I’m not normally a patchwork quilt kind of gal, but i do like the idea of this baby clothes quilt. What a lovely way to hang on to those baby outfits and all the associated sweet memories attached.  If only one could send off the samples for one of these and someone ELSE (more crafty than yours truly) could make it. Now there’s an idea….

Toy boxes and bins can get really dis-organized really quickly. We tend to treat them like bottomless pits! If you’re looking for storage that’s going to keep things orderly (a place for everything, and everything in its place), then you’re going to love the new Toy Store storage unit from Oeuf.

The bins can be fixed to stay flat or to swivel for easy-access and the dividers that separate the bins are removable so you change the size of the bins to accommodate all sorts of toys. This storage solution  has definite lasting power. Check out the Oeuf Toy Storage here…

The first delivery of DwellStudio’s 2010 range has arrived and we can’t get enough of it. The knit blankets are a particular favourite, and something we know is going to be popular. I can’t wait to check out how my fellow retailers merchandise their DwellStudio this week when I visit the USA. Might even try and get some authorised snaps if anything grabs the eye, so stay tuned!

We love everything about Califormia based  Tiny Prints - who make modern personalised birth announcements, invites, stationary, designer photobooks and more! We can confirm they do deliver to Australia at competitive rates, and even have an online live help person that can assist with your order (they know me well…)

If you’re a fan of DwellStudio, you can choose from one of the unique  Dwell designed ranges.  there are so many beautiful designs, the hardest part is choosing.. One tip - make sure you allow 2-3 weeks for delivery to Australia. Visit them at www.tinyprints.com

My Oeuf 4 drawer dresser and classic hutch have arrived and I cant wait to un-pack it and get bub’s nursery finally complete ! (except for my DwellStudio rug which is “on the water” im told!).

I love the intelligent design of the drawer and hutch combo, in that it can be used initally as a change table, then converted to a shelf unit/book case for true longevity. Check out the Oeuf furniture range here…

by Pinky

If your baby is a newborn, she may settle more easily if she is more contained as you bath her: on the ‘inside’ your baby was confined and not floating all stretched out and her womb world was gently bathed in filtered light. By dimming the lights or bathing by candlelight with your newborn, you will help her recall the safety of her womb world and you will be able to hold her close and support her as she gradually relaxes and ‘uncurls’ her limbs. Bathing together is especially helpful if bonding has been interrpted by early seperation or a difficult birth experience. It can also be lovely bonding time for the father and baby.

Newborns can lose body heat very quickly after a birth and cold baby will be more difficult to settle. Also, if you lay your baby flat to dry her, this can trigger her startle reflex and she may start to scream- which, of course, defeats the purpose of a relaxation bath. So, rather than exposing your baby to cool air and risking more crying, wrap her in two warm towels and cuddle her. The heat trapped in the towels will dry most of your baby’s body as the warmth relaxes her. Then you can remove the damp towel next to her body and with the outer, dryer towel dry the crevices (neck, underarms, groin, between fingers and toes) and dress her.

To bathe safely with your baby, it is best to have somebody else to help you get in and out of the bath but if you are on your own, place your baby on a towel that is spread over a baby seat or bouncinette next to the bath. When you are comfortably in the bath, reach over and life the baby in with you. When you need to get out, place the baby back in the bouncer, wrap her in a towel to keep her warm while you get dried and pop on your dressing gown, then dress your baby and snuggle together- bliss!

For more great tips about soothing your baby, see Pinky’s book ‘100 Ways to Calm the Crying’, or visit Pinky’s website www.pinky-mychild.com/

The one thing noone ever showed me before my first baby was how to swaddle (or wrap) a baby. In fact I had no idea what the word “swaddle” meant before I was pregnant. Babies generally feel the most secure when swaddled for the first 4 months of life. Swaddling reminds them of their in-womb existance and also prevents them from feeling starttled by their natural reflex, as it keeps their arms close by thei side.

The Merino Kids Cocooi Swaddle wrap is an ideal all year round swaddle as the merino is such a natural, breathable fibre. I used this exact product for my baby for the first couple of months, and noticed a visible difference in my baby’s mood as I put her in it. Just watch the baby in this footage as she is wrapped.

Check out the Merino Kids Cocooi Baby wraps here

CONGRATULATIONS TO AMBER RYAN OF PADDINGTON NSW, WHO IS THE LUCKY WINNER OF THIS COMPETITION DRAWN 10TH SEPTEMBER 2009.

We finally reached a point where we just had to try and go out to eat food on plates, served proudly by others, surrounded by people who were also seated - you know, normal life. But with a 4 month old were we just kidding ourselves? Perhaps, but we had to give it a go. We strapped on the New Ergo Sports Carrier, placed Harper inside, held our breath and off we went. We have found the Ergo to be a very comfortable carrier with its padded shoulder straps and perfectly placed waist belt, it works extremely well for me and the missus. Harper fell asleep quickly and allowed us to walk briefly, sneak into the cafe order and when she awoke, she was calmly sitting, watching me and the others in the cafe get along with their normal lives. The difference with the Ergo is that it takes the weight mostly around the hips making it a more comfortable option. The baby enjoys the walking motion which is generated by the hip movement. The Ergo is on the frequently used list and is worth a research. Based on our use we are recommending it. Want to go to the product listing? Read more about the Ergo Sport baby carrier here…

To move wind, encourage tummy troubles resulting from gas or constipation, try this massage sequence about 20 minutes after a breastfeed or 40 minutes after a formula feed (if you don’t feel confident- or if you would like to learn how to do a complete baby massage to help relax your baby, grab a copy of Pinky’s baby massage DVD):

• Begin by resting your hands on your baby’s tummy and connecting with him then, with the palms of your hand following the other ‘paddling’ downward like a waterwheel (massaging upward could make your baby vomit). Repeat six times.
• Gently bend your baby’s knees up against his stomach and hold his legs for as he is comfortable, up to thirty seconds- this usually helps release trapped wind.
• Release baby’s legs and stroke them from hip to ankle, coaxing your baby to “relax relax”.
• Next, with the palms of your hand following the other, stroke firmly around the tummy incontinous clockwise circles. Repeat these strokes six times.
• Again, hold baby’s legs up and hold them, then release and stroke.
• Repeat this sequence three times.

You will find if your pre-empt baby’s crying times and massage before the onset of tummy troubles (if he has a regular witching hour, or several), you may be able to avert the crying and practicing this massage sequence twice daily will help babies with upset tummies.

Check out Baby Massage DVD by Pinky McKay for more great massage ideas. About the author - Pinky McKay is an Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant, a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with Infant Massage Australia and respected parenting author.   For more information about Pinky please visit www.pinkymckay.com.au.