Welcome to babyworld news April 2005
My preconceived notions that I would find potty training a breeze were flushed down the drain as my recalcitrant son demonstrated just how creatively resistant a toddler can be. Something about the potty aroused my son's creative energies. It elicited intricate crayon drawings, doubled as a carpark for his Lego toys; it even became a mixing bowl one day! As his determination and strength grew, he figured out how to fill the bowl from the bathtub; then he carried it around and slowly emptied it in a trail of carpet-soaking spots. We fought over where it would 'live'. I would place the potty in the bathroom, only to return a few hours, minutes, or even seconds later to find it missing. Soon thereafter, the potty's various parts would begin turning up in strange places under my bed, in my underwear drawer, in the sandpit - even once in a flower bed! As my mum (unhelpfully at the time) said "You can drag a child to the potty but you can't make him wee!"

We have entered the Potty zone this month; the utterly absurd world of tinkle, poo-poo, bribes and tantrums (by both parents and toddlers!). You can get all the basics of how and when to pot your tot but if you are beginning to 'lose it' enjoy some toilet humour and read these 'pooey stories'. Have a good month!

News from the babyworld shop team
It's that time of year when we all start thinking about the sun, or at least willing it to come out! We've prepared and have some interesting new sun protection solutions that will help you look after your baby's delicate skin whilst they enjoy the sunshine. To help you get out and about we also have the new 2005 Maclaren range in stock, many with free accessories. And if you're going away on holiday, everything you'll need to make your travels easier can be found in our going away section - from lightweight pushchairs and travel cots to swim nappies and mozzie repellent we've got you covered. Oh, and if April is a bit inclement, the superb TOGZ range of waterproofs will keep your puddle jumpers warm and dry! Give our brilliant service a go before 14 April and all UK mainland orders over £50 will be delivered free!

Let's hear it for breastfeeding
Was breastfeeding a breeze or a battle of the mammaries for you? We want to highlight and celebrate your breastfeeding achievements. So, enter our Breastfeeding Success Awards and inspire other mums to have a go at breastfeeding or keep going. Prizes include a trip to Ragdale Hall and fabulous lingerie from Figleaves.

Birth - is inteference such a bad thing?
Having a natural birth is the aim of many pregnant women. However, medical intervention can save lives, dramatically reduce pain and increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

Dads in the delivery room
Will he faint? Or vomit? First-time mums worry about how their men-folk will feel and behave during labor and delivery. Perhaps dads are more hindrance than a help during labour - we investigate…

You gotta' laugh!
Enter this month's caption competition and win your tot a Tomy Octopal worth £9.99.

Sign and bond
Yvonne Cobb's negative experience during the birth of her first child led to her setting up a business in signing. Here she tells babyworld of her life as a deaf mother and her desire to bring baby signing to a wider audience.

Meet us at The Baby Show, NEC, Birmingham
Come and see the babyworld team at The Baby Show, Birmingham from 13-15 May. The show is being held in Halls 11 and 12 of the NEC and you'll find us on stand M24.We'll have some amazing deals at the show and we look forward to seeing you there.

On test this month

babyworld testers go potty over potties!
This month's product test has been a messy business as we've been testing potties! We hope the results help make potty training easier for you!

Savings for babyworld readers

Save 10% on a holiday in Cornwall with babygoes2
Exclusive to babygoes2 and babyworld readers- 10% discount for all holidays completed during May at the superb, newly refurbished family-friendly Bedruthan Steps Hotel in Cornwall. Superbly located on the stunning North Cornish coast, the hotel offers a wide choice of suites and villa suites, all equipped with baby listening and private terraces leading on to a large lawn with children's play area - ideal for families.

Save £1 on Huggies Little Swimmers®
'Huggies Little Swimmers® has launched a brand new website dedicated to baby swimming to provide you with all the essential information you need to enjoy swimming with your baby. Visit www.littleswimmers.com/uk to print off a £1 off coupon for Huggies Little Swimmers® and download their guide to swimming with your baby.'

Competitions galore

Win a Keycamp family holiday worth up to £1000
You're never too young to enjoy your first proper holiday, so to celebrate the launch of www.keycamp4toddlers.co.uk, Keycamp are giving away a 2 week break for up to 5 people in a mobile home of your choice on one of the fantastic 106 European Keycamp Holiday Parcs, including a return Dover to Calais ferry crossing, all worth up to £1000.

Win tickets to The Baby Show, NEC, Birmingham
The Baby Show is dedicated to pregnancy and childcare - with celebrity expert advice and the chance to try and buy all the nursery essentials you need as well as plenty to keep your baby or toddler amused. The show runs from 13-15 May 2005 in Halls 11 and 12 at the NEC in Birmingham.

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