Has it honestly been a week already? Britmums Live 2014 I was there!!!

I can't believe it was a week ago I was joining in the hustle and Bustle of Britmums Live - Time Flies (I have been especially busy putting to use all those tips I gained from the event to good use).

It was my first time a Britmums and I felt ever so nervous, a teeny bit unorganised and really not having a clue what to expect. I tried to explain to my friends and family what Brit mums was, but I couldn't really because I dint have a clue myself. Roll on a week, I still cant explain. To the non blogger it's really hard! What I can say though is its amazing, I loved it so much! I would like to say thanks to my Sponsor Purflo for letting me represent them as a brand ambassador and allowing to experience Britmums

So here goes a little snippet of my two day (you can check out more on the Britmums Linky, although I am sad to say i didn't take enough photos (lesson 1 learned!) but hopefully you can get a small idea from what I do have.

So I arrived in London slightly early to meet my sponsor and other blogger girls at the hotel. A s a seasoned traveller in London, I didn't expect to many problems getting to the hotel. I was extremely nervous, but having found everyone I shouldn't have worried. A couple of girls had a few places they needed to go, but the rest of us took a slow walk to the Brewery - that's when the fun began!! I think I must have looked like a rabbit in head lights. I never do anything like this on my own, I picked up my tag, and made my through the hall - not really knowing what to do or where to go, i was greeted by a hum and loads and loads and loads of stands, brands and bloggers - oh god please help me! That's when I bumped into Michelle from 'what mummy thinks' and we spent the next few days together being silly, stealing (by accident and then returning) props, entering competitions, destroying stalls (again by accident) and most importantly learning how to develop our blogs!

Theres so many fantastic talks to choose from and at times I found it really difficult to pick, but as a newbis(ish) beginner, my choices were based really around how to begin, so I decided to attend the following:

• Writing a Pitch: How to work with brands you love
•  Design tips to make your blog look gorgeous
•  How To Be an Agent of Change: Advocacy and charity campaigns
•  Pinterest: How to be a power pinner
•  Collaboration: Working together for bigger traffic and larger impact
•  Beginning blogging: What every beginner and post-beginner needs to know, in simple and clear teaching
•  How to Instagram Better: Take gorgeous snaps, build followers, be part of the community

I spent the Friday evening with my Sponsor Stacey from Purflo and they other Brand ambassadors, we had a lovely meal together and shattered we headed back to the hotel for some much needed shut eye!! I had been so busy taking everything in that I hadn't expected how much it would wear me out (I have been quite poorly recently so it doesn't take much!)

The second day was pretty much the same as the first, talks, food, tea and being silly again. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Britmums and I am already looking forward to next year. I would say to any newbies thinking of going in 2015 don't worry, your have lots of fun, here's some of my top tips:

• Wear comfy shoes - lots of walking!
• If you haven't got any make some cards with your blog  and contact details to hand out
• Drink - I was so busy i forgot to have enough water and had a little headache
• Take lots of pictures - i didn't take enough :(
• Take a big bag with wheels - you get given lots of bits and bobs, my bag was too small and I ended up carrying about 3 full bags through London.
• Relax - everyones friendly, your have a brilliant time!

My Favourite Moment: The Keynote Speach from Benjamin Brooks Dutton - although it brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion, he is a true inspiration, pop over to his blog Life as a Widower to follow his story.

Were going to BritMums Live!

 

Well as the title says I'm going to London on Friday to "BritMums Live" a social media conference and blogging event where lifestyle bloggers and social influencers gather to meet and socialise, network with brands, improve their skills, and fire their creativity .

I'm very excited and Very Nervous all at the same time, This is the first time I have ever been to anything like this and I'm not the best social Butterfly so I'm really hoping my nerves don't get the better of me! 

So After having a nosy I found a Britmums Introduce yourself so here goes:

Name: Heidi Brown
Blog: My Little Head
Twitter ID: @my_little_head
Height: 5ft 2
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Greeny Brown
Is this your first blogging conference?
It is I'm excited and Nervous!!
Are you attending both days?
Yes, although I may have to leave slightly early on Saturday depending on train times
What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2014?
 I'm looking forward to meeting all the other bloggers and my sponsors
What are you wearing?
Typically last minute, I haven't got a clue, something comfy, I will try a steer away from my usual jeans and T.
What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2014?
I'm quite new to blogging and having been a bit absent, I'm really looking forward to gaining some good tips how to get the blog up and running properly
Do you have any tips to pass on to others who may not have been before?

I've not been before so not yet!!

 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful sponsors Purflo for enabling me to experience BritMums, and to congratulate them as their PurFlo SleepSac has been awarded Gold for Nursery Accessory of the year by Prima Baby & Pregnancy Awards 2014!! We have recently reviewed the sleepsac and we loved it so its no surprise why!

Welcome Back and Welcome to the World Lexi!!

After a little Hiatus we are back!! I hadn't intentionally meant to ignore the blog, I've had so many ideas in my head, but since the new year I haven't been very well. I'm still unsure what I have, I'm guessing I have just had a Virus or Post Viral Fatigue. I came down with a really bad bout of Flu in January and since then I have had illness after illness after illness, I feel I have been ill every other week this year and on top of that it has left with with such little energy I want to be in bed at 8pm every night. I feel the thing is its not that obviously how unwell I've been feeling because all these things have been mild, but they knock me out for a good while and just when I recover, I come down with something else. The doctors thought it was Glandular Fever but I haven't had anything conclusive back and was told if it was there is little they can do for it, Anyway I have been feeling slightly better recently (until I caught whatever Fin had a few days ago) so I'm hoping the warm weather will help knock this on the head once and for all!

So apart from illness, so much has happened in the last few months, Finny had his 1st Birthday in February!! I think Im gonna have to get a photo log up, one per month for all the months we've been away so you can see how much he has grown!!

We have three new little friends Mila, Jasper and Lily - Mae all born in the last few months and Finnys little cousin Lexi made an appearance 2 weeks early Born on 10th June weighing 7lb 9oz - welcome to the world Lexi!!!

REVIEW: Purflo Embroidered Sleep Sac

Manufacturers Description:

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).

Rating:

10 Flat Head Syndrome Facts!!

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.

     

REVIEW: Koo-di Parent Kneeling Mat

 

Manufacturer Description:

(Item Code: KD060) 

• Ideal for parents when bathing their baby
• 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.

Rating:

REVIEW: Koo-di Bath Tap Protector

Manufacturer Description: 

(item code: KD604) 

• 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)