Back in Shape

When scouting around for Xmas gifts for the young 'uns, it's easy to feel bombarded by the big name brands and the cookie cutter toys.

One great alternative to major department stores is checking out museum gift shops for something quirky and stylish. We love this brightly-coloured Shape Caterpillar Backpack, by design duo Zoe Miller and David Goodman. The bag is part of a range of kids' accessories to mark the publication of their children's book exploring the concept of shapes.

Pick up the pack on a visit to the Tate Modern with your tots or if you can't face the crowds, swing by their online shop for more gift ideas.

Yo Bubba Bubba

So I know Hype Baby has been sleeping on this one, but I just rented out the Yo Gabba Gabba It's Time to Dance DVD and I have to admit I'm hooked. The intro sounded hectic but, within minutes, I was grinning insanely and ready to boogie down with my bubbas.

The popular Nick Jr. show features zany characters, juicy colours and positive messages (e.g. 'eat your fruits' and 'brush your teeth') set to a crazy-funky-cool soundtrack blending old-school hip hop beats, dance pop and even electronica.

The first DVD from the series, It's Time to Dance features cameos from Elijah Wood and Tony Hawk. This Halloween, Mr. Brangelina himself gave the show some extra stardust by dressing up as central figure DJ Lance Rock.

Yo Gabba Gabba mania continues to sweep the States with the release last month of the soundtrack Music is Awesome and the live show hitting the road nationwide. Whether your kid's already a fan or, like ours, normally restricted to ad-free kids TV, the Yo Gabba Gabba DVD should make a much-played prezzie this Xmas. For more of the mayhem, check 'em out on their web site or on YouTube.

Hot Seat

When travelling with Mr. Cheeks as a baby, I couldn't have gone anywhere without my Tot Seat portable highchair. This handy wrap keeps baby tied safely to most seats so he can have a little independence and leave you with both hands free.

Now that the Little Big Cheeks is weaning, I keep one in my baby bag but as an avid mummy blogger I'm always on the quest for what's new.

Enter Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper, a genius little contraption that offers the same portability as the Totseat but goes one step further.

Not only does the Wriggle Wrapper secure baby snugly to a chair or around your waist, but you can also tie it to standard single beds for extra peace of mind when your little one's napping.

Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper comes in chic grey or snazzy red, is machine washable and suitable for babies aged 6 to 24 months. Snap one up via the Phil & Ted site or available stockists.

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.

Bathing beauty

If you've ever tried to persuade a terrified toddler that showering for the first time in a strange hotel can be fun, you'll definitely appreciate this slick piece of baby gear. The Bibabath is a portable bath - sort of like a hammock - that lets you transform almost any type of shower into a fun, hygienic bath for kids.


Ideal for bathrooms with no space for a tub, the Bibabath is quick to install and made of non-slip material that's washable at 60° C. It features a drainage outlet that can be attached to the shower drain and when not in use, the bath can be folded flat against the wall. It can also be used outdoors as a mini splash pool. And at just 3kg, it weighs less than your average travel cot so comes in handy when you're off on holiday. Get more info at the Bibabath 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!

How does your garden grow?

We're a long way from Spring but babies and big kids of all ages can still enjoy a spot of gardening with this psychedelic Play Garden by Kushies.


It features a host of crazy creatures and colourful plants that are all magnetized so they can be stacked together or simply arranged decoratively on the window box base. When playtime's done, the base can be zipped shut allowing you to take the garden wherever the sun shines (or not) and giving your little ones endless opportunities to exercise their green fingers.

The Play Garden makes a great gift and is just one of the fantastic selection at Revilo Toys, a shop that focuses on premium quality toys with that added cool quotient. Order latest from Revilo Toys by noon today (Tuesday December 23) and you might just sneak in a last minute Xmas gift.

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.

A gift from SATees

Is your baby ready to sit for his SATees? Hype Baby loves this brand of statement t-shirts featuring Big Words for Little Kids as featured in an earlier review. SATees shirts make an ideal Xmas gift for erudite little tykes and through December 14 you can save $10 on purchases of $50 or more. Now that's smart. Simply enter coupon code HOLIDAY2007 at checkout.

Technorati tags baby Xmas shopping

It's a great month for reindeers but a bad month for bank accounts. But you can save yourself a packet and still bag some super stylish goodies this weekend at the Babystyle Secret sale. Those who click on the link maybe wondering what's so secret about the 20% sale boldly advertised on Babystyle's homepage?

Here's the deal: if you enter the special coupon code, you'll get an extra 20% off the sale price on a range of mamalicious maternity wear and festive baby outfits like this unisex Peace on Earth top. Remember to enter coupon code SECRET20 at checkout to qualify and hurry along as the sale is only valid through Sunday. Happy shopping.

Technorati tags baby sales shopping

Bubba Christmas

It's Christmas time. As St. Cliff once sang, there's no need to be afraid. Maybe you're worried that it's a cliche. Or perhaps you're concerned that your child will grow up to resent you. We say feel the fear and do it anyway. For there is truly nothing cuter in the world than a baby sacked up in a mini Santa suit. Nothing. Cuter. If it's your kid's first Christmas, there's simply no excuse not to stuff her into a Father Christmas costume like this adorable velour romper from Next. But hurry as pretty much everybody and their mama will have the same idea and before you know it you'll be stuck with nothing but a set of reindeer ears to represent. Buy now or (ahem) Yule be sorry.

Technorati tags baby fashion Christmas

Shrek the fourth

Witches, vampires, devils and ghosts. If you're based in the UK, it can be hard to find an original Halloween outfit for infants, unlike in the States where even baby bumps get to express their creativity. But you can still find a ghoulicious range of costumes delivered to both US and UK at Halloween Express. Brand new to the site, this scarily cute Shrek number will suit your little monster and have the other tots shrieking with delight. Ogle more ogre-tastic looks at Halloween Express.

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

Heat and waves

After what seems like months of flooding, we're suddenly having a heatwave. If you're looking for outdoor games to keep your little ones busy while you're toasting in the park, why not take a trip to the River Run Water Park. This multi-level waterway features raging rapids, a built-in hand pump to keep the waves coming, and four mini action figures on rafts who race each other down three levels from the water tower above. Extreme, dude! Get the rush at Kaplan Toys.

Technorati tags baby toys summer

Beach babes

Disconnection, relocation and far-flung locations...it's funny how quickly a month passes by offline. Apologies for the unexpectedly long break in transmission. Happily, we're back in action and ready to rep some spring and summer looks in true hype fashion. Babes get ready for the sunny daze ahead in this Juicy Couture bikini. Your mini-fashionista will be bright on target for this season's vibrant colour trends in the hot turquoise number. It features ruffled trim on top and bottom with yellow 'Juicy' embroidery on the rear and comes complete with a cute crocheted hat. Available in sizes 12-24 months at Neiman Marcus.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

Heads up

Even though the sun is playing peekaboo with us Brits, we still have to remember to protect our little one's heads from those pesky UV rays. This super funky Stripe Baby Sun Hat by Green Baby is fully lined, available in either green or orange and tailor-made for tots aged 0-3 years (the 0-12 months size is sold out, but check back for availability). The hat is 100% organic cotton jersey ensuring baby will stay eco-friendly while keeping his cool. Now on sale at Green Baby, shipping worldwide.

Technorati tags baby summer fashion

Spooky eats and liquid treats

All hallow’s eve is upon us and you still haven’t the foggiest what to serve your ghoulish guests? The Dark Side of the Net has links to last minute Halloween recipe and cocktail ideas to make you the ghostess with the mostess. Why not concoct some Graveyard Goulash a la carte from Hookery Cookery or scare up some Curried Pumpkin Soup courtesy of Moonchild.

For cocktails to leave you truly legless try Halloween Magazine’s Why the Long Faced Ice Tea or get shaken and stirred with some Bloody Eyeball Martinis on the Rocks from Fabulous Foods. Tots and teetotallers can sample Webtender's non-alcoholic Eerie Witches’ Brew with dry ice for chilling effect.

Spooky mamas

Cute Halloween costumes for babies are in abundance, but what’s out there for mamas-to-be? Extreme Halloween offers fun costumes to flaunt or camouflage your form. Splash out on instant classics like this Bun in the Oven outfit – even get a Bun Maker suit for your partner. For shock humour value get the Mother Superior habit or simply wear a massive sign stating Hello, I’m Pregnant!

Cheaper alternatives include using your belly as a prop e.g. a pumpkin or cross-dressing as a famous big-bellied character e.g. Homer Simpson, Santa or Michael Moore. Or why not make the most of this year’s celebrity baby boom and do the pregnant Britney (dyed hair, pasty face, trashy clothes), Brangelina (black outfits, multi-ethnic toddlers) or TomKat (Scientology bible, excessive PDAs). Spook-tacular. For more ideas visit About.com’s pregnancy guide.

Whoopie for Halloween!

Okay, so this is just plain wrong. But you have to admit it’s pretty funny. I’ve been giggling since I came across this Baby Whoopie Cushion at Brands on Sale after doing a random search for newborn Halloween costumes. If you’ve got a little gas monster at home, zip him up in this and let rip. Just don’t sit on him.