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.

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.

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.

Hot Roddlers

Auto freak daddies and mamas are already going ape doo doo for a fine piece of design known as the "Roddler". Possibly the most tricked-out stroller on the planet, the Roddler combines the safety and comfort of a traditional stroller with the sleek good looks of a classic Hot Rod. Not only does this ride boast one-of-a-kind features like its iPod docking station and integrated LCD screen, but it can be customised with chrome trims, flash colours and smoking accessories. You can even add your own graphics (e.g. flames) for seriously hot wheels.



Coming in 2009, Kid Kustoms are cranking things up with their highly covetable Roddler Trike, the world's first convertible trike. It comes available both as a stand-alone and as a conversion kit that replaces the front end of the Roddler stroller. Strictly for high rollers. Get the lowdown at the Kid Kustoms web site.

Buggy warmers

We're barely halfway through September and already summer (or what passed for summer over here) is almost a distant memory. The air is getting chillier and it's time to start shopping for winter warmers for our precious offspring.

You'll be hard pressed to find something more luxurious for your little one than the Moore and Moore buggy blankets in faux fur or faux sheepskin. Available in irresistible colours like toffee, latte and truffle, these gorgeous blankets are guaranteed to keep any buggie snug through the coming months. The faux sheepskin versions also come with a cute Pocket Pal animal toy that nestles within easy reach to keep baby company as you stroll. All Moore and Moore products are made in the UK and can be found at a variety of online stores or visit their web site for more information.

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

Oopz-a-baby

We got the heads up about Baby Oopz via our friends at Swanky Moms. This clothing line is dedicated to fashion emergencies caused by babies' habits of leaking bodily fluids at inopportune moments. The Baby Oopz range includes kits for boy and girl babies and toddlers including onesies, pants and bib all packaged in a clear vinyl tote. We particularly like these designers because they recognise that baby spit-up knows no boundaries and provide an emergency kit for mums and grandmas too. Now all that's still missing are the Daddy Oopz and Grandpa Oopz versions. Check out the Baby Oopz site for further details.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

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

Babes in shades

You've got the hat, the hypoallergenic suncream lotion and the stroller parasol. Now that the sun is out to play, don't forget to shield baby's eyes. Designed in Australia, Baby Banz are shatter-proof, clinically-tested and 100% UV-resistant sunglasses made to fit tots aged 0-2. The original Baby Banz is available in multiple colours and comes in a sporty wraparound design with adjustable band. This month, the new large frame Retro Baby Banz is available for order in the UK. Essential for looking cool while lounging by the paddling pool. Check the Baby Banz site for country stockists.

Technorati tags baby fashion shopping

Pack and Play

Before heading overseas, I toyed with buying a travel cot but skipped this idea when I realised how much it would add to my load. Mr. Cheeks slept with me at night but since I couldn't leave him alone on the bed during the day he wound up either napping in my arms or on a mat on the floor. Luckily, my sister-in-law lent me her Graco Pack n Play which became his favourite place for a quick snooze. This playard comes in several varieties and provides a secure and sturdy environment for your child to play and rest. The Bugs Quilt pattern offers four interactive toys to engage your little one, but what I liked most is how easy it is to assemble and fold up - it really does take just seconds. Get one at Target (USA) or the Graco Baby Einstein version at Babies R Us (UK).

Technorati tags baby toys travel sleep

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

Strap 'em in

We are currently overseas and Mr Cheeks, despite being a winter babe, is coping well with the African heat. Although I don't have easy access to my blog, being on our first long-distance trip has given us a chance to try out some great products for travel. One item that has proved indispensable is the 'washable, squashable' highchair in a bag known as the Tot Seat. This funky piece of fabric helps secure your baby to an adult seat with clip fastening and an integral cummerbund for extra support. It adjusts to fit most size chairs and comes in a handy travel pouch that easily fits into your baby bag. Mr. Cheeks loves being the star of the show when I strap him in and people come around to marvel. And I love eating almost anywhere without having to do the tricky 'balance the bubba' act on my lap.

Technorati tags baby travel feeding

Travelling Circus

Heading away with the family for Xmas? Be sure to pack your little globe-trotter's treasures in luggage that stands out on the carousel. This charming Circus set by Valize includes one large suitcase and one small weekender case each adorned with a whimsical image of circus animals. The Circus set is just one of many cute and quirky items in store at Madallie, a children’s travel shop run by the parents of Madison and Allie (Madallie, geddit?). From comfort blankets and hip backpacks, to mobile toys and travel books, Madallie has loads to tame your wild things so you can enjoy at least part of the ride.