The BfN is a UK-wide charity which runs breastfeeding drop-in centres across the country and a national helpline, and offers mother-to-mother support before and after birth.

It is joining forces with NHS Shetland to train volunteers to give support and advice to new mothers in the isles.

Tutor Mary Kennedy will be in Shetland soon to recruit volunteers. She has trained helpers in Midlothian and Dunoon where she works for NHS Highland as a health visitor.

She said:“Mothers may be thinking about breastfeeding and want a bit of help to make up their minds. Coming to one of our drop-in groups, while they are pregnant, can help them see what it is really like and they get the chance to ask other mums the big questions that have been bothering them.”

You can read more about this at: http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2010/07/27/new-mothers-offered-extra-help-with-breastfeeding

For your breastfeeding aids don’t forget to look on The Natural Nursery website.

Shetland mothers offered extra help help with breastfeeding is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Another key influence seems to be the use of a baby carrier or baby sling: the study showed that 51% of mothers who carried their baby, breastfed exclusively.

You can read more about this study on our website – http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/Babies-born-in-2010-can-thank-Grandma-for-being-Breastfed-16-w.asp

We would love to hear from mothers who found that using a baby sling helped them to breastfeed – you can post a comment here or email us at info@naturalnursery.co.uk.

We will pop a little thank you in the post to the most inspiring story next week.

Breastfed Mummies are More Likely to Breastfeed Their Baby is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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I LOVE my wonderoos, they were the first cloth nappies I ever had and I’m so glad that I chose them because they are so simple and easy to use. I brought the 15 piece starter set and loved the reusable baby wipes that I got in the pack as I had never heard of them before but they work so well with washable nappies.

I recommend them to everyone I know and love to see the rainbow of colours on my washing line when they are drying.

If you would like some more information about the Wonderoos nappies go onto our website and have a look.

Customer Review – Wonderoo’s is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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We bought this pump in the first week of our baby’s life after he was diagnosed with severe jaundice. Because of his condition we had to top up after breastfeeding with formula- something we hadn’t  intended to do! Once our sons condition had improved we were able to top up with expressed breast milk using this pump and I am now back to 100% breastfeeding. It was a complete life saver!
I would recommend this pump to anyone, its natural sucking rhythm and adjustable strength of suck is really gentle, even for a first time mum like me! I didn’t find it painful to use.

It’s easy to get started and can be battery powered or powered on mains electric. Most importantly it gave us the opportunity to feed our son in the way we wanted to against the odds.

Remeber as it is breastfeeding awareness week, we are offering 10% discount on all our breastfeeding related products. So go into the website and have a look www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Customer Review – Medela Swing electric pump is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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When I started using cloth with my eldest daughter I wanted a nappy wrap that would be reliable for both day and night. I also wanted one that would go over a variety of nappies. I tried the motherease Rikki Wrap and its the one brand we are still using 5 years later.

Whilst we have had other prettier wraps they have not matched up in term of fit and reliability. It’s my workhorse wrap, I know that it will not leak, will fit over different nappies and adapt as my child grows. The lower cut on the legs is great for night nappies that tend to be bigger and allows for extra padding. It comes small enough to go over terry squares on a newborn and large enough to take a super soaking toddler. If I was asked to recommend a wrap to someone who was new to cloth, this would be it.
If I could only have one kind of wrap, I would swap all the pretties in the world for this, why? Because it does its job so well.

We also do the Motherease Rikki Wrap Eco theme

Customer Review – Motherease Rikki Wrap is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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We have this vest in both the blue and aqua. It is lovely and soft, keeps its shape and the bright colours never seem to fade in the wash. We usually pair it up with funky tights as an outfit on its own as it seems such a shame to hide under a babygrow. Will definitely be buying this in a few more sizes in the future!

Don’t forget you can find this product on sale on the website: www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Customer Review – Organic Green baby Fruit design vest is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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• Books are always big hits with children of all ages. A Dragon on our doorsteps, for example, is a playful hide-and-seek book that suits children up to 3 or 4 years.
• The Orchard Toy puzzles have a wide range of themes: from diggers and wheels to animals and sea creatures.
• Threading toys are both fun and stimulating as the children learn to manipulate the small pieces. From 18m.

3-6 year olds:

• A castle fit for a knight… This castle play scene is beautifully made and give the children hours of fantasy play.
• The What’s Rubbish game has been a big hit with our children. They play together and learn about recycling and waste.
• If you are shopping for a little girl, you can’t go wrong with the Angelina Ballerina books or the fair trade ballerina dressing up outfit.

6+:

• For curious minds, how about the World of Religions or the Adventure of Odysseus?
• For princesses: Princess Ellie to the Rescue
• For playing together: Tutan Loot

Great gifts under £5:

• For little ones: My Very Own Bunny Book
  
• For toddlers: Farmyard Usborne Stencil Book
• A all-time classic: the Charlie & Lola books
• For princesses: Princess Things to Make and Do
• A favourite with boys: Plane & Helicopters Usborne Book

• My Fairy Drawing Book
  
• To cook like a grown up, a cupcake apron.
• To have fun in the bath with an octopus
• For a princess, a story to read and a CD to listen.

Did you know you can find all your party bag fillers from Natural Nursery: with hundreds of designs starting at 48p. Leftovers will be perfect for the Advent Calendar!

Lots of birthday parties coming? Let us help. is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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This week, we have selected six products that can help make your life easier.

* No need to remember to smother the kids in sunscreen, the UV suits protect their delicate skin from the sun. Whether they are just playing in the garden, at the park, or spend the day at the beach, remember to protect their skin every time.

* Stress-free bath time with this all-in-one organic baby shampoo and body wash. The less bottles around the easier!

* Order baby wipes in bulk for bottoms, messy faces and grubby hands. The flushable baby wipes contain no harmful chemicals that could irritate your baby’s skin. They are free from the parabens, sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) and alcohol. If you prefer, we also stock washable baby wipes. Easy to use and wash, they dry in a few hours.

* All-in-ones reusable nappies make nappy change super simple so anyone can do it! They are as easy to use as disposable nappies.  The highly adjustable Imse Vimse are also easy to wash, and sturdy enough to reuse for several children.

* Keep some reusable bags handy in the car for unexpected trips to the supermarket or to collect the mess the kids have left in the car. Reusable bags are more comfortable to carry on your shoulder. They are also roomy to carry everything you need. They are stylish enough to go to the park, on holiday and to the beach.

* For breastfeeding mums who use a breast pump, breast milk storage bags save space and washing. Order in bulk and save even more. Meleda quick wipes are also ideal to clean your breast pump quickly and hygienically.

And remember to join us on Facebook for more news, and some special offers.

From UV suits to baby wipes, everything to make your life easier. is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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• 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.

Natural Nursery News: Is your family ready for summer? is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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3. Welcome

A baby sling is in the opinion of mums who have tried one, the most essential buy for a new mum (and dad!). Newborns need to be held for the first few months of their lives and carrying them is often the most convenient to go places or get anything done around the house. A well made baby sling allows parents to carry their baby comfortably, have their hands free and provide the child with the attention he needs.

A well fitted breastfeeding bra. There may be no need to buy a maternity bra and a breastfeeding bra. Most breastfeeding bras can be worn during pregnancy. The wide straps and soft fabric provide optimum support during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A good quality breastfeeding bra will be durable and good value. Breastfeeding bras are now available in gorgeous designs and colours.

A nursing pillow may not seem like an obvious essential buy but it provides pregnant and breastfeeding mums the support they need. A nursing pillow can be used during pregnancy to sit or sleep more comfortably. Once the baby is born, it can be used to support the baby’s weight during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. When baby is about to sit unaided, the breastfeeding pillow can be placed behind the child’s back.

It may seem trivial to mention breast pads but any new mum knows that leaky breasts can make a mum feel very self-conscious. Choosing good quality breast pads – either disposable or reusable – and buying plenty is essential.

Before baby is born, it is wise to stock up on healthy snacks. The first few weeks as a new mum are exhilarating but can also be exhausting. Healthy, hearty meals are a good way to sustain energy levels. Babies seem to have a sixth sense to need a feed right when mum was about to eat her own meal, so healthy snacks will be handy.

We’d love to hear from you. What were the essentials you used for your new baby?

5 Essential Baby Buys From Nursing Pillow to Baby Sling is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Are you are looking for products for your green family? Thinking about using cloth nappies or buying the size above for your baby? Need some breastfeeding aids, a breast pump, cups to feed your baby without risking nipple confusion, new breastfeeding tops? Looking for some new toys and books to entertain your children? Some reusable shopping bags for a greener lifestyle?Well, you are the in the right place.

You will find hundreds of new products at Natural Nursery:

Shopping for a new baby gift? Find a selection of popular new baby gifts, toys, clothing, baby sling… There is something for everyone.

Hundreds of new products for the green family is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Made in the UK with high qualitynatural, organic and wild crafted ingredients, this range is a wonderful treat for that special newborn or parent to be.

Buy now with 20% off.

Reduced Organic Toiletries is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Supporting Home Birth

The Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC), chaired by Pip A’Ness, will be holding a Home Birth Workshop on Monday 15^th March from 11am-2pm at the YMCA, Marsden Road, Clevedon, BS21 7NW. This event will be building on the work of the Bristol Health Services Plan’s “Normalising the Birth Experience” workstream set up to deliver the recommendations of the Maternity & Newborn Services Review.  Maternity service providers in Bristol are committed to achieving a 10% home birth rate by 2011 and to this end, we will be seeking ideas from service users as to how this can be achieved.  Please phone 0117 9841562 or email  Noshin.Emamiannaeini@bristolpct.nhs.uk if you wish to attend and comment on how we can encourage and support women and midwives in the promotion of home birth.  Lunch and a crèche are included.

An exciting and challenging target of Bristol’s Maternity Review (2008) is that we must achieve 40% midwife-led birth settings (including home) in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset by next year.  BCB and its Supporters inspired Bristol’s Maternity Review and Cossham Birth Centre so please lend your voice again at this crucial point to make even more happen in the promotion of normal midwife-led birth settings.

Thank you for your continued support.

Bristol Home Birth Update is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Dear Supporter

 If Cossham Birth Centre then why not South Bristol Birth Centre?

South Bristol Hospital at Hengrove is now going ahead.  For a year BCB has been having talks with NHS Bristol regarding the inclusion of a midwife-led birth centre. There has always been an interest for this at executive level but we need some clout from our Supporters to get South Bristol Birth Centre on the drawing board NOW and for its inclusion in Phase 2 of South Bristol Hospital’s plans. Women in South Bristol will then have the opportunity to labour and give birth near their own home. Please lend your voice once again to the BCB campaign: write with your support as soon as you can to Sue Learner (BCB Steering Group midwife), at 58, Bellevue Crescent, Bristol BS8 4TF or email  info@birthcentebristol.org.uk .

The development of Cossham Hospital is now well underway.  With the doors set to open in November 2011, midwives are now beginning to think about taking the first bookings just a year from now from women wishing to give birth at Cossham Birth Centre, Bristol’s first free-standing birth centre.  You can stay abreast of developments by visiting the Birth Centre Bristol news page.

 Thank you for your continued support.

Bristol Birth Centre Update is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Home made hobby horse

It’s raining, kids are bored, they seem to be bored with the mountain of toys in their bedroom, what shall we do?

I regularly buy new small toys or plan activities in advance so I can turn a boring day into magical fun within minutes. Sometimes, you just have to improvise.

Today, I remember that my little boy played with his friend’s hobby horse a whole afternoon last time we visited them. No hobby horse around here, no way I’m trekking to the shops on a rainy to get one. I’m also not keen on buying toys that will only be played with a handful of times. Even if traditional hobby horses look lovely with their soft fur and cute eyes, there won’t be space in their room to keep it.

Out comes the trusted cardboard!

Supplies:

• A small pole or stick
• Packing tape
• Some ribbons, paper strips, gift string
• Eyes were from the local supermarket or you can draw them with felt pens
• Scissors

Print out the hobby horse head.
Cut around it
Draw the shape of the head on the cardboard (twice)
Ask an adult to cut the cardboard head shapes
Stick them together with packing tape leave a small space on one corner for the pole
Slide the pole in and secure it with tape
Draw or glue the eyes
Ask an adult to cut a couple of small holes with a sharp knife or a knitting needle through the cardboard. Thread the ribbons and tie.

Et voila! Now you can make a second to whiz around and race with a friend!

It’s not the prettiest toy ever and not meant to last but making it taught the children to draw a shape, cut, stick, and will keep them entertained for the rest of the afternoon. When they’re done with, take it apart, reuse what can be reuse and recycle the rest.

Things to do with the kids: a recycled hobby horse is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Ideas for a green(er) Christmas

Let’s try to be a bit more gentle on the planet this Christmas. We have collected some ideas for a greener Christmas (in no particular order!) and would love to hear from you, what would you do?

• Have a massive clear out:  You can sell (if you have time) or donate to charity or to someone else. Become a member of your local free share group (it’s free) to offer the items you no longer need. Items usually get picked up quickly. Recently we’ve given away a broken computer, a broken shredder, a collapsed wardrobe, some big boxes of children clothing and children toys, some fabric scraps… Somebody’s junk is someone’s treasure!
• Use and recycle: Now look at everything that can be used or reused. Be creative! Last year’s Christmas pudding leftover dried fruit ma a lovely dried fruit salad for example. Cut up last year’s Christmas cards to make gift tags (or if you’re really crafty, they can make excellent material for new Christmas cards). After Christmas, many stores have cards recycling stations, keep an eye out for them. Instead of sending Christmas cards, you can also send e-cards and donate the equivalent to a charity.
• Give yourself a ‘green’ challenge: If you’re not already doing it, recycle all your glass and plastic bottles until the New Year. Some councils don’t take them from your house but you can find recycle points everywhere. (Obviously it would be better to walk there than drive!)
• If you choose a ‘real’ Christmas tree, remember to contact your council to enquire about Christmas tree recycling.
• Forget wrapping paper! Imagine the tons of paper used every year just to end up in the bin. Open your presents carefully, fold the paper away and reuse it. Use craft paper and fabric ribbons which can be used and reused (and composted when they’re really done). Get the kids to decorate some old boxes with paint, cut outs, magazines, fabric scraps… Sew some easy reusable gift bags which can be used and reused for birthdays, parties, keep the kids’ things organised.
• Start your Christmas shopping early. Throughout the year, jolt down some gift ideas. That way you won’t be stuck shopping for last minute gadgets which will be discarded after a few days.
• Buy good quality gifts: one way to protect the environment is to make sure that every item that is produced is fully used. This way we will have made the most of the resources used to produce it.
• Buy ethical gifts whenever possible. A wooden toy like the Lanka Kade collection helps provide families in Sri Lanka with a steady income. They are made of recycled rubberwood sourced from exhausted rubber plantations. Fairly traded fancy dress will provide hours of fun too. Organic products like bubble bath, massage oils are also thoughtful presents that you know will be well used. The instant gardens makes beautiful organic gifts for grown ups.
• Christmas is the perfect time of the year to discover your local food market. Produce is fresh, of excellent quality and usually produced locally. You will support your local economy and save on the fuel it would normally take to transport the produce to the supermarket.

That’s a few of our tips for a green Christmas. What about you? What do you do, don’t do?

Our top tips for a green Christmas is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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It truely is jam packed full of eco tips and places to source all your green living essentials.

It is laid out in really lovely sections, so it is easy to find what you need and I have to say that I am amazed by the sheer number of ethical and sustainable companies that there are now.

Of course, we are featured in the Green Child section, as we do sell one of the best ranges of organic baby products around.

And the best bit?  Well we will be popping one of these directories into all orders from www.naturalnursery.co.uk FREE this month. 

Happy reading!

Arabella

Book of Green – eco living directory is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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You can buy your cookbook direct from the Exeter Steiner School itself or from our website.  Please note that all proceeds from the sale of the cook book will go direct to the school.

Exeter Steiner School Cookbook Now Available is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Ergo Sport Baby Carrier

We get lots of calls asking what is so different about the Ergo Sport so I thought it would be a good idea to put some of the differences down on paper:

General Features and Benefits

The Ergo Sport is designed for fathers and male carriers – it still has all the features and functions of the Ergo New Generation II but is cut slightly larger to accommodate a male frame and looks more rugged.

Fabric

The Sport is made from a 35% cotton/65% polyester blend designed to have a slight wicking to help keep babywearers more comfortable.  This fabric is lighter and more breathable.  The fabric also feels soft to the touch.

The New Gen II is made from 100% cotton with 100% cotton poplin lining (both SKAL certified organic in the case of the organic Ergos). 

Sizing

The Sport’s waist strap can be extended an extra 5”, so fits from 30 inches to a maximum of 48 inches.

The Sport’s shoulder straps extend an extra 4”, so it will fit 5′ to 6.5′ body height.

The New Gen II has a waist belt circumference of 25″ to 43″ and the shoulder straps will adjust to fit from 5′ to 6′5″ body height but we would suggest that those over 6’ would be more comfortable with the Sport.

Design

The Sport has a vent to provide added breathability to keep both baby and parent cooler and more comfortable.

The Sport is available in black with feature white stitching making an urban, rugged looking sling.

Sleeping Hood

The Sport’s hood can be completely removed and stored in the built-in pocket.

The New Gen II sleep hood is fixed to the babycarrier and can be tucked into the pocket when not in use.

Carry positions

Both baby carriers can be used in the front, back and hip positions, for babies from birth up to 18kgs.  Both carriers support the spread squat position being the correct sitting position for the baby’s hip, pelvis and spine growth and does not allow the baby to hang from the crotch.

Both slings distributes weight to the carrier’s hips and shoulders giving a more comfort carrying experience.

Back Pocket

On the Sport, the zippered pocket has been removed and instead there is a poppered pocket to store the sleep hood when it is not in use.

The New Gen II has a side zippered pocket to store small items in and an open top pocket to keep the sleeping hood tidy when not is use.

Can they be used by male and female carriers?

Absolutely, both carriers are designed to be used by both sexes.

Personal thoughts

I haven’t actually used the Ergo Sport as I am barely 5’ 2” and my daughter is sadly too big to be carrier now but I did use the New Gen 4 or 5 times a week until she was 4 1/2 years old.  I can say that the new fabric on for the Sport is lovely and soft, it looks really hard wearing and my husband would have jumped at the chance to have one.

Ergo Baby Sport v Ergo Baby New Gen II – What are the differences? is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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• baby milk companies convinced parents that their products were better than breastmilk
• women lacked adequate support to breastfeed their babies at the work place
• women lacked correct information about infant feeding

You can find out more and join the campaign to support women breastfeeding by visiting:  http://www.onemillioncampaign.org/en/Details_Petitions.aspx

 You can buy breastfeeding supplies, including breastpumps, nipple shields, breastmilk storage bags and nipple creams from Lansinoh and Medela from our site.

One Million Campaign – World Breastfeeding is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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You can see our range of childrens books on our site. The range is broken down into baby books, toddler books and books for children to make browsing easier for you.

The code you need is “books” – simply pop it into the space during checkout and you will receive a massive 25% off the books!

Any questions or problems, just drop me an email.

Arabella

25% off Childrens’ Books is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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As many as 130 studies have been conducted in recent years, linking even low levels of Bisphenol-A (also known as BPA, to serious health problems.

Concerned parents can by safe baby glass bottles from our store – they have been one of our best-selling products for many months.

Using glass bottles does not replace breastfeeding but can be appropriate in instances where a baby is given expressed breastmilk etc.

We are happy to advice any parent concerned by recent news reports.

Glass Baby Bottles is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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As they become older, the comforter becomes a treasured companion, some thing to help them feel safe in their ever expanding world, a favoured plaything and a learning resource.

Making a beautiful, natural first blankie available to a young baby can help them in so many ways and the benefits of natural fibers are many.

A natural material will soon absorb comforting scents – many new parents sleep with a comforter before giving to a baby so the child will be comforted by the familar smell.

Lambs’ wool is soft and gentle on a baby’s delicate skin and has its own unique feel and texture, something that is often missing from mass-produced baby items.

We are delighted to now be stocking a range of Noonoo comforters and baby toys, made from gentle lambs’ wool, organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics.

The range has been carefully designed to provide simple, soothing comfort for newborns as well as a highly interactive learning process.

Beautiful felted wool, stunning embroideries, careful use of colour and a whole range of tactile experiences in the form of bobbles, stitched lines, loops, pockets and “fingers and toes”, mean the Noonoo range is quite simply the best on the market.

They make a wonderful new baby present and come gift packed in a white box.  You can buy Noonoo toys and comforters from The Natural Nursery webshop.

Noonoo Natural Baby Toys is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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New in stock is the the Baby Sense Sling, which has been designed to encourage parents to carry their babies in the optimal position.

The Sling’s soft fabric cocoons the new baby in a foetal position, which supports the neck well – essential for the newborn. Curled up snugly and close to the parent the baby is calmed in a familiar womb-like environment.

The sling is available in the pretty trail fabric shown and in blue gingham too, and costs £34.99.

Also avaiable from Baby Sense are the practical and informative range of parenting book, including The Sleep Sense Book, £9.99.

Baby Sling from Baby Sense is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Research indicates that babies who develop fulfilling relationships with their parents tend to grow into secure, well-adjusted adults and even perform better at school.

Bonding is a natural process but there are many ways to help out, especially if you provide focused, responsive care in a nurturing environment.

Breastfeeding – a breastfed baby will receive regular close contact with its mother, helping an early bond to develop.  Unfortunately, this is not always easy, so speak to your health visitor if you need any help or assistance.

Touch – a baby’s first communication is via touch, so hold your baby close, cradle her in your arms or use a sling if you need to get on with chores.

Massage - is a more structured method of touching your baby and a way of promoting physical and mental growth as well as the parent/baby bond.

Singing – no matter how tone deaf you may think you are, your baby will love to hear your voice.  The rhythmic nature of nursery rhymes is very soothing and is believed to help with language development.

Talk – although she may not understand what you are saying, your baby will love to hear you chatting away about what you are doing, whether it is changing her nappy, peeling the potatoes or folding the washing.  She will gain confidence from the fact that you are always near and always focused upon her, even if the household chores need to be done.

Pull a face – even very young babies are fascinated by facial expressions.

Regular activities – such as nappy changing time, are a wonderful time to show your baby just how much you love them.  Talk to her, kiss her tummy, tell how what lovely dimples she has, how much you love her smile.  This will take your mind off what a messy job it is and show that you love her, no matter what.

Slow down – life is getting faster and faster but slow and steady is best for baby.  Stop and spend time with your baby, relax and enjoy yourself, your baby will love you no matter what.

Bonding With Baby is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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So far we have added some lovely wooden, ethically traded stocking fillers.  Prices start at under 50p and many would make lovely pressies for inside handmade Christmas crackers too.

I love these memo clips – fantastic for holding special pictures or notes, they are made from sustainable wood and cost 85p each.

Christmas Stocking Fillers

Fair trade stocking fillers is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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They come in packs of 6, in three sizes so you will always get a good fit.  Prices start at £13.95 for 6 nappies.

Organic terry nappies.

Organic Cotton Terry Squares now in stock is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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For those who don’t know, Steiner education is a very child centred method of education and has many close links with attachement parenting. You will find that many parents co-sleep, use slings, choose to breastfeed etc.

The school has a lovely parent and toddler group, with a great emphasis on supporting parents as well as providing a wonderful place for babies and toddlers to socialise, a kindergarten and classes for older children.

The school’s website is http://www.exetersteinerschool.com/ where you can see more about us or come along on the open day where you can chat to parents, find out more about Steiner education and have a cup of coffee and a yummy cake.

If you have any questions, do feel free to email me.

Exeter Steiner School Open Day is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The benefits of fostering self esteem and confidence in kids are virtually limitless. Confident kids tend to be more creative than shy kids who may have lowered self esteem levels. Children who are raised (unintentionally) to think poorly about themselves are the most at risk for poor performances in school, and later college.

None of this however, means that empty praise is the route to self esteem. In fact, we’ve seen a backlash against too much praise – a generation of kids raised to believe they were great just for picking up a glass, and placing it back on the table.

Inane praise doesn’t help your child. On the contrary, kids grow up with an inflated sense of self worth and worse, they fail to challenge themselves. When your doting parents are telling you everything you do is great, and not a word about how you could improve on your skills, it only prepares for a grand fall when you go out into the real world, and find people aren’t as impressed with you as your folks were.

Effective self esteem building in preschoolers has to focus on enthusiasm and energy for a task or activity, and not just the result. Praise the efforts that your child makes whether in a drawing or at school or a chore he completes around the house, but also remember to add a challenge at the end of it – “That was a great sea you drew, now let’s see how well you can do a house.”

Here are a few quick ways to get your preschooler to feel good about himself.

Enlist His Help

Give him chores to do around the house. For 5 year olds, it could be helping you set the table or washing veggies in the kitchen with you. It gives them a sense of accomplishment that they can be proud of. For younger kids, give them a chance to sort spoons and forks.

Create a Love Map

Make a list of 25 of his favorite things, and then fill them up together. Include everything you can think of – his favorite food, movie, song, cartoon character. You’re developing his sense of identity as an individual with firm likes.

Play the Body Part Game With Him
Sit your child down, and sit opposite him. Point out different parts of his face and body, and tell him what he can do with them.
Point to his eyes and say “You have eyes that see everything.” (Ask him to point out five things he can see in the room.)
“You have two ears that hear many things.” (Use objects to create a sound or imitate noises yourself.
“You have a nose to smell any thing.” (sniff in the air)
“You have a mouth that can taste many things.” (Give him a sweet to put in his mouth and ask him what it tastes like.)

End with an affirmation of his abilities – “You can do so much with yourself.”

Play the Dinner Game

Create a story around your child and his favorite foods. It could go like this:
(Child’s name) woke up early in the morning today. He brushed his teeth, put on his clothes and had (ask him to say what he had for breakfast here) for breakfast.He played with his toys, and then when it was time for lunch he ate (ask him to add whatever he had to eat for lunch).

Again, you’re developing a sense of self importance. He’s the star of the story!

Plus, you’re encouraging his language skills.More games like this, and he’ll find it easier to add things and activities that he’s completed during the day to the story. Encourage him to add as many activities as he wants to the story.

Compare Baby Pictures

Sit down with your child, and look through his baby pictures. Compare his facial features, hands and feet now with how they are in the pictures. Tell him how he’s grown, and list out all the things he can do now with his body that he couldn’t do when he was a baby. Again, you’re building a feeling of importance and pride.

Originally from – http://preschoolmama.com/index.php/2008/01/12/five-2-minute-tips-to-raise-a-confident-child/

Five 2 Minute Tips to Raise a Confident Child is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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It goes beyond the organic movement in that bio dynamic prodcuts contain natural ingredients, grown and produced to the higest standards, without the use of chemicals, pesticides etc.

The bio dynamic movement is based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, who believed that all elements of farming, such as livestock, soil, the moon and even stars, sustain each other.

By nurturing the soil, rather than feeding chemicals to the plants, bio dynamic farming produces crops with superior qualities and results in skin care products that are full of active and potent ingredients, ready to nourish delicate and sensitive skin.

Weleda use only raw materials from the natural world – for example, precious plant ingredients grown organically, or better still biodynamically, at their own farms.

Their award-winning Baby Care range includes 2 of our best-selling products, the Calendula Nappy Change Cream (£5.25) and Tooth Gel (£2.50), both products that we have used extensively in our own family.

The Nappy Change Cream is a deep-nourishing and protective barrier cream to help prevent redness and reduce soreness and also be applied to sore skin to promote healing.

The Tooth Gel’s bright and sunny yellow much loved by children is derived from calendula flowers, not artificial colourings.  It contains   non-abrasive silica especially for milk teeth and is the only toothpaste our daughter will use.

The whole Weleda Baby Care range is suitable for vegetarians as no product has been tested on animals and many products are suitable for Vegans.

You can see our full range of Weleda Baby Care on our site.

Bio dynamic Baby Skin Care is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Read, Learn, and Beware of Bad Advice

Absolutely everyone has an opinion about how you should handle sleep issues with your new baby. The danger to a new parent is that these tidbits of misguided advice (no matter how well-intentioned) can truly have a negative effect on our parenting skills and, by extension, our babies’ development…if we are not aware of the facts. The more knowledge you have the less likely that other people will make you doubt your parenting decisions.

When you have your facts straight, and when you have a parenting plan, you will be able to respond with confidence to those who are well-meaning but offering contrary or incorrect advice. So, your first step is to get smart! Know what you are doing, and know why you are doing it. Read books and magazines, attend classes or support groups – it all helps.

The Biology of Newborn Sleep

During the early months of your baby’s life, he sleeps when he is tired, it’s that simple. You can do little to force a new baby to sleep when he doesn’t want to sleep, and conversely, you can do little to wake him up when he is sleeping soundly.

Newborn babies have very tiny tummies. They grow rapidly, their diet is liquid, and it digests quickly. Although it would be nice to lay your little bundle down at bedtime and not hear from him until morning, this is not a realistic goal for a tiny baby. Newborns need to be fed every two to four hours — and sometimes more.

Sleeping “through the night”

You may believe that babies should start “sleeping through the night” soon after birth. For a new baby, a five-hour stretch is a full night. Many (but not all) babies can sleep uninterrupted from midnight to 5 a.m. (Not that they always do.) This may be a far cry from what you may have thought “sleeping through the night” meant!

What’s more, some sleep-through-the-nighters will suddenly begin waking more frequently, and it’s often a full year or even two until your baby will settle into an all-night, every night sleep pattern.

Falling Asleep at the Breast or Bottle

It is natural for a newborn to fall asleep while sucking at the breast, a bottle, or a pacifier. When a baby always falls asleep this way, he learns to associate sucking with falling asleep; over time, he cannot fall asleep any other way. This is probably the most natural, pleasant sleep association a baby can have. However, a large percentage of parents who are struggling with older babies who cannot fall asleep or stay asleep are fighting this powerful association.

Therefore, if you want your baby to be able to fall asleep without your help, it is essential that you sometimes let your newborn baby suck until he is sleepy, but not totally asleep. When you can, remove the breast, bottle, or pacifier from his mouth, and let him finish falling asleep without it. If you do this often enough, he will learn how to fall asleep without sucking.

Waking for Night Feedings

Many pediatricians recommend that parents shouldn’t let a newborn sleep longer than four hours without feeding, and the majority of babies wake far more frequently than that. No matter what, your baby will wake up during the night. The key is to learn when you should pick her up for a feeding and when you can let her go back to sleep on her own.

Here’s a tip that is important for you to know. Babies make many sleeping sounds, from grunts to whimpers to outright cries, and these noises don’t always signal awakening. These are what I call sleeping noises, and your baby is asleep during these episodes.

Learn to differentiate between sleeping sounds and awake sounds. If she is awake and hungry, you’ll want to feed her as quickly as possible so she’ll go back to sleep easily. But if she’s asleep – let her sleep!

Help Your Baby Distinguish Day from Night

A newborn sleeps sixteen to eighteen hours per day, and this sleep is distributed evenly over six to seven sleep periods. You can help your baby distinguish between night sleep and day sleep, and thus help him sleep longer periods at night.

Have your baby take his daytime naps in a lit room where he can hear the noises of the day. Make nighttime sleep dark and quiet, except for white noise (a background hum). You can also help your baby differentiate day from night by using a nightly bath and a change into pajamas to signal the difference between the two.

Watch for Signs of Tiredness

Get familiar with your baby’s sleepy signals and put her down to sleep as soon as she seems tired. A baby who is encouraged to stay awake when her body is craving sleep is an unhappy baby. Over time, this pattern develops into sleep deprivation, which complicates developing sleep maturity. Learn to read your baby’s sleepy signs — such as quieting down, losing interest in people and toys, and fussing — and put her to bed when that window of opportunity presents itself.

Make Yourself Comfortable

It’s a fact that your baby will be waking you up, so you may as well make yourself as comfortable as possible. Relax about night wakings right now. Being frustrated about having to get up won’t change a thing. The situation will improve day by day; and before you know it, your newborn won’t be so little anymore — she’ll be walking and talking and getting into everything in sight…during the day, and sleeping peacefully all night long.

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by Elizabeth Pantley, copyright 2002 http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth

Newborn Babies and Sleep By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Wraparound slings

Wraps are probably the most versatile of all the slings.  They are also called “Simple Piece of Cloth” as they are basically a piece of fabric, tied around your body ensuring that your baby is held securely in place. A wrap can be used to carry the baby in many different positions: on the parent’s front, back or hip. Most carries involve the sling being worn over both shoulders and often around the wearers waist in order to offer maximum support to the baby.

The baby’s weight is well distributed which ensures maximum comfort for the parent. They are an excellent choice if you suffer from back pain. It may take time to learn how to tie the sling correctly but the effort will be worthwhile. Excess fabric may be used for more discreet breastfeeding.

Ring Slings

This sling consists of a piece of fabric threaded through two rings, forming a loop. The fabric wraps around the wearer’s body, from shoulder to the opposite hip and back up to the shoulder. The end of the fabric is then threaded through the rings to create a buckle effect. The baby can then be placed into the pocket of fabric in either a sitting or lying position. The sling can be taken off and put back into place without rethreading.

The baby’s weight locks the carrier in place. This type of sling is easily adjustable to suit different wearer’s size and different wearing positions.

It is easy to breastfeed on the go in a ring sling. It is are adjustable to allow easy access to the nursing mother’s breast. It can also be quickly adjusted once feeding is done.

Pouch slings

A pouch is formed by a wide piece of cloth sewn into a tubular shape, with a curve sewn into the fabric that will hold the baby more securely in place. The sling is slipped over the wearer’s head and worn sash-style across the body. Most baby wearers find that they adapt to using the pouch sling very quickly.

Pouch slings are an excellent choice for situations in which the baby is frequently removed from the pouch and being placed back into it. The asymmetrical weight distribution can make carrying heavier children more challenging. Pouch slings offer good value for money and are relatively easy to make.

Soft carriers and backpacks

Many different types of sling fall into the soft carriers and backpack category.
Mei tai are inspired from the Chinese tradition of baby carriers, a simple rectangle with a strap on each corner. Two are tied around the waist and the top two act as shoulder straps. Many soft structured carrier are inspired by this principal. Some of these carriers are suitable from birth and there are models that are ideal for carrying older children. Some carriers are closed with buckles, as a hip carrier or front/backpack style. They are usually quick to put on and can be a good option for heavy toddlers.

There are many types of sling available but you also have to consider which option will best suit you and your family: how you wish to wear the sling, whether you intend to keep the baby in the sling or keep removing from the sling, if you wish to breastfeed discreetly when you’re out and about and also how willing you are to practice using your sling until you get it right. Once you have chosen the right sling and had a chance to get used to it, you and your child many hours of very happy baby wearing!

If you’re not sure which one is best for you, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you: 0845 890 1665

Copyright Anne Dhir, Calin Bleu Ltd

A world of baby slings is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Clothes
Come in sizes according to weight and don’t last very long at all in the beginning. You will need a slightly larger size if you use real nappies. Some babygros have integral gloves that fold back – very useful for babies that want to scratch their faces off. Things that fasten at the front are easier than things that go over heads. All socks are sacrificial; they don’t stay on feet for long so I prefer things with feet for colder weather.
Nappies
Cloth nappies rock and I like the smell of the Weleda nappy cream which is brilliant stuff. It is a good idea to research nappies, and there are some helpful tips on this blog.

www.naturalnurseryblog.co.uk/how-easy-are-cloth-nappies-to-use

www.naturalnurseryblog.co.uk/why-use-cloth-nappies

Toys
My child at 3 month liked noisy things, mirrors and things he could hold with his tiny fingers. Brightly coloured board books are good too.  If you buy anything musical remember that you will have to listen to it too.

Feeding
I used a pump to express milk and I pumped in the morning while feeding after the small had triggered off the let down reflex. Thinking milky thoughts of waterfalls made the milk come out faster! My son never took to a bottle but he would use a sippy cup. Pumping was just in case of emergencies. I boiled cups and the pump to sterilise them, it’s not a hassle and I don’t think the sterilising equipment is really necessary, though it may make life a bit easier. I have read that the sterilising solution can increase the risk of thrush.
Sleeping
I had a Moses basket for small but didn’t like it ‘cos I had to peer in to check his breathing. I bought a cot because it seemed to be the thing to do but in the end decided that I am a fan of co-sleeping. There are guidelines for safe co-sleeping that are well worth looking at. Grobags are brilliant and my small sleept much longer when I got one.

Bathing
I think a bath thermometer is vital, what’s warm to me is boiling for the small. We shared the bath and he loved it. You also need a soft sponge and ducks!

I hope some of these hints are useful, I found it daunting and confusing trying to work out what I needed and what was clutter and I hope my tips can help you.

What I wish I’d known when I was pregnant is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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The winner will be announced in the following month’s newsletter, so don’t forget to read it and claim your prize.

The competition will be able to choose their own colour and size from the range of Calin Bleu slings that we have in stock and have it delivered straight to their home.

Calin Bleu wrap slings are ideal for carrying your baby in the summer months – allowing you to enjoy the warmer weather without having to push a great pram around.

You can find out more about Calin Bleu wrap slings and see our full range here.

As long as you remain a subscriber, you will be entered into each month’s competition but don’t worry, you will be able to opt out any time you like and we won’t share your details with anyone else.

You can find out more about the competiton here.

July Competition is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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• The perfect age to begin potty training is different for every child. Your child’s best starting age could be anywhere from eighteen to thirty-two months. Pre-potty training preparation can begin when a child is as young as ten months.
• You can begin training at any age, but your child’s biology, skills, and readiness will determine when he can take over his own toileting.
• Teaching your child how to use the toilet can, and should, be as natural as teaching him to build a block tower or use a spoon.
• No matter the age that toilet training begins, most children become physically capable of independent toileting between ages two and a half and four.
• It takes three to twelve months from the start of training to daytime toilet independence. The more readiness skills that a child possesses, the quicker the process will be.
• The age that a child masters toileting has absolutely no correlation to future abilities or intelligence.
• There isn’t only one right way to potty train – any approach you use can work – if you are pleasant, positive and patient.
• Nighttime dryness is achieved only when a child’s physiology supports this–you can’t rush it.
• A parent’s readiness to train is just as important as a child’s readiness to learn.
• Potty training need not be expensive. A potty chair, a dozen pairs of training pants and a relaxed and pleasant attitude are all that you really need. Anything else is truly optional.
• Most toddlers urinate four to eight times each day, usually about every two hours or so.
• Most toddlers have one or two bowel movements each day, some have three, and others skip a day or two in between movements. In general, each child has a regular pattern.
• More than 80 percent of children experience setbacks in toilet training. This means that what we call “setbacks” are really just the usual path to mastery of toileting.
• Ninety-eight percent of children are completely daytime independent by age four.

This article is an excerpt from The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Diapers by Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2006)

More natural parenting articles can be found on the Natural Nursery website: www.naturalnursery.co.uk

Quick Facts About Potty Training is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Get Ready

If your child is near or has passed his first birthday, you can begin incorporating pre-potty training ideas into his life. They are simple things that will lay the groundwork for potty training and will make the process much easier when you’re ready to begin.

• During diaper changes, narrate the process to teach your toddler the words and meanings for bathroom-related functions, such as pee-pee and poo-poo. Include descriptive words that you’ll use during the process, such as wet, dry, wipe, and wash.
• If you’re comfortable with it, bring your child with you when you use the toilet. Explain what you’re doing. Tell him that when he gets bigger, he’ll put his pee-pee and poo-poo in the toilet instead of in his diaper. Let him flush the toilet if he wants to.

Continue reading this article here

Potty Training – Get Ready, Get Set, Go! is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of The No-Cry Potty Training Solution

Potty training is easier and happens faster if your child is truly ready in all three areas: physical, cognitive and social. But the big question is: how do you know when your child is ready? If you have never traveled this road before, you likely don’t even know what signs to look for. Take this quiz to find out where your child is on the readiness spectrum.

1.         I can tell by watching that my child is wetting or filling his nappy:

a.         Never.

b.         Sometimes.

c.         Usually.

2.         My toddler’s diaper needs to be changed:

a.         Frequently, every hour or two.

b.         It varies.

c.         Every two to three hours–sometimes less frequently.

3.         My child understands the meaning of wet, dry, clean, wash, sit, and go:

a.         No.

b.         Some of them.

c.         Yes.

Continue reading this article - here.

is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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3. Reusable nappies are now just as easy as a disposable nappies!

Health: disposable nappies contain up to 200 chemicals and it is still not known just how many of them will be absorbed through a baby’s delicate skin.   

Skin conditions: many parents find that their baby’s skin condition such as eczema or nappy rash is relieved by using organic cloth nappies as they allow more air to circulate than disposable nappies. Specially soft and untreated silk nappy liners are available to help delicate skin recover.

Comfort: many parents claim that cloth nappies are more comfortable to wear than disposable nappies.  Certainly, it must be nicer to have a layer of soft natural fabric next to your skin rather than the artificial materials used in disposable nappies.

Potty-training: a toddler in a cloth nappy is likely to be more aware of when they have wee’d or poo’d, encouraging them to ask for the potty.

For the environment’s sake

Around 3 billion disposable nappies are used each year in the UK (for example, Leicestershire County Council estimate that they have to deal with over 50 million each year), so let’s have a look at how they are produced and disposed of.

Production: each disposable nappy will need around a cup of crude oil for its plastic wrap and 7 million trees are cut down every year to make disposable nappies.  This is a major depletion of our fast dwindling natural resources.

A Women’s Environmental Network commissioned a study in 1991 showed that disposable nappies use 3.5 times as much energy, 8 times as much non-renewable raw materials and 90 times as much renewable material as reusable nappies. They produce 2.3 times as much waste water and 60 times as much solid waste. This even allows for the washing of cloth nappies! They require between 4 and 30 times as much land for growing natural materials as reusable nappies.

The physical production of the nappy involves the use of many chemicals and bleaches to product that lovely shiny white so beloved of the big companies.

Disposal: 3 billion nappies is a lot and it is estimated that 90% of them will end up on landfill sites – that is a lot of space!  The cost to local councils is enormous – Bristol CC estimate that it costs them £500,000 per year to deal with thrown away nappies.

It is believed that it will take up to 500 years for these nappies to decompose (all the while producing dangerous methane gas), which could be a big headache for our grandchildren.

For your pocket’s sake

An average baby will be changed between 5,000 – 5,500 times (some people say as many as 7,000 times) between birth and potty-training, that could cost as much as £1,000. 

Cloth nappies do require a large initial outlay (especially if you use all-in-ones) but should cost no more than £400 in total (including home laundry).  Obviously, you will save even more money if you reuse the nappies for another child.

Remember, there is a thriving market in second hand nappies, which can retain up to 80% of their value.

Don’t worry if you can’t use real nappies every change, even if you only use 2 cloth nappies a day, that is still 730 less cups of oil and around £100 saved every year.

Why use cloth nappies? is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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