Bottoms up!

When it comes to your favourite tipple, the jury's still out on whether light drinking or total abstinence should be de rigeur during pregnancy. If you've decided to play it safe but don't want to feel like the party pooper over New Year's, you can still enjoy a glass of bubbly with some sparkling (non-alcoholic) cider or whip up your own concoction.

Fizzy water with apple or cranberry juice or a splash of ginger ale for a little kick work well. For more inspiration, scope out Preggatinis. This book by professional mixologist Natalie Bovis-Nelsen a.k.a. The Liquid Muse is crammed with baby-friendly cocktail recipes for every stage of pregnancy. So skip the Cosmo for a Cosmom and toast in the New Year without guilt or fear. For a taste of The Liquid Muse check out her blog or get the book at Amazon.

Xmas cracker

Still after that perfect party dress? If you've had no joy in high street stores, look no further than this hot lacy number from online store Babes with Babies. Available in ultra-trendy dark chocolate or black lace over an oyster lining, it features a flattering empire line waist and cross-over neckline so you can work that new mama cleavage. This style of neckline is also useful for breastfeeding as you can simply slide the fabric across and let baby at 'em (maybe drape a scarf across if you're feeling modest). Designed by Tiffany Rose, this dress will keep you blooming throughout pregnancy, the festive season and beyond those bumpy days ahead. Order online at the Babes with Babies web site.

Brownies for baby mamas

Gushing phone calls, texts, cards and even flowers are all very well when you've had a baby. But after going through the resplendent drama of childbearing and birth, every Brand New Mama deserves something a little more indulgent. That's why the canny folk at Silver Bee Bakery have come up with a range of packaged goodies for mum and child.

With my second baby's arrival imminent in the next couple of months (ah, the 'secret' is out!), what I'm craving is a New Mummy's Pampering Kit complete with balms for lips, face and feet, organic soap and a sweet Anne-Claire Petit knitted rattle for the bubba. And of course the star attraction -- a huge tin of Chocolissimo brownies to keep my energy and spirits up during those 24 hour feeding-changing-feeding sessions.

I had a chance to sample one of these brownies at the London Baby Show and I have to say that they are hands down the most gooey, chocolatey, tongue-twistingly sensational brownies I've tasted in a long time. Give someone you know a new mama/papa/baby or Xmas gift to remember with an order from Silver Bee Bakery.

So charming

In our search for the perfect Xmas treasure for all the new and expectant mamas we know (it truly is baby season), we were tickled pink and blue to find out about the Moms Name Charm Necklace from Bliss Living. Each custom-made necklace includes a sterling silver charm that can be inscribed with your baby's name and date of birth, connected to the chain by a Swarovski crystal birthstone.

In case you don't know your child's birth stone, there's a handy chart on the web site to explain and you can add additional charms to each chain to reflect your growing family. If you want to spread some Moms Charm before Christmas order by December 5 and use the coupon code FREESHIP for free shipping on all orders over $99 (by Nov 20).

Water Sport

One of the stands that caught our eye at October's Baby Show in London was selling something called the Baby Sport Water Bottle Teat Adaptor. The name is pretty self-explanatory but we'll break it down anyway: basically it's a little gadget that attaches a standard baby teat to any 'baby-friendly' water bottle. It creates a watertight seal and saves you having to boil and cool your baby's water before you head out the door.

The product is 100% BPA free and will work with almost any brand of low mineral water bottle suitable for babies from 5/6 months e.g. Spa, Aqua Pura, Evian, Highland Spring and Volvic. The BabySport adaptor is ideal for travelling abroad and will help keep your baby safely hydrated in countries where the tap water is dodgy. Find out more at the Baby Sport web site.

MeloBaby mats make mellow mamas

One of the most useful purchases I've made since becoming a mother is this Fold & Go Mat from The First Years, a fold-up changing wallet that fits into any medium-sized bag and has space for nappies and wipes case. At last month's Baby Show in London, I was thrilled to come across the MeloBaby nappy/changing wallet which combines the practicality of my current changing mat with the sleek good looks of a clutch bag.


Available in two colours, MeloNoir and MeloChoc, the MeloBaby features up to 4 pockets for wipes, nappies and creams and then folds out to a full-size changing mat in soft fleece to soothe your baby's tush. Even if you're intent on splashing out on that designer changing bag that costs and carries the earth, a portable mini-mat like the MeloBaby is definitely a worthwhile investment. Snap one up at the MeloBaby web site.

It's a wrap

Like most multi-tasking mamas, finding a fashionable product with multiple uses gives us an almighty buzz. So we were positively electrified to come across the M Coat, a Canadian Spirit designed coat that converts from maternity coat to new mummy cover-up and finally to a stylish jacket for when you're back to regular size.


Insulated with 100 percent Canadian down and featuring a detachable faux fur trim hood, what makes this coat so clever is the removable front panel that can be zipped into multiple positions for pregnancy or for toting your bubba in a front-carrier. The panel has an adjustable drawstring waist to allow your blooming belly to expand or to help pull your baby closer when used for babywearing. And when you're done with the infant stage, you can whip the panel off to reveal the sleeker version of yourself stylishly wrapped in what looks like a brand new winter coat! Find out more at the M Coat web site.

Go Skip Hop

It's not always the first item on your mind when you're busy scouting for pushchairs or prams, nursery items and baby clothes, but a sturdy diaper bag is one of the most essential purchases for any new parent. Being a mama essentially means becoming a bag lady as you have to tote an unimaginable amount of baby gear around whenever you step out.

US-based Skip Hop is one of the most popular brands for the new breed of baby changing bags that couple style with functionality. The Skip Hop Dash is a messenger-style bag that you can easily sling over the handle bars of your stroller or attach with its unique strap and fastening system. The bag contains eleven deep pockets to provide space for everything from nappies and wipes to bottles and snacks. It comes in a range of colours like our fave stripe design that has unisex appeal or even camouflage print for the more macho papa. Check out the Skip Hop web site for a list of stockists worldwide.

In the frame

One of the most exciting moments of your pregnancy is when you get to see your little one on the small screen for the first time. Whether or not you've had previous scans in early pregnancy, it's usually the 12-week ultrasound scan when you get a close-up of your womb tenant waving, kicking and even sucking her thumb that hits you with that 'I'm going to be a mummy' feeling in full force. Most ultrasound units will offer parents-to-be a grainy photo of their little bean but as the months progress, the flimsy print-out is likely to get tattered unless you find somewhere safe to store it.



Get yourself a Baby Scan Photo Frame from The Gift Experience. This hinged frame features one side to slot your scan photo and another side where you can write details like the parents' names, date and the number of weeks of gestation. The Baby Scan Photo Frame comes in a creamy resin finish and is dotted with cute little stars and makes an ideal gift for newly announced mamas and papas. Available at The Gift Experience and good photo stores.

Top Summer Read

We were lucky enough to receive a copy of Brain, Child – the “magazine for thinking mothers” – and we can’t wait to recommend it to all our mama friends. The summer edition of this quarterly features insightful and incisive articles ranging from a cutting report on the inaptly named Camp Baby event for mom bloggers (no actual babies allowed) to an expose on the deception and debt that often lies behind those tempting ‘work from home’ business offers.

Our favourite elements of the magazine are the personal essays by mothers who write with intimacy, honesty and even humour about topics as difficult as miscarriage, disability and helping a child to handle the death of someone close. Brain, Child is the perfect antidote for new mums who are worried their grey matter has turned to mush and this edition definitely makes the Top 10 of our summer reading list. Visit the Brain, Child web site for sample articles and subscription info.

The 6Way LBD

It's a strange phenomenon how your wardrobe seems to shrink as your body expands. If you're struggling to find comfy, stylish clothes to fit your pregnant form, Glow Maternity (by way of the Fertile Mind range of maternity and nursing wear) are offering an inventive solution: the 6 Way maternity dress. That's right, one dress, six different outfits.

This wash and wear garment easily transforms from a simple skirt to a baby doll dress that's ideal for hanging out at the beach, an ultra-hip one-shoulder number perfect for date night (hopefully with your baby daddy!), a halterneck evening gown, a sexy crossover style and a dress with cap sleeves for a little more coverage. Available in sizes S to XL the dress is designed to elegantly skim your form rather than clinging to lumps and bumps. And in the grip of credit crunch panic, it's a snip at only 80 quid. Could this be the ultimate LBD? You do the maths. Find the 6 Way maternity dress at Glow Maternity.

Out, dark spots!

One of the many strange wonders of pregnancy is just what happens to your skin. The cocktail of hormones can leave you blooming or turn your epidermis into an acne-ridden, fuzzy, streaky hide that unfortunately takes longer than nine months to shed.

Chloasma, ranging from dark patches to the so-called ‘mask of pregnancy’ caused by increasingly sun-sensitive skin can be especially distressing. Luckily Belli cosmetics have a dermatologically-approved Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 sun cream and moisturiser that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to help block those pesky UVA/UVB rays without causing any harm to your unborn. So before you stride out into the summer heat, grab yourself a wide-brimmed hat, some oversized shades and a tube of Belli Anti-Chloasma available at good beauty stores or from the Belli web site.

Track your Cycle

If you’re trying for a baby or simply looking for a little help with natural family planning, the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University have an innovative and might we add, stylish solution. CycleBeads are a string of 32 colour-coded beads, each representing a day of your menstrual cycle. You simply move the black ring over each bead to count through from the first day of your period to help you track your most fertile days.

In studies, CycleBeads have been shown to be more than 95% effective when used correctly. Brand New Mamas like that CycleBeads give women another option in the often dicey area of birth control, they come with no side effects and they look pretty cute with this summer’s tribal-global fashion. Find out more at the CycleBeads web site.

Glamour, Amoralia style

Given the current UK climate, it may sound ironic talking about your summer wardrobe. But it’s never a bad time to celebrate lingerie that’s designed for pregnant women who are hot in every sense. Leading brand Amoralia is already a favourite of celebs like Rachel Weisz and model Laura Bailey.

Now Amoralia has launched two summer collections: Embrace features a strapless maternity bra in breathable microfibre and matching briefs or hipster thongs cut to hug you right below the bump. You can also try their nursing bra which has a patented magnetic clip to allow discrete feeding. The Canelle collection includes a multi-way bra with detachable straps that can be worn under cross-over, halter-neck or strapless tops and dresses.

Elsewhere in the Amoralia range we’re particularly keen on the ultra-sexy Nougatine set with its award-winning nursing bra and French cut knickers with bows. Slip into Amoralia and you’ll have no excuse not to step out looking and feeling mamalicious, whatever the weather has in store.

Knees Up

One of the many things nobody warns you before you become a mother is exactly how much time you’ll spend prone at your little emperor’s feet, attending to his every whim. Take bath time, for instance. The amount of hours spent bending over to wash baby inevitably leads to not only a sore back but calloused knees and elbows.

That’s why smart mums go for the Aquatopia Bath Time Kneeler. This genius little gizmo is a cushioned resting pad with a non-slip rubber bottom that sticks to the bath with suction cups. It also features side pockets where you can place baby’s bath essentials within easy reach. Do your knees a favour and order a Bath Time Kneeler from The Baby Catalogue.

We dream of genii

Pregnancy and sleep go together like, well, new babies and sleep. It’s hard enough freeing your mind of the thousand and one thoughts that run through your head as soon as you find out you’re knocked up. But finding a comfortable position as your bump grows proves to be a Herculean task.

What you need is a good maternity pillow like the DreamGenii Pregnancy Pillow. Winner of the Practical Parenting Pregnancy Product of the Year 2007, this pillow manages to support your bump, back and knees without taking up all the space in the bed and enraging your partner. It allows you to lie on your left side encouraging maximum blood flow to your baby and stops you rolling onto your back (not the best position for baby). Even better, after the birth you can use the pillow as a comfy nursing cushion. UK customers can pick one up at Mothercare; for a list of other stockists visit the DreamGenii site.

Yummy Tummy

Watching your bump grow is one of the joys of pregnancy. But watching the stretch marks that sometimes grow along with your belly can deflate your new mama pride. If you’re itemising goodies for an upcoming baby shower, don’t forget to put a little something for mama on your wish list.

We recommend the Tummy Honey 3-Piece Gift Set which includes not only prevention butter and stick but also a fading cream to help zap those pesky marks. All Tummy Honey products include a powerful cocktail of skin-loving ingredients like Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Emu Oil, Vegolatum (plant-based alternative to petrolatum), Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Go on, give your tummy a little honey. Available online at Due Maternity and selected retailers.

Hot Milk does a body good

There’s something about the phrase maternity bra that calls up images of chunky straps and boulder cups of the ilk that might be sported by head matron in Carry on Nurse. Two words: Not Sexy.

But a bold New Zealand company, Hot Milk, is raising temperatures worldwide with its provocative and mama-affirming line of maternity lingerie that you would actually want your partner to see (and touch and tease…).

With names like Whisper Sweet Wickedness and Baby Doll Delicious, this exquisite range of maternity and nursing bras, panties, camisoles and nightwear screams in-your-face decadence and has courted more than its fair share of controversy (some outraged mothers who received Hot Milk catalogues cried ‘soft porn’).

If you’re the type of puritan who’s offended by the sight of bumpalicious babes celebrating their earth mama sensuality, then look away. But if you’re ready to throw out that greying, saggy upholstery for under garments that will help you reclaim your inner sex goddess (no matter what stage of new motherhood you’re at) then you definitely need a taste of Hot Milk. We could drink it by the gallon.

Citizens of maternity

If like me you’re one of those women who live, sleep and will be buried in their jeans, then even the most blooming belly is unlikely to separate you from your denims. Maternity jeans that expand with your form are easy to find these days and trendy mamas will be thrilled to know that ultra hip brand Citizens of Humanity now does some fab, dare we say sexy, maternity jeans. So pack away those hipsters and slip into these Kelly bootcut jeans featuring a standard stretchy waistband to accommodate your growing bump. Grab a pair or more at Due Maternity online store.

Mother's charm

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. Aside from your baby’s birthday, this is the most exciting date on the calendar for Brand New Mamas as you celebrate the gift of life and congratulate yourself on your pain threshold. Why not step out in style and reward yourself (or get daddy to reward you) with a piece of wrist candy that represents your pride and joy.

Louloubee offers this gorgeous Birthstone Bracelet with a sweet daisy clasp featuring a mother and baby charm and your child’s birthstone. The bracelet can be customised to order and you can add more birthstones for other kids or god children. You might not get this in time for Mother’s Day but it’s never too late to treat yourself. Order at Louloubee online.

The Butterfly effect

We’re itching to throw a baby shower just so we can send out some announcements using these exquisite Butterfly in Flight baby favours. Designed from handmade paper by innovative stationers Botanical Paperworks, the card feature butterflies with their wings folded outwards as if they’re about to take flight. And in keeping with the metamorphosis theme, recipients get instructions to remove the butterfly, plant in a pot of soil and watch their invitation transform into a gorgeous bloom of wildflowers. Simply magical. Order at Botanical Paperworks online.

Love yourself

As Cupid tunes up his bow and gets ready to make mischief, it’s time to stop mooning around and focus on what you really want for Valentine’s. If you (or lover boy) are stuck for ideas, may we suggest a spa voucher as the gift that keeps on giving? After being literally consumed by your baby for months on end, you deserve some one-on-one pampering. Grayshott Spa is just one of many top UK spas that offer personalised treatments for new mothers and expectant mums (not suitable for the first 12 weeks or after week 36 of pregnancy). Their maternity packages range from a 70 minute session to 7 nights of pure unbridled luxury for you and a partner…with a price tag to match. Still, you’re worth it. Reservations can be made online at Grayshott Spa.

Easy queasy

Probably one of the worst aspects of early pregnancy for many women is morning sickness – that unsettling feeling ranging from mild nausea to uncontrollable vomiting. Although I was one of the lucky few who didn’t suffer badly, the mere sight of certain foods made me gag and I soon realised that ‘morning sickness’ can actually last 24 hours.

Common advice includes drinking ginger ale, sucking on ginger lollipops or sipping on ginger herbal tea (apparently ginger helps alleviate symptoms). But if you’re not down with the flavour and you still want a natural remedy, you could opt for a sniff of QueaseEASE. The handy purse-sized tube contains a unique blend of essential oils (peppermint, lavender, spearmint and yes, ginger) designed to cure all sorts of nausea including morning sickness and motion sickness. There are no side effects and you can use it as often as you like. Simply remove the cap, inhale deeply for a few breaths and let the oils work their magic. Available via the web site Soothing Scents.

Bag it up

Maybe you’re cutting down on sweet treats for the New Year. That’s no reason you can’t spoil yourself with a little arm candy. Put a little ooh la la in your stride with one of these oh-so-chic bags in Parisian wallpaper design by French designer duo Murval.



Durable, roomy and constructed out of a wipe-clean nylon fabric, these bags seem to have been designed with mamas in mind. The kind folks at Give Simple are featuring a Murval sale through January 16 with up to 30 percent discounts. So you can afford to buy a matching set including travel bag, vanity case and toiletry bag. Life has never been so hectic but thanks to Murval the illusion of organisation is within your reach.

Family planning

One of the more common New Year’s resolutions that the average person makes is to get more organised. It’s an especially tough challenge for new mothers who are juggling the demands of night waking, non-stop feeding and 24-hour diaper duty. Luckily you can find plenty of support online, such as Organised Mum, a web site totally devoted to helping you take charge of your family life.

We recommend their Baby’s First Year Calendar that not only allows you to plan your daily schedule but also lets you record those precious first year milestones and gives monthly tips on what to expect. It includes a pocket to store paperwork, photos and other mementos, and even leaves space to jot down the year’s most newsworthy stories. Order one online at the Organised Mum web site.

Swap shop

Welcome to 2008. With every New Year come new resolutions and the promise of a fresh start. What better way to begin than to clear out all the outgrown baby clothes and gear that's already starting to clutter up your nursery and attic?

Swap Baby Goods is a fantastic and free site that allows parents to register their baby products to buy, sell or exchange. It’s a great place to scout for gently used or second-hand items and also to pass on those Xmas gifts that weren’t necessarily what you were hoping for. Swap Baby Goods features everything from Moses baskets and baby slings to bedding, clothes and books. Brand New Mama cautions customers against buying items like car seats and pushchairs second-hand in case they don’t meet safety standards. Visit Swap Baby Goods to find sites for customers in the US, Canada or the UK.