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"One tip is to wear a fitted maternity top but then pair it
with something like an oversized shirt over the top or a dress that can
unbutton all the way down so that you can wear it open."
Belles and Babes is a UK-based rental business specialising in sustainable maternity, baby, and nursing clothes. Founded by Emma Gillespie in 2017, the company is driven by her corporate sustainability background and has a mission to provide a more sustainable alternative for parents seeking to move away from fast fashion and reduce clothing waste.
If you are a parent seeking a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, you
can find out more about Belles & Babes below.
www.bellesandbabes.co.uk
www.instagram.com/bellesandbabesuk/
www.facebook.com/bellesandbabesuk
www.tiktok.com/@belles.babes
www.youtube.com/@bellesandbabesuk
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During my first Christmas with my son, I was suffering with post-natal anxiety and I couldn’t get my head around doing much. I bought an inexpensive baby’s first Christmas wooden bauble. He had two cute outfits. I took pics in the outfits. I kept the bauble and outfits and I now have them in his memory box with pictures of him in them and with his loved ones.
Amy Polly
The Mindfulness Rebel
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Every year we like to add a couple of new Christmas books to our collection and in December we love to get our Christmas books down from the attic along with all our decorations. Each book has lovely memories attached to them. The book we read to our little ones on their first Christmas always makes me feel emotional when we re-read it! There are books gifted from special family members, books from visits to Santa and books we’ve chosen ourselves. Each one brings memories flooding back so my recommendation for your babies first Christmas is fo start off your Christmas book collection.
Check out our range of Christmas Storyboxes to add to your Christmas book collection.
Danni Perkins
Founder ZaZa Storybox
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I took a photo of both of mine on Xmas day (or to be fair I think with my little boy I actually did it prior to Xmas day a bit like people do school photos not on the actual first day of school to save the stress 😂) anyway dressed up in Christmas outfits so my son has a Santa outside and my daughter had an elf outfit. Then I ordered them both a personalised photo frame which says ‘baby’s first Christmas’ and their names etc and printed off their Xmas fancy dress baby photo. Then I pop the photo frame away with the Christmas decs and just get them out every year for the Christmas period and see my baby Santa and my baby elf 🥰 it’s such a lovely way to remember our first Xmas and how tiny they were!
Ruth Lue-Quee
Founder My Mummy Teacher
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"Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read"
Gifts that will last |
Wooden toys, books, essential clothing like wellies and coats, art supplies, activity books, |
Gifts that keep giving |
Subscriptions to craft boxes, sensory boxes, book boxes or magazines, memberships to local attractions or online communities. |
Gifts that only cost you time |
Download and print a bunch of our Wild Play activities (great stocking fillers!) a photo slideshow of the year or a special occasion, a jar of ideas for things to do in the coming year, vouchers for a special tea, extra screen time or getting to stay up late (you can put anything at all in a voucher) write a poem or a short story to share, bake some cookies or other festive treats. |
Before lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks, carefully check your garden for any signs of nests, dens, or habitats where wildlife might have made their home. Avoid disturbing these areas to prevent harm to the animals and any young. Move your set up as far away as is safe or choose an alternative location.
If you have bird feeders or animal food outside, temporarily move them to a safer location or bring them indoors during Bonfire Night. This will discourage wildlife from venturing too close to the fireworks and bonfires in search of food. Do this a couple of weeks in advance so they get used to its new, safer location.
Create alternative shelters for wildlife by placing overturned bins, wooden planks, or similar structures in a quiet area of your garden. This will give wildlife a safe space to retreat to during the festivities. You could also use piles of logs or leaves which are hedgehog friendly.
Ensure that a clean and easily accessible water source is available for wildlife in your garden. Loud noises and bright lights can cause stress, and having water nearby can help alleviate their distress. Shallow trays or dishes are a good idea so that there is no risk of them falling in to ponds.
Ok so this isn't much fun but if possible, choose an alternative location for bonfires away from your garden to minimise the disturbance to local wildlife. Better still, go to an organised event in a wide open space and let your garden friends have a quieter night. If you are having a bonfire at home, ALWAYS check it thoroughly before lighting to avoid any harm to hidden animals.
Bonfire Night is a lot of fun for us, but let's remember it is much less so for our garden guests. By taking a little time and some simple precautions to consider the well-being of local wildlife, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone during the celebrations on and around the 5th November.
Image credits:
Sparkler image Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash
Hedgehog image Photo by Piotr Łaskawski on Unsplash
Birds nest Photo by Fabrizio Frigeni on Unsplash
Photo by Georgiana Pop (Avram) on Unsplash
Nope. It is in fact pretty simple. It's being aware of the 5 senses and noticing how they are stimulated during playtime with your baby.
As mentioned before, you are probably already doing this. For example, you might have a touchy feely book that makes a few noises like scrunching. This is stimulating sight, sound and touch and most likely helping with vocab when you interact with it at the same time and describe what you see happening.
Your baby naturally will experience the world around them through their senses and you will also notice when that stimulation is too much for them and their current stage of development.
If you want to include specific activities in your everyday play then there are tons on great ideas on social media if you search the #sensoryplay just make sure that whatever you choose is age appropriate and under supervision, especially if your child likes to taste their play.
Choose an activity that focuses on one particular sense at a time, eg black and white books for sight, musical instruments or singing for sound, collect different textures for them to feel.
This should help reduce the chance of overstimulation but also guide you towards activities your baby enjoys the most.
If you're prone to over thinking then remember the KISS way
Keep It Simple Sunshine...The simpler the better! You don't need fancy
equipment, elaborate play set ups or expensive toys. You have what you need around the house and within yourself to gently stimulate all of your baby's senses during your normal every day play.
We're always here to help you add some no-pressure sensory play to your day!
You've got this!
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I did a little experiment. I asked the famous Ai programme ChatGPT "What's one thing every new parent should know?"
I was intrigued as to what it might say. In all honesty I was expecting it to come out with practical tips about childbirth or swaddling or feeding or something like that. Some info from the interweb that tell parents all the do's and don'ts.
But I was pleasantly surprised as I watched the words come up on the screen. The first paragraph felt surprisingly human...
One thing every new parent should know is that parenting is a journey that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn and grow with your child.
Not bad for a start. It can see the bigger picture, the ethos of parenting rather than granular practical advice.
But it went on;
Here are some more specific points that might be helpful:
6 really great reminders about what the core of being a parent is all about. It's so easy to get swept up in all of the well meaning opinions, the social media posts, the family and friends, the mum and baby groups...to be made to feel if you are't doing all the things you're not succeeding.
But here is a robot who is surprisingly down to earth with its 'advice'. Essentially saying trust yourself. You've got this.
It wrapped up by saying
Ultimately, the most important thing every new parent should know is that they are capable of providing love, support, and guidance to their child, and that the journey of parenting is a rewarding one.
So if no one told you today, YOU are capable, YOU are loving, YOU are all your child needs. YOU are more than enough.
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We are simply human.
I'm going to write this tentatively...but I am pretty sure all of our packaging is now plastic free! Hurrah!
I say write tentatively because making blanket statements on the internet has the habit of coming back to bite you when someone spots an oversight somewhere!
But it is an area I've worked hard on. I've moved production for flash cards to the UK so they no longer have a plastic shrink wrap around them, and my printer has worked hard to minimise glue utilising clever origami.
Gift wrap uses recyclable paper, paper tape and fabric ribbon.
Mailers are all cardboard, up to eco credentials and I never wrap in those horrible plastic envelopes.
If you look for this stuff its there, it's just a case of cutting through the green washing and making a commitment to sourcing wisely.
That's the B2C side but I also have a big wholesale arm to the business which is a bit tricker. 99% of the time, I reuse packaging that I've had a delivery with, I rarely if ever buy large boxes to use for these orders.
It means our loft room is a bit over flowing with flat boxes! But I just can't bring myself to throw them away when they are still so useful...AND orders come in all shapes and sizes so I like to have a range of capacities. How annoying is it when you get a huge box for a tiny item?!!! (Pointing fingers at you Amazon)
I usually pop on a sticker saying 'excuse my appearance but I am reused' so customers know it's not something shady turning up at their door. But it's not always the most professional impression...a reused box for an order.
I was SO excited when I discovered Sticker Mule customisable tape, as this means my recycled boxes can now be on brand. Gone are the days in having to use half a roll of paper tape to secure them. I now have beautiful (even if I do say so myself) eco friendly but super secure paper tape with my animals and logo plastered on it to seal up those orders and keep them looking sharp.
They're the sort of things that add secret value to your brand and I've wanted some customised packing tape for ages. But it's always been so spendy, I couldn't justify it. After all, does is add that much tangible value?
Now I've got some and I've seen it for myself I am totally sold on it. It makes my wholesale offering more professional whilst also maintaining my sustainability and planet friendly policies. What's even nicer is that Sticker Mule make it way more affordable than any other tape I have seen. I haven't had to buy enough to wrap around the earth 10 times due their low MOQ and it was super easy to design myself using their templates.
So I am well sold and converted to using this super strong eco friendly paper tape to add a bit of custom pizazz to my orders and make sure everyone knows who the random, recycled box of goodies is from!
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"Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a young child's senses of touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing, as well as anything which engages movement and balance."
Definition from https://www.goodstart.org.au
If you know how sensory play can help and which senses you want to concentrate on, it can help to think about what you have at home that you can dial up to further support your baby or toddler's development.
As I said previously you probably are already doing a lot of things in the sensory play area without even knowing it! And not everything needs a label, it can simply be fun and engaging.
But here's 5 things that are likely going on when your child engages in sensory play;
1. Supports brain development
Sensory play helps build nerve connections in the brain.
2. Encourages creativity
Sensory play is often open ended, meaning children create their own games and ‘rules’.
3. Builds fine motor skills
Sensory play is often small scale play where children have to concentrate.
4. Fuels imagination
Sensory play builds curiosity to explore the senses and create awareness of the child’s surroundings.
5. Regulate emotions
Sensory play can be grounding, helping children tap in to how they are feeling.
If you're feeling like you would like some more ideas to add sensory play to your day, there are tons of great play based Instagram accounts to follow. They give bitesized advice and ideas on what you can do with what you have at hand as well as some carefully researched recommendations for investments should you want to buy any sensory based toys.
If you do want to add to your collection then do a little research, check the items have been safety tested for the age of your child (you'd be surprised how many are not, especially if you are buying hand made or from Etsy! Please be safe) and I'd also encourage you to invest in toys and resources that will grow with your child as they move through different development stages.
They may be the ones that are slightly more expensive but the cost per use will mean you are getting great value for money, cutting through the clutter and reducing waste at the same time. There are some amazing second hand sites you can grab a bargain in or check your local charity shops and facebook sales groups. Chances are someone will be having a clear out of just the item you would like to try.
I may be biased...as an independent publisher and author...but you can't go wrong with books for sensory play. There is a huge array of interactive books as well as your typical picture books and storybooks to choose from and you can pick up some amazing titles for a pound or two second hand. Building a library that will grow with your baby is a great investment from day one.
Books not only offer a period of quieter play, they can cover numerous senses depending on how your baby or toddler interacts with them.
It can give them time and space to sit and read, or look at pictures. Especially if joined by an adult. In a colourful, noisy world, simple high contrast images or picture books can provide much needed respite for the eyes and brain, removing sensory overload
Turning pages and picking up books, lifting flaps or moving parts all support fine motor skills.
And they all get little ones thinking about the world around them, to talk about what they see, engage with whats in front of them and fuel imaginations.
Sensory play is a hugely beneficial part of early childhood development but as I've said before and will keep saying you do not need to put pressure on yourself to make it fancy and complicated.
Your voice, your touch, your expressions, your emotions and your daily life all offer huge opportunities for sensory stimulation with your little ones.
There are key things sensory play helps to fuel and there are tools and resources out there should you want some ideas on how to dial it up at home. But if you find the noise too overwhelming or is making you feel like you're not doing enough then tune out and do things your own way.
You are enough for your baby, especially in those early weeks and months.
And if in doubt, snuggle up with a book, the best low tech sensory toy there is!
The Little Sensory Box
Brilliant for all of your sensory play needs, for baby's first year and well beyond. Beautifully created subscription boxes as well as individual items.
---Teddo Play
A multi-award-winning family-run British brand creating a variety of versatile play-based educational learning products for children. The ultimate combination of fun and learning!
Proudly made in the UK.
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Little Stories
Beautiful heirloom toys and decor. Little Stories develop beautiful and unique in house designed toys curated into stories to transform ordinary spaces into magical places.
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Block Sensory
The Little Cherry Tree
Give the gift of sleep! Sleep consultant working with families across the UK, The Little Cherry Tree Company aims to make the world of parenting a little less overwhelming, with no pressure or judgements. Just you, baby and making memories.
www.thelittlecherrytreecompany.co.uk
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Latched
Amazing maternity active wear, making it easy for pregnant and new mums to stay active in clothes that make them feel good.
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Za Za Storybox
Fabulous book subscription box, the best baby and toddler books for you each month. Plus an engaging toy themed to sit alongside the books helping imaginations develop and reading tips to help you interact with your little one
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Play Hooray
Amazing play resources from the wonderful Claire. The range now includes books, clothes and of course the original Play Prompts. From birth to school age kids, loads of ideas for easy play activities at home.
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Rosa And Bo
Beautiful nesting dolls, the only certified nesting dolls that are safe from birth in fact. Perfect for little fingers as well as a gorgeous addition to any nursery, oh and they have a book too!
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Little Hunters Playbox
Imaginative play boxes, themed story boxes & lovely unique children's gifts all under one roof. Eco friendly and designed help to encourage creativity, boost self esteem and help to create magical moments at home.
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My Mummy Teacher
Created by ex teacher Ruth, amazing play resource cards and activities to do at home with your little ones from an early age. Each activity can be dialled up depending on the age and capabilities of the child.
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Barefoot Baby
Ethical clothing for kids, all of your favourite labels such as Frugi, Toby Tiger and Kite as well as many more. They also have an awesome buy back scheme "Send us your outgrown clothes and we will give you a voucher to spend at Barefoot Baby."
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Lunarue
Hand made, hand painted wooden toys for babies and children. Non toxic and fully safety tested, wonderful characters to spark your child's imagination. Star your collection this Christmas!
www.lunarue.co.uk
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T & Belle
Breast feeding themed gifts and accessories to mark those milestones on every feeding journey, celebrating and normalising breast feeding. Jewellery, pins, muslins and more!
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Zippy Up
Once you've used a zippy up baby grow you will wonder why you ever bothered with snaps! So easy and versatile, super soft and snuggly as well as fab designs.
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Bags of Imagination
Hand made crochet characters, story bags, story time snuggle blankets and reading cushions for children. Bringing books to life through play!
www.etsy.com/shop/bagsofimaginationuk
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Finger and Thumbs
Bespoke baby and pet keepsakes, jewellery and imprints to capture memories and moments of your little ones and best friends. high quality personalised baby keepsakes, baby castings and baby gifts include Silver Fingerprint Keepsake Jewellery, Baby Clay Handprints, Baby Hand and Foot Casting and Ceramic Baby Handprint Gifts.
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The Mind Kind Club
Mindfulness by Amy Polly, the Mindfulness Rebel, courses, journals and the Mamakind club to help you find mindfulness for yourself and your children.
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Little Wise Toys
Fun, educational sets for kids to help them with maths, reading, emotions, mindfulness, nature and more. Helping children approach life with confidence, happiness and resilience.
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Cashmere Duck
Eco friendly baby and parent gifts kind to Mama & Baby, kind to nature. Gift sets, clothes, candles, cards, teddies and more. Beautiful monochrome collections for new arrivals and mums to be.
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Bean and Fox
Eco friendly gifts for babies. Toys, books, essentials and more, a beautifully curated range of heirloom toys and gifts for every new arrival.
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Frankly Store
Eco friendly and sustainable gifts, bringing together small, independent brands from across the world. Frankly's collection works hard to give-back & support causes across People, the Planet & Wildlife.
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Little B's
Little B's Devizes is an online and retail shop packed full of beautiful gifts for little ones. Clothes, toys, games, activities and more, you'll definitely find something for those stockings or bigger gifts in this treasure trove of loveliness.
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Little Box of Books
Book subscription boxes and one-off gifts to help diversify your children's bookshelf with inclusive books for a range of ages. Beautifully curated to make sure children see themselves in print as well as helping open up conversations with our children about race and diversity.
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Little Hotdog Watson
The COOLEST summer and winter hats you will find for your kids. Enough said.
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Munchkin And Bear
Ultra thick and soft play mats, containing a protective memory foam core, hygenic, wipe-clean, waterproof, non-toxic, PVC-free, durable, reversible.
No bright primary colours, annoying puzzle pieces, or childish and overstimulating designs. Just timeless and beautiful and a must have for any home with children.
If you ever fancy designing one with our animals on Munchkin & Bear then we'd be all over that! ;)
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The Woodlife Project
Beautiful & practical wooden tableware for eco-friendly families. All made in the UK, from exclusively British, sustainable timber. Fun tableware for littlies and sophisticated platters and boards for the grownups!
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Time Tokens
Brilliant resources to help families manage screen time with activities and learning new skills. Help stop those screen time battles and have fun at the same time!
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Cotton Twist
I absolutely adore all of the products from Cotton Twist and they are a firm favourite for birthday and Christmas presents. Sustainable and handmade crafting at its best!
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Paper Pattern Scissors
Beautiful sewing patterns, kits, fabrics & handmade, slow fashion clothing. Encouraging and teaching parents, grandparents and indeed anyone new skills. Having more control on sustainable clothing choices for kids.
www.patternpaperscissors.co.uk
Nurse Bear Does First Aid is a fantastic introduction for children to first aid and what to do in an emergency. It can be a daunting subject that may feel scary to talk about but it could actually make all the difference in an emergency situation if your little one's know what to do. Children with first aid skills are potential life-savers.
But fear not, this is not a graphic, detailed look at what happens when someone gets hurt at all. It's a lovely gentle way of talking about cuts, burns and bumps and what your child might be able to do to help in the moment.
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Our team is made up of Helen - the Business Owner, and Lyn and Doug who are both part time. As a small business it is so important that we all give off a similar energy to our customers - we are part of their shopping experience! Doug and Lyn are great additions to my business and I feel very lucky to have found them.
I would love to return to New Zealand which is where my now husband and I got engaged. There is so much to see there and it is such beautiful landscapes. It's also where my sister lives now and I would love to go to her favourite places together.
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is to believe in myself, trust in myself, and ask for help when I need it. Also to 'relax into a structure' is a favourite family saying!
Just go for it, what’s the worst that can happen, people might say ‘No’ – such a good attitude to have towards your goals in life and business. Where did I hear this you might ask? Well from you Ruth (yes you) at a recent Mama Tribe network event and it rang true.