Reviews by Ellie, Alison Escobar, Jess Hazel, Ruth Lue-Quee, Sophie May, Lucy Parker, Jessica Standing and Steph Trott
Eco Pregnancy Test
This year I decided I wanted us to become a more sustainable family and to reduce our plastic waste as much as possible. As a couple going through fertility treatment, we really noticed the number of plastic pregnancy tests going into the bin on a regular basis. I came across Hoopsy and straight away switched from the bulky plastic tests to these simple paper tests. They work really well, and they sit so discreetly in our bathroom that I don’t even need to hide them when guests come round. LP
£14.99 for a pack of 3
hoopsy.co
Breastfeeding Clothing Clips
The T & Belle breastfeeding clip is fabulous for two reasons! Firstly, I don’t have the problem of forgetting which boob I’ve just fed from anymore; I swap the clip over to the opposite wrist as a reminder each time I feed. Secondly, as it’s still cold and I’m in lots of jumpers, it’s great to be able to clip up my clothes for easy feeding – no more having to juggle my baby and trying to keep clothing out the way too! It’s made from a stretchy material so it can fit around really thick items. The clips come in pretty designs. I chose the black leopard print, which is fab for everyday wear. RLQ at mymummyteacher.com
£8.50
tandbelle.co.uk
Baby Bitie Star
We love this teething star! It’s one of my little one’s favourite toys – he often chooses it to hold and play with. The shape means he can grab on to it easily and wave it about without dropping it. The textured little bobbles on the star provide good sensory feedback when it’s chewed. My son is 8 months old and very much teething, so everything goes in his mouth. This teether is a great size for carrying in my pocket to take out and about with us. ST
£11.95
bibsworld.com
Quilted Blanket
This cosy quilted blanket would make a beautiful gift for a new baby. It’s made with natural undyed linen, which is surprisingly soft! Heat has been used to break down and soften the fibres (no chemicals are used in the process), so no scratchy fabric here. The colour can vary depending on how much sunshine or rainfall there was while the flax was growing. The blanket is filled with recycled polyester, making it warm and breathable, and all materials are anti-allergenic. All Kiki and Cashew bedding is made by small community cooperatives in Turkey, which pass on their skills through generations of makers. The collection also includes swaddles, pillowcases and cot sheets. A quality piece that could be passed down many times! JH
Wellness Retreats
Weleda retreats are seasonal and holistic long weekends designed to activate your wellbeing from within, and to empower participants maintain their wellbeing once back in their ‘normal lives’. I attended the summer retreat and returned home profoundly transformed. For the first time, I experienced what the state of wellbeing truly means. Nature, the seasons, and how our connection to these can help us take better care of ourselves was central. We were taught simple and effective self-care and skincare rituals. Memorable moments included a 90-minute facial, morning yoga, and sitting around an open fire together. Vegan and gluten-free meals, cooked by outstanding chefs using local, seasonal produce, nourished us. I arrived feeling fragile, tired and stressed. I left feeling nurtured, strong, authentic, balanced and deeply grateful. JS
A note from Weleda: expecting mums should get in touch in advance to discuss dietary requirements and any adjustments, but the walks and yoga sessions are not strenuous. This would also be the perfect retreat for anyone planning a pregnancy or nurturing their wellbeing following a miscarriage.
From £850 per person
weleda.co.uk
Protective Nappy Cream
This nappy cream has a rich, non-greasy formula that’s easy to apply and soaks into the skin well. Ingredients include calendula extract and sunflower seed oil to soothe skin and create a protective barrier, and zinc oxide to help heal irritated areas. We used this to help with nappy rash and it’s been great, clearing up irritation within a few days. We now use it with every nappy change, and on areas of dry skin when needed. Organic and vegan. SM
£9.95, 100ml
GET 20% OFF with the code JUNO20 (Expires 31/07/2023)
organii.uk
Pregnancy Bundle
This package has been created by Do It Like A Mother to help you prepare for birth and the parenting journey beyond. The package includes a mixture of education and workshops, some in-person at the DILAM studio and some online (with the option to do all online). There are two online courses to complete: Birth Like a Mother, a hypnobirthing course with live support, and Nutrition for Pregnancy, with a 30-minute nutrition review. In-person support includes 12 weeks of pregnancy Pilates, and 6 weeks of Mum and Baby Postnatal Pilates. There are three workshops: Antenatal Feeding, Progression to Parenthood (an antenatal matrescence preparation workshop) and a Foundations of Family Sleep workshop. You also have access to baby care information and tips, regular expert Q&As, weekly emails with guided relaxations, and two goody boxes with carefully curated items to support you – one for pregnancy and one for parenthood. I’m so glad I found DILAM. It’s been a fantastic place to receive support for all things parenting. Ellie
Nappy Bundle
This bundle from Pēpi is a cost-effective way to start your reusable nappy journey. The pack contains four nappies. They are designed to adjust as your baby grows – using the snaps – which means they will last for longer. They are suitable to fit babies weighing 3.5kg to 17kg. Two bamboo inserts are included with each nappy. A light wetter may only need one, but most will need both. The inserts are much bigger than any others we’ve tried, and you can use the second folded if needed, for targeted absorbency. The outer shell is made with breathable PUL to keep wetness contained. SM
£47.84 for 4 reusable nappies
pepicollection.com
Softening Dry Baby Oil
A wonderful oil for baby massage! We had been looking for an oil suitable for our baby, and this one has been specially formulated for young skin. It’s fast drying, leaving skin softened but not greasy or sticky. We tried it after bathtime with our 10-month-old and it was lovely to use. I really like the subtle, clean scent and the spray pump, which helps the product last longer. As with other Organii products, this oil is vegan and cruelty-free, and certified natural by ICEA. SM
£9.95, 100ml
GET 20% OFF with the code JUNO20 (Expires 31/07/2023)
organii.uk
Rosehip Scar Oil
This is an intense blend of nutritious oils, including rosehip, chamomile, lavender and calendula. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and C, it helps support the skin’s natural cycle of regeneration and repair and can improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Suitable for vegans and free of SLS, parabens, paraffin, PEGs and perfumes (but smells delicious!). A lovely gift for an expecting mum. SM
£18.99, 50ml
balmonds.co.uk
Cairis Carrier
As a new wrapper, I had difficulty wrapping ‘in the wild’ and gaining the confidence my baby’s seat wouldn’t pop. I also struggled with comfort with several full-buckle carriers, no matter how they were adjusted. This is where Oscha’s Cairis Carrier came in. A half buckle with a super comfy, easy-to-fasten waist band that couldn’t be popped, in gorgeous woven fabric and beautifully constructed. I love it! I’m a UK size 18–20 and a G cup – pretty curvy – however, the waist fits snugly, and I still have enough length in the tails to do my favourite knotless finish across my chest. My babies are over 15kg now and I exclusively back carry. It’s perfect for everything, from shopping to hiking. My go-to reliable carrier for adventures. AE
From £195
oschaslings.com
Jungle Cubs Organic Muslin Squares
I love the designs on these organic cotton muslin squares, featuring baby elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions and flamingos. We tried the 70 x 70cm muslin squares which are very versatile – useful as burping cloths and as makeshift bibs, and also great to have on hand for any spills or dribbly moments. They’re soft and absorbent, wash well and are quick to dry. A very practical set, which gets a lot of use. They would make a great gift for any new parent, and they come in a ribbon-tied bundle. You can never have enough muslins! SM
£15.99 for a set of 6
bloomsburymill.com
A natural approach to fertility