Potty Training Essentials | Recommended Items for Potty Training

26/03/2019/0 Comments/in Baby, Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

If you have stumbled across this post it must be nearly time for the BIG task of potty training!!! You are probably in a good routine and it is scary thinking about changing that – I mean let’s face it, getting out the house is not an easy task with nappies let alone without.

From the day your little one is born nappies very quickly become part of your daily life. As parents, we can tend to put potty training off for a while as the task can be a little daunting. There is a lot to think about when you start thinking about potty training. We have created a list of potty training essentials to support you through your journey.

Once you feel your little one is ready to make the change the next thing you need to do is thinking about what you need to begin your potty training journey.

Here is our list of our Recommended Potty Training items for 2019;

Potty Training Pants | Bamino Mio Training Pants

We were keen to get out of nappies altogether during the day but we also didn’t want to be secluded to the 4 walls in our house so we decided to switch to a trusted brand. After plenty of research and trawling through lots of reviews we decided to make the switch to the fantastic Bambino-Mio pull up cloth pants which we would highly recommend.

There are 13 beautiful designs to choose from which encourages your little one to wear them. My son is dinosaur obsessed so it made it very easy for us to switch over. There is a concealed water resistant layer inner pad, it allows toddlers to feel the wetness whilst minimising clothing changes which means your life doesn’t have to change too drastically during the changeover. The Bambino-Mio are machine washable and can be tumble dried and are very soft against your child’s skin. These training pants are reusable and a great way to be kinder to the environment.

We would highly recommend the Bambino-Mio Potty training pants. You can purchase them by visiting their website or via Amazon.

Summer Infant My Size Potty, £29.99

There are lots of different kinds of potties to choose from and it can be a very difficult choice. We do love the Summer Infant my size potty. This looks and acts like a real toilet which makes it an easier transition to the real thing. The Summer Infant my size potty features a realistic flushing sound. The clip-on splash guard and flip-up lid helps boys in the potty training process, and the built in wipe dispenser is perfect for promoting good hygiene. You can purchase this in white or pink by clicking here

Reviews from MyBump2Baby Readers

“I loved this potty, it made the transition to the big toilet very easy” Amanda, Liverpool

“I loved the potty had the training wipes in the pack to help teach my little one the importance of hygiene too” Gemma, Croydon.

A Potty Training Book

In the lead up to your little one starting potty training, I recommend purchasing a couple of books around potty training. It is a great time to make it a little more fun instead of a chore. We read a couple of books around this including; No more Nappies and Pirates Pete’s Potty.

Trousers with a stretchy waistband

Definitely avoid any pants with drawstrings or zippers as that is where accidents can happen. Initially there will be a small time between needing to go and going so you don’t want to waste any time. We recommend purchasing some elastic trousers to make things a little easier, you can purchase some here.

Progress Chart

Although it is easy to get frustrated when there are accidents we must remember how important it is to reward your little one when they do well. Rewards are an absolute must. We used a progress chart with George and at the end of each week he got a prize. There are lots of different progress charts you can purchase but here is the one we used. You can purchase it here.

Protective Mattress Cover

The protective mattress covers are great for protecting your little ones mattress. We got a couple of these, we haven’t cracked the night time potty training yet so these are great for extra protection whilst you practice and afterwards. This particular option is Eco friendly and has raving reviews. You can purchase one here.

Extra Bedsheets

There is nothing worse than being greeted with a wet bed at the wrong time with no extra sheets. I recommend having a change of bedsheets at the ready so that the bed can be changed within a couple of minutes. There are so many to choose from, you can purchase some here.

Creating a Timeless Memory Quilt with Baby Clothing

23/01/2019/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

“Treasure every moment, it goes too quickly” are words you hear often as a parent, they tend to be shouted as you are half way through a major kick off in your local Aldi …. but either way, I am sure you will agree that this is something we have all heard during our first few years of parenting. Initially, I just thought it was just something people said to make you feel better but… 2 years in to motherhood and I now know exactly what they meant. George seems to be growing by the day, his vocabulary is better than mine and his maturity level is already higher than his dads.

When I see pictures of George as a baby I can’t help but feel a little teary as it is so easy to forget just how small he was, remembering his cute toothy little smile in his Spanish rompers, cute cardigans and long socks makes me feel all mushy inside – there is not a chance he will wear that kind of stuff anymore.

When it comes to baby clothing they very quickly become memories. Think back to all the items your little one has had all its firsts in, the blanket that swaddled your baby on the way home from the hospital, the first baby grow that hugged their tiny body, the first bib that collected food the first food they tasted, that flannel sleep suit they first rolled over in, the outfit that cushioned them on their first crawling adventure and the outfit they took their first steps in…. Many of these items are often in a loft somewhere never to be seen again.

Why not order a carefully designed timeless memory quilt that you can keep forever? Something that is sure to become a family heirloom?

We all have the precious items that we just can’t bear to part with, the items so stained you couldn’t give it away. Part of us really can’t bear to part with these items and then they end up gathering dust in a box in the attic. Why not create something beautiful with your very own memory quilt?

With jaw dropping testimonials and raving reviews, Shomsa Creations proves to offer a fantastic service that all parents and parents to be should know about. The beautiful designs are proof that Shomsa Creations really is THE place to go when it comes to memory quilts, play mats, blankets and creations.

Fiona – a self-made seamstress and the founder of the amazing Shomsa Creations, began her journey by making clothes for her daughter and she has never looked back since. Fiona created her first memory blanket for her friend that sadly suffered the heartbreak of a still born baby. With a nursery fully furnished and a wardrobe full of clothes, Fiona created a memory quilt by using the clothes her friend’s child never got to wear, Fiona also incorporated the memory quilt with the African print, “An-ka-ra” – which is a great symbol of strength. This memory quilt was her friends comfort, the memory of the child and something the she as a mother can treasure forever more.

Shomsa creations memory quilts are so much more than just a memory quilt as Shomsa creations uses vibrant African fabrics to create these timeless blankets and they come in various sizes to suit our requirements.

The memory blankets are available in 3 sizes

Small 28×28 £45.00
Medium 35×42 £70.00
Large 50×69 £150.00

The memory blankets can be personalised with name and additional pieces like bibs can be stitched over the top for an additional cost.

You can purchase your own memory quilt here

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Shomsa Creations has a massive 5 star reviews on Facebook and here are just some of her fantastic testimonials;

“I absolutely adore the beautiful memory quilt crafted by Fiona. It is just exquisitely made and we couldn’t be happier. She was also a pleasure to deal with and we’d highly recommend her work! Thank you so much once again! Xx”

“Fee created an unique and special quilt out of my children’s baby clothes. She managed to get the colours to work beautifully together and it’s already one of the most treasured items in our home! Thank you so much xxx”

We have proudly awarded Shomsa Creations with our “Recommended on MyBump2Baby” badge

How to teach your children how to behave round dogs!

18/01/2019/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

We teach our children how to behave around babies, other children and adults but do you teach your children how to behave around dogs? Teaching our children how to behave around dogs can sometimes be forgotten, especially if your child doesn’t mix with dogs…. and then if they don’t mix with dogs how do you teach your children to behave round dogs? Can you see my dilemma?

I am not going to lie, mixing with dogs doesn’t come naturally to George, sure … he says loves them and yes, he talks about them…. A LOT…. But, when it comes to interacting with dogs, George gets a little scared and when a dog is arond he can be found cutting off the circulation round my legs with his eyes tightly shut!! I love animals, especially dogs so it is really important to me that George isn’t scared of dogs and it is also important to me that George understands animals and how to treat them nicely. A question I have often asked myself was “if we don’t have a dog and we rarely come in to contact with dogs how do we teach him to behave around dogs?”

Thankfully, I have discovered a beautiful book series created for this very thing, it is part of the Zara DogDog club series and it is a truly lovely read for a night time story.

What is the Zara DogDog Club

Anna, the founder of Zara DogDog Club was inspired to create this fantastic series based on her own dog – Zara. Anna noticed that when she was out walking her dog, people were often unsure how to behave around her dog. The Zara DogDog Club is designed to help children develop positive relationships with dogs by understanding why dogs behave in certain ways whilst encouraging them to behave safely around dogs. The first book in the Zara DogDog Club book series is called “Zara DogDog on the school run” and I am excited to share our reading experience with you.

Zara DogDog book review

The book is beautifully illustrated by the talented Siobhan Barlow and written by the equally as talented Anna Crichton.

In the front of the book you will meet Zara’s family, there is mum, dad, Isaac, Amelia and of course Zara DogDog.

This beautifully illustrated, educational yet straightforward story begins with the alarm going off and Zara DogDog is waking up in the morning ready for her walk. Zara DogDog is initially enjoying her walk until it was cut short as she arrived at Isaac and Amelia’s school. The school was noisy and Zara was scared and began behaving differently.

This book explains very simply signs to look out for when a dog is uncomfortable or scared and it emphasises that you shouldn’t go and stroke a dog without asking first.

The book is aimed at 3 years plus but George understood it and we followed the 3 action steps printed in the back of the book to make it more interactive.

Before we started the books I asked George how he felt about dogs and he said he loves them, I asked him why he is scared when he is around them and he said because they bite, I explained that he doesn’t need to be scared of dogs but he should always ask the owner before stroking the dog.

George loved all the pictures in the book and when Zara DogDog become a little uncomfortable the pictures were clear and easy to understand, they illustrated 3 steps to look out for if a dog is feeling uncomfortable.

Afterwards, I spoke to George about how he felt about dogs now and what he needs to do before he strokes a dog and he said “ask the owner”.

I will continue to read this book each week as George really enjoyed the story and we both look forward to reading

more of Zara DogDogs adventures.

This fabulous book is only £7.99 and can be bought by clicking here.

We have awarded Zara DogDog Club with our Recommended on Badge as we absolutely love the book and the whole concept.

You can purchase your book here

Follow Zara DogDogs adventures by visiting the website

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Boogie Beat Music and Movement Review

16/01/2019/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

As a parent, I am sure you will agree it can be a little difficult to choose the right baby and toddler group to suit your needs. In this day and age, we are truly blessed when it comes to baby and toddler groups and selecting the right one for you can be a little.. how do you put it… overwhelming. Many of us have only have limited time available to spend with the little ones in our lives and we want to ensure that in between daily tasks, chores and general day to day lives, that when we finally get out of the house for an hour (sometimes we don’t), the class we attend has been enjoyable for all involved.

Today, we are really excited to share our own personal Boogie Beat Music and Movement experience with you. Rachael, the owner of the Preston and Fylde franchise invited us to come to a local class and write up a Boogie Beat Music and Movement Review – and, of course we jumped at the opportunity.

Obviously, before I attended the class I looked in to Boogie Beat Music and Movement a little further and I was delighted to find that our local classes were free of charge for everyone, so whether you are a grandparent, friend, relative, carer or childminder – you can attend these classes for FREE!!!!

The venues are currently;

Wednesday 1pm (45 mins) at Water’s Edge, Lytham St Anne’s

Thursday 11am (45 mins) Plum Tree Farm, Blackpool

More to be confirmed very soon.

I was also delighted to find out that Boogie Beat Music and Movement also support the local community by holding intergeneration workshops which I absolutely adore about this franchise… in fact, I would go as far to say it actually melts my heart.

Boogie Beat was founded in May 2000, the groups are aimed to help babies and children learn to express themselves whilst developing their coordination, social skills and confidence whilst having fun.

Boogie Beat Music & Movement Review

After a few tantrums and slaps to the face (me.. not George), George was finally ready to get out of bed. He was very excited at the idea of attending a class and we headed to Plum tree farm in Blackpool at 11am on Thursday for our first session at Boogie Beat Music and Movement. We met Emily the class teacher who was extremely friendly and we instantly felt welcomed and included.

I was delighted to see such a wide age range in children, there were babies right the way up to 4 year olds and it was clear to see that the families at the class were big fans of the franchise, the excitement on the children’s faces was infectious and George was shaking with excitement (he does that a lot when he is excited)

The theme of the classes changes every 2 weeks to keep the suspense alive and the theme today was “The Snowman” which seemed very fitting as it was absolutely freezing that morning. The songs, stories, dances and games were all snowman themed… cleverly blended with the traditional timeless classic nurseries and fairytales that we all know and love.

The class began by saying hello to Giggles the monkey and singing the welcome song. The music and songs in the class were easy to sing along and the movement side of the class was very easy to follow. Throughout the class there were laughs, dancing, music and stories and the way all the children expressed themselves was beautiful. As well as being educational for the toddlers the class also had a sensory feel to it which was great for the little babies. The class finished with the goodbye song and George decided he wanted to stay and play in the kids area afterwards.

I am definitely taking George to this fabulous class again. These classes are suitable from birth right up to school. They offer parties and school and nursery workshops, if you would like your children to benefit from this fabulous class please speak to your nursery or school or email Rachael directly rachael@boogiebeat.co.uk or send her a message on Facebook

Intergenerational class at a local carehome

I was also invited to come to the intergenerational class at one of my local care homes. There are so many benefits when it comes to these types of groups and I was keen to see one for myself. I got there a little earlier and spoke to the guests who were very excited about the music class and little visitors. We had a chat about their day as we eagerly waited for the children to arrive. The guests were looking out the window and when the children started arriving their eyes lit up and I felt a shudder of excitement for them myself. The class started and the theme today was the Gingerbread Man so everyone could join in. Watching the two generations connect on this level was beautiful and if you saw my video on Facebook you will know that I did feel very emotional to be a part of it.

The local paper was also at the carehome and you can read the article here

We have awarded Boogie Beat Music and Movement with our “Recommended on MyBump2Baby” badge.

You can find Rachael’s classes on our directory or her website.

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Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums Magazine

08/01/2019/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

Tell me… what is one thing you do for yourself each day? Just one thing for one hour a day? Perhaps it is taking an exercise class each day or maybe you opt for a relaxing bath? Or sit in the Jacuzzi at your local spa? What do you do for your self-care and positive wellness? Ah… Ah… Ah…. Social media with a coffee doesn’t count as that isn’t taking time for you!

Time for Self-Care and Positive Wellness

I don’t think people realise how important self-care and positive wellness is … especially when it comes to new mums. As a mum it is so hard to prioritize taking a bath when you have a bucket load of washing literally suffocating your personal space (story of my life) and a screaming baby.

You may not realise but self-care and positive wellness are both very important when it comes to beating stress. It has been proven that when you are too tired, eating a poor diet and generally run down you will be more reactive to stresses in your life, your poor reactions may even create more issues by not responding from a place of inner calmness and strength.

It could be that you have to take your hour of self-care and wellness in stages during the day, 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there and that is ok too but however you use your hour make sure it is built in to your day and you treat it as none negotiable. It is time to take care of you!!

What if I was to tell you that there is a magazine out there that focuses on you, your self-care and positive wellbeing? “Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums” has been created by the incredible Isabella and Us.

The graceful yet tranquil brand that is otherwise known as Isabella and Us promotes positive wellbeing in parents whilst raising awareness about important issues like mental health.

Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums Magazine

As a fellow parent, I am sure you will agree that your time for self-care and positive wellness each day is either none existent or can be occasionally broken down in to slots and this beautiful magazine promotes numerous self-care and positive wellness ideas of how you can focus more on you. Packed with a mixture of real life short articles, humorous stories, interviews and advice this beautifully designed magazine ensures that even if you only get that 5 minute break you can read something from this fabulous magazine

The Positive Wellbeing Zine for mums is a calm and tranquil timeless book of positivity and includes plenty of information about positive self-care ideas and habits.

The beautifully illustrated magazine is A5 which means it slots perfectly in to your handbag, desk drawer and even your glove compartment in the car – why do babies always fall asleep in the car by the way?

As well as supporting mums, The Positive Wellbeing Zine supports small independent businesses that also offer support and services to parents, their children and their families. If you would like to advertise click here.

We love the fact that that Emma the Founder of Isabella and Us has collaborated with a great deal of inspiring mums and mums in business to bring you this uplifting and encouraging publication. This magazine is a fantastic resource to uplift your mood when times get a little tough as a mum and helps change your mind set for the better.

This particular magazine includes a range of topics from Mindfulness, Top Tips for Self-Care, Mama Boss Feature, a Self-Care Planner, beautiful illustrations plus much more. You can purchase this magazine for as little as £4.50 – that’s less than a large cup of coffee!!! Click here to purchase.

I have always been open when it comes to speaking about my personal struggles with postnatal depression, anxiety and PTSD. Looking back, I didn’t take regular time for myself and as soon as George came along the gym stopped, the relaxing baths turned in to a rushed shower whilst I had 2 minutes and I no longer felt like I had time to read books especially when any spare time I had was working on my new business launch. Looking back, it is no wonder I suffered with mental health issues, I put far too much pressure on myself. I no longer had time to love myself, my body and my positive wellness. I only wish I had access to this publication when I was suffering with my mental health.

If you are thinking of buying a new mum a little something that they can enjoy or perhaps you want to treat yourself. I highly recommend purchasing this beautifully designed magazine. As a mum myself, I wish I had something like this to turn to especially on my darker days.

Click here to take your first step in to self care and positive wellness.

Have a look at Isabella and Us on their beautiful website

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Brum Baby – The “Must Have” Soothing aid for Babies and Toddlers

12/12/2018/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

MyBump2Baby is often described as “The one stop shop for all your pregnancy to pre-school needs” and I must admit that one of our favourite parts of being the one stop shop is finding out about the newest “must-have” products on the market. We love it when we find a product that is simply created to make families lives easier and let’s face it, we need all the help we can when it comes to balancing work, family life, never-ending housework and rest.

Now of course, we all know how important it is that babies and toddlers get their much needed sleep, not only to help them grow and develop but also so us parents can actually have some time to themselves to either rest or get on with the endless list of jobs we have to do.

From the day our son George came home from hospital, I began playing him lullabies from my phone to help soothe and settle him down when he was a little restless. It often worked well but the odd time my phone would ring just as he was nodding off which was a little frustrating to say the least. As George got older his temper when he was tired got a little worse (that is putting it kindly) which resulted in plenty of trips to the local phone shop to repair my smashed screen and as much as I “googled” the terms “soothing aids for babies and toddlers” – I couldn’t find anything suitable. I wanted something easy to use on the move.

BrumBaby Portable Soothing Aid

Now, imagine having a portable soothing aid that you can clip on your key ring, to your bag, to your pushchair or a portable soothing aid that you could even simply slide it neatly in to your purse so you know this amazing product is always accessible even at the most awkward times. This product is designed so it can be used at home or on the go. A soothing aid that’s whole purpose is to simply Sooth your child – nothing more and nothing less.

I have some exciting news for all the new and existing parents out there – THIS PRODUCT EXISTS!!!!

BrumBaby is the must-have soothing aid for babies and toddlers. Lightweight, simple to use and affordable – we believe this product is something that EVERY new parent should add to their “must have” list. With a simple click of the button, gentle soothing rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” begins to play, you can then watch your child drift off in to a peaceful sleep.

It is clear to see that a lot of research has been made prior to creating this product. The BrumBaby portable soothing aid has been designed to ensure it reaches all parents needs with its sleek design, a simple on/off button and a charging cable to ensure you know you won’t run out of battery on the go.

Brum Baby portable soothing aid has recently received a lot of media attention and has been praised by the likes of Fearne Mccann, Malin Anderson plus many more celebrities with little ones and I can see why.

At only £14.99, I am sure you will agree that the price for this Portable soothing aid is incredible. The benefits it brings both parents and young children are priceless. I mean, come on – who doesn’t want more sleep?

The great news is you can buy this product with an amazing 20% discount using the code “mybump2baby” when purchasing this product via the website.

You will not be disappointed!!!!

The Perfect gift for a baby – My Sensory Box Review

15/11/2018/0 Comments/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

Those of you who regularly follow my Instagram stories and blogs you will know that I absolutely love supporting mums in business and when we were given the opportunity to review a new sensory brand we were very excited.

When it comes to babies, we remember the bottles, cots, bouncers, video monitors and clothes, but we can sometimes forget about the importance of stimulating our little one’s senses. Sensory play helps with development, it improves hand eye co-ordination and can promote early language development.

Now, I am certainly no expert in this field, nor do I claim to be but this is why MyBump2Baby loves to work with the experts like Natalie, The Founder of My Sensory Box.

My Sensory Box is the perfect gift/purchase for expecting and new parents. The box is filled with magnificent, colourful props that will help stimulate your babies’ senses whilst creating memories that will last a lifetime.

My Sensory box currently has a unique family of 3, The Fidget Sensory Box, The Original Sensory Box and finally The Bumper Box which is the one we are reviewing today.

First Impressions of My Sensory Bumper box

I love how much effort went in to the packaging of the box, it came wrapped in cellophane with a neat ribbon on the right hand corner which showed it was ideal for a baby shower or as a gift when a new baby has been born. It is also ideal for someone last minute like me who often gets gifts on the way to the event

Upon opening the box, it was beautifully wrapped in green tissue paper. I was impressed with the amount of items in the box it was literally full to the brim of goodies.

Contents of the Bumper Box

An LED Bulb

3 Balls

Glow Sticks

Egg Shaker and Maraca

Scarf

Ribbons

Foil

Black and White Picture Cards

Feathers

Bubbles

Balloons

Now, you could be like I was and wonder “what the hell do I do with these items?”…. FEAR NOT, I can reassure you that Natalie, the founder of My Sensory box has literally thought of everything. Inside the box comes a fabulous little card with all the features and benefits of each prop so you know exactly what to do with each item.

What are the Benefits of the props inside My Sensory Box?

The Led Bulb provides your little ones with visual stimulation and helps with relaxation. The bulb can fit in to a main ceiling light or a table light and babies can enjoy the beautiful shapes and colours. George is 2 and a half and loved this, he is always asking for the magic light.

The Glow sticks are a great way to add fun to bath time, George and I used them and turned the lights down and put the shark song on he absolutely loved it.

The Egg Shaker and Maraca are great exploring sound; they can use whilst singing nursery rhymes.

What baby doesn’t love a game of peekaboo? The scarfs come in some stunning colours to drape of your babies face to stimulate touch.

The ribbons are a fantastic way to encourage movement and they are excellent for hand eye co-ordination.

What it is about foil and babies? Foil was Georges favourite items whenever we went to any sensory places, he still loves it now.

Did you know that Black and white is the first colours your baby sees? I didn’t until I read the information inside the box, the different black and white picture cards can be placed anywhere and help maximise early visual stimulation

Feathers are included to stoke over your little ones face, arms and legs.

2 lots of bubbles are included in the box and we all love bubbles

Balloons in line with first colours and includes and led light

The 3 balls are a great way to end the session with a gentle massage.

Overall Review of My Sensory Box

We love The Bumper Box from My Sensory Box. I can’t believe how much thought goes in to each box, it is clearly something that the founder Natalie is very passionate about. I feel that the price of £25.00 is very reasonable considering the amount of props in each box.

Although the box is aimed at babies, George really enjoys playing with the items from this box too.

I would purchase this box for a friend or family member and even myself if I was to have another baby. I love how compact the box is and the way that everything fits back in to the box neatly and can be stored away ready for the next play session.

**Please do not leave baby unattended with any of the items in the box. Must always be used under supervision of an adult**

Where can I purchase My Sensory Box?

The website is currently being built but in the meantime if you want to purchase this item you can click here

At MyBump2Baby we recognise how important sensory is and we have hundreds of local classes listing throughout the UK, you can find your nearest class here.

Moonlite Story Book Projector Review

24/10/2018/1 Comment/in Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

I am really excited to be sharing our Moonlite Story Book Projector Review with you. I must admit, bedtime can be a bit of a battle at times and I often hand over the IPad like it is a God given right, so I was really excited when I was asked to review the Moonlite Story book projector.

If I said my son wasn’t slightly addicted to his IPad, I would be lying. Running a business from home means that a lot of my time in the evening is spent on MyBump2Baby and what started as a perfect distraction now causes numerous issues in our house especially at bedtime. You see, Georges first word when he wakes up is IPad and the last words before he goes to sleep is IPad which is not ideal for a 2-year-old and I can’t help but feel a bit guilty about it but it is the only way I have time to do everything.

I have been thinking about different ways that I can put some magic back in to bed time without relying on Mr. Tumble, Peppa Pig or Waffle Doggy. I want to stimulate George’s mind at bedtime and calm him down so he gets the sleep he needs after a long day, I also want to embrace the fact that he is still finds me fun, as sad as it is, I am sure it is only a matter of time before I am locked out of his room whilst he plays his Xbox or Playstation.

The clocks are going back next weekend and with the evenings getting darker earlier – I am hoping this will be the start of a healthier bedtime routine for George. Moonlite has come up with an alternative way to read books, ideal for special occasions or when trying to wean your little one from IPad back to books. I am really excited to introduce the Moonlite Story Book Projector to George.

Moonlite has a unique, wonderful way to bring story books to life. Moonlite uses a story book Projector which makes for a more exciting bedtime. The Moonlite projector is created by simply using the app on your smart phone. Creating a truly magical, immersive storytelling experience that fuels your child’s imagination like no other.

The projector is a small device that simply clips onto a smartphone and uses the torch to project timeless classics on to the wall, whilst projecting the images, the Moonlite app plays harmonic sound effects. Moonlite cleverly bridges the gap between traditional and digital books, offering a unique and memorable experience for both parent and child. Building story time, in whatever form it takes, into a bedtime routine is essential

Here are some of the incredible stories launching in the UK;

The Moonlite Starter Pack (SRP £19.99) featuring Eric Carle’s popular “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Very Busy Spider”
The Moonlite Gift Pack (SRP £39.99) featuring Mr Men and Fairy Tales
The Moonlite Story Reels (SRP £7.99 each) featuring Spot the Dog and Beatrix Potter The Tale of Jemima PuddleDuck, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

We received the Fairy Tale Gift Pack and Spot the Dog story reel. Fairy tales were always my first choice at bedtime when I was a little girl so I was really looking forward to sharing some “all time classic magical stories with George.

Moonlite enhances that experience and makes children excited for bedtime, while promoting early literacy.

So How Does Moonlite work?

Moonlite is very quick and easy to use, you can follow the instructions below;

Simply download Moonlite from the App Store or Google Play Store – it’s free!
2. Pop one of the story reels into the Moonlite projector
3. Attach Moonlite to your phone
4. Open the app, unlock the story with the included activation code and start reading

The app goes through each step, showing you the steps to set it up.

Our Moonlite Story Book Projector Review

George was asking for his IPad initially and then as soon as we set up the projector and he could see the pictures, he was speechless. The music that plays alongside the story is magical and we all really enjoyed the whole experience.

I must admit that turning the story reel was a little difficult on my phone – a galaxy S8 which is a little slippy to the hand (my phone has more cracks than my foundation these days). It could be better for me if there was a device attached which you could click and it would turn the reel but I do think the issue is down to my phone and it didn’t take away from the fun we had.

We read 3 books in total that night including; Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldilocks and the three bears and George has asked for the Moonlite story projector every night since so it was a definite hit in our house. I plan to buy plenty more story reels for the big C!

I must stress that I am a huge book lover and I am in no way saying that these should be used as a book but perhaps as an alternative to books when you fancy a bit of a change.

Available From

The product is available at all good retailers including The Entertainer, Smyths Toys and Amazon.

The Best Advent Calendars for Kids this Christmas 2018

13/10/2018/0 Comments/in Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

The advent calendar market seems to be growing in to something MASSIVE. Whatever happened to the good old milkybar advent calendars for 99p hey? I guess times are changing!!!

Every December I end up wandering round my local B&M trying to locate a suitable advent calendar for George, whilst shouting at myself in my mind “not again, Carla you need to get more organised” whilst the mum guilt eats away at me, so this year I have decided to do some advent calender research to find THE best advent calenders for kids this Christmas.

So here are (in my opinion) THE BEST advent calendars for kids this Christmas;

Playmobil 9264 Advent Calendar ‘Santa’s Workshop’ with Electronic Lantern

Product Description

The Playmobil Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar has 24 boxes to count down to Christmas. As each box is opened it creates a wonderful scene, with father Christmas and his elves helping load the sleigh with toys, pulled by his trusty reindeer. The elves have their hands full to complete the many toys. Even late at night, in the workshop, in the light of the lantern, the presents are wrapped. Now Christmas can come!

Hatchimals Colleggtibles Advent Calendar

Product Description

Introducing the Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Advent Calendar! With 50+ surprises hidden behind 24 tiny doors, there’s something new to discover each day — including exclusive characters! Open your advent calendar and you’ll find a winter scene with pop-up snowmen, festive trees and more! Find exclusive characters and nests, accessories and more as you open up a door a day! With each new accessory or character, you can build up your 3D Christmas scene. And for the first time ever, these festive Hatchimals come with attachable accessories! Put a bow on your new friend or peg a character to a toboggan for winter wonderland fun! On the last day, you get to hatch a Hatchimals CollEGGtibles! This Christmas-themed egg features a blue ombre shell with a purple snowflake! Rub the snowflake until it turns pink, then gently press down to crack the shell and meet your new friend! You can even use the exclusive sparkly snow nests to keep your Hatchimals cosy! Have the hatchiest Christmas yet with the Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Advent Calendar!

Peppa Pig Advent Calendar

Product Description

Countdown to Christmas with Peppa Pig! Behind each door of the Peppa Pig advent calendar is a surprise toy! There are 24 pieces to collect in total including Peppa, George and their friends, and even Santa! There’s also a host of Christmas accessories, including a Christmas Tree! For ages 3 years and over. Styles may vary

PAW PATROL Advent Calendar 2018

Product Description

The Advent Calendar dedicated to Paw Patrol heroes! elements to assemble to make the experience more interactive! Many minifigures, including the 6 main characters in winter clothes! For children aged 3 years and above.

Playmobil Advent Calendar, Royal Ice Skating Trip with a Children’s Bracelet

Product Description

The Playmobil Royal Ice Skating Trip Advent Calendar is the perfect way to count down to Christmas. The magical scene is set for the King and queen to enjoy ice skating in the forest. Many of the forest animals have come out to see the royal couple glide across the pond, whilst the snowman keeps up his cheery smile. The Princess is getting ready for a thrilling sled ride. Includes three Playmobil figures, diorama, animals and lots of accessories including wearable bracelet. Each window has a surprise to build your Playmobil scene.

Play-Doh Advent Calendar

Product Description

Count down to the holidays, Play-Doh Style! Does door 5 hise a snowflake stamper? Is there a tree mould behind door 1? You’ll have to find out what’s hiding in the Advent Calendar. With a different surprise gift for each day leading up to the holiday, ther’s no knowing what festive creations you’ll be able to shape for the season…….and beyond. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Contains Wheat. Not intended to be eaten.

Mega Bloks TMNT Toy – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Xmas Advent Calendar – Includes 158 Pieces

Product Description

Celebrate the holidays in true Turtle style with your Turtle-themed Advent Calendar by Mega Bloks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Add a little ninja-ness to your winter festivities when you open a new buildable, Turtles-themed surprise for every day of the holiday season. With 24 surprises to build, the Turtles’ Advent Calendar features four buildable, micro action figures with accessories, including one Turtle that you can equip to look like any of the four brothers.

Top 10 List of our Newborn Essentials for Parents

06/09/2018/0 Comments/in Baby, Carla's Blog, Carlas Favourites /by Carla Lett

Becoming a parent can be a little what’s the word overwhelming, daunting, scary ….I could go on…. I mean honestly how much is there to think about? I for one, spent most of my pregnancy worrying and I began seriously worrying when my pregnancy app sent me an update announcing that my 12 week bump was now the size of a Grapefruit!!! Anyway, he is here now and all is well with the world so don’t worry about that part!!

As you make your way through pregnancy you will see that there are so many products and magazines out there that lure you and state “you need this, you need that” but in reality you don’t need everything they are throwing at you!!!

In todays blog I am going to be sharing with you my personal top 10 newborn baby essentials, the top 10 things that I personally bought, found really useful and would use again and I will also be sharing our comparison tables with each mini review so that we can ensure you find the best price across hundreds of retailers (this is updated automatically).

The Tommee Tippee Prep Machine

When you are pregnant, do you find that people keep telling you how hard it is being a parent? I did and I was like HELLLOOOO he is clearly inside me now, perhaps you should have told me before I had sex… unprotected, anyway that is another story!! I would constantly get told about how difficult night feeds are and how you have to make up a bottle and then wait for it to cool down all whilst the baby is screaming. I was truly terrified!!! Then like an angel my friend stood before me and whispered the sweetest words I have ever heard “Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine”.

Tommee Tippee is a well-known brand for baby feeding accessories and it is one of the most loved and trusted brands in the baby world. “So, what is this Machine” you ask? Basically this amazing machine makes up a ready-to-drink bottle in literally 2 minutes. Can you believe it…? “Impossible” you say??? I thought the same but ITS TRUEEEEEEE.

This is a great buy for any parent who want to make up baby’s bottles quickly and accurately. It is aimed at parents who are ready to make the move to formula milk.

Read our full review on this item by clicking here.