Brand New Mama: Check it Out!

Hype Baby is happy to announce the launch of our sassy sister blog, Brand New Mama. It's aimed at new mothers but open to anyone who's been there, washed the stains out of the t-shirt and wants to share what they've learned about motherhood.

Whether you're aspiring to be a mama, newly expecting, ready to pop, deep in the trenches, about to go through it all over again, or simply a worn-out mother looking for tips and trends to feel like a Brand New Mama - this blog's for you.

Expect links to useful articles, helpful tips, product reviews, cosy chat, a good helping of humour and quite a bit of randomness. Check it out here. All feedback welcome.

Pic courtesy of The Baby Website.

Tech Issues: Part 2

So our attempts to switch to our custom domain name have been delayed until we can resolve the issues or figure out another solution. We're sorry for keeping things on hold for a few days (and that irritating parked page) so we'll get back to our regular posting asap.

Hype Baby Tech Issues

Hype Baby is in the process of trying to switch from our Blogspot address to our custom domain at http://hypebaby.com. We were hoping for a seamless transition but what seemed like a simple switchover is turning out to be a little more complex. So have no fear if you can't seem to access Hype Baby for a couple of days until it's sorted. We're still here and we'll be back with more hip tips as soon as these tech issues are resolved. Stay hype.

Bling Buggy

For many urban mamas, the Maclaren is the lightweight buggy of choice. If the Bugaboo is a Baby Benz, then Maclaren Quest is the Toyota Corolla of pushchairs: smooth, sleek, sturdy and great value for money. But if you want to flex like your baby 'Trumps' all others (even that smug Stokke rider) splash out on the ultimate tricked-out stroller: the limited edition Maclaren GB Type Au.

This baby bling-mobile's kitted out in black leather and gold, kind of like Shaft meets old school LL Cool J. But with more class. It has a 9 carat gold brooch on the detachable cell-phone pocket along with standard Maclaren features like five-point harness and compact umbrella fold. In case you've missed out on one of these beauties (only 20 exist), you can still satisfy your inner snob with a buggy from Maclaren's designer range including ultra chic collections by Kate Spade, Lulu Guinness and Philippe Starck. Did somebody say Bugawho?

Technorati tags baby shopping gadgets

Quack ain't wack

Step aside, Big Bird. Disco Duck's in town and she's ready to party. This Afro-sporting bird is made in Hong Kong but set to rock the globe. It's just one of several best-selling t-shirts by Babes, a trendy kids retailers that recently featured at Hong Kong fashion week. Founders David and Maggie aim to deliver distinctive and stylish togs for tots ranging from tiny camouflage pants to snug, slogan tees. Scope out the web site for details and a free Babes in Car sticker (well, along with any purchase over $35!).

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

First impressions last

Searching for jewellery to appeal to a hip new mum or dad? Tired of seeing those same cutesie photo lockets and bracelets with twee charms? Check out the range of funky dog tags, pendants and even cufflinks by Smallprint, a UK-based company that creates gorgeous silver jewellery adorned with your baby's fingerprint. The process involves dipping your little one's digits in a substance called precious metal clay which is then fired in a kiln to form solid silver. Smallprint products can also feature your child's name, age and a short message on the front or back. Visit the web site for details.

Technorati tags baby jewellery gifts

Touch the art

Julie Appel brings the Masters to minors with this playful series of touch-and-feel board books. Brush Mona Lisa's Hair introduces the Renaissance period with a tactile twist. Although targeted at four to eight-year-olds, even babies will enjoy combing La Giaconda's hair, stroking the horse's tail in Velazquez's Prince Baltasar or tugging at the flaming locks of Botticelli's Venus. Great fun for the young at art. Other books in the Touch the Art series include Make Van Gogh's Bed, Feed Matisse's Fish and Pop Warhol's Top. Available at Amazon.

Technorati tags baby books art

Strolling in the rain

Relief and a twinge of envy. That's how I felt when I came across the Buggy Brolly, a product I'd imagined and longed for but never got around to actually designing and patenting like clever mum Catherine Duffy. This stylish, hands-free umbrella attaches to most strollers by clamping firmly to the arms and can be neatly stored away with most buggies when folded down.

So say goodbye to zigzagging your pushchair with one hand while desperately trying to keep your salon-fresh hair under cover. Bid adieu to turning up at playgroup or nursery looking like a drowned rodent. And even if you don't live in Londrizzle, United Raindom, the Buggy Brolly offers UV-protection and can also be used as a sunshade.

Mary Poppins, eat your heart out. Visit the web site for details.

Technorati tags baby gadgets shopping

Babes in shades

You've got the hat, the hypoallergenic suncream lotion and the stroller parasol. Now that the sun is out to play, don't forget to shield baby's eyes. Designed in Australia, Baby Banz are shatter-proof, clinically-tested and 100% UV-resistant sunglasses made to fit tots aged 0-2. The original Baby Banz is available in multiple colours and comes in a sporty wraparound design with adjustable band. This month, the new large frame Retro Baby Banz is available for order in the UK. Essential for looking cool while lounging by the paddling pool. Check the Baby Banz site for country stockists.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

All hail Sir Hayes

Whether their out strolling with the homies, or indoors wrecking the floorboards, our boys need to represent. This sweatshirt bragging 'Laidback in my Maclaren and everyone's staring' seems tailor-made for Mr. Cheeks. The label is Hayes - that's Sir Hayes to you. Designed exclusively for 'stylish young knights' by a fly mama raising her boy in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, the Sir Hayes clothing line is cut to bring out the 'tude in your toddler. Baby girls better recognise! Also available at Babesta.

Technorati tags baby boys fashion shopping

Happy accidents

Accidents happen. And next thing you know you're elbow deep in nappies and receiving blankets. But at least you've still got that wacky sense of humour. This David & Goliath onesie stating 'I'm the result of a broken condom' is guaranteed to shock or amuse depending on its audience. Maybe you're having a joke at their expense. Maybe you're simply telling it like it is. Either way, you might have some explaining to do when baby's old enough to read it. Available in sizes 3-24 months at UK retailers Spoiled Brat. For more sassy slogans check the David and Goliath site.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping