wooden spoons (9%)
· Mobile phones (5%)

Nearly two thirds (62%) use a specifically designed teether to comfort their child through the tricky teething phase. Now, AQUAFRESH has an answer; in the form of their new AQUAFRESH Milk Teether. It’s the first teether from an oral care brand and has been specially designed with paediatric dentists to soothe and clean teeth during teething.

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More support please

The survey showed more than one in ten (11%) parents don’t feel they have been told the importance of looking after their child’s first teeth and over a quarter (27%) of parents would welcome more support and help on this.

More than a quarter (27%) of parents don’t think they need to start brushing until their little one has between two and five teeth, when in fact, toothbrushing should start as soon as the very first tooth makes an appearance, which is usually between five to seven months.

Dentist, Tina Tanna says: “Milk teeth have 50% thinner enamel than adult teeth, so it’s key that mums and dads start brushing their child’s teeth regularly from the minute they come through, even if it’s just the one tooth. This will not only give their children the best possible oral healthcare start, but also get them into a good routine.”

“Brushing doesn’t have to be a chore and can be made fun. Get your little one familiar with the sensation of a toothbrush by giving them a brush to play with, or bring their favourite toy into the bathroom and brush their teeth too.”

To help and support mums and dads through the first six years of teeth, AQUAFRESH has teamed up with the Netmums community and created ‘Tips for teething tots’ – a practical guide containing handy tips for parents, by mums who have been through it all themselves and lived to tell the tale.

Top five mummy worries in the survey

1. Diet
2. Looking after kids
3. Looking after their teeth
4. Sleep
5. Vaccinations

The AQUAFRESH Milk Teeth range includes products specifically designed for teething and first teeth. Aside from the AQUAFRESH Milk Teether, AQUAFRESH Milk Teeth toothpaste has a baby-friendly mint flavour, which is mild for little mouths and ensures little ones are receiving gentle care to help their adult teeth come through healthy and strong

* Research conducted of 1,104 mums in the Netmums community, August 2013

DISCLAIMER: I’m being sent a little gift for sharing this research with you. It’s interesting reading however, and it’s reassuring to discover some of the common anxieties parents share over keeping their children’s teeth healthy.