Buzz off

After our recent travels, we were horrified to find our Cheeky ones covered in scabs and scars from insect bites. I had prepared for the African scourge but the worst offenders turned out to be in the South of France.

If only I had known about Green Baby's Deet Free Mosquito Patch beforehand. This fantastic little product packs a powerful punch of 100% pure undiluted Citronella and Eucalyptus Citriodora - essential oils that have been used for years to keep those buzzers at bay. Simply take a patch, give it a friendly squeeze to release the fragrance, and slap it on for up to 10 hours protection.

The patches are not only environmentally cool, but totally safe for everyone even babies since the product never touches the skin. You can stick them on practically any area you fancy including clothing, furniture, pushchairs and bedding. Each packet comes with 24 patches designed to repel midges, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and even headlice.

Being partial to his stickers and plasters, Mr. Cheeks was especially keen and proud to display his Deet patch while playing in the woods. I was just thrilled that I didn't have to cover either of my babies in smelly, possibly rash-inducing gunk. Now when are they going to come out with a sunscreen patch?

Visit Green Baby for the lowdown.

Just frontin'

Now that the little big boy is starting out on solids, our thoughts have turned to getting him some stylish feeding gear. I'm charmed by this funky Island Stripe bib by Babylicious. With its wipe-clean surface, catch-all front pocket and Velcro closure, this plastic protector provides an easy way to inject a little attitude into chow time. Best of all, it's on sale now at Style Kid. Check out more discount offers at their web site.

Babbling over

I literally laughed out loud when I saw this onesie with 'Oh Crap' so aptly placed above the rear. And strolling through Covent Garden the other day with Little Big Cheeks in his 'Fuel' bodysuit, I was stopped time and again by people wondering where we got that cute t-shirt.

The answer is Babble Babywear, a line of bodyhugging onesies with witty captions and logos that are bound to make you do a double-take. Check out the 'Chunky' onesie with peanut butter jar logo or the 'Recycling Centre' for the eco-conscious parent with a sense of humour. Each bodysuit is made of 100% ringspun combed cotton with reinforced three-snap closures and available in sizes 0-12 months.

And if you think you can do even better, Babble Babywear are running a contest for new slogans. Visit the web site for more details.