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.

Baby blogging

If you're anything like myself, you probably spent maybe a couple of months of your child's life obsessively recording every little dribble and gurgle. But as time went by, you soon gave up on your baby record book and before you knew it the first year went by in a blur.

Luckily for the cyber-generation, there are a range of web sites out there aimed at people like us who need a cute, plain and hassle-free way of keeping track of our baby's milestones. Keepaboo is a fab online record book that allows you to collect and preserve those treasured memories from the first tooth, to weight and growth charts to those early attempts at speech. You can add pictures and favourite quotes, share with family and friends via email or even on Facebook and in the near future you'll be able to print off a hard copy of your book for posterity. Best of all, it's completely free! Check out Keepaboo to view a sample book and get some inspiration.

Stroll baby stroll

After all that Xmas browsing for the hubby, I'm still in gadget-finding mode. I just stumbled across this fab piece of tech made specifically with new parents in mind.


The Strollometer is basically a pedometer for the pushy set. It's the world's first wireless speedometre designed to fit any pushchair and aimed at encouraging you to make the most out of your daily stroll.

This mini computer calculates everything from your daily mileage and average trip speed to the temperature outside--so you can keep baby perfectly cool or warm while you work up a sweat. The Strollometer makes a great gift and is the perfect accessory for your strollercize workout. Visit the website for a list of online retail partners based in US and Canada (many will ship worldwide).