Silent Sunday ~ 7th July 2013

Our last car seat

Kiddicare Traffic SP Car Seat - Black/Red ~ Suitable from 9 - 36kg

The Traffic SP is a Group 1-2-3 high-backed booster with added side impact protection and comes complete with an integral harness.

It is lightweight, robust and very easy to transfer between vehicles. Simply remove the harness when your child is approx 3 yrs of age, this then leaves a substantial booster seat with arm rests and back support. The car seat easily fastens into the car with the vehicle's 3-point harness.

FEATURES

• The seat cover is removable and washable
• Added side impact protection
• Suitable for children from 9 kg - 36 kg (9mths - 11yrs approx)
• Simply fits in the car with the vehicle's 3-point seat belt
• Lightweight
• Fits most vehicles so it is ideal if you have more than one car
• Side impact protection
• Luxury padded seat and armrests
• Padded head support
• Harness pads
• Grows with your child
• Removable harness and back which leaves a booster seat
• 5-point safety harness with easy one-pull adjustment

The Kiddicare brand is all about nursery essentials at amazingly low prices. Thoughtfully designed with reassuringly high quality, their award-winning range includes all the essentials from car seats to pushchairs to nursery furniture packages. And it's loved by parents and parenting press alike!

Advantages: cheap, easy to insert in car, safe

Disadvantages: not the most ideal for a 9 month old in my opinion!

I have gone through several different car seats since having my son. My first was the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix car seat that fitted nicely in the car and on the buggy. This was a brilliant car seat and lasted a good 10 months before my son outgrew it. I then moved onto the Brittax King Plus which was is recommended for 9 months to 4 years. My son isn’t the biggest of 3 year olds, but he is rather tall for his age and I could see there was a bit of difficulty with doing up the straps. They were adjusted to as far as possible and it was a stretch to do up so of course even though he wasn't 4 years yet he had reached his capacity, so it was definitely time to find the next one up! I had bought both previous car seats through Kiddicare and with their fantastic range, reviews and above all service, I went straight back on the website to find a Car Seat suitable for him and I found this Essentials Traffic SP Car seat for a steal at £29.99 and knew I had to buy it! 

Purchasing:
I purchased this product on Kiddicare for £29.99 and as I needed 2 I was entitled to free delivery and got a discount of a couple of pence per seat. I ordered the car seat at around 11am on a Thursday and by teatime I was informed that the car seat was dispatched and would be with me on Friday! I was impressed again by the impeccable service and first thing on Friday morning I got a text that it would arrive between 11.30am and 12.30pm and by 11.45am my door was knocked by a cheery delivery man! I have to give Kiddicare 10/10 for service in this respect as the payment was swift and easy and the delivery was simple and straightforward. 

Packaging:
The car seat came in a large cardboard box with a picture of the item on the outside and compared to previously, when inside it was stuffed with polystyrene which of course would protect it from damage throughout transportation, it was actually bare inside! Luckily though the car seat was all still intact. Inside the box was simple instructions which were perfectly straightforward (and in plain English!) and I found I could easily understand them myself! The box was easy for me to recycle and in stead of throwing it away we have made a shop stall for my son.

Assembly:

To be honest the product requires almost no assembly at all! The car seat arrives as a whole in the box, and putting the car seat in the car was simple enough, The website is excellent so on clicking on the car to add into the basket it also has a 10 minute commentary explaining the features and benefits of the car seat and how it fits into the car using the vehicle seat belt. I am no genius and of course the video is explained in clear layman's terms and is extremely easy to follow. I simply watched the demo and then trotted off outside to put it in and found it straightforward and simple to do. At first it looked rather bulky and seemed to sit awkwardly in the back seat but with a little adjusting it sat well and I was happy to rock about and get using it! 

Specifications of the car seat:
The main reason I purchased this car seat was the fact it had a lot of multi-purposes and for the price I paid it has a lot of features which I could benefit from.

1. It is suitable from 9 months to 11 years. As my son is only 3 years old, and I do intend to continue to drive for the foreseeable future, it means this car seat has a lot of practicality and value for money in that it offers a lot more use and growing room. It is suitable for children who weigh from 9 - 36kg giving a very clear guideline for buying parents.

2. The car seat does not require an isofix belt but can be done so really easily via a seat belt fitting which is already installed in the car. This allows it to be put in place securely and easily but also allows it to be really flexible and moved from car to car without lots of fiddling and hassle.

3. This car seat has a removable cover for washing, shoulder pad protectors and padded head and back support cushion. I like this feature as I wanted my son to feel snug and cushioned so to protect him from any impact should the worse happen. I asked my son if he found this car seat comfortable as on first inspection it didn't seem as padded on the seat base but he has not complained and so it has been good. I have found removing the covers necessary only on one occasion when my little one spilt a drink and I found it held up well in the washing machine and was really easy to wash and put back on.

Features and Safety:
1. The car seat I chose comes in 2 colours; a mixture of black and red. I think this is actually quite a good balance as it is rather unisex so although I have a son if I had a daughter I would have had no issue with the colour of this car seat as it is quite balanced. My son had a previous car seat in grey/black, so the red actually seems quite sporty!

2. The seat weighs 4.7kg, which compared to the Brittax equivalent 6.9kg, is super lightweight. Slightly heavier than those without the 5 point safety harness, so brilliant with plenty of padding for a 3 year old plus.

3. The car seat has a removable harness and back which leaves a booster seat so the seat is almost like 2 seats in one. When in use as a complete seat it uses the 5 point safety harness and when this is taken apart to leave the booster seat it can use the usual vehicles 3 point seat belt.

4. This car seat has a 5 point safety harness, extremely important for any children's car seat. The five-point harness is preferred as a safety mechanism for its high amount of safety compared to other designs. The five-point harness consists of five straps, two are located at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch that all come to connect to a buckle release mechanism. This way of buckling up holds the child's body tight in the seat, which in turn protects the upper body from injury. After reading this safety perspective, it made me feel at ease to buy this for my son. I know that he is growing up, but I want him to be sufficiently protected should anything happen, and I don’t want him playing with the seat belt which I’m sure he would be tempted by!

My personal opinion and personal use:

At first instalment the car seat stayed in absolutely perfectly and was an amazing addition to my car! My son now loves to climb him by himself and sit in it, and feels like a proper big boy sitting up and swinging his legs with his new found leg room!

Installing the car seat was a little bit tricky at first as I was so used to the old one but I think with this car seat, practice makes perfect and it is a lot more straightforward than other car seats I have seen out there! It's really easy to take apart as my other half decided he wanted to see how it would be as a booster seat but he did it in 30 seconds flat. Again, putting it back together was an absolute doddle so for a fuss free and easy to use car seat I love it.

In terms of the 5 point harness it is safe but slightly fiddly. To extend the straps there is a little grey clip on the seat straps which need pressing and I have found I really have to press quite hard to get this to do so, but I think this will ease with use. In the video online it looked like a really easy job, but of course with most things nothing is as easy as it appears!

One thing I am really not too sure about is how this seat can be used from 9 months! When I think to how fragile and delicate my little one was at that age, I can't even begin to fathom driving him around in this car seat! What you see in the picture, is what you get, an upright, slightly stiff but padded seat which does not adjust other than taking the back and head rest of to make it into a booster. When my son was smaller, I had a different car seat from Kiddicare which could recline and give a lot more comfort, especially when he was asleep so I think that is far better. My son is 3 now and even with the head rest right down this is only just in the right place for him, I couldn’t imagine how this would support a smaller child. This of course is my personal opinion and preference but I definitely would not have opted to use this car seat from before the age my son is now (3) but I can definitely see it lasting him up until he is 11 years old.

For the price of a mere £29.99 and the fact that my son is probably going to get another 8 years service out of this I can't fault this product one bit! It is stylish, comfortable and most importantly it is safe. I would 100% recommend it, but probably more so for a more 3 or 4 year old than a little one as it may be slightly uncomfortable.

Summary: Fab car seat for a great price – I & NuVoBebe 100% recommend it for toddlers :-)

Tea... bringing the world home

Fabulous sale alert from NuVoBebe! Starting today, June 30th through Sunday, July 7th, Tea Collection is offering an additional 40% off sale items with promo code ‘SAVE40’. Stock up on comfortable and durable clothes for the new school year or the next family vacation.

  

Tea (the drink) is shared in nearly every culture around the world. Tea (the company) is about sharing their discoveries and encouraging adventure. 

Tea brings worldwide cultures and modern design to children's fashion. Twice each year the families behind Tea pack their bags, travel the globe, explore and discover, and then bring it all home in original designs that express the spirit of their adventures abroad.

Tea Collection is a fast growing designer and retailer of baby clothes and children's clothing. They design distinctive apparel collections inspired by the beauty they discover in their travels around the world. From the art of traditional Korean patchwork to the graphic boldness of Brazilian street graffiti, Tea designers find inspiration during their journeys, interpreting their discoveries into unique, beautiful clothing for children. Tea invites you to share their journey.

And for you yummy mummy’s there are stunning designs too…

Savanna Stripe Maxi Dress ~ Sip a long, cool drink of summertime style.

Dramatic side vents at hem

Artful shirring at waist for shape

50% Micro Model 50% Cotton

Hand Wash, Lay flat to dry

Akvarell Shift Dress ~ Simple shape. Striking print. The perfect layering piece.

Original all over dot print

Hits at knee

100% Cotton

Machine Washable

Tea Collection's Extra 40% off Sale Items! Beginning 30^th June through 7^th July, Tea is offering an additional 40% off sale items with code ‘SAVE40’. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this amazing sale from Tea Collection! 

Happy Shopping with NuVoBebe.com! 

bringing you angelcasts...

NuVoBebe are pleased to bring you Angelcasts ... with a 10% discount code 'NUVOBEBE' to use across the site.

Angelcasts are a unique Baby, Bump & Bespoke Casting Company that offer a variety of keepsakes & gifts that can't be found elsewhere.

Angelcasts was created by Ami Crabb in January 2013 with the aim to make casting more affordable and more personal for new parents. By introducing innovative new materials to provide more personal options to these beautifully crafted keepsakes so people can express themselves, their family and babies identity through their casts for a more personal touch.

Ami Crabb trained at the London College of Fashion in BA (Hons) Technical Effects where she learnt the Art of Casting. Ami has since then had 5 years of experience in Industry working in TV, Feature Films, Theatre, Museums & Events. Some recent work has been for TV shows on E4 'Sorority Girls' and 'My Little Princess' and Ridely Scott's 'Prometheus'.


But her love of casting & capturing these precious moments along with arrival of her daughter lead Ami to follow her heart and open a casting company to help people make some truly touching memories.

Angelcasts offers you the opportunity to do baby imprints, baby casting or family imprints all from the comfort of your own home.

BABY IMPRINT KIT £18.99
A beautifully presented kit which can make up to 4 highly detailed prints of your babies hands & feet.

The material drys white & is superior to other kits as you can use it again & again until you are happy.

The Kit includes everything you need to make some perfect keepsakes with ribbons to hang & display them.

Angelcasts through NuVoBebe will give you 10% discount when you enter promo code 'NUVOBEBE' at checkout, available across the whole site.

Happy Shopping :-)

Born to Toddle presents Babyface ...

Born to Toddle specialise in high quality, well made educational wooden toys, nursery furniture, children's furniture plus a range of room accessories for 0-8 years.

They have over 1200 product lines which have been purposely chosen to provide children with a sense of adventure and excitement, so encouraging their development, learning and imagination through play and discovery.
 

The Born to Toddle product ranges are focused on durable educational wooden toys, art and craft, nursery and bedroom furniture, room decor plus travel accessories with many having won industry-awards. 

They have chosen products manufactured by leading brands and they are proud to stock certain goods that have been designed and manufactured in the UK with most of our wooden items being sourced from sustainable wood.

Some of the key suppliers include Guidecraft, Janod, John Crane, The Pintoy & Pin Furniture ranges, KidKraft, Le Toy Van, Littlelife, Millhouse, to name but a few.

NuVoBebe.com  and Born to Toddle would like to introduce you to Babyface … with a promo code offering 10% discount across the range – ‘BABY10’

Founded in 2003, Babyface Designs has grown to be regarded as one of the most influential design companies in the children's interior market. Their stylish products use high quality natural fibres combined with bold colours and refreshing designs that provide parents with a designer look at affordable prices. Babyface rugs and bedding often take inspiration from adventures found in children’s literature and fit with the latest trends in children’s themes and textiles. For high quality, affordable bedroom accessories, you need look no further.

Here are a few of our favourite things from the Babyface range available at Born to Toddle...

Babyface Fabric Letters - Rosie

These Rosie Fabric Letters are ideal for creating a unique piece of wall art for your child's nursery or bedroom. Just select which letter you want in Rosie fabric and/or select other letters in other fabrics from our website to complete your name or saying.

Key features:
* Padded wooden frame covered in 100% cotton material
* Five other fabrics to choose from (Pink Dotty, Red Dotty, Blue Gingham, Pink Gingham or Blue Stripe)
* Letter has a metal hook on the back so you can affix to the wall
* Sponge clean

Ampersand & heart shapes also available.

Babyface Kathy Wool Rug

This Babyface Kathy Rug will add a touch of colour to your girls room & will transcend the ages.  Ideal for adding a focal point to a room, it is warm & comfortable. Soft, with a luxurious thick pile it will withstand many years of use.

Key features:
* 100% hand tufted wool
* Fun & colourful design
* Soft & warm
* Hard wearing.

Other kids rugs available.

Babyface Bean Bag Chair - Blue Gingham

This delightful children’s bean bag chair by Babyface makes a wonderful accessory to any child’s room and will be a special place for your little boy to curl up and read his books or watch TV.

Key features:
* 100% cotton
* Filled with polystyrene balls
* Also available in pink gingham

Other bean bags and children’s chairs available.

  

Babyface Pirate Quilt - Single Bed

This stunning hand made quilt for boys is ideal for young buccaneers & brings a playful element to a room whilst also offering warmth & comfort. With its bold & exciting patchwork design & appliqued features boys will be whisked away to a world of high sea adventures!  Coordinates perfectly with our pirate accessories & pirate rug.

Key features:
* Hand made
* 100% cotton
* Pirate detail appliqued on a patchwork base of mixed fabrics
* Machine washable at 30°C
* Also available in cot bed size
* Coordinating items available.

Other single bed quilts available.

Babyface Fairy Single Duvet Set

This gorgeous fairy themed duvet set is ideal for adding some fairytale magic to a little girls bedroom.  Made from 100% crisp white cotton with appliqued detail & a combination of pink spots & floral fabrics, it complements any room decor. The matching pillowcase has a pretty pink polka dot border & fairy detail to complete the look.

Key features:
* High quality 100% cotton single duvet cover
* Includes one matching pillowcase
* Fairy detail in pastel shades with garlands & posies
* Machine washable at 30°C
* Coordinating items available.

Why not complete the look with the matching Fairy accessories - available separately.
Other girls bed sets available.

To claim your 10% off the Babyface range, enter promo code 'BABY10' at the Born to Toddle checkout. This includes the full Babyface range from bedding, rugs, curtains, to message boards, storage bags and bean bag chairs. This offer is valid until 16th July 2013. 

Happy shopping with NuVoBebe.com :-)

Top of the week...

Having breastfeed my little man from day 1 until he was 10 months old (when I returned to work) I am more than aware of how important the right nursing top is. So here are my personal recommendations from the selection offered at NuVoBebe.com

 

1. Love Milk ~ Susie Nursing Top

Susie nursing top is gathered over the bust and has a generous width around the stomach, so you can wear it while pregnant too. The top has a flattering sweetheart neckline and empire line cut. The shoulder straps are wide enough to hide your bra straps.The nursing access is completely hidden by the gathering at the bust. To breastfeed, simply separate the gathered panels.Available in White, Black, Yellow and Blueberry printed bamboo jersey, sleeveless, sweetheart neckline, empire cut, loose fit over hips. Get yours through NuVoBebe with a 15% discount by using code ‘nuvobebe’ at check out.

2. Babes With Babies ~ Mariposa Top

A super simple yet stylish breastfeeding top. Fitted in all the right places and flattering in all the others, you’ll want to wear it everyday! With its large and comfy waistband, you can style it on your hips, or pull it up to emphasize more of the folds in the top. It’s so effortlessly elegant that you’ll put all the other new Mums in the shade! Mariposa is Spanish for butterfly (in honour of the pretty butterfly sleeves on this top which help make your arms look nice and elegant). Made with a lovely drapey material; 92% soft viscose and 8% elastane, providing maximum comfort and flattering your ever-decreasing new mum tum. Available in Stone, Black, White, Indigo and Chocolate. Get yours through NuVoBebe

 

3. Bumps ~ Mama.licious Feed Me Top - Claudia Aromia

This nursing top with its wrap bustline and silver bead and sequin detailing is sure to make you stand out  from the crowd at any special occasion or event.
A flattering fit suitable for before and after pregnancy and is made from soft stretchy medium weight jersey which falls beautifully with a tie waist belt and the clever pleating on the front ensures a good fit over a bump or a more flattering looser fit to hide a post natal tummy.Simply pull the deep v-neckline to either side to reveal openings on the inner camisole panel. Get yours through NuVoBebe

4. Mummy & Little Me ~ Boob Design V Neck

This short sleeve nursing top has a scoop neck and is made from very soft organic cotton. Boob Nursing Wear is a Swedish patented innovation that will make you look and feel great. All Boob jersey is certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This is a guarantee for clothes that are completely free from toxins. Clothes that are safe for you, as well as nature. All Boob nursing clothes feature a clever double layer fabric design over the bust, allowing for discreet and comfortable breastfeeding. The opening is simply pushed aside with one hand, leaving the other free to hold your baby. This top comes in various colours to match any wardrobe. The simple Boob design makes it very simple to nurse in public. This is one of our best selling nursing tops. A great addition to any nursing mums wardrobe, once you like the Boob style of design, you'll want more! Get yours through NuVoBebe

 

5. Blossom Mother & Child ~ Mothers En Vogue Slouchy Pleated Nursing Top

A soft slouchy v-neck nursing tee that delivers the smart-casual laid back look. Constructed with centre-front access: a central, vertical opening that is camouflaged amidst the cascading gathers and folds of fabric from the neckline. Beneath the central opening is an inner lining that can be lifted or has openings on either side of bust for breast access. Constructed with an easy fit which is looser through the body and is forgiving to post-partum tummies Made out of eco-friendly bamboo fabric that scores high on style and comfort. Available in Beige or Coral.

Get yours through NuVoBebe

6. Jojo Maman Bebe - Stripe Tie Front Breastfeeding Tops

Tie-front style with striped under layer and plain contrast upper layer and ties - which can also be tied at the back for a different look. Simply untie completely or loosen ties a little depending upon how you like to nurse. All their nursing tops are cut to fit post pregnancy but allow you a bit of room whilst you're getting your shape back! The breastfeeding tops are machine washable at 30 degrees unless otherwise stated. This style is not only available in stripes but also in floral and spotty patterns.

Get yours through NuVoBebe

7. Isabella Oliver ~ The Essential Nursing Top.

This jersey style is so chic and the perfect breastfeeding top. The relaxed, ruched body and soft cowl neck create a laid-back luxe feel while the fitted under panel allows for discreet nursing. Simply lower the cowl neck to reveal the under panel and use the practical side opening. Wear with your favourite skinny jeans for an easy, everyday look. This style works particularly well whilst nursing and also post pregnancy. Available in Blue and Black

Get yours through NuVoBebe

8. Crave Maternity ~ Pleat Neck Breast Feeding Top

This super soft jersey top featuring a pleat neck and empire line waist to create a flattering silhouette. This top is fully versatile and can be worn whilst pregnant and after with it’s nursing capabilities, perfect for breast feeding on the go.

Get yours through NuVoBebe

9. FunMum ~ Crossover Top

Be inspired with these simply beautiful crossover tops. Created from the most comfortable and stretchy mix of viscose and elastane fabric to support and stretch with your growing bump. Ruching to both sides frame your bump beautifully and the quirky cross-over detail on the bust, tops it off a treat. But this isn't just all about style - here's the science bit: The cross-over section is sewn into the sides which makes it ideal for breastfeeding. Perfect! Available in 4 great colours Raspberry, Blue, Green, Black. Get yours through NuVoBebe

10. Destination Maternity – Pea in the Pod Sleeveless Pull Over Nursing Top

This Sleeveless Pull Over Nursing Top is super comfy and practical for everyday and ease.Get yours through NuVoBebe

These are just but a few on offer and are my personal recommendations, however, all of the above companies offered at NuVoBebe have a wide range of nursing tops from your basic vest to your more formal tops. Happy shopping :-) 

Towels not just for Little Ones ...

Milkandhoney's captivating range of Little Ones Towels and Towelling products will ensure that your Little One is kept snug after bath time and are guaranteed to make both you and your child smile ... So at NuVoBebe we are pleased to bring you 20% discount with 'NUVO20' at checkout!

Truly enchanting, Little Ones Towels and Towelling products by milkandhoney. A practical yet special gift for a Birth, Christening or Birthday.

Exclusive to milkandhoney in the UK, their designs are guaranteed to make both you and your child smile...

Keep your Little One snug after bath time, choose from Hooded Towels embroidered with Little Bears for baby, to Skate Boarding Boys on Bath Towels for the older child ... so gorgeous you'll want one yourself!

Giraffe & Mouse ...

A design to make you smile. Suitable for both boys and girls, from birth upwards. With a lovely warm beige trim all products in this range are available in both white and cream.

If your purchase is for a gift why not have the item Gift Wrapped by milkandhoney. They are also able to deliver the item directly to the person for whom the gift is for if you wish to. Please refer to our 'Gift Wrap' information. 

Range retailing from £5.00 to £22.50, including Bath Mitt, Hooded Towel, Children’s Bath Towel.

Other designs are Little Bears, Baby Boy, Baby Girl, Boy with Dinosaur, Girl with Turtle, Skateboarding Boy, and Bandana Girl.

Towel Spec:

• Exclusive milkandhoney design
• 100% Cotton, Hooded Towel inc 10% polyester
• Designs made with felt, cotton & embroidery
• Weight: 500gsm
• Made in Portugal

Towel Care:

• Always wash new towels before use
• Wash at 40 ºC
• Do not dry clean
• Always follow washing Instructions on label
• Fabric Softener not recommended
• Always wash dark colours separately

Gift wrapping service

The milkandhoney gift wrapping service provides the perfect finishing touch to your purchase.

For just £3.90 your gift will be personally gift wrapped using beautiful pearlescent tissue paper and milkandhoney printed ribbon. If your gift is for a child and you prefer, we will wrap the gift utilising either blue or pink ribbon. A hand written personalised message to the recipient is also included. All you need to do is advise us of your personal requirements in the 'message' box at the 'checkout'.

Your gift can be sent to a different address, simply complete the 'alternative delivery details' at the checkout.

We have tried and tested these towels personally and we at NuVoBebe are glad to report that these towels are super soft, great after washing and fantastic quality with a design kids will love. Don't forget your 20% discount - use 'NUVO20' at checkout to claim it.