Blog Moved.

Ok, I know this is maybe a bad start to my blog, but I don't think the title does me justice. Therefore I have created a new blog over at www.mymummysworld.blogspot.com

Please head there to see my new reviews. Thanks x

Dudley Zoo and Castle

23rd August 2012; 25Weeks Old

 

 

My friend and myself took our children to Dudley Zoo and Castle. We both enjoy trips to zoo's and safari's so we thought as it was nice and we had no where planned we would take the children to the local zoo. My friends child is only 12weeks older than Jack so not much difference. We arrived there for about 11am so some of the crowds had already gone through the entrance. Children under 3 are free and my friend and I had a two for one voucher so paid just £13, however if you don't want to include a donation it is £11.80.

 

We stopped and looked at each and every animal so the children made the most of the day, even if they didn't understand. They had many different kinds of animals there, some which we didn't get chance to look at for different reasons. The animal enclosures surround the castle and are built on the grounds, so as you walk around you eventually get to the castle. Near the castle there is a resturant, which supply food and drinks, also a toilet stop. The only toilets here are at the beginning near the entrance, just a bit further down then the entrance in monkey tails, and the others are in the resturant or in the castle. There is a new chairlift there and also a land train which you can go on, however we didn't go on either of these so I am unable to review.

 

Unfortunately, as this zoo is built on castle grounds it is very hilly and some of the hills are extremly steep. In some locations there is only steps so you have to walk a longer way for a slope. Also, we were unable to go into Lemur walk as you had to leave the pushchairs outside. We didn't go into the castle so unable to comment on what it is like using a pushchair around the castle. Other than this it is a lovely place to visit with many different animals and attractions. I believe that both of the children enjoyed the day out, and enjoyed seeing the animals.

Nelson's Teetha Teething Granules Review

Nelson's Teetha Teething Granules

When I discovered Jack was teething we tried everything, we tried cold teething rings, teething gels and finally resorted to Teetha Granules. If I'm honest I wish we had found the Teetha Granules first. Jack didn't like the cold teething rings but would have a ring at room temperature. As for the gels, they worked for a short period of about 5 Miniutes then he would scream for more. I took a look online at what else was available for teething and some good recommendations. Thats when I discovered Nelson's Teetha. I popped up to my local Sainsbury's to purchase some to try with Jack.

Firstly, I thought it was a bit weird how a small sachet of powder would help my baby with all the pain of teething, however we gave it a go. At first Jack wasn't impressed with me putting powder into his mouth but he soon got used to it. After a couple of miniutes, he was soothed with no more screaming.

Nelson's Teetha are a homeopathic medicine which helps the symptoms of teething. They come in a box of 24 individual sachets, and you can give upto 6 sachets a day, however Jack only requires one. The sachets are really simple to use, you just tear it open and pop it into your child's mouth, not too quickly though. There isn't an age limit, which is always a good thing with teething as it can happen at any time. With all medicines always read the label first. I can truely recommended these for any teething babies for relief.

Nelson's Teetha Retail at £4.89 at time of writing.

Jack's Half Birthday

So yesterday, 20th August 2012 was Jacks 6 Month Mark, his half birthday. I cannot believe how quickly the first 6 months has gone, and how much Jack has changed. Within his first month he has learnt so many new things, and is learning more and more each day.

I remember the moment he was born and how cute and chubby he looked on photos, although he actually wasn't a chubby baby.

<< Day he was born

Now>>

In regards to his half birthday, I decided he could try a small piece of sponge cake as he loves his food. This was his first taste of birthday cake.

Jack's Professional Photos

I'm sure many of you parent's are the same as my in the fact you can never have too many photos of your children. I've always got my camera with me, and like to capture as many images of Jack as I can as he will soon grow up. Already in his first 6months he has changed so much. With this in mind I decided I would take Jack for some professional prints. We had some Professional pictures taken in the hospital and also had some at Pixifoto in Mothercare when he was 2months old.

We went to a local photographer who offered a great deal.
I took Jack and immediately he took to the camera and was showing his beautiful smile. He's definately not camera shy. Yesterday I had an email saying our prints were ready to collect so thought I would share them with you. 



SnuggleBundl Review

SnuggleBundl

SnuggleBundl was created by David Solomons, whom when his baby was born, his wife experienced problems, and he had back problems. He would snuggle his baby into a blanket and lift her up that way, therefore making lifting baby easier for them both. In 2011 he teamed up with his neighbour Mike Edwards and his wife Heidi and created the SnuggleBundl.

As you will know if you have read my About Us section, Jack has reflux; I had seen a review online that a SnuggleBundl is not only a good way to carry but a help for reflux also. This is as the Bundl keeps the baby in the same position therefore not tipping them when transfering. This was one of the reasons I opted for a Bundl, the other was because when you attempting to move Jack when sleeping he would wake and stay awake. I can truly recommend the SnuggleBundl as it is a simple way for me to move Jack when hes sleeping and helping him to stay asleep.

The Bundl is a great way to transfer your sleeping baby, or even awake baby without much effort, and without disturbing. As the Bundl was created to help with Back Problems obviously it is a good help for this. If any parents/guardians already have a Back Problems, or problems which prevent them from bending down, the Bundl helps with this. It prevents you from bending over to lift the baby. SnuggleBundl also won a Gold Award from LovedByParents for Best Innovative Gift.

The SnuggleBundl is extremely easy to use. The following information is taken from SnuggleBundl website.
"Wrapping your baby in the BUNDL

1. Roll the hood back before laying your baby centrally on the BUNDL. Note - Always lay your baby on its back and never in the prone position when using the BUNDL
2. Fold any excess material over your baby's feet if required.
3. Wrap your baby by folding the left side over the right and tying the ribbon through the top handle.
4. The hood should always be rolled back when the baby is horizontal in the BUNDL. Also roll and fold the material away from the face. Note - Always ensure that your baby is not to hot when fully wrapped. Adjust accordingly to the surrounding conditions and temperatures. Always ensure you can see your baby's face."

The Bundl comes in a choice of Rainbow or Spotty on SnuggleBundl website, however I have also seen it sold in Pink, Brown and Blue. The SnuggleBundl is made from Jersey Cotton, suitable for use all year round. The Bundl is machine washable and tumble dryer safe, so easy to wash and dry. It is also long lasting as it is suitable from NewBorn to roughly 9Months, (upto a weight of 30kgs, 66lbs).

The Bundl retails at £39.99

Close Parent; Caboo Baby Carrier Review

Close Parent; Caboo Baby Carrier.

When Jack was younger he would have a lot of attention due to his reflux, however when he would go to sleep I was able to do my household jobs. As Jack got older he slept less (sleep has always been a problem in the daytime), making getting my jobs done difficult as Jack required the attention. The first time I went out for a full day was to The Baby Show with my friend. I'd never experienced Jacks required amount of attention when shopping until now. Jack required being carried half way round, this was difficult whilst attempting to push my pushchair. That's when I thought I should buy a Baby Sling. I looked at all the different styles whilst we were there and fell in love with the Close Parent Caboo

Close Parent was set up by two people who had met because they both believed in the sam ethics and passion for caring for the enviroment. Martine had a buisness selling re-useable nappies, whilst Claire had a buisness selling baby slings. They both joined together in 2004 and set up Close Parent. Close Parent now sell a variety of natural parenting sources, still including the reusable nappies and baby slings.

I purchased my sling from the show as they had show discounts. The staff on the stand were very helpful, explained the choice of slings and demonstrated how to put it on. I was worried about Jack falling out, but they reassured me he would be fine. Once I got home I decided to try it out. I was impressed that it folded into itself in the bag which is also part of the sling making it easy to store. This was key for me as I wouldn't require to use it all the time.

When I fetched it out of the bag it looked so confusing to put together, however the instructions are so simple and easy to follow so made this task easier.  Once it was assembled and I was wearing my Caboo I just had to put Jack in to try it out. I needed to see if it was comfortable for both myself and Jack. It was so simple to put Jack in, and very comfortable for the both of us.

The next day we used this when Jack required his attention but I needed to do my jobs. Jack was happy to be carried around the house in the Caboo and helping me get my jobs done. Jack didn't slide down or fall out!!

The Caboo is designed and made very well. The stitching and joins are perfect with no loose or straying parts, even after much use. Also the rings to tie together are good, they keep the sling at a distance required, occasionally with a little slack. I could not wish for a better sling design for one that is easily storeable.

I have since used the Caboo quite a lot and even give it a good few goes in the washing machine. Even now Jack is bigger we can still use the Caboo as he can face outwards being able to see the world. This he enjoys very much as not only is he close to mummy, but he can also be nosey. The Caboo can be used from NewBorn upwards and the weight range is 2.3-14.5kg (5-32lbs). The Caboo washes really well too. Its made from 100% Organic Cotton also making it Earth Friendly.


 The Caboo retails at £59.99.
It also comes in a variety of colours and is available online or at good retailers.

Funky Giraffe Dribble Bibs Review

Funky Giraffe Bibs

After discovering Jack had started teething quite early the dribble was just unbearable. It was making Jack's neck really sore and resulting in many outfit changes, especially t-shirts; respectively increasing my washing load. However I was attending the Brmingham Baby Show the next week so decided I would look for some dribble bibs there as I had heard they were very good. After searching all the stores, I decided to settle for Funky Giraffe Bibs. Not only did they have the better deal for multi-buy but they also had so much choice. Various patterns for both boys and girls; Jack and I were spoilt for choice. 

Funky Giraffe Bibs were established in 2009 by a sucessful fashion designer who became a first time mummy. She wanted to create a bib that was fashionable at the same time as being affordable, practical and comfortable.

So, with Funky Giraffe being most affordable and having the most choice, my friend and I both brought 6 each. However, I wasn't too sure how these stylish bibs would handle a lot of dribble and washing and still eventually look as good as they did upon purchasing.

The bibs are really well made, with excellent stitching and no glitches. They have the cotton at the front with the wonderful, bright designs on. At the rear is a fleece lining which helps absorb the dribble saving babies clothes and also two poppers. With the poppers the bibs fit three different sizes, meaning they can grow with your baby.

 My bibs have now been through the washer more times than I can imagine and still look as good as the day I purchased them. They are a really sytlish add to Jack's outfits and save so many outfit changes and cream for his sore neck. There are so many different designs there is a bib for every outfit. I really recommended these to any parent's with teething or just dribbly babies.

These bibs retail at £4.00 each but the more you buy the cheaper they become.

1 Dribble bib would cost £4.00

5 would cost £11.00 therefore being £2.20 each

10 would cost £20.50 therefore being £2.05 each

Each additional bib after 10 is £1.90 each.

Check out the website for all designs and too order.



Severn Valley Railway

25th July 2012; 21Weeks Old

Today we went on yet another family day out, this time to the Severn Valley Railway. My partner would visit the Railway with his Grandad when he was younger and wants to do the same with Jack so with it being a lovely sunny day we decided to take Jack to visit a railway. Again, maybe he wouldn't understand what was happening but he seemed to enjoy it and being nosey out of the windows. We did the whole 16 Mile track both ways. We visited the railway museum at Kidderminster and The Engine House half way along the line. This was a full days out trip as you could stop at any station and get off to look around. I would recommended this railway to anyone with children who love trains or even parents would love trains. Very enjoyable day out.

Birmingham Sea Life Centre

11th July 2012; 19Weeks Old

We took Jack to Birmingham Sea Life Centre. We didn't really know where to go on a day out in which Jack would benefit from too. However he seems to like watching things that move so we decided we would go to our local Sea Life Centre. We arrived there for roughly when it opened, Jack got in free and we had a 2 for 1 voucher so cost just £18 for the two of us for unlimited entry. We stopped at each pool/tank for Jack to look at the sea creatures which he enjoyed. He preferred the brighter tanks where he was able to see the creatures more clearly. As we went round there is also a quiz for you to participate in, so we did this for Jack as you got a small prize at the end. This would be a momentum for Jack. Once we had walked all the way round we took a stroll into Town and got some lunch and then visited the Sea Life again in the afternoon after Jack had a nap. We got the most out of our day visit as we went round twice. This was a lovely day out, maybe more suitable to older children although, I believe Jack throughly enjoyed it as he smiled all the way around.