Winging it

We're inching up on birthday month in our household. Yup, mama and both her cheeky boys are Aquarians and hoping to celebrate in some style this February.

If I could make a birthday wishlist for at least two of us (myself and Little Big Cheeks) I would say a little prayer for these Walking Wings by Upspring Baby.

The same team that came up with Milkscreen Moms (screening your breastmilk for alcohol content) have devised another brilliant product. It's a parent harness that's adjustable and detachable, managing to provide balance and confidence for your toddler-in-training without causing you back pain.

One look at the 'Before' and 'After' pictures on their web site and I was pretty much sold on this device. We could certainly do with some 'Wings' on our 10-month-old cherub as he cruises into this stage. Check out a video demo at the Walking Wings site.

V&A muse

This week on Hype Baby, we've been extolling the virtues of museum shops as a great place to find unusual gifts. One of my favourite online stores is the V&A museum web shop, a virtual treasure trove of design goodies.


This Deco Bloom Silk Top, inspired by a book plate design for textiles, utters 'hip mama' with its simple wrap/tie style, luxurious colours and gorgeous embroidery. It's the kind of blouse that can adjust to fit your bump, then gracefully skim your frame when baby's out and about.


Or if you're feeling too heavy to invest in new clothing, check out their fashion accessories such as this vintage-look Feather Flower Headband by Ophelie. Handmade using dyed feathers, it's sure to get heads swerving in your direction come party season. Visit the V&A shop for more stylish ideas.

Prints charming

Our little Buddha turned 9 months old earlier this week and suddenly it seems like he's hurtling towards his first birthday. One of the things I plan to do (that I never got around to with Cheeky baby number 1) is preserving his teeny tiny handprints in clay.

There are all sorts of specialised services to carry this out, but we like this Hand or Footprint Imprint Tin from MamaToto. All you need to do is open the container, press baby's hand or foot into the soft clay and when you're happy with the imprint, leave it to harden. This makes a great gift for a new parent or (note to hubby) a nice stocking filler for yourself come Christmas. Visit MamaToto for more products geared to brand new mamas.

Babble on to CURE cancer

We've gabbled about Babble babywear, the line of funky tot suits featuring cute quips and graphics on our sister blog Hype Baby.

Now we want to let you know about a new plan from the generous Babble babywear team. In an effort to help fund research to find a cure for cancer, Babble babywear are donating $1 from the sale of every onesie to CURE Childhood Cancer.

Simply enter coupon code BABBLECCC at checkout and you'll know that even after your bubba grows out of his babygro, your money was put to good use. Check out the collection at Babble babywear.

Bags of style

After the untimely demise of my last baby bag, I had to find a way to comfort myself. Recovery has come quickly in the shape of a red hot number by uber-trendy Stork Sak. In fact you could say I've become unreasonably pleased with myself since I started rocking this bag around town.

The only thing that dents my swagger is taking a trip to the Stork Sak web site where I could spend days lusting after their gorgeous range of totes, rucksacks and unisex bags. My new baby is the red version of the Dori Red Label Messenger featuring multiple wipe-clean pockets, thermo-insulated bottle pockets, adjustable shoulder strap and a fold-out padded changing mat. Even cooler is that it doubles as a laptop bag so should provide years of use. I picked one up at Bebe Bisou boutique in west London's Westfield shopping centre but you can snap one up online at Lullabys kids' store. Visit Stork Sak for more styles and stockists.

A timely gift

Little Big Cheeks is already heading towards his half-year birthday and it seems like forever since I was lugging him around in my belly. I don't exactly miss being pregnant, but I do wish I'd known about My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule when I was 'with child'.

The fantastic techno keepsake provides a way to capture and store your pregnancy journey, from ultrasound and heartbeat recordings to video messages and photos of your growing bump. On 4GB, you can document the process of decorating your baby's nursery, record baby showers and gift items, even put down timely details about the world leading up to your baby's birth. From gender predictions to old wives' tales, pretty much anything you can think about plus loads of stuff you haven't can be saved on the My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule.

Available in Signature Silver & Gold or White Leather, this award-winning product makes a truly original gift for any mama-to-be. What's great is that once you pop, you will soon be able to create My Baby Book Digi Time Capsule with equally comprehensive features. Visit the Digi Time Capsule web site for more details and updates.

What Dad really wants

It's not the first time I've bemoaned the lack of decent maternity lingerie on the high street. Even finding a good fitting nursing bra can be a struggle if you wear a popular size. So I'm happy to send any readers in search of solid yet sexy undergarments along to Ma Mere, a site dedicated to designer lingerie from Australia and around the world.

With Papa's day approaching, the canny mompreneur behind the megastore is offering a special promotion to help keep the home fires burning: buy any 2 sets of Hot Milk undies and receive a free pair of Milkman boxers for your partner. Now that's what we call the gifts that keep on giving. Check out Ma Mere web site for more info.

No whine dining

Breastfeeding is one of motherhood's simplest pleasures. It can also be truly stressful when you're nursing in public and your little one hasn't yet perfected the art of dining al fresco. Cue failed latches, wardrobe malfunctions and misery all round.

Despite having nursed Mr. Cheeks until well into his second year, I've had more than a few unlucky attempts at trying to feed his baby brother while out and about. So I was thrilled to receive a product called the Breastfeeding Butterfly.

Designed by two UK mamas, this is a nursing cover with a twist: instead of a big stiff apron that screams 'look at me, I'm breastfeeding', you get a chic swathe of fabric that you simply tie across your body like a sash. Secure two knots at shoulder and hip, slide your very hungry caterpillar under the 'Butterfly' and it's bombs (or boobs) away.

In theory, that is. I must confess my first outing with the Breastfeeding Butterfly wasn't quite as smooth as the instructional diagram (cloth tied wrong, baby too unsettled).

So I practised at home until we both got comfortable and now the Breastfeeding Butterfly has become one of my baby bag staples. Aside from its portability (each Butterfly comes in its own dinky carry pouch), what I love about this product is that it's light and airy so you don't feel like your little one is suffocating or overheating. Mine comes in discreet black with pretty embroidery but you can snap up Butterflies in a range of gorgeous prints. Visit Faye and Lou's web site for more info.

Pudding in a pouch

One of my baby essentials since having Little Big Cheeks is my Rhubarb & Custard pouch sling. Even though my chunky Bhudda is too heavy for toting around town all day, my sling certainly makes things easier on my arms and back. Plus I always get compliments on its pretty pistachio print.

Cape Town company Rhubarb & Custard is run by a mother of three who's passionate about babywearing. I met Emilia at the Baby Show in October while trying out different carriers over my bump, and what really sold me on her product was not just how easy it was to wear but her enthusiasm and warmth. Each sling not only comes in a wide range of funky fabrics, but also features her contact details for direct feedback or support.

Rhubarb & Custard pouch slings are machine washable, made with 100% cotton lining and are suitable from birth to 18 kgs. Visit the web site for details on these and other products.

Charmed, I'm sure

With Mama's Day just around the corner on the other side of the pond, it's a good time to scope out pressies for new mothers. We're enchanted by the jewellery at Charming Mommy, a Canadian outfit offering tasteful, handmade pieces featuring silver, gold and semi-precious stones. Each bracelet can be personalised with the name of your child, grandchild, mother or simply an inspiring word like 'Love', 'Courage' or 'Survivor'. Designed by the mother of two children with autism, ten percent of proceeds from sales go towards Autism Charities. Check out Charming Mommy's web site for more gift ideas.

Mother's help

Every mother dreads it: the non-stop crying, fussy and gassy phase that's known as colic and can make your bundle of joy turn you into a bag of nerves. Nobody can explain what causes colic exactly but when it happens the first thing you'll want to know is how to make it stop.

The First Years Colic Massage Pad, by Learning Curve, is a natural solution that some parents describe as a godsend. This battery-operated pad uses a circular motion, white noise and soothing vibrations to keep baby on an even keel. Spread it across your lap or over your shoulder and lay your little one on his tummy to help ease and maybe even release some of that gassy pain. The First Years Colic Massage Pad is soft, easily washable, portable and available at Babies R Us. More info at the Learning Curve web site.

Snappy nappy changer

Even though I've already got a deluxe changing bag for my Little Big Cheeks along with a chic and cheerful changing wallet from Mothercare, I was more than happy to receive yet another package on which to park baby's bottom when he needs refreshing.

Gund Baby's Diaper Tote is a fab little bag that folds out to one of the largest and most comfy changing mats I've seen. It features four inner compartments and a back pocket providing plenty of space to carry nappies, wipes, cream and anything else to keep that teenie tushy happy.

The tote is available in pink or blue and has a super-cute elephant, frog and giraffe theme. I'm already imagining carrying it around for summer picnics, fairs or festivals when it's too hot and bothersome to manage a larger hold-all. Our Gund Baby Diaper Tote was snapped up at Wilton and Noble gift store but you can find it at various online retailers including Amazon.

Babe in a basket

Brand New Mama is happy to share that we have a new addition to our family. Little Big Cheeks, as he shall be known on this blog, will be two weeks old tomorrow and is already adapting to Cheeky family life.

One of our favourite gifts for the baby has been a gently-used Moses Basket, originally from ultra-chic store Mamas & Papas. LBC uses it as his day bed in our living room and always has at least two or three hour blocks of sound sleep, even with his toddler brother clattering around him.

All Mamas & Papas Moses Baskets can be coordinated with their stylish interiors collection and each includes a sturdy maize basket with adjustable hood, machine washable bedding and can be fixed on a selection of rocking or stationary stands. The store is currently on sale so visit the web site now to take advantage of their special offers.

Black by popular demand

Even in these credit crunchy times, any woman who has dedicated her body to creating life deserves to treat herself to a little luxury. Designer It bags may no longer be de rigeur, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your 'yummy mummy' arm candy for a dumpy looking baby changing bag.

We're currently lusting after this sleek OiOi Carry All in black patent with leopard print lining. Not only does it scream chic mama but it comes with all the trimmings: padded changing mat, insulated bottle holder, wipes case, messy bag and adjustable strap for wearing over your shoulder or hanging from your pushchair. Get it for a steal at Kiddicare or visit the OiOi web site for more styles.

Yummy mummy

In the hectic days after the birth, every new mother needs a helping hand - especially in the kitchen. When you spend what seems like every waking minute with baby attached to breast or bottle, it can be easy to forget or hard to find a moment to feed yourself.

What you really need is a New Mummy's Yummy Gourmet Box, a fabulous gift idea from Babes with Babies. This consists of 20 hand-made, healthy frozen meals by award-winning company Chef on Board, delivered to your door. The gift box contains two helpings of such tasty dishes as Beef Lasagne, Coq Au Vin, Moussaka and Luxury Fish Pie and contain no artificial additives or strong spices to affect the little one if you're breastfeeding.

Chef on Board can also cater to any special dietary requirements including fare specifically for vegetarians. Get a gourmet box for one of your expecting buddies or just treat yourself by special order from the Babes with Babies web site.

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.

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).

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.

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.