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Reviews
Successful internet shopping relys on you reading an honest write up as you can not physically 'see' or 'touch' the product you wish to buy. The internet has also become a valuable resource tool to research products before hitting the shops. Here on our Product Review page, you will get the same honesty so you know you are spending those hard earned pennies wisely! All our testers are from the appropriate age ranges with the parents opinion added for good measure where appropriate. If you would like to suggest a product for review or are a manufacturer who would like us to consider your product for this page, don't hesitate to email us at: letstalk@frombumptogrump.co.uk
Please put "Product Review" in the subject header.
Bamba’s Chatter Boxes
RRP £29.99 Manufacturer: The Baby Sign Factory Stockists: www.babysignfactory.com
First things first, this product looks just as good as the photos and even better. From the box (which you will keep forever) to each of the plush toys, everything is top quality and ultra luxurious. Baby signing classes are a current favourite but this kit makes it ultra easy to do at home. The idea is to assist babies to communicate what they need through the 'props' - the benefits if this if successful are obvious, increasing bonding, confidence and giving a head start in the communication stakes. Designed for babies from 6 months to 18 months, our 12 month old tester was ideally placed, and we felt at the right age to get maximum benefit from this. She loved the toys and was quickly aware of what they meant as she already had started to acquire that knowledge. Our worry was that using these may replace verbal communication, but this was not the case, and the two worked perfectly together, resulting in a confident, and most importantly, very happy baby indeed.
Cif Multipurpose Antibacterial Spray RRP: £2.19 Stockists: All major supermarkets
An antibacterial spray is a must have in a family household, especially with babies who can't help but touch and explore. We have always used a cleaning fluid, then an anti-bacterial spray, so are pleased that we now only need one product. Of course, as it's Cif, you know it's a brand you can trust, and it was very good at easily cutting through stubborn stains that you normally need to scrub at. We especially liked the fresh fragrance, and that gives the reassurance that you have cleaned and that the surface is not only grime free but free of bugs and bacteria too.
Cuddledry RRP £24.99
Get ready for a WOW product! When we first saw this on Dragon’s Den, we were excited at the concept and so having one to test was great! Babies skin is the softest and loveliest thing, but add water and bathing stuff and babies are as slippery as it gets. Bathing baby is a notorious nightmare. Apologies – was if you have a Cuddledry! We managed to test this on a less than week old baby, so put it through the wringer....and loved it! It works a bit like an apron that the adult wears, so leaving both hands free to pick baby up and then wrap in the rest of the Cuddedry, which trust us is super, super soft. Even better, poppers that can be opened and closed with one hand make carrying baby and releasing on to the changing table or similar a breeze. We can’t recommend this enough, and if you’ve already had a baby, you’ll realise why!
Baby Sense Megan Faure & Ann Richardson RRP £9.95 Stockists: www.hippychick.com
We have seen many baby books, but this one has a no fuss approach that is ideal for those wanting valuable information fast. There are no bright pictures, but page upon page of sensible and easy to follow stuff. Designed to help you understand your baby, it can help get your baby into a sleep routine, help you understand why they are crying and what we always wanted to know, how to help your baby develop. It’s style is different than what we have been used to, but by cutting out the frills, you get an honest book that you will quickly find invaluable.
G Baby Magic Touch
RRP £9.99 Manufacturer: Geomag Stockists: www.brightminds.co.uk
For those of you who are familiar
with Geomag for older children, you will already know the quality of
the brand. Naturally, this baby version does not disappoint. Bright
colours, easy to handle shapes and great versatility make this a toy
that will entertain and stimulate. With rattle sounds and the fact it
can be used in the bath too, it is a great investment in your child’s
development.
'Nature Babycare' Lightly Scented Wipes RRP £2.69 Manufacturer: Waitrose
If, like us, you like your baby products with a bit of fragrance, but are concerned about both babies skin and the natural element of the product, Nature Babycare have come up with the solution. These wipes have the same soothing quality of the other wipes, but with a light, refreshing smell that is just as natural. As they are still bio-degradeable, they are still a trusted ecological buy too!
'Nature Babycare' Baby Toiletries RRP £2.49 Manufacturer: 'Nature Babycare'
We have been reviewing this companies products for a while now, and firstly have to say a big thumbs up for continually striving to improve and broaden their range. Baby Shampoo, Baby Wash, Baby Lotion, Baby Oil, Nappy Cream and Baby Bath are welcome additions to this eco friendly brand, offering mothers quality, natural products. The packaging is simple and effective, which can be said about the products too. Perfect on consistency and cost, you can be confident you are doing the best for baby.
Sunshade Mobile
RRP £9.99 Manufacturer: Galt Stockists: 0161 428 9111
Every car with a baby or child inside needs a sunshade but Galt have cleverly taken this a stage further by adding a fun mobile. There are 3 fun toys that hang off and however hard they pull, the sunshade won’t come off. Bright and cheery, there’s enough to stimulate on any journey.
Giant Soft Book
RRP £8.99 Manufacturer: Galt Stockists: 0161 428 9111
This is a wonderfully bright and colourful book that can’t fail to grab baby’s attention. There are lots of textures, including the ever popular crinkle and what’s more, it’s machine washable too!
Obi TENS RRP £45.00 Manufacturer: 'Bodyclock' Stockists: 'Babycare Tens' or Freephone 0500 220 061
Tens machines for use in labour have come a long way since the days of a heavy machine you hired. The Obi Tens is so user friendly, labour will be a breeze….well obviously not, but the unit will give you easy control over your TENS pain relief at a time when it isn’t easy to focus. We especially liked the larger pads, ideal for the pregnancy sized body, and the larger LCD display, again superb when a quick glance is all that you can spare. The boost facility was much appreciated by our tester! It can be used in conjunction with other pain relief methods and also for post natal pain, making it the most perfect labour TENS machine ever!
Hauck Traxx Cruiser 2 in 1 RRP £299.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
Technology and style move amazingly fast when it comes to pushchairs but Hauck seem to always be one step ahead of the game – if you see a style you like, Hauck will have it and have taken it to another level too! This 2-in-1 comes complete with contemporary carrycot that is easy to clean, super light and ultra funky, just as is the rest of the pushchair. Our tester loved the quality of all parts which moved and folded easily yet were a synch to use. Everything was roomy, from baby’s space to the carrying basket and pushing it was as close to cruise control as it gets. Bumps and humps proved no obstacle, almost swallowing up holes and kerbs, with baby staying soundly asleep throughout. And as we have consistently found with Hauck, they deliver on price too, at a time when every penny counts! As our tester said, “I thought people were cooing at Thomas, then realised they were admiring the pushchair!”
Hauck Traxx Parador RRP £199.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
If you’re an on the move type of Mum who likes to power walk her pride and joy from A to B, this is what you’ve been looking for – it even looks sporty! It may seem we always mention lightweight in connection with Hauck, but for those of us who experienced older style pushchairs, it is of the utmost importance. Thankfully, things have come a long way and we can’t believe you could get lighter than this. The Parador is another all terrain superstar – our reviewers always enthuse about the way Hauck pushchairs seem to glide above bumpy ground and the Parador is like a magic carpet. It was tops for ease of use, and the one hand fold did mean one hand! Suitable from birth, you can add car seat and carrycot to make this your one stop baby shop.
Zoggs Melbourne Maternity Swimsuit RRP £27.99 Manufacturer: www.zoggs.com Stockists: 01276 489089
Swimming is one of the best exercises to undertake during pregnancy as is aquacise, with many classes specific to maternity with water giving great support for your growing stomach. A couple of specialised maternity companies now make swimsuits, but for the serious water babe or stylish mum to be, the choice has been lacking. Thank goodness Zoggs have added a swimsuit that not only looks great, but is as comfy as, dare we say it, having nothing on! With oodles of growing space thanks to soft, subtle gathers on the fabric to take you the whole 9 months, you will be wanting to wear it post pregnancy too!
Hauck Icoo Plasma Travel System RRP £379.98 (£279.99 pram £99.99 C-care car seat) Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
This travel system is stop and stare stuff – the crème de la crème of travel systems. Hauck’s quality and safety are second to none but where they stand out from the crowd is style. This latest system is a celebrity mother’s dream. Our tester is using this for her second child and can not believe how far advancements have come in such a short time. The days of bulky travel systems are disappearing and what you have is a first pram that is tops for looks, style and usability. Amazingly, as things get better, Hauck seem to be able to keep their prices competitive so it’s a win, win situation all round. Available in Black, Red, Turquoise,
Yellow and Blue.
Traxx Candy Plus Travel System RRP £149.98 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
If you want a travel system that screams super funky, look no further! Our tester has been the talk of the town! The pushchair is what we have come to expect from this price range from Hauck – light, super suspension, mega easy to use in every way, and our tester loved the roomy basket. The car seat again is light, bright and a breeze to use. Put the two together for the perfect travel system for Mums who like to be mobile, as it’s especially great for sticking in the boot and then getting out in a flash. It may seem odd for a pushchair and car seat, but it makes you smile – yes, not the baby this time, but the brightest travel system around! Available in pink and blue.
Big Smiles! Camera/Firefly Rattle/Treetop
Twirler Manufacturer: 'Bright Starts' Stockists: John Lewis
Bright Start toys are well thought
through in every way. With ‘Big Smiles! Camera’, there are
lots of sounds, from happy voices to music and even camera noises. There
is a mirror on the back, a rattle, water filled teething section and
more! Easy for them to hold, smile and say ‘cheese’!
Traxx Marlin 4 pushchair RRP £179.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
Within 5 minutes of our tester using this pushchair, she was on the phone gushing and expressing her delight. The main reason for this was the suspension – it easily handled any bumps without a shake and was so lightweight, she hardly knew she was using it! Apart from being a great choice for those with back problems or similar, every parent will appreciate its versatility and usability. Suitable from birth, it can easily be converted into a sit up pushchair with safety bar, ideal for when your little one needs to socialise with other like minded toddlers. An amazing product at an amazing price!
'Concord Baboo' car seat RRP £69.99 to £84.99 Manufacturer: 'Concord' Stockists: visit www.concord.de or phone 01273 764744
If you want to impress all the other new Mums in town, stride out of hospital with your pride and joy in its pride and joy. Super cool colours are only the start. Our tester found it luxuriously roomy and soft compared to others. The straps were easy to adjust and the seat light to carry. The added extra of nappy storage was very useful for on the move and the ability to rock was much appreciated during one particularly over stressful trip to the in-laws. As has happened with other Concord products, our tester was stopped by admirers wanting to know where it was obtainable from and as always, Concord’s safety record means purchase with confidence. A star!
Speed Sun Plus Travel System RRP £139.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 0870 840 6727
With the cost of bringing up baby a major commitment, it is great to find high quality brands bringing out very affordable items. This is a great example – a pushchair, car seat, footmuff, raincover and changing bag in one! Super stylish in red or blue, what you gain in savings you don’t lose in comfort, usability and safety. The pushchair is umbrella fold making it quick and easy to fold and store and it is lightweight in use. By use of the car seat, it can even be used from birth as a pram! There is no compromise on features or quality here, making it an everyday star.
'Nature Babycare' Nappy Pants RRP £5.95 Manufacturer: 'Nature Babycare' Stockists: Waitrose, Boots & Sainsburys
This new size range is a most welcome addition to what we already deem as fantastic. Again, the leaf design is a breath of fresh air – a true representation of the company’s ethos and so good to see a pattern followed all over the actual nappy pant. The side elastic is the equivalent of a top of the range car’s suspension – loads of give to withstand all pressure and top marks on comfort. Absorbency is to match, and all this and Eco friendly too! The day we have waited for has arrived.
'Concord Lift Evo PT' car seat RRP £84.99 - £94.99 Manufacturer: 'Concord' Stockists: visit www.concord.de or phone 01273 764744
Can a car seat get any better than this? If you’ve thought of it, Concord have thought of it. This is super comfy and our tester fell asleep within 2 minutes of first being in it (although this can’t be guaranteed every time!). The colour choices are good enough to eat. The safety is the tops as always with Concord and you can purchase with confidence – it’s an award winner you know! It is built to last and with the removal of the back, you have a booster seat to last for the rest of your child’s car seat years. Anything it can’t do? Not in car seat terms!
'Baby Mac' highchair RRP £29.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 0870 840 6727
If you are looking for an easy to use, compact highchair at an affordable cost, this is a great choice. It’s bright and fun colours will appeal to both baby and carer and bring a smile on a weary day. It is easy to put up and down and can be stored in areas where others may struggle, making it great for smaller areas, holidays, grandparents and similar. Everything you need in a highchair is there, including an adequately sized tray complete with dip to keep drinks in place. At this price, you could have one for every mealtime!
Colgate Smiles range Toothpaste / Toothbrush Age 0-2 Website: 'www.Colgate.co.uk'
Postnatal Rescue with Erin O’Brien RRP £12.99
Most new mothers will admit they have little time to think of themselves, but if there is one thing they do think about regards themselves, it is shifting the pregnancy weight gain. Amazingly, this DVD requires only 15 minutes daily – easily achievable for the busiest of Mums. Erin O’Brien knows her stuff and there is no vigorous routine to struggle with. Her narration is relaxed, friendly and most importantly, natural and you feel as though she cares. Seeing her with her own family makes you feel at ease and as if everyone has the same problems to contend with. If you are wanting to get your shape back, this is an excellent starting point.
'White Orchid' maternity nightwear RRP £99.00 to £129.00 Website: www.White-Orchid.com
There are certain times in a woman's life when you feel like you extra special and deserve the best. Pregnancy and being a new mother is one of these times, if not the ultimate time to pamper. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and this maternity range is worth every penny. Available in soft shades, the attention to detail is supreme. These are quality items which wash like a dream and look as new each time. A clever concealed zip in the Mariana Capri pyjamas we tested makes nursing easy and you will be wanting to wear these far beyond those first precious months. The Diana nursing nightdress is perfectly shaped to celebrate the change in body shape and falls like a dream. So comfortable to wear, you hardly know it's on, the front can be dropped for nursing on either side. However, you would never know this was maternity wear, guaranteeing use well beyond. The lace detailing is exquisite and will make you feel like a princess. Treat yourself - you are worth it.
Champneys 'Mother To Be' range RRP various Website: 'www.Champneys.com'
The changes a woman’s body
goes through during pregnancy are phenomenal. Your body needs looking
after more than any other time. Combine the reputation of Champneys
and the high quality you would expect but with very reasonable prices,
and you have a range of products that every Mum to Be will crave for.
We tested three items and were left highly impressed by all. We tested (L-R): Beautiful Bump Collagen Boost Body Butter £10. For further details and to purchase, click here. Super-Cooling Hand and Foot Cream Gel £6. For further details and to purchase, click here. Calm and Soothe Essential Pregnancy Mist £6. For further details and to purchase, click here.
'Additions Direct' Maternity wear RRP various Website: 'www.AdditionsDirect.co.uk'
Maternity wear has historically lacked style but in recent years, come of age in terms of fashion. However, there is a price to pay and that has been in cost, with the vast majority being heavily priced for the short amount of wear you get. The range from Additions is vastly different in this respect. Ultra funky and unbelievably priced, you can now afford to be bang up to date and have an overflowing wardrobe when pregnant. We tested three items which were all top of the list for style, comfort, wearability and quality. They washed like a dream, required minimal or no ironing and were so impressive, our testers would wear them beyond pregnancy also. Quite simply, we can not praise the range enough! We tested (L-R): Print Tunic Dress £35.00. For further details and to purchase, click here. Three-piece maternity pyjamas £20.00. For further details and to purchase, click here. Print kimono sleeve blouse £35.00. For further details and to purchase, click here.
'Potty Time training pack' RRP £9.99 Publisher: 'Priddy Books'
Potty training can be an unsettling time for both parent and child and anything that can assist is always welcome. This book really is a one stop shop, with everything you need to help you to success. Reward charts are a tried and tested method and this book comes complete with a magnetic chart, making it fully reusable and easy for parent and child to both use and follow. Section 2 contains lots of words and pictures for your child, making sure they feel involved at every step which is vital. Section 3 gives help and tips for parents and Section 4 is a diary to record their progress. As comprehensive an aid as you will ever find, and as it’s from Priddy Books, it’s very high quality too!
'Wilkinet' Baby carrier RRP £43.95 to £47.95 Manufacturer: 'Wilkinet'
Every parent loves to be close to their baby, and with this baby carrier, you can cuddle up in total comfort. The straps need tying but it is an easy task and once baby is in, you literally feel no weight on your neck, shoulders or back, ideal for the initial post pregnancy period or those with health issues. Baby feels well supported and you feel as close as when they were in the womb (but with added smiles and gurgles!). A natural product, and a natural winner.
Braun 4520 Thermoscan Ear Thermometer RRP £39.99 Manufacturer: 'Braun' Stockist Information: 0800 783 7010
This is the absolute crème de la crème of digital thermometers. Even on first glance, you can tell this is well made, immediately giving you confidence in the results it will give. By far the biggest problem we have had with other thermometers, is knowing if it is in the correct position in the ear. You know the feeling – you get a high reading and think you’d better take it again and again incase you hadn’t put it in right. With the Braun Thermoscan, it actually beeps to tell you the position is right – an invaluable addition! Ultra comfortable in the child’s ear and easy to store, this will last you throughout your child responsible years and beyond. Available nationwide at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, leading pharmacies and department stores. For more information call 0800 783 7010 or visit www.braun.com
'Your Baby Week by Week' Simone Cave and Dr Caroline Fertleman RRP £12.99 Publisher: 'Ebury Publishing'
Every mother has bought or been given a book tracing baby week by week throughout pregnancy. However interesting that is, that doesn’t help when your bundle of joy is crying and wide awake at 2 in the morning. This book does provide help on those topics and oh such more. As comprehensive as it could be, it even describes what to expect with yourself, so often overlooked by everybody! To say this book is an invaluable source is an understatement – suffice to say this is essential reading for every new parent.
'Imperfectly natural baby and toddler – How to be a green parent in today’s busy world' Janey Lee Grace RRP £14.99 Publisher: 'Orion'
Being a parent isn’t easy, and we all want to do our very best for our children. Nowadays, natural parenting is a popular choice but it still requires a lot of ground work to find out how to do it properly, not easy with children to look after. However,this book makes it easy – literally crammed full of information, how to do things and with loads of tried and tested websites to visit, there is no excuse not to at least try. If one great idea is taken up, that is a step in the right direction and worth the cover price of the book in itself. This is a natural parenting bible.
Clearly Herbal - Natural Baby Wipes RRP £2.49 Manufacturer: 'Clearly Herbal' Stockist Information: 0845 634 3173
Our tester is in love! After trying lots of brands and variations, she has been converted! If, like ourselves, you love things to smell yummy and fresh, yet want your products natural and sensitive, you can have it all. These wipes were ultra moist throughout the pack, making cleaning baby’s bottom a breeze, and left no irritation whatsoever throughout the full pack trial. Our tester likes nothing but the very best for her little precious, but also likes products which make life a little easier, so her praise is praise indeed. Clearly a winner!
'ELLE' Tens unit RRP £69.95 Manufacturer: 'Bodyclock' Stockists: 'Babycare Tens' or Freephone 0500 220 061
The Elle TENS has been manufactured
with labour in mind but has many pain combatting uses beyond.
'Concord Fusion' pushchair RRP £299 Manufacturer: 'Concord' Stockists: visit www.concord.de or phone 01273 764744
Here is a very smart looking pushchair, available in a series of up to date colours. If like our tester, you struggle with a 3 wheeler but want all terrain versatility, this is the perfect choice. Our tester suffers from back problems and has declared that this pushchair is a joy! Lightweight and easy to fold (even one handed!), nothing has been left out with this one. From an integrated rain cover and leg protector from the wind, to an expandable basket, this has been developed with the modern mother and baby in mind. Our tester was stopped on no less than 5 occasions during the week long test period by people admiring the colour, design and wanting to know more. As if it wasn't special enough, the 'Fusion' can be converted into a travel system with the purchase of the 'Concord Ion' car seat. For those who make their choice of pushchair style, then live to regret it, this is the ideal scenario!
'Concord Ultimax' car seat RRP £129.99 - £139.99 Manufacturer: 'Concord' Stockists: visit www.concord.de or phone 01273 764744
Close your eyes and think of everything you could want in a car seat, inclusive of safety and good looks. Open your eyes, and if dreams do come true, the Concord Utimax is it. Ingeniously, this car seat is both rear and forward facing, meaning this will last from birth to approximately 4 years of age. This is an award winning seat and it is clear to see why. Easy for parents to use and super comfy for baby too, if it is of benefit to be adjusted, it can be adjusted, including the headrest, belt and seating position. As with all Concord products, this has been thoroughly thought through with no stone left unturned. We tested the chair in 'Magnum', a seriously good looking seat that would complement even a Formula 1 vehicle, and there are many other fun and funky colours also. Forward thinking genius.
'Baby Days' Louise Ho Age range: from birth RRP £9.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press'
Baby record books have been with us for a while with most babies having at least one to their name. Therefore, we were delighted to find one who’s attention to detail made it feel like a new discovery. The padded exterior with ribbon detail make this special even before opening. We especially liked the way the text made it more of a happy story than a clinical record and there are plenty of spaces for information important for the truly modern newborn. On the very last page there is a large pocket for keepsakes. A well thought through triumph!
'Nature Babycare' Wipes RRP £2.95 (70 per pack) or £1.69 (30 per pack) for travel pack Manufacturer: 'Nature Babycare' Stockists: Waitrose, Boots & Sainsburys
Unless your child has the most perfect skin ever, perfumed wipes are likely to irritate at some time. It is no coincidence that those involved in childcare advocate using plain water at nappy changing times. As we all know, that is not always convenient so we welcome these perfume free wipes, super soft to touch and just as nature intended. We all like to try and protect the environment, but how great when you are giving your child the best at the same time?
'Nature Babycare' Disposable Bibs RRP £2.95 (per 20) Manufacturer: 'Nature Babycare' Stockists: Waitrose, Boots & Sainsburys
Here is a disposable product
that is actually better than an original bib itself. Normal bibs soak
through or have a plastic backing that can potentially harm. Once anything
other than white food drops on them, even the strongest washing powders
can't shift the resulting stain. This range of disposable bibs has it
all - strong, absorbent, easy to use and with a subtle pattern - and
best of all, use once and throw away. Add the environmental angle, and
we have the future! 'Nature Babycare' Breast Pads RRP £2.95 (per 30) Manufacturer: 'Nature Babycare' Stockists: Waitrose, Boots & Sainsburys
Bye, bye cardboard, hello super smooth. These super absorbent breast pads have a natural,silky feel that makes them so nice to wear, you will hardly know they are there! The subtle pattern makes a refreshing change from that dull 'paper' look. A great choice to make for any breastfeeding Mum!
'Jeep'
diaper bag RRP £29.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
'Mary'
changing bag RRP £17.99 Manufacturer: 'Hauck' Stockists: 01978 664362
A sturdily constructed bag with flap fastening, making it oh so much easier to use than the zip up variety. There is a compartment for everything making it an organisational dream. Easy to clean and available in bright, sporty colours, you simply won't believe you can get so much for so little cost. So roomy, there's almost space to carry baby too!
'Born to Shop' range Age range: various RRP £3.99 - £7.99 Website: www.goldenbeartoys.com Stockist information: Tesco stores nationwide
If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then the 'Born to Shop' range from 'Golden Bear' is baby's equivalent. Each toy is a funky, luxurious masterpiece that any baby would be delighted to own. So soft to touch and each with a noise to entertain, your baby will be mesmorised and enthralled at the same time. It is such a refreshing change to see such a modern range, of equal appeal to adult and baby alike, that it is bound to be an absolute winner. Ideal for your own bundle of joy but stunning to give as a present, we simply can not give it enough praise. Oh to be a baby!
Disclaimer: Views expressed are solely those of FromBumptoGrump and their testers and we hold no responsibility for any product malfunction or disappointment! |
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