There are just three promises you should make to yourself this year. One - stop beating yourself up you're doing a great job! Two - learn to have some fun. I think Sam, our Community Editor put it rather nicely when she said, after having written our This year I will… feature "Hang the 'to do' lists, sod the shopping! As long as you get a daily dose of laughter, be it from your child putting your massive shoes on their tiny feet, to a sketch from Little Britain to being tickled by your partner, your life will seem much better, brighter and more important than any resolution you have failed (or even succeeded!) in keeping." Three - do something, however small, to help us raise money for the Pre-Eclampsia research project you've decided we should support in 2006! Helping us raise money for SPARKS medical charity means they can continue their brilliant and successful work - creating positive solutions to heart-breaking diseases and illness that affect mothers and babies.
How
SPARKS are flying at babyworld>> The
project you've chosen>>
Sporty babies gallery>> - send a photo and raise money
Happy New Year!
Stephanie Neuman
babyworld, Editorial Director
News from the babyworld shop team
We’re full of the joys of the New Year in the babyworld shop as there are lots of exciting new products and colourways coming through over the next few months. We have stock of the much awaited Recaro Young Profi Isofix seats and the Maxi-Cosi Cabrio Isofix seats are due in early February. The 2006 ranges for Maclaren, Buzz, Zapp and Speedi have some funky new colourways to choose from. The new PurFlo mattresses and sleep sacs are proving popular with parents whose babies refuse to sleep on their backs and the Natures Nests are still a top pick.
But, it’s a fact that choosing the right items for your new baby has never been more tricky – there’s so much to choose from and so much conflicting information. We set up our showroom and personal appointment service to help new parents decide what products will be right for their new baby. With plenty of time to play with pushchairs, get car seats fitted and make informed choices, we think it’s the new way to shop! Email Brenda@babyworld.co.uk to make an appointment or call 01491 821877.
New baby, new career?
There's many a mum, as our growing list shows, that has turned her hand to successfully creating a business after producing babies. Meet the mumpreneurs…Click here>>
Pick-me-ups for mums and mums-to-be
Christmas is a wonderful period but things can seem a bit flat in the New Year (unless you're expecting , of course!). The good news is there are plenty of positive ways to put a spring back into your step like our pick-me-up suggestions, for instance, for mums and mums to be. Happy New Year! Click here>>
This year I will...
Don't bother promising that 2006 will be a Mars-bar-free year for you. Instead of making New Year's resolutions that you know you are going to break a few hours into 2006 have a look at our practical suggestions, grounded in reality, that you might just keep! Click here>>
"Harry's foreskin was trapped in the train!"
Toddlers are infamous for being accident prone. We asked fellow babyworld members to share the scary incidents either they or their children get into. Be prepared to cringe, laugh, gasp and thank goodness that all is well despite their mishaps! Click here>>
Should we stay together for the kids?
The New Year may not be so rosy for some families if you and your partner are having major relationship problems. But when your marriage is on the rocks, should you stay together for the sake of the children or call it a day? We explore this difficult area and suggest ways to arrive at the best solution for everyone. Click here>>
BIRTH: THE REAL WOMAN'S VERSION
No
two births are the same - shared gene pool or not! That's why we'd
like to hear how it went for you and give you a chance to applaud
the midwife, or entire obstetric team, that brought your baby into
the world! By filling in our survey you could win some fab baby gear-
a Hauck travel system, Mookie trike or Nature boy and girl nappies.
So, make sure you have your say today! Click
here>>
Birth every which way
From express delivery to long haul - our mums tell you the nitty gritty of their births! Click here>>
I can't breastfeed because...
The many physical or mechanical reasons for not being able to breastfeed are well documented but the psychological issues are less so. But it doesn't lessen the guilt that many new mums have. Psychologist Dr Rosemary Bramwell discusses the common worries that women have and explores ways in which to deal with them. Click here>>
Multiples multiply mess! Why mums of twins must learn to call for back up
We would rather admit to having plastic surgery or an illicit affair before admitting we need help to raise our kids. Susannah Peel, rightly says "Multiples multiply mess - fact!" So, she says while pregnant, or if you're already down and dirty in the twin trenches, accept that you need a lot of help in the 'early daze' because you are outnumbered. Here she tells you how to play the 'Mum of twins' card to get what you need! Click here>>
Health visitors - the things they say!
Have you ever been left amazed by something your health visitor has said? Babyworld members share the most bizarre advice and requests they have ever heard! Click here>>
TESTING, TESTING 123
There's a whole lot of testing going on each and every month, too many to mention here so do take a look at our extensive testing area.Click here>>
On
test: Soft soled baby shoes
We take a look at the world of soft soled baby shoes this month for our Big test. Read more
Product review of the month
Just to ensure those pearls of wisdom keep coming in we are launching our very own Product review of the month competition. This month's winner is Jodie Arnett from Kent who tested the Wilkinet baby carrier. Jodie is proud mum to 8 year old George and is expecting her second child. She wins a fantastic limited edition single bloom from Baby Blooms. Want to add a review? It's easy to get started simply join up as a Parent panel member and start adding your reviews today.
HOT THREADS
There's a whole lot going on in our forums - catch up with the latest on our forums:
OFF WE GO
Check out this great selection of features on travelling with the family.
Snow
excuse not to take the family skiing!
Child friendly ski resorts are booming. New ones are opening or being redeveloped and upgraded all the time as more people realise that this is a fast growing demand for family friendly facilities - whether it's ski lessons for the over 4s, snowman building, sledging or just staying warm in the nursery while you hit the slopes. Se our selection of best ski resorts for families. Click here>>
Prefer sand to snow?
If you prefer white sand to white powder, January and February are the perfect time for winter sun. Check out our wide selection of wonderful winter sun destinations, near and far! Click here>>
Family travel news
The latest round up of news for families on the go. Click here>>
Dads across the pond
Here are two great stories of dads travelling without mum. In our first story, Single in Florida single dad Theo takes his tribe to Florida and gives us the low-down on planning, travelling and being in the US. In A Father and son in New York Sandy and his son, Zander, took off to sample US hospitality for families.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Award-winning child monitors
The Boardbug monitor offers the latest in monitoring and will see you through from nursery to playground. Enter here>>
Hauck travel system, a Mookie Trike or Nature Boy and Girl nappies
Tell us about your birth and we'll enter you into a prize draw to win some of the fantastic goodies above. Enter here>>
A baby rugby shirt signed by Rugby supreme Martin Johnson
Send us a picture of your tot showing off his or her sporting prowess and you could be in with a chance of winning this collector's prize. Enter here>>