Natural Nursery Blog

The Calin Bleu is a simple baby sling. It is made of a simple piece of fabric, especially selected, dyed, cut, and hemmed to guarantee the parent and the baby’s safety and comfort. However, the Calin Bleu can come in handy in so many other ways..

1. a play mat: fold your Calin Bleu in four and it makes an instant play mat for baby. Left as it and it forms a brilliant a highway for a toddler’s cars (or is it a landing strip at the airport?)
2. a picnic blanket: the baby sling offers plenty of space for salads, sandwiches and everyone to sit on. No need to worry about stains and crumbs, it can easily be washed in the washing machine.
3. an improvised changing mat: no matter how well-prepared, there are always those dreaded occasions when one needs a changing mat when none is to be found! The Calin Bleu doubles as a convenient changing mat.
4. a burping cloth: when out and about, the Calin Bleu can be used as an emergency burping cloth, therefore avoiding walking around the rest of the day with a smelly top.
5. a make shift curtain: worried that the bright light will wake up baby from his nap? Just pop the Calin Bleu over the window.
6. a sun protection in the car or in the buggy: make sure that the baby wrap is folded over several times to offer sufficient sun protection.
7. a beach dress: since the baby wrap can be wrapped around the body to carry the baby, it can also double as an improvised beach dress or towel.
8. a blanket: when baby is cold in the buggy, the Calin Bleu can be folded several times to serve as a blanket. Do not use in a cot or in the car. Make sure that the baby does not get tangled in the fabric.
9. a doll carrier: older siblings love role playing and pretending to be mum or dad to their teddies or dollies.
10. Ten is up to you… how will you use your Calin Bleu baby sling?

ergo baby carrier

Many new parents – and mothers in particular – suffer from the lack of support they find when the baby is born. For the first few days, relatives and friends all come around to see the new baby but after a while, visits space out. In traditional societies, new mothers would be surrounded by their own mother, their sisters, aunts, and younger siblings. Everyone would help look after the new mother and the new baby.

Finding yourself at home with a newborn can feel daunting. How do you manage to put the baby to sleep, feed him, make your own meals? Even taking a shower feels like a luxury of the past.

There is one piece of baby gear that helps a new mother feel as if she had an extra pair of arms: an Ergo baby carrier.

• The Ergo baby carrier is designed to be used from birth (with the addition of the infant insert) right until toddler-hood.
• The Ergo baby carrier can be worn on the front, on the hip and on the back.
• The Ergo baby carrier suits parents of different sizes. Even if mum is tiny and dad is tall, they can share the same baby sling. The optional Ergo waist extender adapts the sling to larger parents.
• The infant insert is designed so that baby can recline in the baby sling and sleep comfortably. Once the child is older, he can sleep upright. His head will be supported by the sleep hood.
• It is dad-friendly so dads can carry their baby, put him to sleep in the sling and build a strong bond with their newborn.
• It is even easy to use for grandparents. Relatives are keen to help with the new baby but they don’t always know how. Showing them how to put on the Ergo baby carrier and go for a walk while mum catches up on some well-deserved sleep is ideal.

Have we mentioned how pretty the Ergo baby carrier is? It sounds frivolous to mention how pretty a baby sling is but it actually matters. When you wear your baby sling day in and day out for months, you want to have a carrier that you enjoy wearing, that suits your wardrobe, and makes you feel good.

With the warmer (even hotter!) days, we are all thinking about the long weekend coming up and the summer holidays. Is your family ready? We can help you find everything you need for your children.

• Summer Hats for boys and girls,
• UV suits and sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from the sun,
• Swim nappies for the pool or the beach,
• And towels robes and rompers to keep them warm when they leave the water.

• Travel light and leave the buggy at home with the Ergo baby carrier.
• Keep the germs at bay with a hand sanitiser and some baby wipes.
• Entertain the kids in the car with the Let’s Go Travelling Book and CD.
• Easy picnics and snacks with some BPA-free bowls.
• Avoid loosing anything with a roomy beach bag.
• Help keep your baby cool in the car with a lambskin car seat cover.

Medela has been manufacturing breastfeeding support aids for more than thirty years. Their extensive research into breastfeeding has led to the development of products that are easy to use, reliable and of a consistently high quality. The Medela Swing is a good example of this search for quality.

The Medela Swing breast pump is simple to use. It is composed of few parts: the motor, the connecting tube, the two-part valve system, the breast shield and the breast milk storage bottle. The valve is small and easily lost, so your Medela Swing comes with a spare one.

You can use the bottle for breast milk storage or buy additional breast milk storage bags.

The motor and connecting tube don’t come in contact with breast milk so they only need to be wiped clean. The rest of the Medela Swing can be easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilising. Putting it back together is easy provided that you fit the valve the right way around, as it is essential to create the vacuum necessary to express the breast milk.

The motor has four settings: “on/off”, “+” (increase suction), “-” (decrease suction) and “Switch to Phase 2”.

“Switch to Phase 2” is part of the Medela Swing’s innovative two-phase suction, which is designed to mimic the baby’s natural breastfeeding. At first, the suction is fast and shallow, like a hungry baby when it’s first put to the breast. When you feel the letdown, you can switch the Medela Swing breast pump to the second setting. It slows down with a deep, slower suction, again, similar to a baby’s feeding rhythm. Of course, it doesn’t feel exactly like when the baby is breastfeeding, but it aims to come as close to it as possible. If you forget to switch to the second setting, the pump switches automatically after a few minutes.

Although the first setting can seem fast, it is actually gentle and doesn’t cause discomfort. Many breastfeeding mums have reported being able to express breast milk quicker with the Medela Swing than with other types of breast pumps.

The Medela Swing is compact enough to be used outside the house. It can be used on the mains or with batteries (4xAA). It comes with a carrying pouch. This portability is convenient for working mums. You can take it home in the evening to use it, clean it properly and sterilise it.

Among all breast pumps, the Medela Swing is fairly quiet so it can be used at work. Remember that your employer has a legal obligation to provide breastfeeding mothers with a private room for expressing breast milk.

The Medela Swing is not the cheapest breast pump on the market, but it is very good value. Its efficiency and reliability mean that you will be able to use it for a long time. It is preferable to buy a good-quality breast pump upfront, than to buy a cheap one that doesn’t suit your needs.

All in all, the Medela Swing is an excellent breast pump: it is compact, efficient and comfortable. Medela has been supporting breastfeeding mothers for more than thirty years, listening to their needs and designing innovative products to make their lives easier. The Medela Swing is a great buy for all breastfeeding mothers!

Whether you have an electric breast pump or a manual breast pump, it is crucial to keep it absolutely clean and sterilise it regularly. If washed improperly, harmful bacteria could develop in the dried breast milk.

The breast pump should be washed thoroughly after each use and left to air dry. In some cases, a health professional may recommend that the breast pump also be sterilised after each use. It is best not to take any risk with pre-term babies or sick babies. In most cases, sterilising your breast pump once a day is sufficient.

Sterilising a breast pump is quick and easy, and you can find the method that suits you best.

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some parts should only be wiped clean while others should be washed and sterilised. Not all parts can be sterilised by all methods so make sure that the method you are about to use is suitable for your breast pump.
• Take apart all the components of the breast pump. Make sure that you are not missing any. The small valve in particular is easily lost. The components should not be left attached when sterilised.
• Using an electric steam steriliser: Once the parts of your breast pump are washed, place them in the steriliser. Add water. Plug. Wait. When the light goes off, your breast pump is ready.
• Using a microwave steriliser. The microwave steriliser is a container or a bag into which the parts can be placed, along with a specified amount of water, and then microwaved. Before using this method, read the instructions carefully, as some breast pumps are not suitable for microwave sterilising.
• You can also place the parts of your breast pump in the top drawer of the dishwasher. You need to check the dishwasher manufacturer’s manual to make sure that the hot water cycle will reach 140C.
• A breast pump can also be easily sterilised in a large pot of boiling water. It should be left to boil on high heat for ten minutes.

Whichever method you use, be extremely careful when removing the breast pump. It is likely to be extremely hot. You can let it cool down to room temperature before removing it from the steriliser or the boiling water. Let the parts air dry on a clean kitchen towel.

Reassemble your breast pump … et voilà! Your breast pump is ready to use for the next time you need it. It can be stored in its carry case, on a tray covered with a clean cloth, or in a large food container.

Many baby carriers can be used with more or less success from birth to toddler. The Ergo baby carrier is truly adaptable to you and your baby and can be used from birth until your baby reaches 18kg (40lb).

What is the Ergo baby carrier?

The Ergo baby carrier is a soft structured baby carrier. It is composed of a body, with a belt secured by two clips around the waist. The top two straps are carried like a backpack, around the shoulders. It forms a pocket where the baby can slide in comfortably.

How do I use the Ergo baby carrier from birth?

The infant insert allows parents to use their baby carrier from birth. The shaped cushion holds the baby in an ergonomically correct position. Place the baby in the infant insert and slide him in the Ergo baby carrier.

How do I use the Ergo baby carrier for front carries?

Place the belt of the carrier around your waist and close the buckles at the back. Bring your baby snug against your chest and, holding the baby with one hand, bring the body of the carrier up with the other hand. Still holding the baby, slip one shoulder strap over your shoulder. Swap hands to do the same on the other side. Pull on the straps until your baby feels nice and snug.

Can I use it for back carries as well?

You can use your Ergo baby carrier on your back from the moment your child can sit unaided or whenever you feel confident. Many parents move to back carries when their child is about nine months old. Remember to close the chest strap.

Is the Ergo baby carrier easy to wash?

The baby carrier can be washed by hand or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. To avoid washing the carrier frequently, the fabric can be protected by the Ergo sucking pads. The pads clip onto the top straps and baby can then chew on the straps to his heart’s content.

The Ergo baby carrier is a sturdy, easy-to-use and comfortable baby carrier. It can be used from birth well into toddlerhood. It can be worn by parents of different sizes and in several carrying positions. It is so sturdy that it can be used again for a younger sibling without showing any significant sign of wear.

As a new mum, when you have decided to breastfeed your baby, you are very much aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for both yourself and your baby. However, there are many reasons why you may have to be away from your baby. Whether you are away for health, family or work reasons, or just because you would like an evening out, it doesn’t mean that your baby can not continue to benefit from your breast milk. That’s when a well-chosen manual or electric breast pump becomes very useful. Let us look at some of the pros and cons of each.

• Weight: A manual breast pump is often lighter and more compact than an electric breast pump. If weight and size are an issue, the Meleda mini electric is a good compromise between the two. It is electric and compact.
• Suction speed: An breast pump – and even more if it’s a double pump – expresses breast milk much quicker than a manual pump. This can make all the difference for working mums or mums trying to increase their milk supply. A manual pump can be reassuring if you are expressing breast milk for the first time, but it can be slow and this can prove to be frustrating. If time is an issue, an electric breast pump might be preferable even if you are not planning to express frequently.
• Comfort: Both types of pumps can be equally comfortable. With a manual pump, you control the suction and it can often be adjusted in an electric pump. Some pumps come with an extra breast cushion for even more comfort. Manual breast pumps can also be tiring on your hands.
• Noise: A manual pump is almost silent while an electric breast pump has a motor. This can be a concern for some breastfeeding mums. If you are planning to express at work, your employer is legally bound to provide you with sufficient privacy.
• Ease of use: manual pumps contain fewer components, which makes them easier to put together and take apart. The Medela and Lansinoh breastpumps are also fairly simple to assemble.

Manual or electric breast pump? Each breastfeeding mum has her favourite. Whatever your choice, take your time and relax.

Choosing an electric breast pump when your baby isn’t even born yet can feel daunting. However, having it handy may turn out to be a great help if breastfeeding isn’t going as smoothly as anticipated in the first few weeks.

Using an electric breast pump can help new mums avoid engorgement or mastitis. The first thing to check is that your baby is latched on well. This is essential to stimulate lactation, avoid sore nipples and ensure your new baby is getting all the milk he needs. Your first point of call should be your midwife, your health visitor, a local breastfeeding support group, or a breastfeeding counsellor. Expressing breast milk manually or with a manual or electric breast pump will allow you to ‘empty’ the breast, thereby reducing the risk of engorgement.

An electric breast pump is also useful for new mums who are trying to increase their lactation. There can be many reasons why lactation isn’t starting off as desired. Expressing breast milk can help you get things started, or maintain your lactation if you happen to be separated from your baby for a few hours or days.

Mums of pre-term babies or babies with a low birth weight find that a double electric breast pump allows them to start breastfeeding their babies with a cup or a tube before breastfeeding is properly established. In those cases, breast milk helps babies gain weight faster.

We have selected breast pumps that are easy to put together and easy to use. The last thing you need when you are a busy mum is to take out the instruction leaflet every time you need your electric breast pump. Or worse, finding out that the suction isn’t working because you forgot a piece. The breastpumps at Natural Nursery have been selected for breastfeeding mothers who need an electric breast pump that works easily and efficiently and generally makes their lives easier.

The first noticeable thing about the Medela mini electric breast pump is that it is compact. It gives breastfeeding mums the convenience of an electric breast pump for the size of a manual pump. It measures about 10″ (25cm) high and weights around 1.5lb (700g) so it fits easily in a handbag or a changing bag.

The adjustable suction speed allows mums to express breast milk comfortably. Mums who are expressing breast milk for the first time or suffering from sore nipples find the slowest speed reassuring and comfortable. It is always a good idea to start expressing on the slowest setting and increase the speed a few minutes later.

The Medela mini electric breast pump expresses breast milk quickly so it is suitable for occasional or frequent use. It is so efficient that many breastfeeding mums use it to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. Another option for working mums is a double electric breast pump.

The Medela mini electric breast pump comes with a mains adapter and can also be used with batteries. Reusable batteries are more convenient and economical as they would recharge the next time the breast pump is plugged in. The drawback is that the motor is fairly noisy. Where this is a concern, the Medela Swing might be preferable.

The Medela mini electric breast pump is attached to a breast milk storage bottle. The breast milk can then be stored in the bottle or poured in a breast milk storage bag. The milk can be kept in the fridge or in the freezer until needed.

It is easy to take apart, clean and reassemble. It can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. When out and about or travelling, the Medela Quick Clean Wipes can be useful. Parts that come in contact with breast milk should be sterilised. They can be sterilised in boiling water, in a steam steriliser, or cold water method. The small valve creates the vacuum necessary to express the breast milk but it is very small and easily lost. Ordering an extra set of valves with the pump is much easier.

The Medela mini electric is a clever little breast pump: sturdy, efficient and comfortable.

It has been a pretty chilly spring but summer will be on the way shortly. Are your children ready? Here are our top picks for summer to protect your children from the sun.

A baby’s skin is very delicate and can sunburn easily. Choosing good quality sun protective clothing is essential.

Natural Nursery stocks sun clothing from babies to toddlers: baby sun suit, UV Protective Swim Shirt for boys and girls from 2 to 4 years.

To protect your little girl head, don’t forget adorable girly, flowery and frilly hats, with embroidered cupcakes, or reversible.

When it comes to sunblock, it should be free from harmful chemicals. Apply liberally 30 minutes before to getting in the sun. Yaoh Organic Hemp Seed Oil Sun Block combines the natural protective, moisturising and rejuvenating qualities of organic hemp seed oil with the most effective and least damaging chemical sunblocks to produce a safe and protective lotion that is vegan, free from parabens, harmful substances and unnecessary chemical additives.