Aug

JoJo Maman Bébé Autumn/Winter 2012 Top Picks

JoJo Maman Bébé, Newport, UK based company, was founded in 1993 by Laura Tenison who recognised the gap in the market for stylish maternity fashion. Laura, who was living at the time in Brittany, Western France, was inspired by the Nautical Breton Style which still remains a prominent feature in the current collection. Laura, a mother of two, started JoJo with just a single sewing machine, and today, JoJo is regarded as the UK’s foremost niche market specialist in pregnancy, baby, children and nursery market. JoJo prides itself on the treatment of its staff and third party workers and has links to Africa charity Nema – which aims to reduce infant mortality in Mozambique.

With the colder season just around the corner, we are highlighting our top picks from the JoJo Maman Bébé Autumn/Winter Collection.

Dark Wash Bootleg Maternity Jeans- £29.00

Maternity Jeans are essential to any maternity wardrobe. They are extremely versatile and can be worn throughout the year, making them a terrific investment. Whether you are going on a date with your partner or lunch with your girlfriends, they can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Finding your perfect pair of maternity jeans is easy with JoJo’s choice of styles. JoJo’s line of maternity jeans feature a jersey bandeau waistband to fit over or under your bump. Fold down in the early weeks and unfold as your bump grows. The jeans are also perfect to wear in the post partum period when your body makes the transition back to its pre pregnancy shape.

The Dark Wash Bootleg Maternity Jeans features a wide jersey waistband to roll under your bump for extra support or wear over for extra warmth or modesty. The dark wash, bootcut design and stretch denim result in a very flattering fit throughout your pregnancy, boosting your confidence and self esteem. This style, like all JoJo’s maternity jeans are cut to fit throughout your pregnancy, making them terrific value. The bootcut jeans are well designed and of a high quality. Pair with any of your favourite JoJo Maternity Tops and Shirts for a stylish, pulled together look. Our tester found the jeans to be very comfortable with the fit true to size. She also received many compliments while wearing them. The ability to customise the waist band depending upon which stage of pregnancy you are at was a much appreciated feature, allowing the tester to get as much or as little support as needed. The jeans stayed in place thanks to the well designed waist band. The tester noted that she felt more confident when wearing the waist band pulled over her bump in the event that her top started to ride up thereby exposing her belly. The bootleg jeans are available in regular and long lengths to suit every height. These are a terrific staple that you will turn to over and over again.

View the full range of Maternity Jeans here. Maternity Sizing and Waistband sizing can be found here.

4-Way Maternity Cardigan- £39.00

Wrap cardigans are a great choice and useful addition to the wardrobe whatever stage of pregnancy you are at. They can be worn open or tied with the belt for a comfortable, flattering fit. Adaptable maternity cardigan which can be worn open with waterfall collar, wrapped with the tie for a defined waist or buttoned up for a classic look. so it should last you through nursing and beyond.
o Length 28″
o Length 72cm
o 40% Cotton, 40% Viscose, 20% Nylon

The versatile 4-Way Cardigan is brilliantly designed to be worn 4 different ways, offering your a variety of ways to wear your gorgeous cardigan depending on the weather and your mood. Have fun experimenting with different looks! Visit the website to view the various ways to wear this cardigan. We love the soft material and the way that the fabric drapes beautifully over your growing bump. Pair with jeans for a casual look or pants for a smarter look. You can wear it on its own or layer up for extra warmth. A wonderful addition to your wardrobe. A great cover up which can be worn right throughout pregnancy and long after the birth.

View the full knitwear collection here.

Black Maternity Peacoat- £65.00

When the colder weather rolls around and your regular coats and jackets won’t close over your bump, it will be time for search for a maternity coat to keep you warm and snug in the colder season. JoJo has you covered with the lovely maternity peacoat. This lovely double breasted maternity peacoat from JoJo is a timeless design and will never go out of fashion. It is fully lined and very well made. The coat is cleverly cut for a streamlined silhouette whilst allowing all the room you need to grow.

* Length 30″
* Length 77cm
* 50% Wool, 50% Viscose. Dry clean only

The smart wool coat is ideal for work and smart events and also works well for casual outings paired with your favourite. The Maternity Peacoat will keep you warm when the temperature drops while keeping you fabulously stylish at the same time. Our top pick for Maternity Coats for 2012.

From casual to chic, JoJo has you covered with their full range of Coats and Jackets in various fabrics, styles and lengths.

Perfect Maternity Coat- £69.00

Khaki Twill Maternity Parka- £69.00

View the full coat and jacket collection here.

PURCHASING

JoJo Maman Bébé offers a full line of maternity, baby and children’s clothes as well as practical products, nursery items, gifts and toys.

Shop the JoJo online boutique or find a store in your area. Our testers have received their samples in a very timely manner and we can attest to the prompt and professional service from JoJo. Shop in the comfort of your home with complete confidence.

All images copyrighted JoJo Maman Bébé

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/Maternity/Nursing

Aug

Bellybutton Maternity Autumn/Winter 2012 Picks

Bellybutton Maternity was founded 11 years ago in Germany and has built a solid reputation for offering fashionable designer maternity clothing which is perfectly tailored and made from comfortable materials. The range continues to gain popularity with celebrities. In addition to maternity clothing, bellybutton also offers a range of clothing for babies, children, shoes for children, gifts and accessories. Bellybutton apparel can now be found in upscale boutiques all over the world.

We strongly believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise on your personal style when you are pregnant. Bellybutton recognises that pregnant women want to continue wearing fashionable clothing even when they are expecting and thus their maternity line is inspired by the latest trends from the fashion capitals of the world.

If you are in the process of building a maternity wardrobe, consider investing in some key basics which will carry you through your entire pregnancy and beyond. A great pair of jeans is our “must have” maternity and are versatile enough to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Maternity jeans will also come in handy postpartum.

We love the Maya Jean line from bellybutton which is available in bootcut, flared, straight, skinny and slim leg options to suit every figure, various waist bands as well as different washes. Our tester received a pair of the Maya Bootcut jeans and was really impressed with the design of the maternity jeans which resembled her regular pair of non maternity jeans, apart from the waist band.

“I love that these jeans don’t scream maternity”. I will feel comfortable wearing them both during and even after my pregnancy and they don’t look like typical maternity jeans.”

The quality of the jeans are fabulous and you can clearly see that these jeans are very well made. The waist band is versatile and you can pull it up over your bump or fold it down over your bump, depending on your preference and how far along you are in your pregnancy. The boot cut jeans are a terrific choice for all figures because of the flattering design and fit which elongates the legs for a slimmer appearance. The Maya Jean line from bellybutton is designed to work with all bellybutton shirts, blouses and tunics. You can pair your Maya jeans with trainers for a sporty casual look, heels for date night for your husband or flats for brunch with your girlfriends – the options are limitless.

With Autumn around the corner and the weather being unpredictable, choosing clothes that will easily adapt to the weather are essential to keeping comfortable. A cardigan is the perfect choice to compliment any outfit and can be worn unfastened when you need light coverage and fastened when the temperature drops. The Long Cardigan Gerlis is simply stunning and the warm taupe colour is perfect year round. The cardigan can be tied above the bump and will accommodate your growing belly. After baby has arrived, you can continuing wearing your beautiful cardigan which can also double as a cover up for nursing. The longer length provides extra coverage for your bump and creates a slimming silhouette. The cardigan is perfect over jeans and a tee for a casual look as well as over your work attire when conducting business.

The NEW Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection from bellybutton is simply gorgeous and will allow your to embrace the cooler weather in style and comfort. Here are our top picks from the collection:

TUNIC SAMONA

PANTS CRISTAL

KNITTED COAT GYDE

KNITTED DRESS FINJA

DOWN COAT SAKIKO

PURCHASING:

Find a store in your area or shop the online boutique.

To view the full range from bellybutton, please click here.

All images copyrighted bellybutton.

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/fashion/Maternity

Jul

Crave Maternity Autumn 2012 Picks

Maternity fashion has come a long way since the tent- style designs of the past decades. Crave Maternity understands a women’s need to continue dressing in style while she is expecting and offers a gorgeous line of maternity and nursing apparel. Crave Maternity Designs are cut to hug your growing bump offering a flattering fit no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy. You won’t need to sacrifice comfort for style as each piece is designed with both comfort and style in mind.

Crave Maternity: The UK’s Leading Maternity Clothes Designer & Maternity Wear Retailer

The maternity clothes in the Crave range are designed to encompass all aspects of your lifestyle during pregnancy through to motherhood. Their fabulous maternity fashion collection is expertly designed and created to suit all shapes at each stage of pregnancy in sizes 8-20. More than just style, Crave offers a comprehensive lifestyle concept bringing together a unique mix of designs, balancing style and comfort to give you the freshest selection of maternity wear for every month of the year. Crave poses an excellent fashion offering for mums-to-be combining quality, comfort and choice of maternity clothing style. All their clothes can be bought online. Browse through their range which includes maternity dresses, tops, t-shirts, camisoles, tunics, blouses and sumptuous knitwear. For the bottom half, maternity trousers, leggings or jeans! For more formal occasions they have a great range of business suits and jackets. For the warmer weather they have comfortable and cool cottons and linens. From swimwear to sleepwear, buy the right and stylish maternity clothing online at Crave.

On the Crave Maternity Website you will find the Crave Maternity Designs as well as additional styles from other designers. Today we will be featuring our Top Picks for Autumn 2012 from the Crave Maternity Brand.

Plum Ruched Side Top

This stunning Plum Ruched Side Top features side adjustable ruching (with drawstring) to accentuate and flatter your bump as you progress through your pregnancy. The wrap style V neck is very flattering and highlights your face beautifully. The longer length balances your growing bump and ensures that you will be able to wear this top throughout your pregnancy.

The soft fabric drapes beautifully over your growing bump and feels lovely against your skin. This top is a fantastic buy and is sure to become a favourite in your maternity wardrobe.

Viscose 95%/Lycra 5%

Machine Washable

£45.00

Pull On Maternity Bootleg Jeans

Maternity Jeans are essential to any maternity wardrobe. They are extremely versatile and can be worn throughout the year, making them a terrific investment. Whether you are going on a date with your partner or lunch with your girlfriends, they can be dressed up or down for any occasion. A super flattering fit that that runs slim through the thighs with a gentle flare at the knee to lengthen the line of the leg. The stretch denim makes these jeans luxuriously comfortable and a perfect jean for the pregnant figure.

The Pull On Maternity Bootleg Jeans from Crave Maternity are very well designed and are of a very high quality. They are very easy to slip on, something which you will really come to appreciate as your bump gets bigger! The under-the-bump style is so comfortable to wear and offers some below-the-belly support as your bump continues to grow. The waistband is expertly constructed with an expandable jersey panel designed to sit under the bump providing the right support at each stage of you pregnancy. The jeans can be worn from the very first moment when you notice that your regular jeans are too tight and then throughout your pregnancy, accommodating your growing bump. In addition, after your baby has arrived, you can continue to wear your maternity jeans for the post partum period while your body makes the transition.

98% cotton / 2% Elastane

Machine washable 30°

Available in regular 32″ and Long 34″

£59.00

PURCHASING

The styles above in addition to the full range of maternity and nursing apparel can be conveniently purchased through the Crave Maternity Website. You can shop from the comfort of your home and be assured that your order will be delivered in a speedy fashion. The website is very designed and very easy to navigate making shopping online a pleasure. If you prefer to order over the phone, you can all the Order Hotline at 0844 381 4998. International Shipping is available. Please check the website for further details.

Love a good bargain? Check out the OUTLET section for serious savings.

For additional information, please visit the Crave Maternity Website.

All images copyrighted Crave Maternity.

12 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/Maternity

Jul

Chicco Snappy Stroller – Deluxe… The perfect stroller for the Travel Season

The Travel Season is in full swing and for parents who are travelling with babies it can be extra challenging. With some advance pre-planning and the suitable travel related products, parents can tackle travelling with confidence. While your full size pushchair is appropriate for your everyday needs, investing in a compact and lightweight stroller for travelling both locally and abroad can be worth its weight in gold when you are faced with limited space, limited weight allowance and only so many hands.

When shopping for a travel stroller, you will want to select one that is lightweight, narrow in width, easy to fold and carry, and compact enough to fit into tight spaces. Due to the fact that travel strollers are smaller in size and lightweight, they will have less features than your full size stroller, but still perfectly functional for your holiday.

Introducing the Chicco Snappy Stroller – Deluxe

Weighing in at just 5.7kg, the Deluxe edition of the snappy stroller is designed for more demanding parents. It is stylish and refined with outstanding attention to detail. Suitable from 6 months to 15kgs maximum weight, approximately 3 years of age.

Additional features:

The seat sides are made from ultra-breathable mesh fabric
The seat has an exclusive round safety buckle
A double sided seat pad that is cool in summer and warm in winter
A handy shoulder strap for carrying when travelling

Our tester in our mum panel had the opportunity to test the stroller with her 6 month year old son. “Overall the stroller is extremely lightweight yet still pretty sturdy when you push it and my son seemed very comfortable in it. Perfect for quick errands in the car or via public transport and especially well suited for travelling both locally and abroad.”

The seat back reclines to 45 degree which is a rare feature in a travel stroller. The seat has an exclusive and stylish round safety buckle to the 5 point harness, which is well designed and ensures that your little one still stay safely buckled in when you are on the move.

The sun canopy offers some protection against the elements but a wide brimmed hat is still a necessity. When the seat back is reclined, air can circulate through the stroller on a warm day allowing baby to stay cool.

The seat sides are made from a special ultra-breathable mesh fabric to guarantee maximum comfort.

The Snappy Deluxe comes with an exclusive double-sided seat pad: Spring side with a cool breathable fabric and autumn side with a warm and soft fleece fabric.

The double sided cool and warm material seat pad is great especially here in the UK where the weather is so unpredictable!

The Snappy Deluxe is so easy to carry over your shoulder (handy shoulder carry strap), making it perfect for travelling or short walks

Folded Dimension : 22 x 32 x112 cm

The rain cover (included) fully covers the entire stroller protecting baby from the rain and elements.

The Snappy Deluxe Stroller from Chicco is a wonderful choice for frequent travellers and will make travelling with your baby an absolute pleasure.

We would like to see the 2013 Edition of the Snappy Deluxe include a mesh basket for storage of baby/mum essentials which comes standard with the basic edition of the Snappy.

PURCHASING:

To find a store in your area that carries the Chicco line of products, please click here.

Visit the Chicco UK Website to view the full range of products offered by Chicco UK.

13 years ago Short URL

pushchair/travel

Jun

Silver Cross Pop Lightweight Stroller

Pop is Silver Cross’s most practical, durable and best selling stroller, jam-packed with features designed to handle the demands of everyday life. This brilliant all rounder is suitable from birth; its stylish design giving you the freedom to get out and about quickly, yet in real comfort. It’s lightweight, totally portable and has comfort and safety built in. A real gem.

New Colours for Summer 2012!

Silver Cross Pop Filigree

Silver Cross Pop Ellipse

Silver Cross Pop Dandelion

The Silver Cross Pop is an umbrella type stroller and a wonderful alternative to the bulky, full size strollers on the market. With the travel season in full swing, consider the Pop for vacation travel. The Pop is available in a range of stylish, modern prints and colours to suit every parents and baby. The Pop is very easy to set up. Simply follow the pictorial directions for guidance. The high quality of the stroller is apparent from the initial set up. The handlebars, which are an important feature of a stroller are designed with mum and dads comfort in mind. The stroller seat pad is plush and comfy for baby as well as easy to clean. In terms of operating the stroller, seat and footrests recline easily. The stroller folds down smoothly and swiftly.

We have chosen to highlight our favourite features of the Pop Stroller through the following images provided to us by our fantastic tester in our exclusive mummy panel.

FEATURES:

Multi position seat recline

The Pop’s multi position seat recline is a big plus and is often only found on full size stroller.

Compact fold – Folded Dimensions:
L105cm W28cm H27cm

Hood with UPF50+ sun protection and pull out sun visor

The hood provides good coverage against the sun and the pull out visor is especially handy on sunny days to provide additional protection.

Hood viewing window

The viewing window in the stroller is a nice size to keep an eye on the baby.

Silent seat recline

The seat is spacious and there is plenty of leg room for baby. Like most umbrella style stroller, the mesh basket is difficult to access when the seat is fully reclined.

One hand recline and fold

The pop’s one handed recline is a terrific feature. The pop folds very easily using just one foot on the lever and the motion of pushing forward results in the pop locking automatically.

Puncture free tyres

What’s Included:

* Rain cover
* Shopping basket will fit a small handbag and some basic accessories.

* The Shoulder carry strap and carry handle are wonderful for transporting the stroller.

Also included is a generously sized cup holder which will ensure that parents stay hydrated while on the go. We love that Silver Cross has included this accessory!

Caution: Tipping Hazard

Like all umbrella strollers, care must be taken when attaching a changing bag to the stroller due to the tipping hazard. Consider purchasing the Buggy Organiser (see below) as an alternative to hanging the changing bag from the stroller for additional storage options and place any heavier items in the shopping basket below.

Optional Accessories:

Buggy Organiser

We highly recommend the organiser which is specifically designed for the stroller. The Organiser can accommodate a bottle, nappies, a change of clothes for baby, wallet and keys. This will allow mum to have all the basic essentials readily available.

Buggy Sail

Protect your baby from the sun, wind and other elements with the well designed Buggy Sail.

A matching footmuff is available separately for purchase for £35 for the colder months. We would like to see this footmuff be included with the Pop for the 2013 edition.

ROAD TEST

Up until now, our tester had been solely using a Quinny Buzz to take her baby on walks around the city and to run errands with. With the arrival of summer, the tester wanted to downscale and find a lighter and more compact alternative to the Quinny. Enter the Silver Cross Pop, the perfect alternative to a bulky, heavy stroller.

“I used the pop in a shopping mall this weekend and it was very easy to push. It is narrow enough so I don’t get stuck getting through doors and shopping aisles as I do with my other pram. My son was comfortable and content in the stroller. On the days that I use public transport, the pop performs beautifully and is a breeze to get in and out of the bus or tube. The pop is a lovely stroller for shopping and running errands about town and fits compactly in our car. The pop is the perfect compliment to our full size stroller and we are excited to use it for our summer holidays.”

PURCHASING

Please visit www.silvercross.co.uk for purchasing information.

For additional information about the Pop and to view the full range from Silver Cross, please visit the Silver Cross UK Website.

13 years ago Short URL

baby/pushchair/travel

Jun

Tummy With Mummy

The Back to Sleep Campaign has been extremely successful in reducing the number of SIDS cases, however, it has had an unintended side effect: many parents now never put their babies on their tummy to play. Healthcare Professionals recommend that infants sleep on their backs. The keywords here are “BACK TO SLEEP” and “TUMMY AWAKE”, meaning place baby on his back to sleep but during his awake hours, ensure that he gets plenty of supervised Tummy Time throughout the day. Ensuring that baby spends minimal time in a container (pushchair, swing, bouncer, car seat when not in a car etc), plus the addition of supervised Tummy Time on the Tummy with Mummy when baby is AWAKE will reduce a baby’s chances of developing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), which is clearly on the rise. In addition, regular supervised Tummy Time will help baby to develop strength and muscle coordination and will enhance his motor development. When baby is lying on his tummy and begins to push up on his hands, this weight bearing activity helps to develop the arches of his hand, which is very important for handwriting. Tummy Time allows baby an opportunity to practice skills that are precursors to crawling, such as reaching, pivoting and scooting.

Introducing the Tummy with Mummy System. This innovative system was specifically designed with both the parents and the baby in mind. Parents would often complain how uncomfortable they were crouching down on the floor when baby was participating in tummy time. The Tummy with Mummy System is one of the few Tummy Time Seats on the market which raises baby off the ground during Tummy Time, allowing parents to assume a more comfortable posture while engaging with baby. In addition to Tummy Time, the Tummy Time system can change and adapt effortlessly thanks to the clever zipper system to function as a recliner and an upright seat,taking the place of several other baby products and saving you precious space.

The Tummy Time System is wonderful for home use. It is lightweight and compact enough to travel with, whether it is to the park, the grandparents or even for holiday travel. The Tummy Time System folds flat when not in use or for travel. Overall the Tummy with Mummy is a great option for those who have limited space in their homes, who travel frequently or visit the grandparents often.

PURCHASING

Please visit the Tummy with Mummy online shop to find out how to purchase your very own Tummy with Mummy for your baby or as a gift.

TUMMY TIME TIPS:

Begin tummy time soon after your baby is born. Start with a few minutes, working up to an hour a day (in split short sessions) by 3 months. In the early weeks, lay baby on your chest (parent laying down on a bed or couch, propped up), tummy to tummy, for skin to skin contact and to facilitate bonding. This will serve as a gentle introduction to tummy time, so that baby becomes used to being on his tummy from the beginning.
Link tummy time with activities of daily living (when changing babies nappy, bathing, playing) e.g after every diaper change, place baby on his tummy for a few minutes. When tummy time is part of a routine, baby is more likely to enjoy it.
Make Tummy Time Fun Time! Get down onto baby’s level and introduce toys to capture and sustain his attention. Use a mirror – babies love to look at themselves in a mirror.
Carrying position. When carrying baby around the house, carry him securely in a tummy down position instead of upright.

For additional information about the Tummy with Mummy, please visit the Tummy with Mummy Website.

13 years ago Short URL

baby/Tummy Time

May

Men’s Euclid Slip-On with safeTstep Technology from Payless ShoeSource

Payless ShoeSource is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories to the world and inspiring fun fashion possibilities for the family. We provide our customers with the style they want at a great price, and our nearly 4,500 store locations offer an engaging, easy-to-shop experience and outstanding customer service.

Payless offers a well-known portfolio of brands including Airwalk®, Dexter®, Champion®, American Eagle by Payless and Zoe&Zac®. We also boast designer labels such as Lela Rose for Payless, Christian Siriano for Payless™ and Isabel Toledo for Payless.

“By recognizing our multi-faceted consumer base’s different needs for style, expression, quality and value, we are able to offer a wide range of brands that connect and resonate with our target customers.”

Today we are focusing on men’s shoes for Business and Leisure Travel.

Men’s Euclid Slip-On with safeTstep Technology

This handsome dress slip-on is specially designed for safety on the job. It features a polished faux leather upper with twin gores for easy on/off, a padded jersey 24/7 Comfort Insole and a non-marking, oil and slip resistant rubber outsole with a stacked heel to give you a little lift. Rubber, fabric and manmade materials.

Versatile design from the boardroom to the factory floor

From the boardroom to the factory floor, this versatile shoe blends style with function like no other. It is dressy enough to wear paired with a suit to business meetings and doubles as a work shoe in a factory environment without compromising on safety and saving you time and energy by not having to switch shoes.

Non slip safeTstep sole for safety

The sole of the shoe is specially designed with safeTstep technology, a special material and design that makes the shoe oil and water resistant as well as non slip. The shoe is extremely comfortable to wear, even over long distances and didn’t require any period to be “broken in”.

Ideal for business and leisure travel

The Men’s Euclid Slip-On is a terrific shoe for business or leisure travel. Travel effortlessly through security with the easy on and off slip-on design. The non metal materials will not set off any alarms, saving you valuable time and hassle. Payless ShoeSource continues to offer great value. At this price point, under under $50, you can’t find a comparable shoe. Available in your choice of Black or Brown.

PURCHASING

Shop via the online store or find a store in your area.

For additional information, please visit the Payless ShoeSource Website.

13 years ago Short URL

men/shoes

May

Bravado! DESIGNS for Mother’s Day 2012

Bravado! Designs was founded 20 years ago by two young nursing mothers who recognised the gap in the market for stylish and comfortable nursing bras. Bravado understands the needs of a nursing mom and test all of their bras on real pregnant and nursing moms. The company has built an excellent reputation amongst healthcare professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives for their high quality, innovative line of products. The Bravado website is very well designed and is packed with educational resources for nursing moms.

In April of 2011, Medela acquired Bravado Designs.

Medela provides the most technologically advanced, superior-quality breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories to nursing mothers around the world. A longtime champion of breastfeeding, Medela is the only company to develop products based on research by the world’s leading lactation experts. As a result, Medela’s breastpumps are the number one choice of healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities worldwide. Medela has developed an extensive line of products to meet the diverse needs of nursing mothers. These products include hospital-grade, double and single electric and manual breastpumps; breastfeeding accessories such as pump cleaning products, breast care products and specialty feeding devices; and maternity and nursing intimate apparel. Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson in Zug, Switzerland, Medela continues to grow under the ownership of the Larsson family. Medela serves customers through a worldwide network of distribution partners in more than 90 countries and through its 15 subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany (and Austria), Italy, Japan, Netherlands (and Belgium), Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden (Denmark & Norway), Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
www.medela.com

This dynamic duo compliment each other perfectly and we are excited to see what the future has in store.

In honor of Mother’s Day 2012, we will be highlighting 2 styles from Bravado! Designs:

The Essential Nursing Tank

The Essential Nursing Tank Seasonal Color - Tiger Lily

The Essential Nursing Tank Seasonal Color - Jade

What sets The Essential Nursing Tank apart from other nursing tanks on the market is its brilliant design.

Bravado Designs: “We designed a full-support built in bra first, and then put a great nursing and maternity tank around it.”

This is why the Nursing Tank can beautifully support up to a G cup and is unlike any other Nursing Tank on the market.

Full Support Built in Bra

The workmanship and quality of the Essential Nursing Tank is top notch and you can be assured that it will last wash after wash.

The high quality clips are easy to unclip and clip with just one hand – an essential feature. The cups are expertly designed to drop down and away from your body to give baby full access to your breast. This will provide you and your baby with skin-to-skin contact which is very important when establishing a breastfeeding rhythm. First time nursing moms will also appreciate this design which will make it easier for mom to assist baby in latching on.

Discreet Nursing Clips: allow full breastfeeding access and only you will know this is a nursing tank.

The Essential Nursing Tank can be worn during pregnancy as the fabric gently stretches while retaining its shape after washing. The Tank has a flattering cut making it ideal for the post partum period with the longer length having a slimming effect. This adds great value to the tank ensuring that you will get plenty of wear out of it during both the pregnancy and nursing period.

The Essential Nursing Tank can be worn during pregnancy

Moms tells us that they love their tank so much that they continue to wear it well after they are done nursing their kids because it is so supportive, especially for those with larger busts.

The cotton/spandex fabric is soft and feels luxurious against the skin. The Essential Nursing Tank is so versatile that we consider it a “must have” in your nursing wardrobe. From sleepwear to loungewear, from running errands to play dates, this Tank is perfect. In the warmer months, simply pair the tank with shorts, a skirt or jeans and you are all set. For the cooler months, simply add a cardigan or jacket and you are good to go. The variety of colors available will ensure that you can coordinate with your existing wardrobe. The Essential Nursing Tank is also available in Curvalicious Sizing and we applaud Bravado! Designs for covering a full range of both band and cup sizes.

The Sublime Nursing Bra

The Sublime Nursing Bra is proof that a nursing bra can be both sexy and functional! This gorgeous bra is sure to boost mom’s self-esteem and make her feel beautiful and confident.

The Sublime Nursing Bra

Moms with larger cup sizes who usually have a difficult time finding a nursing bra will rejoice in the fact that the Sublime Nursing bra accommodates up to a J/K cup! This bra supports beautifully without the need for an underwire. Finding a sexy nursing bra in a larger cup size is even more difficult but now you are in luck.

Innovative Nursing clips

Just like the Essential Nursing Tank, the Sublime Bra offers discreet nursing clips which are undetectable under clothing and can unclip and clip easily with just one hand.The cups unclip and drop down and away from your body allowing baby full access and essential skin-to-skin contact to facilitate nursing. This design feature is perfect for beginner nurses who are still perfecting their baby’s latch. We love the dual cup sizes! The soft lace fabric is stretchy enough to fit your changing size and is perfectly designed for both maternity and nursing, offering terrific value. A nursing mom’s core body temperature rises one degree when she is nursing. This beautiful bra is lined with cotton for comfort and breathability allowing you to stay comfortable all day long. The quality and workmanship of the Sublime Nursing Bra is once again top notch, and you can be assured that this bra won’t fall apart after a few washings. The Sublime Nursing Bra is available in several gorgeous colors to suit your mood!

Soft delicate lace

Complete the look with the feminine Matching Sublime Bikini. The Sublime Bikini is cut lower to accommodate a growing bump in pregnancy and will fit just as well post partum. This comfortable and sexy bikini is sure to make you feel feminine and beautiful. Available in 2 sizes. The Sublime Nursing Bra and matching Sublime Bikini are the perfect combo gift for Mother’s Day 2012. Reward the special mom in your life with this beautiful set or simply treat yourself.

The Sublime Bikini

PURCHASING:

Honor the special mother in your life with a new breastfeeding bra from Bravado! Designs. Purchase directly from the Bravado Designs Online Boutique www.bravadodesigns.com or find a store in your area.

To view the full Bravado range as well as read tips for purchasing breastfeeding bras, please visit:

www.BravadoDesigns.com

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Bravado! Designs is celebrating 20 years of breastfeeding success. Win terrific prizes throughout 2012. Click here to learn more.
In addition, Bravado! Designs is hosting a BravadoMama Model Search! Become the new BravadoMama Model. Click here to learn how.

All images copyrighted Bravado Designs

13 years ago Short URL

Nursing

Apr

Belabumbum Belly, Boudoir & Beyond Collection

Belabumum (pronounced “bella – boom! – boom!”) is a Portuguese term for “beautiful bottom.” Founded in 2011, Belabumbum is a Lingerie and Maternity Line inspired by Latin America culture. Beautiful fabrics and fun feminine styles are a hallmark of the company, with the Copacabana Lace Collection a best seller. The Belabumbum Maternity Line was founded on the belief that women grow more beautiful during pregnancy and is very popular among celebrities.

Belabumbum works with socially conscious manufacturers in South America to ensure excellent working conditions and job security. Belabumbum has also contributed to countless health and well-being related events and organizations.

Introducing the “Belly, Boudoir & Beyond Collection” from Belabumbum. The idea behind this collection is that it is specifically designed to accommodate your growing belly during pregnancy and the same pieces will also double for after baby has arrived when you are nursing. The concept is genius and will save you a great deal of money when building your wardrobe. Whether lounging around the house or running to the grocery store, this collection has you covered.

Introducing the Belabumbum Belly, Boudoir & Beyond Collection

Before & After Reversible Dress

Before & After Cami and Loungepant

Our top pick for summer: The Before & After Ruffle Dress.

Before & After Ruffle Dress

The perfect “wear anywhere” basic dress. Cuddle up at night or throw on a cardigan and take it out on the town!

* Underbust nursing access
* Ruffle detail at bottom
* Lace trim at bust
* Cap sleeve top
* Wear before or after baby
* 95% viscose, 5% spandex

Available in Gunmetal and Black.

The versatile Before & After Ruffle Dress is designed to be worn during pregnancy, nursing and beyond, offering terrific value. The soft, stretchy material feels wonderful against your skin and drapes beautifully over your growing bump and flatters the postpartum figure as well. The neckline is accented with a delicate lace detail and feminine ruffles at the bottom.

Ruffle Dress Underbust Nursing Access

Nursing in this dress is simple to accomplish thanks to the hidden underbust nursing access. Nurse discreetly while feeling confident in this gorgeous dress. This dress is comfortable, stylish and functional making it our top pick.

Also part of the Belly, Boudoir & Beyond Collection is the Button Cardigan.

PURCHASING

Belabumbum can be found in fine boutiques and department stores throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East. Click here to find a store near you.

For additional information and to see the full collection, please visit www.Belabumbum.com

All images copyrighted Belabumbum.

13 years ago Short URL

Designer Apparel/Maternity/Nursing

Apr

Celebrating Earth Day 2012 with Organic Caboose

Cloth Diapering has come a long way since the rubber pants and safety pins of the past. Today’s cloth diapers are modern, as easy to put on as disposable diapers, offer cost savings and are kind to the environment. It is estimated that a baby will go through approximately 8000 disposable diapers before being potty trained. Imagine if you would 8000 disposable diapers, per child, sitting in our landfills. The majority of parents are not following the protocol of emptying fecal matter into the toilet before throwing away the disposable diaper which is potentially creating an environment for bacteria to breed and spread.

Disposable diapers contain chemicals including super-absorbent polyacrylate crystals (sodium polyacrylate) and dioxins which many consider to be harmful to humans, especially a developing baby. Diaper rash is often more common in babies who wear disposable diapers vs cloth diapers.

Environmental reasons aside for a moment, the cost could easily exceed over $3000 and a lesser known fact – baby’s who wear disposable diapers take on average longer to be potty trained than baby’s who are cloth diapered. There are many types of cloth diapers on the market. Today, we will be focusing on one of our favorite combinations, fitted diapers with a wool cover.

Learn more about cloth diapers here.

For Earth Day 2012, we have chosen to highlight a wonderful local company, Organic Caboose. Founded in 2004, Organic Caboose® brand is committed to premium organic, all-natural and eco-friendly products for the Natural Family.

“We strive to attain the highest quality in workmanship and customer service. Wherever possible we offer products which support local artisans and communities. All Organic Caboose® products are 100% sewn in the USA. A few complementary products are imported. All Organic Caboose products are cruelty-free. We do not test our products on animals. Organic Caboose respects the world in which we live. Organic living helps to protect and sustain our world by protecting our drinking water, our health, wildlife, sea life and plant life. We desire to surpass all standards and achieve a safer, healthier future through organic living. Organic…
…is the soft and pure choice for every family, naturally.”

CLOTH DIAPERING A NEWBORN

One size diapers will typically not fit a newborn and thus newborn diapers are essential for the initial few weeks/months of life, depending on your baby’s birth weight and growth. Newborn diapers are specifically designed for cloth diapering a newborn. They are sized perfectly around the legs and waist which is crucial to ensure no leaks. They will feature a snap down rise to accommodate the umbilical cord. Although they are used for a relatively short time, they are well worth the initial investment as high quality newborn diapers can be used for subsequent babies. In addition, parents can often re-coop a good percentage of the cost of diapers by reselling them after baby is potty trained.

Newborns will typically go through about 12 diapers per day, but this can vary depending on your baby. Parents will need to change their baby’s cloth diaper about every 1-2 hours in the initial few weeks of life, but as baby becomes more aware of day vs night and is able to sleep for longer periods, this time can be extended to 3-4 hours to accommodate baby sleeping for longer periods. It is recommended to launder your diapers every 2-3 days. We love soap nuts for laundering cloth diapers. Always make sure that your detergent and any creams you use on your baby are cloth diaper safe. In the warmer months, harness the power of the sun to de-stain your diapers.

Organic Caboose offers a wonderful line of Cloth Diapers, Diaper Covers and Accessories for your newborn. While many other newborn cloth diapers on the market are made from synthetic materials, Organic Caboose’s line is made from Organic Cotton, Organic Wool and Organic Bamboo. Natural materials offer many advantages over synthetic ones, especially for a newborn’s sensitive skin.

Organic Newborn Snap-fitted diaper

“La Petite” organic cotton fitted newborn diaper w/ snap closure & snap-down umbilical scoop. Slimline Doubler (sold separately) folded in half helps increase absorbency at night. Great for newborns 5-13 lbs! (Diaper Cover Required.) Made in USA
*American-made
*Convenient snap closure
*Snap-down umbilicus for ultimate newborn comfort
*Perfect size for newborns

The first thing that you will notice about the Organic Newborn Snap-Fitted diaper is the beautiful, super soft organic cotton. It feels heavenly against your skin and baby is sure to love it. You can rest easy knowing that only the purest and softest materials are resting against your newborn’s skin. The diaper is beautifully sewn with loving care and the workmanship is a true example of a high quality USA made product. This diaper is a true newborn diaper, boasting a snap down rise for the umbilicus. There are a total of 8 snaps along the waist (4 on either side of the snap for the umbilicus) to adjust as your newborn grows. This snaps are top quality and durable enough to withstand the rigors of washing. The center of the diaper features a sewn in absorbent layer. The gentle elastic around the legs help to hold poop and pee inside the diaper. This diaper is as easy to put on as a disposable and wonderful choice for those who are new to cloth as well as when grandma and grandpa are babysitting.

Organic Slimline Diaper Doubler

For additional absorbency, consider purchasing a Slimline Diaper Doubler (available separately) which is sized to perfectly fit the Newborn diaper. The Doubler is ideal for when baby is starting to sleep for longer stretches of time or if you simply have a heavy wetter. The Newborn Diaper features a tag on the outer side of the diaper to prevent any irritation to your newborn. The diaper is easy to prep and will become more absorbent with each wash. Wash the diapers and doublers about 5 times in warm water to remove any natural oils. Dry the diapers between washing. We received very positive feedback from our mom panel who tested the diapers for us. The tester’s baby was just 1 week old and 8lbs when he was placed in this diaper. The tester commented that with her first baby, she didn’t think that she would have needed a newborn size diaper and was trying unsuccessfully to put her baby in the one size diapers. Seeing first hand how well the newborn size diaper fitted, she will now be recommending them to new moms who wish to cloth diaper from the get go. The Organic Caboose Diapers are wonderfully absorbent when used with a cover (see below) and no leaks were reported. The Newborn Diaper and Doubler are easy to launder and since they are made from 100% Organic Cotton (excluding the snaps), they are easier to clean than synthetic materials and less likely to need to be stripped.

Organic Fine Melton Wool LITE Diaper Cover

This super soft Organic Fine Melton Wool diaper cover is our LITE addition. Can be used in the day or night. Created with two layers of organic fine wool. Features fold-back washing tabs. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet and also has naturally occurring antibacterial properties. Made in USA.
Lighter weight for daytime use

*Super soft
*Fold-back washing tabs
*Made in USA

A fitted diaper will require some type of cover to contain the wetness and hold everything in. Consider the Organic Fine Melton Wool diaper cover from Organic Caboose, which is the perfect cover to compliment the Organic Newborn Diaper. Unlike cheaper wool products which aren’t organic, this organic wool diaper is soft and feels wonderful against the skin. Many parents are hesitant to invest in Wool Diaper Covers, but in fact Wool is not very difficult to clean and care for. If the Wool Cover is wet with urine, simple turn it inside out and hang it on a rack to dry. Wool doesn’t get smelly like synthetics and as a result can be re-used over and over again if wet from urine. If there is poop on the diaper, simply wash with a bar soap designed for wool products. Every few weeks, you can lanolin your cover with a liquid lanolin wash and you are done! The lanolin is what makes the cover waterproof. Our tester had never owned a wool cover before and was amazed at how simple it was to use. The wool cover is a wonderful alternative to the synethic PUL covers on the market because wool allows your baby’s skin to breath. Wool may be the perfect cover for your baby because research has shown that wool products help to keep you at an even temperature, ensuring the comfort of your baby. Since Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet, there is less chance of leaks. While Wool Covers are more expensive than the PUL covers, parents will require less Wool Covers as they can re-used over and over again before needing a wash.

Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag

The Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag is a perfect natural fiber alternative to the plastic bag. The small size can hold 1-2 diaper while the large size can hold 4-5 diapers. It has detachable handles to fit around any stroller handle, doorknob, bathroom hook, etc. It closes with Aplix Velcro. A great natural bag for numerous items. Made in USA.
*Excellent natural fiber bag to hold most anything
*Two sizes to choose from
*Has detachable handles to fit around stroller, door knob etc.
*Closes with Aplix Velcro

The Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag is a rare find in terms of Cloth Diaper Accessories. Consider a Wool Wet Bag instead of one made from PUL when storing your diapers while on the go. The Small Wet Bag is the ideal wet bag to grab for running quick errands. It can hold a change or two and is perfect for your diaper bag or simply on its own.

Organic Cotton Flannel Wipe

Organic Cotton Flannel Wipe

Super soft organic cotton flannel wipe for any occasion. One layer. Made in USA.
*Super soft
*Pure American-grown Organic Cotton
*9 in. x 9 in.

This versatile Flannel Wipe is an essential accessory that we would recommend purchasing. From bath time to feeding, from diapering to cleaning, this cloth wipe will take care of any mess! You can choose from the terry side or the super soft flannel side. You can order the wipes with the Organic Caboose Logo or without.

PURCHASING

Find a retailer near you.

To learn more and to view the full collection, please visit Organic Caboose.

13 years ago Short URL

baby/Cloth Diaper