Signs that Autumn is here

Children often make us slow our pace and really appreciate the change of seasons. We notice more. The everyday gains importance. Colder weather, falling leaves and richer food take on new meaning and inspire traditions for the families we've created.

Here at Born, we've got our own signs that tell us that Autumn is here.

More coughs and colds
When is it not flu season? True, but we definitely see more people reaching for natural cold remedies for babies and kids at this time of year.

Take a tip from the Aborigines and use eucalyptus as a decongestant. Throw in tea tree oil, wintergreen and peppermint. Leave the nasty petrochemicals behind.

We recommend Throat and Chest Balme by Songbird Naturals.  This is amazingly effective stuff, so much so that for a little baby we suggest you mix it 50/50 with a carrier of some kind, either the Tui Bee Balm, coconut oil or even olive or sunflower cooking oils.

More splashing
We've had some seriously rainy days recently, especially outside our Bristol store. It always seems the way that if you're a fair weather fiend, your child is destined to be a puddle magnet.

Arm yourself for the inevitable, we say. We love these Lolly Pop wellies by Aigle. They're flexible and soft for developing feet, latex on the outside, cotton on the inside and designed to last and last.



More cuddling
Autumn is all about snuggling beneath a comfy blanket, especially after a romp outdoors in the cold. If you've been on a walk with your baby, it might be time for some skin-to-skin reconnection.

A pretty blanket can only help. We're currently gushing over this Purple Owl Baby Blanket by David Fussenegger. It's great for keeping you and your baby warm during night feeds and possibly a perfect gift for a newborn.

Baby not walking yet? We've noticed lots of mums bundling their littles up and braving the great British weather.

Throw some stylish snuggling at your cold weather buggy walks with an Explorer Waterproof Buggy Snuggle or, if you have a Bugaboo, the new High Performance Footmuff will see you all the way through winter. Then the rain becomes an invitation, not a deterrent.

More layers
It's great being able to strip off during the summer but there's something about pulling on the layers when the weather gets cold again. When you're dressing your child too, it's double the fun.

We just can't get over how stylish, soft and cuddly this Long Sleeve Knitted Cotton Cardigan Rosa by Noa Noa Miniature Baby is! It's all cotton with mother-of-pearl buttons and designed to make any outfit Autumn-ready.

Of course, we can hardly talk about layers without mentioning Padraig Cottage slippers. They seem to have achieved cult status among our customers.

Made with pure New Zealand wool, dyed and crotched by hand in Canada and machine washable, anyone can see why. They'll last your child a fair while too.



Over to you – what are your signs that Autumn is here?