The beautifully soft & comfortable PufFlo SleepSac is the most anti-allergenic,anti-bacterial, sleeping bag on the market
100% Bamboo Dream lining
Environmentally friendly Bamboo fabric is 60% more absorbent than cotton & has natural anti-bacterial properties
Anti-allergenic Amicor filling, prevents build up of bacteria and dispels dust mites that are linked to Asthma and Eczema
100% cotton outer
Detachable sleeves
Integrated scratch mit to keep hands warm and protect against scratching (sizes 0-3 month & 3-9 months only)
Full zip open front for easy access night time nappy changing
Zip guard to prevent the zip scratching babies skin
Review:
As with the Koo-di products I have been reviewing, I was really really excited to also be reviewing the PurFlo Sleep Sac! The Purflo brand is one that I really truly love, creating products based upon science about how to reduce the risk of SIDS and overheating as well as using anti allergenic and breathable materials. PurFlo really do know how to help us parents worry less!
The sleep sac arrived a little later than the other items and I was peering out the window every half hour or so anticipating its arrival. We have used sleep sacs quite a lot as Finny is such a wriggler, but we have always had to go for budget options. When this arrived - wow! The quality of the materials is amazing. I'm not saying that budget options are bad options, I love some of our budget buys, but this sleep sac just feels lovely and you can tell the materials are of the highest quality. I would be happy to sleep in this if I fitted - which is probably not far of as there is so much room in this for growing little babies!!
The design of this sac is beautiful, really simple, but really lovely. The particular sac we were sent had a cute little giraffe sown onto front - Its as if they Knew that Finnys Nursery is Animal themed, with Giraffes everywhere, so it really fitted in well with us! There is also a lovely little embroidered Purflo logo on the chest which fits in nicely with the design of the sac rather than looking out of place. The colour we were given was a nice neutral beige and white. However there are lots of other designs and colours to choose from so there is bound to be something for everyone!
What I really liked about the purflo sleep sac is that it comes with removable arms, so on really cold nights they can really snuggle up all nice and warm. Our house remains quite warm, so I took the sleeves off to prevent Finny getting too hot. They are attached by Zips, and they remove really easily. I thought I better try and get them back on to see how fiddly it was, but again, the popped back on really easily. Its really nice to know that we have these in the draws if the temperature does suddenly drop - I'm sure people keep mention snow is due!!
I gave the job to Chris of getting Finny in the sleep sac, and he had no problems at all. The sac does up from the top, through the centre, down to the side and around the bottom. So you can lay the sac on the floor completely open, place your baby in it and quickly zip them up again - before they escape!! Finny looked so comfy in his cot , drinking his bedtime milk, I would highly recommend this sleep sac to anyone, and even more so if your baby has sensitive skin, brilliant design, brilliant product!
The Embroidered Sleep Sac is available on the Purflo website and comes in sizes 0 - 3, 3 - 9, 9 - 18 & 18 Months +. You have a choice or 1 or 2.5 tog and comes in various colours and designs. Priced £29.95 - £49.95 (Dependant on size, colour, tog and design).
Its been awhile since I updated anything Plagiocephaly related - so here's some interesting Flat Head Syndrome Facts for you!!
1. Babies develop Flat Heads because there skulls are soft and pliable!
2. There are 3 types of Flat Head syndrome, depending on the shape/position of flatness:
Plagiocephaly - left or right side flattening
Brachycephaly - back Flattening
Scaphocephaly - long Narrow Head
(L-R: Brachycephaly, Plagiocephaly and Scaphocephaly)
(Finnys Plagiocepahly at 4.5 Months characterises by the flattening to the back right side and the blossoming to the front right side)
3. 47% of babies now develop the condition to some degree - That's almost 1 in 2!
4. Your baby is more likely to develop Flat Head Syndrome if:
its your first baby
your baby is a boy
your baby was breech
you baby is a twin (or multiple)
your was premature
your baby has reflux
your baby has Hip Dyslapsia
5. You can decrease the risk of your baby developing Flat head syndrome with simple techniques such as:
baby wearing - slings rather than pushchairs
limit the amount of time in baby rockers
plenty of tummy time
6. Flat Head Syndrome in babies younger than 5 months can be treatable with repositioning techniques!!
If you notice your baby is developing a flatness, keep the pressure of the spot for as long as possible during the day, lots of tummy time, reduce time in bouncer and carry your baby in a sling while you do your day to day activities (they will love this!!) It can be reversed at this age in many cases!!
7. Cranial Osteopathy can really help reduce flatness in babies under 5 months!
8. Cranial Remoulding Helmets help treat babies from 5 - 14 months of age!
After 5 months of age a babies skull begins to harden, and repositioning is less responsive, Between 5 and 14 months the skull has enough growth and softness to have significant improvement with helmet treatment, after 14 months the babies skull has had its major growth and has hardened significantly that even cranial helmets will not improve the condition.
(Finny shortly after having his helmet fitted at 5 months)
9. The NHS does not fund Cranial Helmet Therapy as they deem the condition to be cosmetic only, however, there are numerous reports associating Flat head syndrome with a number of issues:
A high risk for learning
delays and developmental delay
Increased need for special
services when the child reaches school age
Orthodontic and TMJ issues
Scoliosis
Visual disturbances
including visual field defects, and astigmatism
auditory problems and
infections
Psychological/social issues
10. Treatment is available Privately at a cost of about £2000 at clinics such as:
Technology in Motion
Doc band
Steeper clinic
The Charity Headstart4babies.org can offer financial assistance to some families.
Anti slip surface and soft padding which is kind to parents knees
Hanging hook attached for storing and drying
Makes bath time a more comfortable experience
Perfect protection for your knees whilst bathing baby
Non slip to ensure it stays in place
Quick drying, mildew resistant
Made from Phthalate free EVA
Dimensions: 395 x 215x 40 mm
Review: We love Bath time in this house, and bathing Finny every evening can take its toll on my poor old knees, so I was intrigued to start testing this product out!
The mat is made from what I would describe as a similar material to that of swimming pool floats, but more squishy but still firm. The Mat again is just as vibrant and funky with its tell tale Koo-di polka dots (which we love) but it comes with two blue circles, so you know where to put your knees for maximum comfort. The size is really nice, not too big, but enough room to be able to move about if need be.
One edge is nice and straight so it fits snugly up against the bath, so you don't have to lean too far to reach in and as i said, this material really cushions when knelt on, which was pleasantly surprising. W e have Carpet in our bathroom, but I am sure this would material would be great non slip as stated in the description.
On the back is a little hook, that allows you to hang this up out of the way and to dry if need be - unfortunately we don't have anywhere to hang it, instead we prop it up against bath (which led us to find this seconds up as a rather funky floating bath tray, I'm sure Finny loved this use better!)
Overall, this is great product, but I think little Nanny will be getting more use out of this than I will, just because I like to sit awkwardly and she has poorly knees so it will really make things a lot more comfortable for her and allow her to be closer during bath times.
The Koo-di Parent Kneeling Mat is available on the Koo-di website and is priced at £12.99.
Protect your baby from scalding themselves on a hot tap
Helps prevent against bumps
Soft yet durable cover fits securely on most single taps or mixer taps
Heat spots change colour to indicate temperature
Easy to fit and use
Made from Phthalate free PVC
Mildew resistant
Dimensions: 130 x 102 x 102 mm
Review:
When the Bath Protector arrived, I thought Brilliant, what a fantastic Idea. This again is in Koo-di's Polka dot design. Its a great innovative idea that solves the problem of hot taps and bumps on the head! The item itself is a littler larger than I expected, but this isn't a problem and when I say larger its hardly that large, I think I was just expecting something smaller. It slips easily over your tap, with a star shaped flexi - grip. It also has a large hole allowing water to run through, enabling you to keep it on the taps as you run the bath.
Now, the protect has a beautiful bright red end, which I thought was like a nose (Rudolf and all that, must have had xmas heavily engrained on my mind), and really this teaches me that I should really read the packaging properly!!
This red patch is heat sensitive, Its great!!! As the water gets hotter, the red begins to fade, and the word 'HOT' appears (now as I didn't read it, I thought the colour was running off Haha I make myself laugh sometimes). I think this is perfect, especially when teaching older babies about not to touch hot things!
The only issue I had with this protector is it did not stay on my tap properly, which makes me sad. A small nudge and it would fall off. However I believe this is entirely down to the shape of my tap, which slants downwards. If your taps are straight, then do not let this put you off, this is a great little product, however if your taps have a slant to them, do air with caution as you may have similar issues to me!
Tap protector saving a bump or two!
Overall though, I love this product, the design and the heat sensitive end really is a new idea that really makes this product stand out and if like Finny, your little ones are insistent of sitting right next to the tap no matter how many times you move then - this product really could be for you! I just wish we had a different Tap - Thumbs Up!
The Tap Protector can be Purchased on the Koo-di website at £9.99.
Rating: (only 3 due to the fact it didn't stay put)
Just a quick one, I couldn't resist. Daddy had the day off to babysit
while I worked as I had to rearrange sitters this week and ended up
without one for today. Anyway Chris was very excited to have a boys day,
this is what they got up too - how cute. Love these boys!
Hx
Well its been a while since I posted an 'us' update, so here it is - I know we all like to have a nose what one another are up too!!
Well - I have returned to work Part-time, its not easy I wont lie. Fin is great, he stays with my mum and my friend at the moment and he doesn't kick up any fuss what so ever which is brilliant. Hopefully we will get Nursery arranged soon - and he can start having some learning fun!
The reason its been hard is more down to the fact that, I have so little time, and I'm always so tired - but I guess that goes with the territory. Unfortunately, I am not in the best paid Job right now, so its quite hard making ends meet - but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I know there's a job out there for me where I can use my qualifications - perhaps it closer than I realise!! (haha sneaky sneaky laugh laugh).
I took the little Monster to get weighed Last week. First time I've actually been able to go in 3 months - I thought I may get told off, but he's a porker with his food and I was worried about anything, otherwise I would have made time.
So in true 'Heidi' Style, my nerves creep up on me (I have no idea why I get nervous waiting for Finny to be weighed, silly really). Finny decides he wants to play while we wait, I let him play. Finny then decides he doesn't want to play, but he wants to crawl under the chairs and through the peoples legs behind my seat. So we spend the next few minutes, trying to deflect this - then OMG he craws under, and as I'm pulling him out, I donk his head (Now Finny seems to donk his head most days atm, hes a boy, hes into everything, usually head first), I don't donk it hard, but he looks at him then holds his head and whimpers a sad little whimper. I start rubbing it better, apologising and look up and glance the HV looking at me. I go a darker shade of crimson and get called for the weighing - oops. Finny was fine, there wasn't even a mark, but I am left very embarrassed.
So we get him weighed and he has stayed put on his 75th Percentile and now weighs 22lb05oz!! woohoo go Finny!
Now Finny decides he doesn't want a new nappy on or does he want to get dressed, so I get hotter and hotter and more flustered and embarrassed - I must look a right state! Eventually we mange to get the nappy on wonky, and minus coat, socks and gloves - what a palaver!
The Cheeky Monster Pre Xmas!
Anyway I mentioned to the HV that on the odd occasion, Finny seems to still have a very slight lean to the right. So she has suggested to get a doctor to look at it if we are concerned as he's almost 1 now. So were see over the next few weeks, if it is still there or I am just being Paranoid. Will keep you posted!
I think are first steps are going to be just around the corner. We are doing a lot of cruising atm, and we have had several occasions where we can stand unaided, but fall when we laugh and clap our hands at being so clever - He's too cute!
We are both very excited that Sing and Sign is starting again Tomorrow. Finny loves it, I wasn't sure he was going to pick much up, but as he enjoys the songs ad interaction we booked again - then low and behold - he starts signing 'more' to me during tea the other day, now its constant 'more' 'more' 'more'!! Trust Finnys First Signs to be food related!!
On to me - I have started a 3 and Half week SlimFast Plan - not good with diets and not good drinking my water, but I vow to once and for all loose these last pesky pounds that are hanging around!!
(item code: KD036) Ideal as an extra layer of bedding, a play rug or as a pram blanket.
Made from soft & fluffy easy care polyester fabrics
Trimmed with a fun, bright polka dot print
Size: 100 x 75cm
Perfect for use in combination with the Koo-di Pop-Up Travel Cots
Machine washable at 40ºC
Review:
Here at home, we have quite a few generic blankets for fin, So i wondered at first how this blanket was going to be different to any of them, I was pleasantly surprised.
Those that have read my Koo-di Snug suit Review, will be aware how I fell in love with it because of how soft it was. Well, this blanket is made from the same stuff, so instantly it was off to a winner!
What I really liked about this blanket which stands it out from a general blanket is the fact that it has two different sides, one side is soft and fleecy and the other is soft and fluffy (Just like the Snug Suit!) - I like to think this Keeps your little one Extra warm on those chilly Trips out, and it did just that - Finny looked so cosy all wrapped up in this Blanket and when we got back in, he just felt so warm and snug, no signs of the cold, chilly winter on him!
Above: A couple of shots showing the fluffy side and fleecy side
Once again the blanket is designed neutrally, so is perfect for a little pink or blue Little One, but it still has the funky, vibrant polka Dots of the Koo-di brand to liven it up a little. This Blanket like the snug suit, is also an creamy white colour, which again is great for not instantly showing dirt up, so your Little one can have a good tug and play with it, without it instantly looking dirty!
The blanket also works well as a small play mat if your out and about (or like us have cold Laminate Flooring). It folds up really easily, so if your not using it as a blanket you can tuck it away easily in your change bag or buggy, ready to pop out if your baby wants to have a sit and play while you have a coffee somewhere!
Just woken up from Nap time, enjoying some milk, snugly wrapped up in the Koo-di Fluffy Blanket :)
Its a great size too, not too small - Big enough to cover your Baby with a little give and take, but not too big that there is excessive blanket hanging about. Its also just the right thickness to be used as an additional layer during bedtimes on those extra cold nights!
The Koo-di Fluffy Baby Blanket is available on the Koo-di Website here, priced at £23.99
Rating:
Hx
Reviews coming soon: Koo-di bath Tap Protector and Parent Kneeling Mat & Pur-Flo Sleep Sac
Baby safety is something that every parent worries about and each and everyone of us would do anything to keep our little ones safe. We buy monitors, stair gates, door clips, fireguards, non slip sleep suits, even temperature sensitive feeding spoons to name just a few products - but the list could go on and on and on with new products being designed everyday. One things for sure, parents will always want whats best for there babies and will continue the demand for ever safer products.
So, it confused me when it came to researching the next stage car seat for little Finny, that there was so little advice for parents about Rear Facing seats?!
To be totally honest, I didn't even realise rear facing was an option for older babies and toddlers until I started having a good old nose on the Internet (and it did take a while to find if you don't know what your looking for!), But what I did find sealed my choice for rear facing in an instant!
Rear facing seats are proved to be 5x safer in a collision than forward facing seats!!
I saw this video on the website Rear Facing: The way Forward showing how a collision impacts on a child's body in a forward facing seat Vs a Rear facing seat and it really shows how the forces act upon a little body, flinging the head forward so sharply, it's scary. Babies bodies are so different to adults in make-up and proportions, that their bodies respond differently to an adults in a collision. An impact can be much more devastating to a baby than an infant. This is due to the babies head being 25% larger in proportion to its body than an adults. A babies skeleton has also yet to solidify into bone, so the force can stretch and snap the babies neck easier than an adults - sad, scary but true (I am not trying to scare tactic anyone into Rear Facing, I just want Parents to know the risks fully, so they can make up there own mind). In addition the rib cage, still soft can not protect the vital organs against forces exerted from the straps which can lead to devastating damage. In a rear facing seat, the head, neck and Chest are cushioned from the impact by the seat, the head is not flung forward.
As I found more and more information, I didn't understand and still don't that with such a large number of facts and Scientific Literature proving Rear Facing is safer, the information to parents is still so so limited. We are inundated with Front facing seats on the Market, but very few Rear Facing. In fact the UK even recommend that a baby can be moved Forward Facing at 9 months - Would you not think Front Facing was safe, if this was all you knew? These Seats do go through a vigorous assortment of safety test, to which they must all pass to a high degree - but they are NOT tested on how the force of a collision will act upon a little ones neck!
I have spoken to a number of people about Rear facing and the common consensus for Forward facing seems to be:
'My baby wants to be able to see where he/she is going and enjoys seeing forward' and/or 'My babies legs are too long to sit against the back seat'
I would like to point out that a baby.... (Well anyone actually) can see more rear facing than forward facing. In a forward Facing seat, a baby can not see out of the front window, they are positioned in a way that they can see only out of the door window. At this angle objects are rushing towards them between 30 - 70mph and we all know its impossible to focus on anything like this. A baby can actually see better facing rearwards, as they can see everything that has passed. They also, depending on the model of your car can see out of the back window!! So to any Parent who is worried about there nosey baby missing out, don't be, they can see just fine!
Also the Rear facing seats have lots of leg room, the majority sit slightly further back in the seat allowing for room for little legs to dangle and as they get bigger, toddlers will naturally cross there legs in most cases anyway.
What about broken legs in accident? Well if the force is strong enough to break your child's leg during a crash Rear facing, then the force forward facing is a lot more stronger and would do a lot more damage to your little ones neck - I know what I would rather want fixed! However, there have been no reported cases of Rear Facing Infants hurting their legs in comparison to the multitude of neck injuries sustained by Forward Facing Babies -See this list of literature on Rear Facing. So again, don't worry about this, there's tonnes of room for your little one!
**UPDATE: Rear facing have written a brilliant article about leg room Here! **
On a final point, We all think we are the safest drivers on the road and we wouldn't put ourselves in harms way and I agree us parents wouldn't, but what about the hooligan driving over the speed limit on the wrong side of the road coming round the bend?? It can happen, when you least expect it - its other people you can't trust!
I guess what I would like to say in this post is I am all for personal choice, I want you to make your own decisions and that the choice currently is yours to make. However I want parents to know the risks associated with choosing Forward Facing seats. I am not a Nazi, which I have seen so many people get called, who promote Rear Facing, but I get confused when I see parents doing everything they can to keep their babies safe in every other aspect of there life, but are so quick to dismiss Rear facing. I believe this is just down to lack of knowledge. We are led to believe that forward facing is best, when really its not.
I would highly recommend that anyone looking for their next stage car seat to have a look through the Rear Facing website, there is some great information there. I think all parents should be advised of these facts before purchasing a car seat. If then you still chose to go forward facing, then that is your choice. As I have mentioned I am all for personal choice, I just want to ensure all parents know the facts before they make that choice.
One last point I would like to make is how expensive Rear Facing Car seats are in comparison to Forward Facing and it I find it such a shame that some parents may who may want their child to remain rear facing are priced out. There shouldn't be a price on a child's Safety, but it seems currently in the UK there is!
This is my first Review For Koo-di who, before xmas sent me their beautiful Polka Dot Snug Suit to review over the xmas period!
Manufacture Description:
(item code: KD033 KD034 KD035) Soft and cosy all-in-one suit to keep little ones snug :
Ideal to keep warm while out and about
Colourful non-slip pads on the bottom and feet will help baby grip more easily when seated, standing or walking
Easy to use with the harness of a pushchair, car seat or highchair
Made from soft easy care polyester fabrics
Machine washable at 40ºC
Available in three sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months
Review:
I have to say from the instant I picked the suit out of the box, I was in Love and desperate to know if little Finny was going to fit in it as at 10 months old and slightly larger than average for his age he was at the top end of the age band for his size suit, 6 - 12 months. However we had nothing to worry about, there was soooooo much room in this suit it will probably fit him way past his 1st birthday, which coincides nicely with this winter season :)
Why did I fall instantly in love with this suit? Because this suit is so beautifully made and feel like silky smooth velvet against your little ones skin. I honestly wish this was could be made into an adult onsie, I would wear it!! (and this is saying something as I'm not so much a fan of Onsies). I can't stress enough how soft this suit is. In addition to this, the suit is lined in a soft fluffy material, which unlike some materials is not itchy but again soft soft soft - perfect for keeping your little one nice and snug (Calling this a snug suit was genius!) on those cold winter days!
The suit itself is neutrally designed, perfect for both Boys and Girls, but to jam it up a bit has the multi coloured Koo-di polka dots on the bottom, soles of the feet and tucked away in an extra piece of fabric at the tops of the feet - which enables your little one to still be able to flex/move their feet. The polka dots on the bum and soles are made from non slip material which allows your little one to move about without slipping while wearing the suit, especially handy if you have laminate floors like us and a baby that refuses to stay put for more than two seconds!
What I also like about this suit is the colour, its slightly off white, more of an ivory, creamy white which I think is perfect. I know a baby in pure white is special, but so so so impractical!!! That's why this colour is great, if it gets a bit dirty its not going to show up too bad (unless something inevitably gets thrown over it!).
Which moves us onto washing, the suit is Machine washable at 40c - I was reluctant to wash it at first, because I loved it so, but it had to be tested and I can say it feels just as gorgeous as it did before - do not be afraid to wash it, it comes out sparkling again!!
I was really impressed with the design of this suit, which incorporates both zip and buttons which made it really really easy to get on and off. There is a zip that zips up on one leg from the ankle to the waist and then above this there are three buttons that do up in a diagonal line. Its great!!
Clockwise from Top Left: Buttons and Zip, Non Slip Bum , Non Slip Soles with Flexi Holes and fluffy soft inside against a velvet soft outside.
One of my only worries that came with this suit, was with regards to safety in the car seat. I'm sure we have all read about the horrors of babies not been strapped into seats correctly due to oversizes coats and snowsuits. Well Koo-di, state this suit is easy to use with Harnesses on pushchairs and car seats etc. I am pleased to confirm that I did not have any issue with this. Unlike some suits, this suit is not bulky, you can fit the straps nice and snug still without having to worry there's too much 'coat' in the way and I had no worries about this once I had strapped him in and examined everything.
Finny all snug and warm enjoying a walk around the Harbour
The Koo-di Snug suit is available to buy from the Koo-di website here in sizes 0-3, 3-6 and 6 - 12 Months priced at £28.99, £30.99 and £32.99 respectively. This suit would make a beautiful edition to any babies wardrobe and comes Highly recommended by Me and Finny!!
Happy happy New year everyone, I hope 2014 brings you all good fortune, good Health, Joy and Happiness......but.....Oh Gosh where on Earth did xmas go?!!?
Obviously it was little Finnys First Xmas and he loved it!! We spent xmas over with Granny and Grandpa Tuppen, Auntie Sally (yes how cool is that Fin has an Auntie Sally!!) and Cousin Sophie. Finny was spoilt, but not spoilt rotten. Although he was more intrested in eating wrapping paper than actually seeing what he had got, but still he enjoyed himself all the same. He also got to me Great Aunt Joan who in her 80's is Finnys oldest Aunt!! After xmas we came home and he had xmas number two with little Nanny (my mum). All I can say is that xmas crept up and then sped off all too quick, It was really nice spending almost two weeks off with Daddy too (he went back to work Thursday, I go back Monday, sad times!)
Development wise - Finny has started to stand!! No steps without his walker yet, but I guess hes just getting his confidence up. Don't think it will be long now.
As you know, we were sent some products to test over Xmas from Purflo and Koodi - well we have been testing and I will be putting my reviews up over this week. What I can say is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous we love them!!! So keep your eyes peeled!!
I need to get some more post up about plagiocephaly - lets keep it out there and I also would like to use this blog to raise awareness about rear facing car seats - safety is so important to us and we have been gobsmacked but the struggle we have had to find a next stage car seat - Rear facing is 5x safer than forward facing, so why oh why does the UK not help provide this information to parents?! So yes I will be promoting rear facing on this blog and all the safety advice that goes with this!! We are in the process of choosing the next stage seat and hopefully ordering in a few days, so I will keep you all posted on this too!!
So for now I hope you all had a fantastic xmas and wishing you all a very happy 2014!
The design of this sac is beautiful, really simple, but really lovely. The particular sac we were sent had a cute little giraffe sown onto front - Its as if they Knew that Finnys Nursery is Animal themed, with Giraffes everywhere, so it really fitted in well with us! There is also a lovely little embroidered Purflo logo on the chest which fits in nicely with the design of the sac rather than looking out of place. The colour we were given was a nice neutral beige and white. However there are lots of other designs and colours to choose from so there is bound to be something for everyone!
