HEINZ Breakfast Review

We were given a fab opportunity to test out the new breakfast range by HEINZ.

In the gift pack from Heinz Baby, we got a selection of NEW products from the Heinz breakfast range including:  

·       Very Berry Porridge breakfast pot x 2

·       Banana and Apple Muesli breakfast pot x 2

·       Creamy Oat Porridge breakfast pot x 2

·       Box of Creamy Oats porridge cereal x 1

·       6 cereals breakfast biscotti x 1

As you know from my posts regards to Lily-Rose, she was diagnosed being lactose intolerant, so since 3 weeks old she has been feed solely on soya milk. We started to wean LR from around 17 weeks, as having a older sibling she was really getting interested in eating food we had.  We started on the usual baby rice mixed with her soya milk, then just adding pure fruit to it. I was very keen to try something new but obviously be aware of an reactions as such.

We tried the pots first, beginning with the Banana and Apple Muesli, which she totally loved. The Very Berry Porridge went down well too, even though it says from 6 months the texture is just as smooth as the Banana and Apple.  The pots are smooth in texture and great for the first stage of weaning from 4 months onwards. Heinz promise the pots are locked in with goodness with no added sugar,  no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and contains 1 of the 5 aday and calcium for bones.

 We used the pots at room temperature and as LR was only taking a few mouthfuls at first, the other half of the pot was put in the fridge for the next morning which was served warm which she loved having either way. Since trying these pots we have actually brought more of them as LR loves them and seems to be tolerating them ok, no symptoms have appeared which is great.

I have been working full time since November, so these pots have been great to stick in her changing bag for her childminder to feed her breakfast, or when we are out and about. 

We introduced the breakfast biscotti over the weekend too, only because LR so wanted to eat her big sister's toast. With her constant teething too I think LR liked the texture of the biscuits and as they are soft, LR was able to suck on them and mash them in her month. 

I haven't given too many of these yet as she isn't quite there with the weaning in eating finger food. Although definitely intrigued with the idea of holding the food and eating. Her older sister had something similar to this a few years ago too by Heinz which she loved, so will be introducing the biscotti's again throughout her weaning.

Due to LR lactose intolerant we hadn't tried the Creamy Porridge yet as it contains milk powder. We will be trying this out in the New Year when we start to introduce lactose containing products gradually.

I am continuing using these pots as LR loves them and would recommend any parent to try them for her babies too.  I know my little one is getting all she needs to have a great start to the day with these pots.
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Mother and Baby - Bepanthen Challenge

A few months ago, I was lucky to have been chosen to be one of the mum's to test out the Bepanthen Nappy Rash ointment.

Previously with my first child, 5 years ago, I had just used Sudacreme, so I was definitely up for trying something else.

I used Bepanthen solely for a good two months with most nappy changes to keep her bottom protected.

You can see my review on the Mother and Baby website

Pampers New Baby Sensitive Challenge!

I entered myself and Lily-Rose into the Pampers New Baby Sensitive Challenge. I was very excited and pleased when we found out we had been chosen.

As you know from my posts about Lily-Rose has a few issues to cope with. Having being diagnosed with Lactose Intolerant, and also torticollis which then gave her Plagiocephaly ( flat head syndrome ).

Lily-Rose was born with Torticollis ( tightness in the right neck and twisted)

All these have caused her some discomfort from day one and with the thought of giving her nappies that are designed to give extra protection and comfort I jumped at the chance to give these a go.

Pampers New Baby Sensitive combine both dryness and softness and contain upto  50% more skin-care ingredients* and a touch of aloe. While New Baby Sensitive nappies are clinically tested to be mild on newborns skin, the super soft fabric offers an all around softness and creates a comfortable and snug feeling.

I now wished we had knew about these when she was born. The difference between the normal New Baby and the Sensitive range is a lot for a baby and I could definitely see and feel the difference myself.

The sensitive ones as I described to my partner and friends felt "fluffy" and super soft compared to the normal ones that felt ridged and tougher. It felt like wrapping her up in a "fresh fluffy white towel".

Sensitive on the Left, Normal on the Left ( with Birdie )

Sensitive on left, Normal on right ( with yellow tabs )

 The difference was also noted on Lily-Rose's thigh, hips/waist and tummy as they didn't cause red marks like the normal range did, especially as Lily-Rose has lovely chubby thighs. Her bum feels a lot smoother too, and although she hasn't had nappy rash ( due to properly the fact we have been testing out the Bepanthen and Sudacream as a challenge too ), at a guess I would think it would help with minimising them getting nappy rash too.

Enjoying the Jumproo

Lily-Rose is getting much more active now too, having not enjoyed tummy time for several reasons due to neck problems but knowing she is protected more with these sensitive nappies ensures me she is happy on the outside too.

Lily-Rose with her favorite toys

Lily-Rose loves playing her Jumproo, just like her older sister did, I just hope pampers decide to extend their sensitive range a little further to size 3 in the future.

I have really loved using these nappies, definitely prefered them over the normal New Baby, although they seem a little shorter, as you can see from the photos.

For any new mum whether first time or multi, I would definitely recommend giving these a try. 

I was given a months supply, but after two weeks of using them, Lily-Rose has started to grow out of the size 2 and so would be happy to giveaway the rest for a couple of mums to try.

If you would love to try a pack ( I will defintely have two to give away, possible three, so one for each person in Size 2) then drop a comment below with your email, I will then do an old fashion draw with your names in a hat and get my 5 year old to pick the winners out ( I will also video this so you all know it was fair )

“This post and review are part of a sponsored project with BritMums. All opinions are my own.”

For more information on Pampers and their products please visit

www.Pampers.co.uk  

@Pampers_UK

Mimos Pillow Review*

When Lily-Rose was born it was noted that even though she seemed to have a strong neck and was already trying to hold it up, she also had tilt and favoured one side. When she got tired or fell asleep her neck would drop and tilt towards the right neck, and with a twist. When she was awake she would often only look to left and was very hard to get her to look to the right, even when you tried to turn it for her.
 It is she has suffered with either, or both the following:

Prematurity - The syndrome is widely seen among new-born babies as they are often unable to turn their head in one direction due to neck pain. This causes the baby to prefer to be positioned on the same side of the skull. Constant pressure causes a flattening of the soft tissues in one spot compared the rest of the babies skull.
 
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (Wryneck) - one or more of the neck muscles develops a tightness, causing the head to tilt and/or turn. This can result in plagiocephaly as the tightness causes the head to be held in a single position.
In turn this had caused her head to develop Plagiocephaly, widely known as Flat Head Syndrom ( FHS ). Plagiocephaly is the term that is used to describe a diagonal asymmetry across the head shape (see pic 1). This term particularly describes a flattening to one side at the back of the head; this often causes some facial asymmetry (see pic-2).

At around 8 weeks lily-rose developed a very noticeable flattening to her left side of the back of her head. I also noticed her face didn't look right, with her left side of her face looking much fuller than the right. The right side of her face also has a slant ( this isn't very noticeable until pointed out to someone and is much more noticeable when putting a mirror in front of her ).

I made an appointment as soon as noticed the flat head, as the doctors already knew about her neck problems, however, I had to wait two weeks for the doctor to see her. With this I look into both conditions and a company called Mimos, who have designed a special engineered baby pillow for the prevention of flat head syndrome and help preserve your baby's head in a natural way. I contacted the company as told them about lily-rose and would they be happy to allow me to have a sample to review on my blog and also make awareness of this condition. I was really pleased when they said they would.
 

Taken on the 5th Sept Before Use of Pillow

 You can see it here, although the angel i took the photo doesn't show it as bad as it was, as I took this looking down on the flat stop as to taking it like the photos below.


 Below is the comparisons from normal to different types of FHS.

 






Now its okay for a health professional you see ( i.e midwife, health visitor, doctor ) to contantly tell you to put your baby on his/her tummy " tummy time ". But not all babies enjoy this, to which unlike her elder sister, lily-rose didn't like and this could also be linked to her digestive problem. Due to this, lily-rose spend a lot of time on her back playing ( which she also didn't really like ) or in her swing, or bouncer chair. This in turn can cause a lot of pressure on the babies soft head, causing the head to flatten out.

The Mimos pillow is designed to give 400% less pressure on the head when laying flat.

A flat surface gives a constant high

Mimos pillow gives better pressure distribution                     

 It also allows 180° free rotation of the head and neck as Free rotation is extremely important in the prevention of asymmetry in neck muscle tightness and flat head syndrome (deformational Plagiocephaly). 

The "pillow" is Medical Class 1 Approved Baby Pillow. CE Certification Class 1 Medical Device – European Authority Approved.

  It is also TUV Safety Certified completely safe for babies of all ages, which means it is Anti-Suffocation, 100% breathable. 94% of the pillow volume is air. Mimos provides a restful good night's sleep without the worry of suffocation risk in baby's.

More information on the Mimos Baby Pillow please click here

Taken 2 weeks after using the pillow

, 18th Sept

  We use the pillow almost anytime lily-rose is on her back, whether it is sleeping her moses basket/ cot or playing, and if possible in her pram too.

Steps have been put in place too to help with her neck regards to physio and they are keeping an eye on her FH and face.

We love the pillow and saw a difference within 2 weeks of using it, even the doctor was impressed and asked for information regards to Mimos ( to which I passed Mimos my doctors details on as they agreed to send her some samples to use at work ).

 Below are the before and a recent picture of lily-rose's head. I have tried to do it in a similar position to show its affects.

Taken 10th Oct

Before pillow

Here are the pictures of her head from looking down - one 2 weeks of usage and a month after usage.

18th Sept

11th Oct

Early prevention can help with techniques like " tummy time" if your baby likes it, how you carry your baby, minimising car seat/ bouncy chair time, and day to day positioning can preserve your baby's head shape, with the help of Mimos Pillow. I am glad and very grateful to have spotted this rather early and for mimos to have allowed us to sample their pillow. As you can see, from early diagnosis and using the pillow, the results have been fabulous quick.

You can purchase a Mimos Baby Pillow direct from them via their website or phone.

Mimos is also on Twitter

The Big Christmas Wishlist

 

With having two kids now, two girls aged 3 months ( July 2013 ) and  5 years ( July 2008 ), I thought it would be great for us to enter a competition to become a toy tester. We haven't tested toys before and so this would be a wonderful opportuinty for the girls and I to do. 

So I have entered into

 The Big Christmas Wishlist blogger competition:  

Win up to 300 pound in Toys for under the Christmas Tree

and become the 1 of the first 5 selected Toy Toad Testers for 2014 

As mum I am very keen on chosing products that are as natural and eithical as possible. When it comes to toys I choose products that are built well and to last, but are also safe. I look for toys that will help my children to build skills, gives them creativity and use imagination.

 I find bright, colourful objects captures their attention and different textures stimulate them.

Our list includes my wishes for my youngest and wishes that my eldest has chosen, as well as ones I feel would be great for them.

Dear Father Christmas,

We would love to become ToadStools 2014 toy tester's. My sister and I love playing and trying out new things and telling our friends about them. We have been very good, and promise to share our experiences though mummy's blog and you tube videos. As always we will leave you a drink and mince pie and carrots for your raindeers.

Make a video of your own at Animoto.

With Lots of Love

Isabel and Lily-Rose

 

My first wish is for Lily-Rose ( my youngest ). I chosen this due to its name Lilliputiens Rose ( obvioulsy as my daughters name is Lily-Rose ). I was also atrracted to how beauitful the play mat is and with lily-rose having trouble with enjoying "tummy time " at the moment due to her neck condition and problems with her digestive system, I thought this wonderful colourful playmat to help her. As she is also starting to sit up on her own it be a fab mat for her to play whislt sitting as well.

 Each patel has something different for her to explore and stimulating her sense's. As it is open plan, it also means my eldest can play with her.

 My second wish is for our eldest, Isabel. She loves puzzles and loves the challenge of doing them. I have chosen this particular one as it will help her learn about the world whilst having the challenge to complete the puzzle. Janod Childrens Blue Planet Puzzle.

JANOD HAT BOXED DOUBLESIDED PUZZLE BLUE PLANET (208 pieces) - See more at: http://thetoadstool.co.uk/janod-hat-boxed-doublesided-puzzle-blue-planet.html?__hstc=85395398.5feb553bb5e2092f99c09d3af796838d.1377869297089.1377869297089.1379066526098.2&__hssc=85395398.4.1379066526098#sthash.bYanHfv9.dpuf

 

Gigamix Katamino Wooden Board Game is my own chosen wish for our eldest. I love tetris and this game instantly drew me in. The game involves her thinking how the shapes fit in together. Not only will it help build her concentration which she tends to have a problem with but give her the stimulaton of problem solving which she loves to do.

I can see us a family using this as well as it looks so fun.

 I posted the video here to show you how it works. I love it and can see us using it a lot for hours of fun.

 

LILLIPUTIENS ECODOUX - TOM THE TIGER ACTIVITY CUBE

  Tom the tiger cuddle puppet by Lilliputiens is my 2nd choice for lily-rose. Lily-rose just like any other baby is very inquestive. I love that she can play peek-a-boo with the tiger and what looks like a dog, whilst exploreing patterns, textures and shapes.

The block is beautifully coloured and looks really interesting with the different patterns. I know she will love exploring her self in the mirror too.

Tom the tiger cuddle puppet by Lilliputiens.

This wish is for both my children as I thought this would be a great way of them being able to play with each other. Isabel can teach lily-rose the story whilst acting it out. Lily-rose can explore the different textures too as well as enjoy storytime with her big sister.

LILLIPUTIENS WOLF HAND PUPPET WITH 3 LITTLE PIGS FINGER PUPPETS AND THEIR HOUSES

GIGAMIC GAME - KATAMINO

Isabel has wished for the Marionette Fairy Puppet. Using the puppets strings, Isabel would enjoy making the fairy dance around just like she does. It be a great enterainer for lily-rose to watching her sister using the puppet and even making up stories/performances with the puppet for her.

  Isabel also chose the Haba's Little Orchard Game.  We don't have a garden as we live in a flat as she loves flowers and trees, so this game instantly brought her attention. The game sounds fun, collecting cherries before the crow does. It will feel like we have brought the outdoors, indoors.

 I loved the look of this teething ring. Its different from the usual plastic, just shapes and colour teething rings you get. As a second time parent, I remember how teething can be horrible, and having a lullaby attached to the teething ring sounds like a fab idea to help soothe, whilst the different textures will keep lily-rose distracted as well.

LILLIPUTIENS LIZ MUSICAL BALLOON AND TEETHING RING

My wish for both the children to share is the Liliputiens Liz and The Ladybird Growth Chart. Not only will it look fab in the girls bedroom which as I am sure most girls bedrooms are, is a soft bubble gum pink, with delicate butterflies placed around the room. It be a fun way to watch both our children grow. With three detchable markers, it means we can watch both children grow at the same time.

 

Finally the last wish is for all of us.  We don't have many games we can play with as a family and I love the concept  of Rory's Story Cubes. Bringing the whole family together to get our imagination and creavity going and telling our own stories.

Haba Little orchard game

The Mother & Baby Shortlist 2014 *

I was very lucking to have been chosen to test and review some products for the Mother&Baby Awards 2014.

I am also very pleased to see some of the products I tested out are in the shortlist. The ones I tested out are highlighted in Pink.

Although I am no longer breastfeeding my little one due to her having a lactose intolerance, we are still using the two Theraline pillows as a family ( we use Theraline The Original Pregnancy & Feeding Pillow which is a lovely big beanbag type pillow on our bed  and LO uses the pillow as support to sit up or tummy time)

Best Breastfeeding Bra/Top or Accessory

breastvest
Cantaloop Adjustable Drop Cup Feeding/Nursing Bra
Feed Me Mummy Breastfeeding Vest
Frugi Organic Cotton Breastfeeding Pointelle Top
LOVE MILK Washable Nursing Pads
Mamascarf - the original breastfeeding scarf
My Tummy Breastfeeding blouse with long sleeves pink.
Seraphine Breastfeeding shawl

 

 

 Best Maternity Product

Belief Bump Baby The Birth CD

My Tummy Pregnancy t-shirt with a smiley, V-neck, grey.

My Tummy Pregnancy t-shirt with bee on a leaf, V-neck. 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks

The Birthing Shirt Company The Bamboo Birthing Shirt

Theraline The Original Pregnancy & Feeding Pillow

Tesco Mum 10 Maternity Towels

dreamgenii Pregnancy Support Pillow

  Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Product

Aleva Naturals Nursing Balm
Bio-Oil
Champneys Blissful Bump Stretch Mark Body Oil
Cussons Mum & Me Bump - Stretch Mark Cream
Cussons Mum & Me New Mum - Stretch Mark Fader
Love Boo Miracle Oil
Love Boo Soft & Creamy Body Smoother
nspa Mum to be Moisturising Bump Butter
nspa Mum to be Nourising Stretch Mark Oil
nspa Mum to be Soothing Nipple Balm
Shea Mooti Mama's Everything Body Balm

Best Product for Breastfeeding

Ameda Lactaline Double Electric Breastpump
ARDO Calypso Electric Breastpump
baroo beige stars nursing pillow
Lansinoh Affinity Pro 2in1 Electric Breast Pump
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads
Lansinoh HPA® Lanolin
Lansinoh Therapearl 3in1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy
Theraline Plushy Moon
Tutti Bambini  Fleur - Nursing Glider Chair

Tangle Teezer - A no more tears comb!

This post has come from my first blog, which I set up 4 years ago - Beauty Alchemy.  The comb was fairly new to the market back than and since than it has become a very well known comb within the salon and in your homes,  and their catalogue has become more dense.

I am really happy to announce that Tangle Teezer is happy for me to review some of their new products/designs on the Tangle Teezer.

For now you can read my first review on the original Tangle Teezer

http://beautyalchemy.blogspot.com/2011/05/essential-comb-for-kids-and-big-kids.html

Here is a sneak preview of their new products I will be reviewing with my daughter ( who is a massive fan of Tangle Teezer )

The Compact Styler                                             The Magic Flowerpot

 Aqua Splash

Teach your kid to read in 5 weeks

Be quick to register for this, the free trial ends on the 30th Sept. I have just entered, as my 5 year old is finding reading boring at times her concentration is very limited. I am going to give this a go and see if her reading improves - worth a shot!

I post at the end of each week to monitor her progress.

The Graco Sky Review - The final week

It's our final week of testing out the New Graco pushchair and travel system, The Sky.

When we got the pushchair, our little one was just 6 weeks old, so we have mainly used it in the "baby nest mode" when out walking or used the infant car seat as a travel system when using the car.

When I found out I was one of the chosen 5 to test out the Sky, I was so excited. I had previously been given a Graco 5 years ago with my first born, but living in a flat, I found it too bulky and heavy so we didn't have it for very long. Testing out the Sky gave me the opportunity to try out Graco again, and I got to say alot has improved in those 5 years as you would expect.

When putting the Sky together I had noticed how slim and light weight the pushchair was. As it came together I was even more pleased they still had the huge shopping basket but the frame was very much stylish, modern and sleek, everything seemed to have ticked my boxes so far.

with seat attached

without seat attached

It didn't stop there with the compact design! I could finally store this Graco without taking up too much space! This was very important due to living in such a small space ( we live in a 2 bed apartment on the 2nd floor ). The frame folds away really compact whether you fold it down with or without the chair on it and so will hide in a small closet or in a corner without taking up too much space.


You be pleased that sleek and lightweight frame also gives you the feel of a great build quality too. Its very sturdy, making it feel it was built to last for years, which if you were to use this from birth to approx 4 years as it designed for, you would want it to.                                            

Front facing for upto 4 Years

"Baby Nest Mode" Foot Rest Converted

The pushchair is easy to convert into the "baby nest mode" by simply making a few adjustments to the foot rest and the adjoining sides. This is done by folding up the foot rest and using the flaps that are tucked away on the sides, and wrapping them around the foot rest, securing in place with Velcro. The pushchair back is than fully reclined back so the baby can than lie flat.

 The hood if you wish can be opened fully too, giving it a carry cot look to it.

To covert it into a travel system is so easy as well. There is a special base adaptor used only for the frame, so needs to be removed when using the car base. The adaptor simply clicks into the frame and the seat again just clicks on top. To remove is just like removing it from the car base, just lift the red lever at the back of the car seat and lift off, "simples".

As for using it in the car, my preference is using the car seat base, as found it felt much more secure and so much easier in general as you just click in and lift off once the base is installed permanently in the car. Where as using it just with seat belts you have to install it everytime, which can be time consuming.

I have posted up a video on you tube in how to install the base and how easy it is converting into a travel system.

I have had many very positive comments about the Sky on our travels, mostly about how gorgeous the Sky looks and I think the Purple really makes the pushchair stand out. It definitely likes having it photo taken!

I have been very pleased with the Sky and can not seem to find any faults about it. The frame is very light weight, easy to use and very well built. I have enjoyed using the Sky and it has made me think more about buying Graco products now.

I would certainly recommend this to any parent to be, but definitely consider if like me you live in a small space property. The price makes it very affordable too.