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Stay Super Snug This Season With Skeanie Shoes
Winter seems to have arrived here in the UK and as always the temperatures have drastically dropped outdoors. Be sure to keep your children warm this winter when out and about by ensuring that they are tucked up nice and warm from head to toe…
We have found the perfect footwear for the winter months made following fair trade guidelines, Skeanie footwear is designed and produced in Australia, this particular brand (Skeanie) is a preferred provider of the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW).
Mums Baby Magazine put a pair of Winter Boots to the test with an active two year old who loves to be out in all weathers. Firstly upon receiving the boots, we were pleasantly surprised by the softness of the exterior leather. Secondly, we had a good feel around within the boots before placing them upon our testers feet and found that the fur is indeed wonderfully warm, thus ideal for the winter months.
The boots were incredibly easy to place upon an infants feet, as Skeanie Winter Boots feature an elasticated ‘pull on’ design which make it easy for both adults and children to put on and remove. Thus, the Skeanie Winter Boots are also the ideal footwear for young children to practice putting on and taking off their own footwear without adult assistance in order to achieve independence.
Infants and children certainly seem able to put footwear through wear in tear within a short time through consistent play and activity. The Skeanie boots have not scuffed nor scratched after many hours of outdoor play and are easily washed clean by using a damp cloth to wipe over the leather. Skeanie footwear should never be placed in the washing machine or dryer,
The Skeanie Winter Boots are available in a range of colours and sizes (see below):
| Infant Range | Junior Range | Foot Length | UK Size | Age (Approx) |
| Size 26 | up to 16.8cm | 10 | 4 years plus | |
| Size 27 | up to 16cm | 9 | 3-4 years | |
| X- Large | Size 26 | up to 15.2cm | 8 1/2 | 3 years |
| Size 25 | up to 14.4cm | 7 1/2 | 2-3 years | |
| Large | Size 24 | up to 13.6cm | 7 | 2 years |
| Size 23 | up to 12.8cm | 6 | 1-2 years | |
| Medium | Size 22 | up to 12cm | 5 1/2 | 6-18 months |
| Small | up to 10.5 m | N/A | newborn plus |
It is essential that the correct size of shoe is worn by your child as wearing the incorrect size of shoe can affect the growth and development of your children’s feet. Regular checks upon the growth of your child’s feet must also be carried out to ensure safe wear. The above guide offers more exact measurements so that parents can use a tape measure to ensure they purchase the correct shoe size.
After putting Skeanie Shoes to the test, Mums Baby Magazine give the Skeanie Winter Boots 10/10 for design, comfort and winter warmth this season. Skeanie Winter Boots can be purchased along with a wide range of other shoes from £39.99.
The Birthing Shirt: A ‘Three-in-One’ Sleepwear Solution for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.
Pregnancy is a big thing, not just in the grand scheme of things but also in terms of size… Growing a baby is hard work both physically and emotionally. At the end of a long day, there is nothing better than snuggling down ready for sleep. However, getting comfortable for sleep can be awkward during the later stages of pregnancy. Firstly you may no longer fit into the comfortable nightwear which you once did and therefore may require alternative clothing such as maternity nightwear. Secondly, the pressure which the growing baby puts upon the bladder can cause regular trips to the bathroom throughout the night, whilst regular waking can be good preparation for once your baby is born, it is hardly pleasant having to get out from a nice warm bed to make regular trips to the bathroom throughout the night.
The Birthing Shirt is made from super soft, stretchy bamboo jersey, this particular fabric is breathable, durable and eco-friendly, thus ideal nightwear for during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Whilst breathable, bamboo is a fantastic fabric for maintaining temperature, whether it be to keep cool or to stay warm.
The Birthing Shirt During Pregnancy
- The fabric is cashmere-soft, therefore will not irritate itchy or sensitive skin (which many pregnant women tend to suffer from).
- Has side ruching to facilitate the bodies changing shape during pregnancy.
- Can be worn as cosy daytime loungewear
The Birthing Shirt During Labour
- The Birthing Shirt is the ideal birth wear for home, birth centres or hospitals. Its loose fitting allows ease of movement, enabling you to get into all the many positions the body requires during labour.
- The Birthing Shirt is knee length to retain your modesty. This is especially handy during ‘examinations’…
- The bamboo fabric is breathable and moisture absorbent, therefore will keep you cool.
- The Birthing Shirt features side slits which can be pulled up at the point of your babies arrival.
- The seven stud poppers (featured at the front of the birthing shirt) pop open easily for immediate skin-to-skin contact (as recommended).
- The colour (midnight blue) of the Birthing Shirt tends not to show too many stains/ marks which may occur during labour.
- The Birthing Shirt is easily washed on a forty degree Celsius cycle, alternatively it can be washed at higher temperatures if required.
The Birthing Shirt Post Partum
- Due to the flexible, stretchy fabric the birthing shirt can also ‘shrink’ with your body, becoming ideal nightwear/ loungewear after your baby is born.
- The seven poppers at the front of the birthing shirt allow easy access for breast feeding and for skin-to-skin contact.
Mums Baby Magazine give the Birthing Shirt 9/10. The Birthing Shirt is available in sizes medium (10-12), Large (14-16) and Extra Large (18-20). The Birthing Shirt can be purchased directly from the ‘The Birthing Shirt Company’ for £35.99 or alternatively two shirts can be purchased for £59.98. For further information upon the ‘Birthing Shirt’ visit www.thebirthingshirtcompany.com
Natural Healing Remedies for Mother & Baby from Wildsheep
Baltic Amber has been used as a traditional European remedy against pain for centuries. Amber is a natural analgesic, made from fossilised tree resin. When placed against the skin, ambers natural healing, therapeutic oils are released, promoting relaxation, decreasing acidity within the body and inducing relaxation. Due to the natural healing properties of amber, amber is commonly worn by infants to prevent teething pain.
Whilst amber jewellery is a popular product for young infants, it can also be worn by adults to prevent and aid a number of common ailments. Amber provides a natural remedy and aid for a wide range of ailments including:
- Induces relaxation
- Natural anti-inflammatory
- Natural analgesic
- Increased speed of healing
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces nappy rash
- Reduces fevers
- Reduces swollen gums
- Reduces acidity within body and redness in the cheeks (often caused by teething)
- Natural aid for eczema and allergies
www.wildsheep.co.uk sell a range of genuine Baltic amber jewellery (necklaces mainly) designed specifically for reducing ailments for both children and adults. Mums Baby Magazine put the Wildsheep ‘Mother & Baby Amber Necklace Set’ to the test with a Mum who suffers with aches and pains specifically in her hands due to previous operations and a teething toddler.
Each necklace is made as securely as possible, each bead is individually knotted to prevent beads from becoming a hazard if the necklace were to be snapped or broken. Each necklace can be secured safely using a plastic clasp, whilst this is easy for an adult to carry out, it is too difficult for young children thus safe for young children to wear as only parents can attach and remove the amber necklace from their child. Each necklace arrives wrapped in a beautiful white, organza bag inside of which is a leaflet providing further information upon the properties of amber and care guides for the jewellery.
Wildsheep produce a wide range of amber jewellery differing in size and colour. Children’s amber necklaces are suitable for boys and girls from 3-4 month of age. Teething however is a long, on-going process and therefore it is never really too late for your child to start wearing an amber necklace!
Mums Baby Magazines testers found after wearing the matching ‘Mother and Baby’ amber necklaces for a fortnight that both individuals seemed to benefit from the experience. Firstly, our toddler tester seemed a lot calmer and seemed to chew on his hands less, thus indicating a reduction in teething pain. Whilst our adult tester found that she felt less aches and pains whilst wearing the Wildsheep Baltic Amber Necklace.
Introducing jewellery or accessories to young children can often be difficult as many young children refuse to wear something new or different. However, the Wildsheep ‘Mother and Baby’ Amber Jewellery Sets enable the parent to demonstrate and model how to wear jewellery safely and sensibly, encouraging children who may be wary over wearing necklaces and jewellery to follow their parents examples. Jewellery should not be worn whilst sleeping as it could cause a choking hazard.
Mums Baby Magazine give the ‘Mother and Baby Baltic Amber Teething Necklace Sets’ 9/10. Wildsheep sell a wide range of amber teething products, each of these may vary in colour due to the natural properties of amber. Mother and Baby Amber Teething Necklace sets are available from www.wildsheep.co.uk for £23.79
Free their knees with Freenies!
It may be cute to dress your little lady in frills and fancies but it isn’t always practical… As soon as your little one begins to explore movement, clothing needs to be closely considered for practicality, as skirts and dresses may look nice but can hinder your little ones ability to move freely.
Freenies are a simple yet effective device which enable your little ones skirt/ dress to gathered up and neatly tied at the back of your child’s outfit. Freenies frees your child from loose fabrics which can be hazardous during early movement, Freenies are perfect for crawling, climbing or for use in the playground.
Mums Baby Magazine put Freenies to the test with two little testers, we were impressed by just how easily clothing can be gathered up and altered temporarily for safety. Freenies are a fantastic idea, freeing little ones of clothing fabrics which can frustrate and hinder essential 
early motor development practice. Mums Baby Magazine give Freenies 10/10.
Freenies are available in a wide range of colours, shapes and designs for $3.50 each from www.freenies.com
Bringing Bibs into Fashion with the Bright and Beautiful Bubba-Bibs
Whilst bibs are a practical tool which are necessary for young children to wear, they aren’t necessarily fashionable. Standard bibs often get in the way of day to day activities for younger children as they flap over their face and are wet through after only a short amount of time.
Made in the UK from the finest cotton, Bubba-Bibs Bandana Bibs feature a fleece backing which protects your little ones clothes and skin from becoming wet, thus reducing the chances of your child experiencing a moisture/ dribble rash. Bandana style bibs are hugely popular with children as they appear far more mature than most bibs, styled in a similar fashion to a neckerchief/ day-wear scarf.
Mums Baby Magazine are big fans of bandana bibs and therefore give the Bubba-Bibs 10/10 for comfort and design. Bubba-Bibs are available in a wide range of colours and designs and can be altered in size using a two option press stud fastening. Bubba-Bibs retail at only £3.00 per bandana bib, including postage and packaging! For further designs and information visit www.bubba-bibs.co.uk
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