The love you feel for your child isn't just intellectual or cultural - it's in your biology a basic part of your make-up. So, when our children put us through sleepless nights, endless green-runny noses, tantrums, food fuss and all, it only takes a small phrase like "Uv oo too!" whilst exchanging cuddles at bedtime, to make us fall in love all over again, in fact this makes me fill up just writing this! So, we find babies irresistibly addictive because of our biology, but what about our partners? Despite their good looks, wicked sense of humour, athletic body and great mind sometimes they do drive us crazy, don't they?! But in the spirit of Valentine's Day enjoy our ramblings from the Discuss, debate and deliberate forum in He drives me crazy, make sure you give everyone an extra hug after you've read Why Love Matters and get the Kleenex ready before you click through to Mushy moments!
Stephanie Neuman
babyworld, Editorial Director
PS This is the final call for babies who want to appear in
our Sporting
Hall of fame! Whilst your baby basks in glory you can help push
us towards our £108,000 target by donating a small amount to SPARKS
our fantastic charity of the year.
.
News from the babyworld shop team
As ever, in the babyworld shop, it’s a busy time of year – lots of new products and exciting new colourways are in stock. We also know that love is in the air because we’re sending out loads of gifts, but they tend to be for the little people.
So, how about taking some time for yourself? Shut the door and browse the shop for things that might make your life a bit easier or more comfortable. It’s not very romantic, but how about a support cushion, relaxation CDs or a Doppler if you’re still pregnant? A new breast pump, nursing cushion or baby monitor might be just the ticket if you’ve a brand new baby. And because you’re always thinking of others, what about a funky new changing bag in a design that is a joy to use and makes a statement about the woman, rather than the Mummy you are!
I LOVE pictures of cute babies
Wow! what a line up we have in our Sporty babies gallery! Look out for Olly, all of 10 months on a glacial expedition in New Zealand and Ryan taking a pit stop in his F1 car! The parents of all these babes have generously supported our bid to raise money for SPARKS our charity of the year. Click here>>
I LOVE your views
Our forums are always buzzing but the one thread that caught my attention coincided with Channel 4s documentary on extended breastfeeding. You certainly had plenty to say - enjoy this selection of posts about 'active lactivists'! Click here>>
I LOVE a good story
Gabby Logan, ITV soccer presenter and SPARKS charity supporter, has had a very public start to parenting. However, in very uncharacteristic celebrity style, she has shared an amazing amount of detail about her pregnancy, birth and life with twins, which makes for a riveting read. Click here>>
Water birth
In 1993 many hospitals installed birthing pools. But the option to have a water birth is still patchy with some maternity units keen to make use of their pools, and others very reluctant, so that women either do not know the unit has a pool available, or are discouraged by staff from using it.
To find out how to organise a water birth, read on. Click here>>
A Winter pregnancy survival guide
From watching your back to stocking up on extra-emollient to tackle the dry skin battle - a winter pregnancy has challenges of its own. Find out how you can get through the cold season happy and healthy. Click here>>
The rising costs of raising a baby
Pregnancy is the time when you need to do some serious budgeting. The bad news is that this is not the most riveting activity in the world. The good news is that for many of us it is relatively simple to make some significant improvements to our finances! Click here>>
Move
that cot! Feng shui for babies
We all have a vague idea of what feng shui involves but perhaps this only stretches to an idea of rearranging furniture to give us better luck. While this holds some element of truth, the reality is much more complex, as we discovered.... Click here>>
READY, STEADY, GO!
Whether you just want a day out with the family or you are in need of a break, long or short, our travel stories may provide the answer!
Days
out
The days are getting longer and its time to get out and about again. Here are some lovely days out, up and down the land, to enjoy with the family. Click here>>
Is
the new Butlins hotel any good?
Our community manager and her three children went to see what the trendy, ship-shaped hotel has to offer families. Click here>>
Family
travel
Find out about the new package holiday 'law', a trendy new gadget that means never having to get lost in translation, Champneys new offering for mums-to-be and lots more! Click here>>
Where
can you meet Bob the builder..
(and babyworld!), enjoy one stop shopping, family entertainment, animal fair, craft centre and more? At the Caring Parent Show, the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent on 25th & 26th March Click here>>
Holiday bliss?
One of our favourite companies has changed its name from Tiny Traveller to Tiny Tots Away and launched a new website with an expanded service. They're the people who enhance your holiday by delivering all those nappies, toiletries, baby foods and accessories to your holiday destination, so that you don't have to carry them there yourself. No excess baggage charges, aching arm muscles or split suitcases! www.tinytotsaway.com simple and effective. Click here>>
WE TRY YOU BUY
A
baby who has just learned to walk takes around 176 steps a minute
and since their feet contain no fully formed bones at all, it's essential
to kit them out with shoes that offer maximum comfort and support.
Clarks have been making shoes for 150 years, so we thought it would
be rude not to try out their reputable service!
Clarks shoe fitting service - should this be your first stop for buying first shoes?
Safe T Sleep wrap - keeps your baby in a set position, great for wriggly or adventurous babies
Universal Buggy Board - alternative to a double buggy, and much cheaper!
Handysitt Chair - it could make your highchair redundant
Bumbo Babysitter - lots of new reviews for this popular product
The Good Granny guide - great for those whose childcare skills may be a bit rusty!
Great expectations
Teaching your toddler to be a good person is no easy task but it is up to you to teach your child the values that matter most to you. We take a look at what sort of values you can instill in your child and, more importantly, how! Click here>>
WIN! WIN! WIN!
A
Skin survival kit from Persil Non Bio
This super kit, worth £125, is packed with everything your skin needs this winter including a super-soft fleece scarf and hat set , Vaseline Intensive Care Hand & Nail Lotion and Derma Care dermatological lotion and six months supply of Persil Non-Bio. Enter here>>
£25
to spend at funmum.com
From work wear, to evening wear, Funmum.com cater for every occasion and at great prices too! 15 lucky winners will each receive £25 to spend. Enter here>>
CRIB tees and bodies as unique as your baby
20 lucky winners will each receive an adorable CRIB t-shirt or body, retailing at a minimum of £20. Enter here>>
A
family photoshoot and 10 photos
To mark the opening of their London Pimlico studio, where they specialise in creating unique family photography experiences, doubletake are offering 5 lucky families the chance to win a family photoshoot experience! Enter here>>
SPECIAL OFFER Save £700 on Days Out
Days Out magazine contains vouchers that can save you money off hundreds of venues for the family. Order your copy now and get the magazine for less than half price. Enjoy days out with the family for a lot less! Read more >>
Have
you chosen a Child Trust Fund Account for your child yet?
Launched in April 2005, the Child Trust Fund is a savings and investment account designed to give every child a financial head start in life and to help teach them the value of saving.
With the right information, it's easy to choose an account so HM Revenue and Customs have produced a helpful online toolkit to help you find a Child Trust Fund account you're happy with. Click here to go to the toolkit now. Click here>>