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).

Soothe a fever

Tis the season of coughs and sniffles and one of the most worrying times for any Brand New Mama. If you've got an infant who's under the weather, you'll want to be certain he has a fever before reaching for the Calpol. But how to get your poorly little wriggler to stay still long enough for that oral, armpit or rectal thermometer to get a precise reading?

Grab yourself one of these nifty Digital Soother Thermometers from Bruin. It looks and feels like a regular pacifier but will glow red when a fever is detected. It can be used in both celsius and fahrenheit and has a memory feature to recall previous readings. Soothing for baby and simple enough for the most sleep-deprived mum, these Bruin Digital Soother Thermometer can be found at Babies R Us stores or online.

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.