Cat and the hat

As the 'owners' of two cheeky munchkins of the male persuasion, it's not surprising that some of our finds tend to be a little boy-centric.

But every now and then we satisfy our blog's girlie side with something that catches our eye. Like this adorable Catriona the Cat playsuit by UK designers Olive & Moss. We're especially taken with Catriona's dinky little handbag and sweet mouse ears on the hat that comes as part of the set.

The romper is available in sizes 0-12 months in 100%, machine-washable cotton. Visit Olive & Moss to check out their range of playful characters and products.

Bus boy

Our Mr. Cheeks is a typical boy, in love with all things that go and particularly the iconic London bus. So this adorable hand-knitted Red Bus Hat from Stealing Candy immediately caught my eye.

It's only available in sizes 3-12 months, so sadly His Cheekiness would have to sit back and watch baby bro double-decked out in wintry fashion.

This hat might not stop traffic but it's guaranteed to turn the heads of any toddlers in transit. Visit Stealing Candy for more sweet finds.

Angel baby

She may keep you up all night feeding and drive you crazy all day crying, yet one gummy smile from baby and she's transformed from tiny fiend into cheeky little cherub.

Make her look the part with this angel wing bodysuit by Marie Chantel. The babygrow is made of 100 percent pima cotton and comes with the sweetest set of angel wings sewn on the back. It's also available in pink or blue, but we think you'll agree white looks most celestial. Browse for more heavenly finds at the Gift Library online store.

All wrapped up

Although the baby boom is no longer quite as intense as when I was expecting (funny how that happens), I just found out yet another relative is due in a couple of months. Always an excuse to hunt for new baby gifts.


I've fallen in love with the soft throws, wraps and nursery bedding by the Atlantic Blankets company. I'm particularly swayed by these Moss/Salmon striped blankies made in Ireland. These 100% lambswool babywraps are just designed for snuggling a newborn and will make both new mama and little bundle very happy indeed. Find your own perfect style at the Atlantic Blankets web site.

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.

Surfer dudes

If the temperamental British summer is getting you down and you're craving a little all-weather California sun, turn to kids' fashion line Haiden Surf for inspiration. Developed by two former surf chicks turned mamas, this is beachwear for babes with serious water-slick appeal.

From slaps (flip-flops) to lids (hats), the Haiden Surf range will keep your little ones looking tip-top whether they're catching mini-waves or staying out of the rays. We can't get enough of their boardies - beach shorts for infants and toddlers featuring exotic or hipster prints with names like Rip Tide, Firecracker and Zoo Keeper. And a quick visit to the super-cool Haiden Surf web site alone is like taking a mini-break in the Sunshine State.

Just kicking it

Finding cute yet affordable clothes for kids in a recession can be headache-inducing. So we're pleased to share an extra special offer from online superstore Kicky Pants. Normally only available to wholesale customers, the site is offering a massive 50 percent off retail orders for a limited time only. Simply head to the site, click on Our Products and then select Seasonal or Maternity to see the sale range. Their adorable ruffle dresses and romper suits are perfect for lolling around in the long, hot summer ahead. Visit Kicky Pants for further info.

Hot mama

Not every mummy feels yummy all the time. But there are some days when you stroll out with extra sass in your stride - days when not even the spit-up on your shoulder can steal your shine.

So if you've got it, why not let your bubba flaunt it in this 'I'm with the MILF' onesie? If that's a little OTT for your tastes, why not check out other t-shirts in the David & Goliath range? They specialise in fashion tees emblazoned with cheeky or cute slogans that are guaranteed to make people look twice. And with sizes to fit the whole family, even your DILF can get in on the action. Pop into David & Goliath's online store for more words to the not-so-wise.

Green delicious

Our Little Big Cheeks is one of those babies that even strangers seem to want to take a bite out of. And he's almost irresistibly delicious squeezed into his blue on red Cherries bodysuit from eco-friendly range Green Baby.

We snapped up two luxuriously soft and roomy suits from Green Baby in Islington including the adorable Spotted Duck on a tangerine backdrop. Suitable from 0-18 months, all designs are 100% cotton and made by their fair trade partner in India. Visit Green Baby at one of their UK outlets or swing by the web site to check out more goodies in their award-winning collection.

Bootie-licious

Snow season's over but it's all about style with these rocking Baby Chestnut Crossbone Skull booties by Las Vegas line Penelope Wildberry. Those teeny toes will feel oh-so-cosy wrapped up in sheepskin boots that look a bit like baby Uggs, but with attitude. Snap them up via the Gift Library and let everyone know your kid's a real wild child.

ABC, easy as 123

Even though Little Big Cheeks has a wardrobe crammed with 'vintage' onesies from the year 2006 (i.e. his older brother's cast-offs), it's hard to resist adding some fresh duds now and again. We're recently addicted to the sleek, stylish clothes and accessories shop, Milalu.

And our boys are almost too cool for school kitted out in two Milalu designs: a hip, higgledy-piggledy Numbers bodysuit for our little Buddha and an Alphabet toddler t-shirt that's le dernier mot in cool calligraphy. Screenprinted on American Apparel's ultra-cosy combed cotton, these are high quality pieces that (after a few washes) seem to survive the fade factor. Visit Milalu to scope out more hype gear for the little people.

Yellow Baby!

We at Hype Baby are proud to announce that our babe-in-waiting, Little Big Cheeks (as he shall be blogged about) is finally here. He's been with the Cheeky family for two weeks now and already we can't imagine life without him.

And we can think of no better way to greet him on this blog than with a sun salutation from one of our top shops, Nordic Kids.

This Yellow Smiling Sun bodysuit design by Mini Rodini is simply hot to trot. The sweet smiley face and funky, graphic print rays on sunshine cotton are irresistibly cheerful. It's the perfect way to inject a little summertime spirit indoors while we yearn for warmer days ahead. Check out this and more designs at the Nordic Kids 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.

Fly girls

As we cross over into 2009, you might want to dress your baby girl in something that's chic, comfy and reflects the spirit of transformation and renewal. We're loving this Butterfly print bodysuit from UK outfitters Funky Moose. The sleeveless all-in-one comes in pink and chocolate stripes with butterfly outlines in white and is available in sizes 0-12 months. Even if you've got a newbie, we'd advise getting one size up so your little caterpillar can still rock this in springtime when she's ready to spread her wings. Check out more fly fashions at Funky Moose.

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.

Well spotted

If you're already shopping for a teeny outfit with a little Xmas cheer but you don't want to come over all Santa, check out this adorable Red Spotty Kimono Babygro. The babygro can be bought with a matching hat for some added ho ho ho. Made by Organics for Kids who use Fairtrade organic cotton, the onesie is just part of the delicious range featured by Stealing Candy at the London Baby Show.

Stealing Candy is an online store run by a mum of two who specialises in 'scrumptious' baby clothes and products from leading brands like Bob & Blossom, Green Eyed Monster and Petit Pea. All orders from the shop come exquisitely wrapped with a handwritten gift tag making this an ideal stop for your holiday shopping. Visit Stealing Candy for more treats for your little sweetie.

Feel the force

It's scary how quickly Halloween seems to creep up on us every year. Even more frightening is the realisation that Xmas is just around the corner. But before getting into credit crunch Christmas shopping panic mode, enjoy some of the All Hallow's spirit by scouting around for costumes for your little terror. Sadly this adorable Darth Vader outfit at Style Kid is out of stock but Star Wars fans can unleash the force with the Chewbacca romper suit or Obi wan Kenobi kit complete with lightsabre. Check out more fiendishly cute cossies at the Style Kid 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.