Swing high, butterfly

Summertime and the living is easy... So the deep freeze from Siberia may be heading to the UK, but this swinging baby makes us think of those lazy, hazy days we can only dream about. The Fisher Price Butterfly Garden Papasan Cradle Swing not only looks ridiculously cosy but it also comes with a variety of sound and music settings and plenty of good vibrations.

For playtime, the bubba can relax to bird song and 8 happy tunes while nap time mode features a soothing brook, chirping crickets and 8 lullabies. Along with the detachable butterfly mobile, there's a butterfly light show that projects onto the canopy and at the flick of a switch the cradle will swing from side to side or back to front. Order at Kiddicare, an online superstore with excellent deals for new parents.

Just kicking it

After hours on end of cuddling or wearing a newborn, every parent needs a safe and cosy place to dump their dumpling so they can have a break. A bouncy chair/rocker is an essential item in those first few months, and we're especially loving the Kicking Coaster from The First Years.

This interactive baby seat is the first of its kind as it gets baby to do the work by pounding the kick plate at the base to create a natural, gliding motion. It's not only great for an infant's motor skills but it means your little one can actually rock herself to sleep after all that activity. The chair also features music, lights and vibrations, cheery toys and a removable teether rattle. Suitable from birth to 25lbs, the Kicking Coaster can be bought via the Learning Curve web site.

Baby it's cold outside

In these chilly conditions, all I can think about is snuggling down with the little one. And I can't envision wrapping up in anything much more comfortable and stylish than a Quilt Baby blanket.


This indie design company run by a mama of two boys makes modern, chic textiles and accessories for babies, including bedding, clothing, bibs and burp cloths. You'll find gorgeous reversible cotton quilts in unique prints that make fabulous heirloom gifts. Even order a pillow to match for when your bubba's old enough to appreciate throw cushions. Check out more Quilt Baby designs on their web site or at their Etsy store.

Wild thing

Although we welcomed the fairly mild conditions over the holiday period, I must admit being slightly disappointed Mr. Cheeks didn't get to experience a white Xmas. But I cheered up instantly when I imagined wrapping his little brother in this adorable unisex animal print Snowsuit from Mothercare. The little hood with ears and the paw prints on the feet are what crank this outfit up to irresistibly cute. Even if we don't get a whisper of snow all winter, I'll probably wind up stuffing the baby into this snow suit at the merest hint of frost. It's temporarily out of stock online but UK customers can find a list of retailers at the Mothercare web site.

A Hype New Year

Hype Baby would like to wish all our mamas, papas and little ones a fab New Year. This 2009 promises to be an exciting time for our family as we anticipate a new arrival next month to join Mr. Cheeks in tearing up our happy home.

For our readers, there will be loads to look forward to as we plan to revamp Hype Baby and our sister blog Brand New Mama with a fresh look, regular updates, more deals and special offers, and a host of new features. So be sure to subscribe to our feed and email to keep up with the changes. As always, stay hype!