Do you get artful at Easter or do you come out in a cold sweat every time anything creative is required of you?! Our Community editor Sam Pope (self- confessed non-artist) falls into the former camp so I thought I'd set her the challenge of coming up with some effective Easter art for the artistically challenged amongst you. I think the results may well get her a spot on Blue Peter, see for yourself in Easter for the artistically challenged mum! Some children believe that falling in love is all it takes to make babies. But there comes a stage when your child will want to know more and will innocently ask that most dreaded question. As it's a fertile time of year there was much discussion (and laughter!) as babyworld mums shared their 'birds and the bees' moments in our discussion forums. Babyworld moderator Hayley was left wondering whether she should bother training to become a midwife after a conversation with her four-year-old daughter! Do read and enjoy The Stork versus Royal Mail!
Whatever you are doing this Easter, have a happy time!
Stephanie Neuman
babyworld, Editorial Director
News from the babyworld shop team
Never content to stick with what we know, there are more exciting new products for the babyworld shop this month! We welcome Jane and Aprica as new suppliers and this means learning how to fit at least another five car seats safely and demonstrate new pushchairs! You can’t beat the HiDX or the Matrix if you’re after a full lie back – the safest and most comfortable way to transport your newborn. More Doomoo seats are on their way – and there’s already a fab review in our product testing section. And for all of you who are traveling with your kids this Easter, check out our Going Away section – Travel Cots, Sun Protection, Lightweight pushchairs and bits and pieces to try to make it a bit easier on everyone.
Easter for the artistically challenged
Her art teacher said her pebbles looked like baked potatoes. Her pre-school teacher berated her for putting 'unrealistic' smiley faces on her drawings of the sun. Is Sam Pope a really awful artist or one who lacks confidence? We put her artistic talents to the test to she if she's a potential Pollock or a load of, you know… Click here>>
Get in the mood for Easter (or Easter for the artistic!)
Get baking, cutting, gluing and messy - here are some creative (we're only talking Blue Peter standard honest!) but simple ways to jolly up your Easter table and keep toddlers busy during the holidays. Click here>>
Eggs,eggs,eggs
Probably the first thing on everyone's mind at Easter is the egg, traditionally a symbol of fertility and new beginnings, and now more a symbol of chocolate and new waistbands. Cute, amusing or just plain bizarre we take a look at the customs and traditions of Easter traditions around the world. Click here>>
How I lost my pregnancy weight
With celebrity mums stick-thin only weeks (or even days) after delivering their stellar offspring, we asked real mums how they shed the pregnancy pounds without the benefit of a handsome personal trainer and Liz Hurley's chef… Click here>>
Sleep in pregnancy
If you think the words sleep and pregnancy don't belong in the same sentence, you're not alone. Sixty per cent of pregnant women say they take a nap over the weekend while more than half admits to taking at least one nap during the working week. Read on to find out how pregnancy affects your slumber and what you can to get some much needed Zzzzs. Click here>>
Get baking!
"Anyone got any gorgeous, delicious, HEALTHY recipes? My DD (darling daughter) has withdrawal symptoms from not baking." This was the rallying cry that went up on our recipes forum recently and we don't think you'll be disappointed with the response from babyworlders' who shared their favourite bakes - not all healthy but hey! you can't be all of the time can you?! Click here>>
Where do babies come from?
For many parents, discussing the fine art of reproduction with your offspring is an embarrassing moment to be dreaded. So when your child asks you where they came from or how the baby got in mummy's tummy, what do you tell them? Parents and experts share their 'birds and the bees' moments and how to tackle fertile imaginations! Click here>>
Expert advice
We have the answers to these and 100s more of your pregnancy and baby-related questions…
Could I take up tai chi in pregnancy?
Can I sterilise bottles in a dishwasher?
When are routine scans performed?
Is folic acid essential when trying to conceive?
When can I give my baby cow's milk?
The Baby Show
Ever wished that babies came with a manual?!
The Baby Show is a three day event, taking place 19-21 May 2006, at Birmingham’s NEC where you can find everything you need. Come and meet the babyworld team on stand P10 with a fabulous range of quality nursery products and some great baby show deals. The Show is dedicated to pregnancy and childcare – with expert advice, the chance to make huge savings on all the nursery essentials you need as well as plenty to keep your baby or toddler amused. To book tickets, call 0870 122 1313, or visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk for more information.
A grand day out
As Easter approaches and the better weather does too (we hope) many families are looking for a day out in the fresh air. Here's a great selection that will suit families with under 5s. We have teamed up with Days Out magazine to offer you a great deal on the latest issue which has over £700 worth of discount vouchers. Click here>>
Foodie
faces photo comp
Enter your little one into our Foodie Faces competition and you could win a luxury break for two at a Champney's Health resort or a pampering New Mum Rescue Kit from Zita West! Click here>>
See the winners of our previous photo competition, Sporty babies. Click here>>
ON TEST
A fantastic selection of product reviews and tests for you
Double delight
We think we have set a record this month for the most testers ever
used! Nine sets of twins, that is, 18 babies tested the most practical
products for twins and multiples. Some are designed specifically for
twins and multiples whilst others are simply innovative little inventions,
which our panel felt, were a particularly good investment. Click
here>>
Xander and Finn try the V-Tech First Steps Baby Walker
Fantastic value for money - it's a toy that will be played with prior to walking, it can help with cruising and developing walking and it's still fun when you've licked the walking thing - Boredom factor NIL! Click here>>
Be a winning tester
Each month we scan the product reviews and choose one that merits a mention and what's more you win something too! We're giving away a limited edition, single bud (a 100% pure cotton pair of baby socks creatively formed into a bud) from BabyBlooms each month so remember to keep adding those reviews!
Fauzia Mahmood from London win's this month prize for her review on Lansinoh breast pads.
More great reviews...
Preggie Pops: A good buy for anyone feeling sick
Tomy Toddle & Ride: This is a great present for a 12-month-old, it helps them learn to walk, then they can ride round once they've mastered walking.
Safe T Sleep: If your little one tends to end up in the coldest corner of the cot, kicks off blankets or scares you half to death trying to get out the cot using a step ladder of soft toys then this product is a must!
Bowron BabyCare Lambskin Fleece: I'm not quite sure what we did without this fleece. It is so comfortable and Xander loves to feel it against his skin. He strokes it as he falls asleep and it goes everywhere with him so sleeping away from home is not that strange after all
Britax Eclipse Si: I have found this to be the best seat so far. My little girl seems really comfortable in it. It's easy to adjust the position once she has fallen asleep, it can be positioned with one hand from the front seat.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Win a year's worth of clothes for you and baby
Dr Comfy is here to help all you mums care for your little ones' soft delicate skin and as part of the Dr Comfy campaign, Comfort Pure is giving away a year's worth of clothes to one lucky winner and their baby. Click here to enter>>
Moo! Quack! Woof! Miaow!
The Usborne Farmyard Tales were especially written to delight small children. We have 10 sets of the delightful Farmyard Tales soft toys featured in the books to give away. Click here to enter>>
Win a year's supply of Start-rite shoes
Here's your chance to win a year's supply of Start-rite shoes and get expert advice too! Click here to enter>>