Cute cover-up

As winter creeps in, our thoughts turn to stylish ways to keep our little ones cosy and warm when we're out and about. We've fallen in love with the BabbaCover, a car seat cover that keeps baby wrapped up and protected from wind, snow and in the latest versions, harsh sunlight.

The BabbaCover features windows on front and back for ventilation and easy viewing or access to baby. There are also side pockets to keep your handy bits and an elastic opening up top to allow for a secure grip on your car seat handle. The BabbaCover fits all standard infant car seat carriers and comes in a range of funky-fab designs. We're particularly keen on the 'GQ Guillen' in SnuggleFleece as pictured. Visit the web site for more styles and suppliers.

Bugging out

How ridiculously snug does this baby look swaddled in his Bug in a Rug? These multipurpose baby wraps designed in Australia and distributed in the UK by Baby Rug are ideal for being out and about. They allow babies to be carried in and out of all 5 point harness and carry pouches without having to unwrap and rewrap them.

What's more, they come in multiple colours and a variety of fabrics -- from water resistant or polar fleece for wet, wintry weather to lightweight cotton and waffle for the warmer months. Bug in a Rug baby wraps are safe and simple to use and the cute factor is off the scale. I first spotted these at London's Baby Show but you can find out more at the Baby Rug web site.

The Show must go on

The Baby Show, the UK's biggest exhibition for new and expectant parents, came back with a bang (shake and rattle) at London's Earl's Court arena last weekend. This three-day event features all the top baby and toddler brands like Mothercare, Maclaren, Graco and Avent, along with indie retailers and mumpreneurs eager to share their wares.


With live fashion shows, parenting experts on hand to guide you and row upon row of stands, the Baby Show is a great place to try out loads of gear and finally whittle down what you'll really need for those 0-3 years. The sheer range of goodies on offer can be exhausting and after what seemed like miles of trekking I was ready to nap in the giant bouncy chair set up at the Fisher Price stand. Mr. Cheeks was having a fab time scoping out toys and other toddlers - apart from being totally freaked out by a super-sized Bob the Builder. Luckily the kid was soon worn out leaving mama free to wander/shop in peace for another hour.

Sadly we weren't able to bring you live reports from the show, but over the coming weeks Hype Baby and our sister blog Brand New Mama will be featuring some of our favourite products and exhibitors. If you missed the weekend gig, you can catch the Baby Show in Manchester on November 14-16 or plan ahead for 2009 outings at London's ExCeL on March 1, Birmingham on May 15-17 and Earl's Court on October 16-18. For more info check out the Baby Show web site.

Wild ride

Once upon a time all you needed was a simple set of wheels to cart your pre-walkers from A to B. But in the Noughties, the seemingly limitless range of prams, carriers, strollers, trailers and baby joggers on the market could make your head spin. Sporty parents are going gaga for the Chariot Cougar 1 bike trailer, described as the “best-selling ultimate multi-functional child transportation system”.

The Cougar offers an ultra smooth ride with padded seats, soft harness and adjustable suspension. Each Cougar must be bought with at least one CTS conversion kit that allows it to function in one of 5 different modes: cycling, hiking, jogging, strolling and even skiing. It’s available in one-child or two-child (Cougar 2) models to accommodate your growing family and frankly, this cat looks hot. Check out the Chariot Cougar and other superfly child rides at the Bicycle Trailers site.

Technorati tags baby strollers cycling

Ride around the world

Planning on leaving these shores for warmer climes? Don’t make any sudden moves without picking up a Trunki for your little one. This fab new invention is the world’s first ride-on suitcase that has enough room for your babe’s spare clothes, toys and books. Kids can help pack then cruise along on their own luggage which is approved for storage in cabin compartments. Trunki is sturdy yet lightweight, gives parents a break from lugging heavy toddlers around and opens up a whole new world of fun for globe-trotting tots. Check it out at Trunki’s online store.

Technorati tags baby gadgets travel

Hippy hip hooray

Mr. Cheeks and mama have returned from our globe-trotting just in time to spend our first Xmas together in foggy London. I'm happy to be home but gutted that I forgot to pack my Hippy Chick hip seat on our way back. If you're travelling with a super-heavy bubba like mine this baby carrier is indispensable. It looks like a bum bag (fanny pack, for US readers) with a foam padded shelf for baby to sit astride. You simply strap it around your waist and lift your child onto the seat. The clever design not only helps to support the extra weight but stops you from twisting your spine so you don't strain your back too much. It looks a bit bizarre when you first try it on but actually nobody notices and it's worth a few odd stares. I really missed my Hipseat when I had to lug His Cheekiness for what seemed like miles from the plane until I finally retrieved my stroller at baggage collection. My advice? Don't leave home without it.

Technorati tags baby travel support