Welcome to babyworld news October 2005

What thing(s) have you done that you wish you could go back in time and undo since becoming a mum? This loaded question, of course, sparked much hilarity when we asked it on our Discuss, Debate and Deliberate forum, and you offered some funny and sometimes scary memories, enjoy them in our article My worst mistake as a mum!

Bringing up your own kids can be difficult enough. Playing a parenting role with someone else's can be even more tricky. Step-families are very common nowadays. In fact it's been calculated that 18 million people in the UK are part of a step-family in some way or another. That's an awful lot of us. And yet, most of us were not brought up in step-families, so we don't know much about them. Furthermore, I doubt if many of us had any ambition to be a step-parent - and we've definitely had no training. Small wonder then that a lot of people today find the whole step-family set up very difficult, which is why we have explored step-family dilemmas with relationship expert Suzie Hayman.

Happy parenting and see you next month!

News from the babyworld shop team

We're getting ready for the Olympia baby show, and if you're able to come along and visit us on stand C115 and stand C122 over the weekend of the 21st October we would love to see you there. Be prepared for some amazing show offers and to see everything you could possibly want or need for a new baby. In association with the Baby Show, Olympia we are giving away 20 pairs of tickets to this unmissable event - click here to enter the prize draw.

There are lots of new products in the shop, and more on their way for Christmas and rest assured, we are catering for all budgets whilst keeping things different, interesting and most importantly baby focused! Watch out for lots of goodies from the Manhattan Toy Company, gorgeous velour bears from Britt Designs, The Smart Trike from Mookie and so much more.

Little locks - your baby's hair
Even babies have bad hair days! We are often asked tress questions - will it stay the same colour, texture and as curly? How do you treat cradle cap and head lice? Learn how to make sense of it all!

I want another baby but...
Think you'd like another baby but scared it might turn your life even more upside down? We look at some of the most common fears and concerns of parents contemplating a second child, with some great insight by babyworld members and our antenatal adviser.

Are they all yours?
For any couple, deciding to have a child is a huge decision but how do you decide when a family is big enough? The reasons for having more kids or stopping at a particular number are as varied and different as the children they represent. Families are unique, and one size doesn't fit all but regardless of how many children you choose to have, other people will always have an opinion!

I was desperate to be accepted
When Kate met Mark she couldn't have been happier. However, his stepchildren made her life a misery … and threatened her relationship with their father. She told us what it was like adjusting to life as a stepmum and how things are now she has a child of her own.

Top toys for Christmas
Who can expect what in their Christmas stocking this year? The Toy retailer's association has announced the Top Toys for Christmas, based on 50 years experience and taking into account our requests as consumers, what excites children and the latest trends in new products. Parents of pre-schoolers can expect toys with advanced and creative ideas to help your child learn through play (and empty your purse!)

Christmas baby gallery 2005
It's time to get snapping and enter this popular feature. The theme is festive and fun - so send in those cute pics of your baby dressed as a Christmas pud, parcel or perfect fairy! We will choose the best to appear on our homepage throughout December.

See all the babyworld product tests and reviews

Here are the latest product reviews by you....

Slumber bear
I couldn't live without it. This was fantastic when my son was little, it calmed him down and kept him happy...read more

Maxi Cosi Cabrio seat
We've had full value from this seat, I can tell you! It's had serious use in the car, in the house, on the pushchair...read more

Wilkinet baby carrier
I tried a classic style of sling with my son which I only ever wore once as it was uncomfortable for both of us. The Wilkinet on the other hand is wonderful, comfortable and...read more

Bumbo Baby Sitter
My daughter Ashli loved her bumbo when we bought it for her at 3 months old...read more

Fun and games from Huggies
Looking for inspiration to keep your little one flexercising? Huggies super stretchy Super-Flex has created a brilliant Baby Games programme to help you keep your little one on the go!

By teaming up with Tumble Tots, Huggies has produced a FREE Huggies Baby Games booklet which is packed with simple and easy-to-follow flexercises and they've even included a CD full of super songs for super wriggly babies. It really is flexitastic!

Visit www.5xstretchier.com to find out more

Need help choosing the right Child Trust Fund Account?
Launched in April 2005, the Child Trust Fund is a new savings and investment account designed to give children a financial head start in life and to help teach them the value of saving.

With the right tools, it can be easy to choose the right account so HM Revenue & Customs have produced a helpful online toolkit to help you find a Child Trust Fund account you're happy with.

Click here to use the tool kit now.

WHY DON'T YOU...
Join your antenatal club

Go shopping for Gifts

Log into discussions