Natural Nursery Blog

This is a great review of a Widgey Nursing Pillow:

Having breastfed my first son without a proper nursing pillow, I wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about. But I knew that I needed a caesarean for my second son, and everyone I spoke to said that a nursing pillow was essential after a caesarean. Many other mums recommended the Widgey to me.
They were right. This is a wonderful product. It is lovely and firm and means that I don’t have to lean over to feed. It curves round my waist nicely without pressing down just the right amount of stuffing to make sure that it can curve round all different sizes of mums.

I’m pretty much recovered now, but I still use my Widgey because it makes feeding so much more comfortable and has stopped me getting backache this time around. and it has
I also use the pillow for propping up my son for sitting because he can’t quite sit up on his own yet. He loves this because he can see what we’re all doing and doesn’t get bored – especially useful when we’re all trying to get dressed in the morning.

We have the design with the cows and my youngest likes looking at the cows and smiling at them.
My toddler son also likes to use it to lounge on when sitting / lying on the floor.
All in all, a great buy and far more useful than I ever thought it would be when I first bought it. Great product.

Don’t forget our free postage offer on all standard UK orders, which ends on 20/06/10

We have had another lovely product review this time for Taggies Naturals the orgainc and silk baby comforters. This is what the customer said:

My son has had a taggie from birth and has become increasingly attached to it. He loves to fiddle with the ribbons as he falls asleep and often carries it around with him for that extra bit of security. I am reassured that it is made from organic cotton and is gentle on his skin and it is well made. Ours has been through the wash many times now and has come out as good as new – testament to the quality of the product. I would recommend these to anyone, in fact I’d say buy two – one for your baby, one in the wash!

A new baby gift doesn’t have to be just for the newborn phase. It is a nice idea to give something that the baby can enjoy a few months later. Giving a book, for example, is a lovely idea.

It is never too early to start reading with children. Introducing a bedtime story as part of an evening routine helps children recognise that sleep time is coming soon. It helps them slow down their active but tired little minds. Reading to children from a very early age is a gentle introduction to the melody of speech, and to the joy of reading. It is a gift that will stay with them forever.

Here are some ideas to choose books as a new baby gift.

The Baby Shape Book Set is probably one of the earliest books you can read to a baby. We don’t know whether new babies are able to distinguish colour, but it is agreed that they are drawn to high contrast images. These simple books are especially developed to interest a baby from birth, with a progression from simple bold graphic shapes to facial expressions and more complex images for older babies.

Taggies First Books: Taggies books are ideal first books for babies – made with soft textured fabrics and colourful images, they are just right for snuggling up with.They are now also available in board books. The little ribbons are there to be pulled and played with, subtly helping baby learn to turn the pages.

Playtime Rhymes For Little People Barefoot books are well known for the quality of their children’s books. The stories, the writing and the graphics make the children books equally appealing for grown-ups. And since you’ll be the one reading and singing it day after day, it’s a bonus! Each intricately illustrated rhyme is accompanied by instructions for acting it out. The book is designed to help children develop language and counting skills while improving their coordination and encouraging them to interact.

Here are just a few ideas to give you some inspiration, you will find many more baby books on our website.

If there is one exciting thing about running a business, it is opening the boxes we receive from our suppliers. The toys, the clothes are all so soft and beautiful, we enjoy picturing how our customers will enjoy them.

This week, we are particularly blessed with delightful additions to the range.

Sophie the Giraffe is one of your favourites. Did you know that it now comes with a delightful gift set, ideal for a new baby gift. The gift set comes with the classic Sophie the Giraffe, an adorable mini-giraffe on a keyring. Sophie the Giraffe and the baby giraffe can be placed in a little carry bag made of 100% cotton. The bag is also embroidered with ‘My Memories’. It also has space to add the child’s name and date of birth. Sophie the Giraffe, the baby giraffe and the bag come in a cute little gift box that can be reused to store other baby treasures.

Why do babies love Sophie the Giraffe?

• It’s made from natural rubber (from the Hevea tree). The rubber is ultra soft and flexible, making it easy for babies to grab, chew, and play with. Its natural scent helps baby identify his or her toy.
• It is light and easy for little hands to hold and squeeze. Sophie makes a laughing squeak when baby presses her tummy.
• It contains no harmful chemicals, it is free from PVC, phthalate or vinyl. Even the colours are non-toxic and use food-grade paints.
• This makes Sophie the Giraffe the ideal toy to chew and suck.
• No wonder 9 out 10 babies in France receive a Sophie as a new baby gift.
• It is suitable from birth to 12 months and above. It’s approximately 17cm (7″) tall.

Sophie the Giraffe was born in France in 1967 and quickly became an essential new baby toy.  Over 20 million have been sold, yet the company remains true to its ideals  – she is traditionally made by hand in a secret process that involves 14 separate stages.

Sophie the Giraffe is an adorable new baby gift, a lovely teething toy.

When all your friends and relatives start having babies at the same time, finding ideas for a lovely new baby gift within your budget can be a stretch.

We’re giving you a hand with 10 ideas under £10:

1. The Noo-Noo comforter is an adorable new baby gift. It is made of 100% ultra soft felted lamb wool. The baby will enjoy rubbing his fingers through the tactile embroidery, appliqué, loops and booble. It comes in a pretty white gift box. £7.19
2. A new baby gift doesn’t have to just for the newborn stage. Your friends will be happy to take it out when their baby has reached the stage. Toddlers love the Orchard Toys in particular the puzzles. The bright colours and cheerful designs catch the children’s attention. The pieces are chunky enough for toddlers to handle easily. From £4.80
3. A Powell Craft toy bag is another pretty new baby gift. It is available in various shapes. Decorated with an adorable little teddy, it will make a delightful addition to a baby’s nursery. From £4.99
4. A dazzle wooden toy rattle will keep baby entertain for hours on the play mat or in the buggy. When baby is teething he will be able to chew on the wooden toy. £9.95
5. A soft toy box will also be a hit with a baby boy. The soft case contains a hammer, a wrench and a screwdriver. The Legler company supports the work of MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES who help people in need, regardless of their creed, colour or political conviction. £5.86
6. The Baby Shapes book set has been developed by The Children’s Project, dedicated to supporting the family and improved outcomes for children. These simple books are specially developed to interest a baby from birth. Baby Shapes 1 & 2, use very simple (through to more complex) bold graphic shapes. £6.99
7. You can also find ideas for a new new baby gift at budget prices in our sale area. We have selected for example this adorable newborn baby girl organic dress. At ££4.99, it would make an adorable present.
8. The Organic Cotton Farm Print Trouser Shirt Set is another ultra cute outfit which would be a lovely new baby gift. £8.99
9. The babysense Lala CD is a thoughtful idea: the slow rhythmical lilt of traditional lullabies is soothing, helping babies to fall asleep with greater ease. £9.75
10. Taggies start from the simple idea that babies are often more interested in the toy’s tag that the actual toy. The soft toy has little tags, loops and rings on which baby can pull, chew or bite. £8.80

Here are our 10 ideas for a new baby gift under £10. Many of them would be equally suitable for baby boy or a baby girl so you can order them in advance and save even more.

A cellular blanket is a classic new baby gift. Generations of babies have been wrapped and cuddled in these soft loosely knitted blankets. Although they may look similar to one you might have seen in the family house’s attic or in the hospital, modern baby blankets are softer than ever. A cellular blanket is made to be light, durable and buttery soft.Here are a few things to look for in a baby cellular blanket:

• The special knit is either a loose knit, or designed to include little squares or holes. It allows the blanket to be slightly stretchy, wrapping gently around your baby. Baby can still wiggle without kicking the blanket and getting cold.

• A cellular blanket should be 100% cotton. The natural properties of natural cotton will help your baby regulate his temperature, cooling him down in summer and keeping him warm in winter.

• Baby blankets are now available in 100% organic cotton. With organic cotton bedding , you have the guarantee that no harmful chemicals have been used to produce the cotton. This is essential to protect your baby’s delicate skin.

• You might be buying your baby’s cellular blanket while pregnant and before you know whether you’re having a boy or a girl. In that case, the natural cotton (pictured) is a delightful option. The Disana cellular blanket is also available in blue and pink.

• The size of the blanket should be generous enough to use on the floor, in the pram, in the cot, or in the car seat. It is also useful to wrap over your baby while breastfeeding.

Shopping for a new baby gift is fun and exciting. It is a chance to think about the new parents, to celebrate this new life and show our friendship and affection.

Here are our top picks to help you choose a new baby gift:

At the top of the list is Sophie the Giraffe. Let us introduce Sophie: it’s cute, squishy and indestructible. Sophie can be chewed, grabbed, squeezed, pulled by little hands for years to come. It makes a laughing squeak when its tummy is squeezed. Sophie has been a traditional new baby gift for generations of French children. It is now available in the UK. It is made from soft, flexible natural rubber from the Hevea tree.

The new collection of Sea Life soft toys by Under the Nile is simply adorable. They are available individually or as a set of three. They are the perfect size and shape for little hands to grab. The organic cotton is extremely soft. When your children grow, it is a chance to teach them about sea life and the importance of preserving its beauty.

A practical new baby gift can be really special. The new parent can use it every day to wrap their baby in a beautiful product. The baby hooded towel and the cellular blanket from Green Baby are examples of thoughtful gifts. They are made of 100% organic and are incredibly soft. They are so durable that they can be passed down to younger siblings. Giving a baby carrier like the Wilkinet is giving the gift of freedom. Having the possibility of keeping your baby close to you while doing things around the house, playing with older siblings or going out with friends makes life with a new baby so much easier.

Choosing a new baby gift is also a time for luxuries. The sheepskins or lambskins especially designed for babies are sure to be appreciated for years to come. The sheepskin can be used as a play mat to keep baby comfortable, on the floor, in a bed, or the pram.

Don’t forget that the new baby gift doesn’t necessarily have to be for the baby, it can be for his or her mum. A mum with a new baby needs pampered. Going to the spa or the beautician is not be easy when you have a little one in toe. What better present that a Natalia pampering gift set to make the new mum will gorgeous and special?

That’s our top tips, we would love to hear from you. What was the favourite gift you receive when your baby was born?

A baby cellular blanket is a timeless new gift but it’s often not used just as a blanket. There are so many more uses for a cellular blanket:

1. A play mat either at home or on the go. A cotton cellular blanket is easy to wash so if the floor your child is playing on isn’t exactly spotless, that’s no problem. Just pop the blanket in the washing machine when you get home. It is a good idea to buy a couple of blankets. You can use one while the other is being washed.
2. A breastfeeding shawl. The blanket is light and slightly stretchy. It will stay in place nicely if you wrap it over your shoulder while you are breastfeeding your baby. Whether you are looking for comfort or privacy, the blanket will prove lovely.
3. Promote skin to skin. Many midwives and health visitors recommend skin to skin contact between baby and mummy. Skin to skin helps parents bond with the baby, it helps baby regulate his body temperature. It can also encourage breastfeeding and help baby settle more easily. If you’re worried about baby getting cold, wrap the blanket over you two (making sure his face isn’t covered).
4. A swaddling blanket. Swaddling is back “in fashion”. Swaddling is proven to reduce crying for some babies. It probably reminds them of the tight space in the womb. It gives a sense of comfort and familiarity. The special knit of a cotton cellular blanket is ideal for swaddling. The natural properties of cotton will help regulate the baby’s body temperature.
5. A pic nic blanket for baby. When you’re out and about and having a picnic in a park, pop the blanket on the grass. Your child will love the scent of his familiar blanket. It will protect him from the cold too.
6. A protection from the sun on the buggy. You can also pop the blanket over the buggy’s hood to protect your baby from the sun. I don’t know if your buggy sun protection is anything like ours but it kept slipping, the blanket stayed in place!
7. A super hero cape for a toddler. When tiny baby grows into busy toddler, don’t just pack the cellular blanket away.  It is great to play with and will turn into many costumes.
8. A blanket for dolly (or teddy or Mr. Dinosaur)
9. A curtain for a make shift playhouse
10. and 10… what do you suggest for 10? How will you use your cellular blanket? Let us know…