Boogie down Babes

A hot new scene, hip young things strutting their stuff and a sulky date who refused to dance. My clubbing experience last Saturday was just like the B.C. era (before child) except the event was Baby Loves Disco, the groovy set were mostly wearing nappies and the date in question was an extremely moody and somewhat overwhelmed Mr. Cheeks. Luckily the soft play chill-out zone behind the DJ booth provided a refuge where my two-year-old could tinker with toys, browse books and slowly get into the swing of things. By the end of the session, he was breakdancing (in his own stylee) to Chaka Khan and even ventured out with mummy onto the main floor.



Launched in the US, Baby Loves Disco is quickly becoming a UK sensation thanks to hostess with the mostess Naomi Timperley who describes herself as ‘just a mum from Manchester’ and is still pinching herself at its success. The media are abuzz with the story and monthly events in London are sold out through April (Manchester tickets are also going fast).

Naomi couldn’t have found a slicker spot than the Clapham Grand with its light-up floor that makes even the most left-footed feel like Travolta. The popular south London nightclub is transformed into a family-friendly venue with changing stations, stroller parking and healthy snacks for kids – although the bar stays open for grown-ups. Old timers and mini movers twirl around with hula hoops, balloons and bubbles fill the air and a DJ from Heart 106.2 FM spins funky, feel-good tunes. It's the joyful vibe and the sight of everyone from toothless tots to decked-out dads letting loose that turns what could have been a cheesy pre-school disco into a boogie wonderland. Get on down to Baby Loves Disco UK.

Joy rider

Every little racer deserves his own set of hot wheels. For a ride-on with revving power, scoot along to Mamas and Papas where you can pick up a Polaris Sportsman 400 at half price. This bad boy goes up to 2.5 miles per hour, features accelerator and brake on the same pedal for safety and can support up to 20kg in weight. Hours of battery-operated fun for kids aged 2-5.

Technorati tags baby toys cars

Bite me

The twelve days of Xmas are long gone. It’s time to stop dressing your mini-me up in those cute little frilly numbers that granny bought and slip her into something more true to (your) style. These black and white quilted overalls featuring a signature apple print by Swedish designers Plastisock blend Scandinavian cool with Big Apple attitude. Made in a soft cotton fabric, the jumpsuit is available in sizes 3-12 months. Snap one up at Nordic Kids who are slashing 20% off most lines until January 21st.

Technorati tags baby fashion sales

All aboard

Happy New Year to all our readers! There’s no time like the present to reorganise your baby’s toys. Nowadays you can find a wide variety of storage solutions to jazz up the nursery or kids’ room. We’ve been carried away by this Guidecraft Train Toy Box that deftly combines two of our toddler’s favourite activities: imaginative play and tidy-up time. The hand-crafted choo choo chest is beautifully designed and features a safety hinge catch and cut-outs to prevent finger pinching. Visit the Guidecraft web site for more storage ideas and a list of sales partners and distributors.

Technorati tags baby toys furniture