Why we love a SnuzPod Crib!

Special offer now at Born! Buy the Natural or White Snuzpod and mattress together for £179.95, saving £40 off the cost of buying them separately! Offer runs from 26th Dec 14 to 18th Jan 2015.

Why do we love a SnuzPod?

1. It's a bedside crib that attaches to your bed to become an extension to your mattress - the mesh side unzips so it's tight against your bed - perfect for safe co-sleeping.

2. It's a stand-alone crib for the nursery with a clean, modern design that will fit with any decor.

3. It's a cradle too! The removable rocking carrycot can be used as a moses basket around the home so your little one can sleep peacefully while you put your feet up! (remember putting your feet up?!)

4. You can safely settle and feed your baby without having to leave your bed - massively beneficial for mums who have had C-sections and absolute bliss for those midnight feeds!

5. Do you find that you sleep restlessly, always listening out for your baby? The Snuzpod means you can see and hear your baby breathing so you can rest peacefully, just opening an eye for a quick check if you wake.

6. It comes with an organic Coir mattress to give safe, perfect support for your little one.

We're not the only ones who love it! Here's what other Born customers thought...

"I am very happy with this purchase. My son is 4.5months old and is very happy sleeping in his Snuzpod. We co-slept for the first 6weeks and I used the Snuzpod for changing him in the early weeks which was very convenient. We then had a smooth transition into the Snuzpod. He has just started rolling so I zip up the side panel but he prefers it left open so I often just use a long pillow instead. I am still using it as bedside cot & I use a moses basket when he naps during the day downstairs." (Nov 2014)

“when the kid arrives we want it as close to us but aren't too sure about co-sleeping. The snuzpod seemed like the best of both options and the espresso colour will go with our bedroom furniture as well :-)”

“I love the idea of co-sleeping and this gives us piece of mind that we are doing it in a safe way.”

“I like the idea of its portability and it looks sturdy. I think it will be better than moses basket and an excellent crib without the hefty price tag like some other brand. Its organic too!!”

“I was comparing the SnuzPod with Bednest and the Chicco Next2Me co sleepers. I found this to be the most functional. Chicco Next2Me can't zip up while coupled to the bed, making it difficult because you can't leave the baby sleeping unattended. Bednest, although similar to the SnuzPod, the hard bridge that folds down is uncomfortable for some moms (on reviews). I also think the SnuzPod's bassinet is much lighter than the Bednest so that I can actually pick it up and move it around the house. Oh, and the rocking feature on both the stand and the actually bassinet is such a great design feature!”

“I really really wanted a SnuzPod due to their excellent reviews, then I discovered they came in espresso and i just had to have it! (I blame the pregnancy hormones)”


But don't just take our word for it - try it yourself! The Snuzpod in White and in Natural are on offer from 26th Dec 14 to 18th Jan 2015 for £179.95, saving £40 off the cost of buying them separately!

Order now at Born and enjoy a peaceful sleep!

Top tips for keeping your baby cosy in Winter

These days, the cold and wet weather seems to arrive in January and February, and as many new parents worry about keeping their baby warm enough, it's worth getting prepared!

Daytime:

Try to stick to natural fibres such as silk, cotton, muslin and wool as these are more breathable than synthetics and will, in the case of wool, regulate your baby’s temperature somewhat too. For the same reason, natural lambskins make great liners for cots, carrycots and buggies as they keep your little one cosy through the cold weather and help keep them cool in summer.

For little babies, a close-fitting soft hat to keep their heads warm is a good idea as babies lose most of their body heat through their heads. You won't need to put them to bed in these, though - they should be warm enough.

Slings
You will want to keep babies feet covered with either socks, slippers or booties especially if you are carrying them in a sling. Baby leg warmers are a great idea for sling users too, so they have an extra layer over their feet and knees but are not too padded up to bend their legs.

When carrying in a sling, be careful of wrapping your baby too much - keep your baby's extremities warm and then tuck them in under your own jacket - they will benefit from your own body heat and will be nice and warm without overheating. A few thin layers are better than one thick padded layer, and don't forget, the sling counts as at least one layer too.

This year, we've introduced a Winter Baby Sling Package which includes an Ergobaby carrier, Fleece winter cover for the carrier, Huggalug leggings and Padraig Baby Slippers. It's proving to be very popular!

The Born Winter Baby Sling Package

Buggies:

When you are out and about, a good coverall or pram suit is a fantastic choice, as you can simply remove it when you’re back inside and not have to worry about your baby being overdressed. Make sure it fit's your little one properly, as babies (especially very young ones) can end up slipping down inside it and getting too hot and bundled up.

Frugi Organic Pram Suit with fleece lining

If you're in a car, the current advice is to take the coat or pram suit off your child before strapping them in the car seat. Find out more from consumer reports.org.

Remove hats, mittens and coats as soon as you get inside to avoid overheating and use your own clothing as a guideline for dressing your baby – if you are wearing several layers, then your baby will need roughly the same number themselves. 

Older babies and toddlers, especially once they are mobile, need layers that allow them to move without feeling too bulky.

Night time:

At night, you may worry about your baby’s room getting colder and how to keep them snuggly without overheating. If you want to check if your baby is warm enough, feel their tummies; often their hands and feet will feel colder and this is completely normal.

A room thermometer may give you added peace of mind at night. It should feel about right for a lightly clothed adult.  Make sure they aren't positioned in a draught or near heat sources like radiators. If you are using a sleeping bag, don’t use a blanket as well. Sleeping bags are a great way to keep your baby warm at night and avoid them kicking off the covers.

Aden & Anais 2.5 TOG Cosy Plus Sleeping Bag

Christmassy Activities to do with the Kids!

The last few days before Christmas are often the best bit because there's plenty of anticipation! We've put together a few activities to do with your little ones to help 'channel' that excitement and make you all feel extra Christmassy!


Magic In A Jar

If you're looking for an activity to do with your little ones then how about making fairies (or reindeer magic) in a jar?! It's simple and fun for children of all ages!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut a glow stick and shake the contents into a jar.

2. Add sparkly glitter

3. Seal the top with a lid.

4. Shake!

The Handprint Tree

A gorgeous keepsake that not only looks Christmassy but captures the handprints of the family to keep!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Get messy with paint and hands! Don't forget the yellow prints for a star.

2. Dry, then cut round each print.

3. Stick the prints to a triangle of strong card, with the fingers pointing downwards

4. Add jewels or glitter and the handprint star for the finishing touch!

Christmas Doors

A perfect activity with a toddler, because all the pieces are really big! Try snowmen, chimneys, elves or presents!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Choose your door

2. Choose your Christmas character

3. Cut out pieces of coloured card or paper for the face and features

4. Help your little one position with blue tack

How to Survive a Car Journey with Babies and Toddlers

Ready for Christmas? Presents bought and wrapped? Stockings hung? Large amounts of alcohol ready to be consumed? Or are you one of the thousands across the UK who are facing one of the biggest challenges that the festive period can offer... a long car journey with excitable children.  Accepting the invitation for Christmas dinner with Aunty Vera in Inverness no longer seems like such a great idea, does it?

There's nothing for it but to approach the whole terrifying task like a military campaign. No, no weapons - we mean planning and lots of it.


Firstly, know where you are going. Toddlers are very clever and are pretty sure that you've reached your destination 5 minutes after setting off. And they will let you know. When you hear their battle cry ("Are we nearly there yet?"), be armed with the right response - "We have 2 hours to go, which is a sleep, a snack and 6 rounds of Wheels on the Bus" will be received much more favourably than "erm, I think we should've turned left 3 hours ago".  Check traffic reports before you set off and have an alternative route ready - driving 30 miles out of your way via Little Uppingsnoot is still better than sitting stationary on the motorway for endless painful hours.

Schedule the attack. The best course of action is to drive at night. Leave just after their bedtime, when they are in comfy pyjamas (make sure the car is pre-warmed) and ready for sleep.  Make sure they've had a wee.  Have the car speakers set up to only play in the front - you don't want your sleeping beauty to be woken by the dulcet tones of Iron Maiden banging out in the back of the car.

If you can't drive at night, try to schedule the drive to fit in with their routine, if they have one. Have a rough idea of when the toddler may need a wee or a snack or when your baby might need a feed and plan to stop regularly. Even if you're not the driver, don't try to breastfeed as you zoom down the motorway - it's not comfortable trying to hoik a breast over the baby's car seat, it's not restful for your baby and it gives the lorry drivers an eyeful.

Bring wipes. Lots of wipes. Babies, like their older siblings, are a cunning breed - and if they get a whiff of a forthcoming trip, have been known to store up a super-sized poo, ready to release as soon as you've hit the M25.  Equally, your toddler, through no fault of their own, may decide that car travel is not for them and that organic carrot and hummus lunch that you so lovingly prepared will be regurgitated all over the central console and footwell.  Remember to keep spare clothes and wipes in the car - if they are in the boot, packed deep in the suitcase under the present for Aunty Vera's dog, they will be no good to you. And have more wipes than you think you need. You will need them.

Avoid situations of torture. We're talking CD's here. Be truthful with yourself. Just how many times can you realistically sing along to Wind the Bobbin Up, before you go stark staring mad and attempt to eat your own bellybutton? Twice, we think.  Before the trip, go to the library and copy go to the shops and buy some CD's that will be new for your toddler and that you won't mind listening to. Audio stories are great - look at it as an opportunity to revisit your childhood. Or switch the car speakers, so they only play in the back.

The Art of Distraction. Toddlers get very very bored, very very quickly. You will need to work your way through your entire repertoire of car games (I-spy does not work and should not be attempted ever. When your child announces 'something beginning with M', they will mean a dragon they think they saw two weeks ago). Keep lots of small toys to hand for your baby, too. They will throw them on the floor at three minute intervals, so if you're organised you can get a nice little conveyor system going.

If in doubt, feed them. When games and toys have been exhausted, snacks will hold their interest, give them something to think about and hopefully fill their little tummies with the slight chance of making them sleepy.  But plan your snacks - light finger food is perfect although give them anything sticky and you may live to regret it. And if you are giving them bananas, keep the peel unless you want to be wondering what that slight rotting smell is, coming from under the seat 3 weeks later.

Keep Smiling. Ultimately, the best way to survive the car journey is to relax and enjoy it! Tension and grumpiness (yours or your children's) will make the journey feel ten times longer and actually, long journeys can be a great opportunity to spend some real quality time with your little ones. Take the time to unwind and re-energise - because let's face it, you're going to need all your patience and strength for coping with Aunty Vera.

Visit Born to find products to make your journey easier - including Children's CD's, Wipes and Nappy Bags, snack containers, small toys and kids luggage!

Save over £100 on the phil&teds Smart Lux Stroller with Car Seat!

Save a fantastic £114 when you buy the phil&teds Smart Lux Stroller with the phil&teds Alpha Infant Car Seat & adapters - you can turn your stroller into a complete travel system, perfect for families on the go!


It may be almost Christmas but babies still need strollers, no matter what the time of year!  This fantastically sleek lightweight Smart Lux stroller from phil&teds is perfect for city living and offers 21 riding options, from lying flat in a carrycot (perfect for your newborn) to upright forward or rear facing, with multiple recline positions in between. It converts easily to a travel system and with plush fabrics, air-filled tyres and large sun canopy, your little one will be riding in luxurious comfort!

Read our review of the Smart Lux Stroller from earlier this year...

The Alpha Infant Car Seat is a safe and lightweight baby car seat with 3 installation options including Isofix. With the adapters included as part of the package, the Alpha car seat fits securely to the Smart Lux Stroller, so you can lift your little one from the car to buggy and back again without disturbing their sleep!

The Smart Lux with Alpha Car Seat Package is now available to order at Born for a very special price of £399, saving a massive £114 off the cost of buying the separate items.  Order now and it will be delivered to you in the New Year, hopefully in time for your own little delivery! 

Born becomes PayPal-Friendly!

Exciting News! We now have PayPal on our website, so you can use PayPal for any of your Born online purchases!

PayPal is a quick and secure way of paying. It means you don't need to fill in payment details or hunt around for your credit card - you can pay for your Christmas shopping with just a few clicks. And you don't need to worry about keeping money in your PayPal account. Link a card or bank account to your PayPal account, and you can pay for your online shopping instantly!

PayPal also offers Buyer Protection, so if a delivery gets lost or arrives not as described (and we hope it won't!), you'll get reimbursed for the full amount - no quibbling!

So come and browse, fill your basket and find out how quick and easy it is to get your Christmas shopping done!

Why we love Pigeon!

For once, we're not talking about Christmas dinner! Pigeon (or Organics For Kids as they were once known) have been a firm favourite with Born customers for many years. Here's why we (and you!) love them so much...

Unique designs and colours

From acorns and hedgehogs to frogs and dogs, the beautifully unique designs from Pigeon are eye-catching for all the right reasons. Pigeon offers a choice of bold bright colours or soft pastels including simple neutrals for a completely natural look.

Beautifully soft and comfortable to wear

The organic cotton fabric used by Pigeon is beautifully gentle against delicate skin and is so soft that the clothes and blankets quickly become must-have favourites, perfect for snuggling up!

100% Organic from field to finished product! 

Pigeon are rightly proud of the fact that their entire supply chain is completely organic, from the fields in Turkey where the cotton is grown through to the factory where the fabric is processed and the clothes are made. Neither the cotton nor the dyes contain any harmful substances, so they are perfectly safe for the most delicate skin and are especially good for little ones with eczema or dry skin.

Social Responsibility 

All of Pigeon's processors and manufacturers meet the minimum social criteria of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), covering employment practices, working conditions, pay, collective bargaining, and the banning of child labour, so you can be sure that the clothes are made for children, not by children.

Last week, Born founder Eva Fernandes talked to Jane Shepherd about what makes Pigeon so special... Watch the video or discover more at www.borndirect.com/pigeon.

.

Eva Fernandes talks to Jane Shepherd from Pigeon

Festive Alternatives for the Christmas Season

Looking for a change this Christmas? Not feeling filled with the joys of tinsel? Or perhaps you want to start some new family traditions now that you have a child, which don’t just centre around toys and food. Although there’s nothing wrong with toys and food. Especially food. Super-especially roast potatoes…

Why not look into the following, for something that can give your Christmas – or someone else’s – a little bit of extra cheer.


Reserve a Place at Christmas for a Homeless Person
http://community.crisis.org.uk/christmas-appeal-2014

£21.62 pays for a homeless person to have a better Christmas this year. This includes access to support as three hot meals. We can’t think of a better way to spread the joy and love this time of the year.


Make a Cool Alternative Christmas Tree
http://www.digsdigs.com/23-cool-christmas-tree-alternatives

For inspiration, check out the link above or Pinterest. Making something that can be re-used, and added to can become part of your family’s traditions. Children love making memories like this with their families.

Donate to a Food Bank
http://www.trusselltrust.org/donate

Many local supermarkets have special collection boxes at this time of the year as well, so please look out for these and donate as much as you can.


Donate a Rucksack to the Rucksack Project
http://rucksackproject.org

A fabulous project which supplies essentials to homeless people, especially important during colder weather.

Help Kids Company host the UK's biggest children's community Christmas dinner ever!

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/give-the-gift-of-christmas

Choose a pledge and help support a great charity who provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children.


Whatever you and your family decide to do this Christmas, we all hope you have a wonderful time together!


Love,
The Born Family

Tea for Pregnancy & Nursing - Amanda Rayment from Welcome World Teas talks to Born

This article has been moved to http://www.borndirect.com/G147/article-herbal-teas-for-pregnancy+nursing

Welcome World Raspberry Leaf Tea

Welcome World Nursing Tea