Bellies & Beyond

Monday, 17 March 2014

Pram Diaries Part II

PRESENTING......The Phil and Teds Smart Lux

This is actually a stroller that's sexy! It is a modern urban stroller that will give your child the COMFIEST ride they will experience. The seat is convertible (can lie flat, face parents or face the world) but that's not the most exciting part - it is completely cushioned. It easily qualifies for the Sleep Consultant Tick because almost every time my 15 month old sat in it she would fall asleep, that is just how comfy it. This pram is the equivalent of a massage chair for us tired mamas. I really can get a decent workout with this pram as it is so compact and light and easy to push around. (the fact that my daughter can sleep in it also means that I don't have to do that stop/start kind of walk that us mothers have come to know and detest!)

The air filled rear wheels and front wheel suspension apparently is what we can thank for the smooth

ride, you don't feel a single bump the whole trip and is so light to push. All this helps it to score the and the easy fold also makes it really a no brainer! Definitely a big Nana-Proof Tick. It also has up to 21 different riding options so every child will love it!

Never have I been able to give the highly coveted
Tree-hugger Tick for a baby product review but I am proud to dish it out. The interior fabric in the bassinet is made from natural bamboo which makes it super comfy for your newborn. It is also freestanding so you don't need to buy a separate bassinet for your house, put this next to your bed at night and then click it easily onto the frame when you need to go out in the morning. I was really surprised by how deep and spacious it is, your baby will really be able to use it for the first few months of life. You can also buy a two piece fitted bamboo sheet set for the already plush mattress. See, this pram is already saving you money!

As always, one of the most important features in a pram (other than it looking seriously stunning) is that it is Sun Safe. The Smart Lux has an exceptionally large canopy for full sun protection. Over at Phil and Teds they have cleverly designed a bonnet style sun canopy that with a quick little unzip, reveals a mesh extension that folds out further than any other that I have used. You can also look at the them from a very silent peek-a-boo flap.

I think this gets another Sleep Consultant Tick don't you?

So would you like to know my confession with this pram? I just didn't expect it to be this sexy. I had truly thought the beauty and style was really left for Bugaboo and the like and others were about functionality. But I really take my (fedora) hat off to Phil and Teds. You have absolutely designed a really gorgeous pram that has everything! This is the pram that will really appeal to that fashion conscious. I am the first to admit that for me a pram has to look good as well as feel good!

In summary, this pram is sleek, sexy and oh so stylin'.

Even my 3 year old was happy with the Smart Lux!

Want to win this pram? Show your interest by signing up to the Bellies and Beyond email at the top of this page and then follow @belliesandbeyond on Instagram to see if you have won!

www.belliesandbeyond.com.au

Rebecca Abraham, known to clients as a "baby expert". Rebecca has implemented an easy-to-follow and gentle approach for both parent and child. Taught by sleep guru Kim West (author of Good Night, Sleep Tight) she believes she will have the sleep solutions you exhausted parents are looking for.

Rebecca has completed the Gentle Sleep Coach course which is a one of the most comprehensive and few dedicated sleep courses in the world, learning from Kim West herself as well as top lactation specialists, newborn experts and several leading paediatrians.

Drawing upon her training as an early childhood educator, infant massage therapist, pre- and post-natal doula and sleep consultant, she has a uniquely multidisciplinary approach to your issues and thus can help you and your family develop a personalized and holistic sleep plan that suits you and your child.

Most importantly, she is a mother to two sleeping beauties Mikah and Rafaella.

Sunday, 23 February 2014

My confession: I'm a whore.

A pram whore.

I have tried and tested them all. My kids thinks prams are like undies, you change them every day (or two). My next confession, what I have spent for my love of prams - would have covered a few months mortgage.

These are the prams that I've spent my whole piggy bank on:
1. Bugaboo Chameleon
2. Mclaren Quest
3. Bugaboo Bee
4. Mountain Buggy Duet
5. Bugaboo Donkey

So I thought that I would save you a lot of money (and time, blood, sweat and most importantly fights with your husbands) and review a few different ones for you so over the next few weeks I'll blog "The Pram Whore Diaries" and present some new options for you. Maybe some that you hadn't considered for yourself.

REDSBABY BOUNCE STROLLER

Here's another confession.. The designer of this pram was my first boyfriend. How weird is life! Year 6 hand holders to chatting prams and the "mother business" together. Brett Redelman (that's the hand holder) and his wife Meagan spoke to so many mums to find out exactly what they wanted from a pram and what is most important is that they actually listened and voila! Redsbaby Bounce Stroller was born!

If you are going to buy one pram - this just might be the one! It does absolutely everything and most importantly looks stylish doing it. Its perfect for a newborn (if you get the bassinet) and then switch over to reversible seat for older babies and toddlers. Both my one and two year old were very happy sitting in it!

It gets the Sleep Consultant Tick because the seat reclines so your baby can sleep beautifully and you can check up on them through the magnetic peekaboo window on the retractable sun canopy.

It also get my Nana-Proof Tick. To take it in and out of the car between shops is really no dramas, there's just one step to fold it. Hand it over to your mum to babysit and she won't struggle with it at all, (I have seen many grandparents ready to ditch the pram on the side of the road rather than continuing to press every button so it can collapse and they can shove it in the boot!) It's also just 8kg so its really no workout at all!

One of my favourite features is that you don't even really need to take a nappy bag out with you when taking it out. It has an organiser on the back that makes a disorganised mum like me look like a Pinterest-together kind of mother which I guarantee you is a hard task. The underneath storage can easily fit all the rest of the crap that we bring out. So it gets a the OMG Extras Tick,

Obviously it gets a massive Tick for Safety (boring I know but I have to mention it). It's one of the only prams to comply with the latest Australian safety standards. How much does that freak you out!

I have another tick to dish out. The Bang For Your Buck Tick. $499 for the pram alone of $549 for the pram and bassinet. It doesn't really get better than this.. You can generally get some decent umbrellas strollers for that price but not a sound pram like this. Nothing compares...

My last tick is the Ah-Maze Tick. And that's for the look of it. So stylish. It comes in really great colours and patterns. I'm going to confess something else. I was one of the mothers that Brett came to talk to in the beginning stages and my couch cushion is where the idea of the Chevron came from. It's Ah-maze!

check them out at www.redsbaby.com.au

Now that you know my thoughts, you have the chance to WIN a REDSBABY BOUNCE STROLLER & BASSINET SET valued at $549! Competition ends 11:59pm AEST 4/3/14. Open to Australian residents. See previous blog post for further terms and conditions.

But here is how you can enter (super easy!)

FACEBOOK
Go to Bellies & Beyond Facebook page here 'like' my page and comment 'sweet dreams' underneath the giveaway picture.

BONUS ENTRY when you tag a friend in the comments section who you think you would love this Redsbaby Bounce Stroller & Bassinet Set

INSTAGRAM
Enter on Bellies & Beyond instagram page @belliesandbeyond and follow the repost/hashtag instructions

EMAIL
Sign up to the Bellies & Beyond newsletter database at the top of this page

www.belliesandbeyond.com.au

Rebecca Abraham, known to clients as a "baby expert". Rebecca has implemented an easy-to-follow and gentle approach for both parent and child. Taught by sleep guru Kim West (author of Good Night, Sleep Tight) she believes she will have the sleep solutions you exhausted parents are looking for.

Most importantly, she is a mother to two sleeping beauties Mikah and Rafaella.

Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Redsbaby Bounce Stroller & Bassinet Set Giveaway!

I am so excited to bring to you this fantastic giveaway from Redsbaby. If you follow our Bellies & Beyond Facebook page (thank you!) you will already know about this amazing promotion. And if you don't, you can follow us on Facebook here

I am giving away a Redsbaby Bounce Stroller & Bassinet Set valued at $549! Details on how to enter are below - don't miss out as it ends 4/3/14.

FACEBOOK Enter on Bellies & Beyond Facebook page here 'Like' the page and comment ‘sweet dreams’ underneath the giveaway picture (as above)

BONUS ENTRY if you tag a friend in the comments, who you think would love this new Redsbaby Bounce Stroller& Bassinet Set.

INSTAGRAM Enter on Bellies & Beyond Instagram page @belliesandbeyond and follow the repost/hashtag instructions!

EMAIL Sign up to the Bellies & Beyond email at the top of this page

Once you have entered check out the fantastic products at www.redsbaby.com.au and stay tuned for my review of this stroller and more coming to the blog soon.

Sweet dreams

Monday, 17 February 2014

Terms & Conditions - Redsbaby Bounce Stroller & Bassinet Giveaway

TERMS & CONDITIONS: REDSBABY STROLLER GIVEAWAY

1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these Conditions of Entry. Participation in this promotion is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

2. Entry is only open to Australian residents.

3. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any entrant.

4. Promotion commences at 10:00am AEDST 18/2/2014. Entries close at 11:59pm AEDST on 4/3/14 (the Promotion Period).

5. Winner will be selected at random from all combined entries on Facebook, Instagram and email registrations. Winners will be notified via email or private message if selected from Facebook or email database. If winner is selected from Instagram the winner must contact Bellies & Beyond via email within 7 days to claim their prize.

6. Total prize pool value is AUD $549 RRP inc GST and prize is a Redsbaby Bounce Stroller & Bassinet set. Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the prize value. Prizes or any unused portion of a prize are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.

11. The Promoter may review further entries, at the same place as the original judging is held, as are necessary on 3/3/2014 in order to distribute any prize unclaimed by that date.

12. In the event that a prize, or an element of a prize, is/are not available, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute prize(s) in its discretion to the same and equal recommended retail value and/or specification subject to any written directions from the various lottery Departments.

13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned (including but not limited to) infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affect the administration security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and, subject to any written directions given by the various Lottery Departments, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.

14. The Promoter is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, (including but not limited to) any injury or damage to participants or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation in or downloading any materials in this competition.

15. Any costs associated with accessing the Bellies & Beyond page on Facebook, Instagram or website is the entrant’s responsibility and is dependent on the Internet service provider used.

16. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury which is suffered or sustained, as a result of participating in this promotion or accepting any of the prizes, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.

17. In the event of war, terrorism, state of emergency or disaster the Promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion subject to any written directions from the various lottery Departments.

18. The Promoter shall not be liable for any merchandise that has been lost, stolen, forged, damaged or tampered with in any way.

19. All entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the promotional database and not at the time of transmission by the entrant.

20. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Entrants understand that they are providing their information to the Promoter and not to Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the promotion must be directed to Bellies and Beyond, 10A Princess Street, Rose Bay, Sydney NSW 2029 Phone: 0422312113

21. The Promoter is Bellies and Beyond of 10A Princess Street, Rose Bay, Sydney NSW 2029. ABN 82 066 170 869.

Monday, 10 February 2014

So What... A blog about mummy wars

I read an article about these fantastic mothers in Connecticut who are trying to break down the concept of the mummy wars. I don't think I am an overly opinionated mother, I think I have mentioned before that sometimes my opinions aren't that strong simply because I'm just too tired to be that passionate about anything really. Do you want to know what I feel strongly about? One word. Survival. Just do what you need to do to get through that day. If at the end of the day your kids are happy, well-fed (or even just fed) and somewhat polite children, then you are doing a fabulous job. If you can also do this having showered, eaten and brushed your teeth that day, well then that's a double bonus!

I think the 'mummy wars' starts at pregnancy, I remember getting a funny look when I ate some frozen yogurt. I started eating it, delicious spoon by even more delicious spoon and my friend finally blurted out "it's so good that your so relaxed about eating things like this, I was way too worried about listeria". Insert judgemental face. All of a sudden delicious double chocolate turned sour. I mean I wasn't sitting there downing vodka from the bottle, it was just a little bit of yummy indulgence!

And then the questions..oh the questions. Are you going to have a natural birth? My first thought was always to slap these mothers that asked the question. Why did it matter whether I used drugs to decrease the pain to my who-ha! What was it their business? Was I going to breastfeed? My thoughts on circumcision... ? Was I going to start a routine straight away? Dummies..and which kind? Will the baby sleep in my bed, my room and then in a bassinet or a cot? aghhhhh!

I decided the mummy wars have to end. We are ALL so hard on ourselves as mothers, we never stop and congratulate ourselves on the brilliant job we are doing and it certainly doesn't help that we also worry about what others think of us. To work or stay at home? Having a big family versus a small one? What and how we feed our children? To breastfeed and if so for how long? Routine versus none.. All these decisions are completely overwhelming, we need to all agree that we are doing our absolute best for ourselves and for our children. That's it. End of story.

So before you go to judge someone, just stop. Remember that they are doing the best they can for their child. Remember that they agonised over each decision to get to that point. Remember that just because they chose something different, they are right but yes so are you. They are doing whatever they need to get through that day, that week, maybe even that hour! So what if their child is still in nappies at age 3! So what if they were formula fed! So what if they came out downstairs naturally or had to go through the roof! I mean when you are at a job interview are you quizzed on that?!?... When you are applying for uni - does it matter if you were breastfed! So what if you were born in a bath tub, you're there to tell the (cool) story right? So what if the grandparents help to co-parent! So what if you feed your children kosher, organic, gluten free, dairy free, whatever-you-want-free! These are your children! They are allowed to have the issues with you one day...but not other judgemental mummies! So what.....they all eventually have to be unhappy with us for something, make sure that something has conviction!

Thank you to the brave women that helped with this blog and are trying to stop the mummy wars! You tell em girls!

www.belliesandbeyond.com.au

Rebecca Abraham, known to clients as a "baby expert". Rebecca has implemented an easy-to-follow and gentle approach for both parent and child. Taught by sleep guru Kim West (author of Good Night, Sleep Tight) she believes she will have the sleep solutions you exhausted parents are looking for.

Most importantly, she is a mother to two sleeping beauties Mikah and Rafaella

Oh I've got one more......Don't judge me BUT........

Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Rebecca Reviews..... KLEYNIMALS.

I'm not one of those mums that reads the sugar content on labels before giving my child a muesli bar, I figure that muesli is healthy and its better than chips right? I don't look at what the little numbers are (maybe because I don't exactly get what they mean), I don't really bother with organic but all of a sudden I did have a bit of a freak out about what Miss One was putting in her mouth on a daily basis, my keys.

Being the second child, we do less fun music classes and sitting on the floor playing together and more of the shlepping in and out the car and tagging along to the pick up and drop offs. I also pack a nappy bag much quicker and often just pack the essentials and not the added bits and pieces like toys and books. What do you ALWAYS have on you..? Well there's two things - your phone and your keys. Have your Phone screen smashed once and you learn that's not the right thing to hand over to a one year old that throws everything on the ground, so you are left with jingle jangling your keys in front of them and voila! Out reaches those adorable chubby (grotty) hands for them. Instant peace.

But last week I had an epiphany. Keys are disgusting. They sit in your gross bag and collect the crumbs from the half eaten cruskit, and get a little bit sticky from the leaking Panadol that you carry around with you. They go on every counter top be at IGA or the doctors room reception counter. They sit on top of the car with all the bird poo while we put the kids into the car seats.they are held in your hands, your toddlers hands, in the bowl that everything goes in by your front door and everywhere that's pure disgusting! And even knowing that - who here cleans keys. No-one! And to top it all off think of the lead that is sitting on their tongues and running over their teeth while they chew on those sharp edges!

As with all mother problems.. if you have it, so does someone else. And better than that - there will be a solution. And there is. Drum roll - enter Eli the Elephant, Leo the Lion and Gus the Giraffe.

Remember those names because they will become your best friends. They are the non-toxic stainless steel "keys". They are called Kleynimals (like clean key animals). Bonus is that they are dishwasher safe so you can really feel good about giving your child a teething toy that is safe and clean.

Don't believe me? Even Martha Stewart loves them! Check out this video
VIDEO: Click here to see Martha Stewart interview the Kleynimals creator (skip to 3min mark)

You can get yours from http://www.exploreplaylearn.com.au/products/kleynimals. They are $28.50 and to turn it into a cute baby present for a newborn you could even get them engraved!

If you are quick enough you can win one from my Bellies and Beyond Facebook page. Go quick!

Rafaella goes EVERYWHERE with hers. It makes for the perfect pram or car toy!

www.belliesandbeyond.com.au

Rebecca Abraham, known to clients as a "baby expert". Rebecca has implemented an easy-to-follow and gentle approach for both parent and child. Taught by sleep guru Kim West (author of Good Night, Sleep Tight) she believes she will have the sleep solutions you exhausted parents are looking for.

Most importantly, she is a mother to two sleeping beauties Mikah and Rafaella.

Monday, 20 January 2014

Bible in a Blog..Ten Commandments of starting preschool or daycare.

In BC (Before Children) I was actually a preschool teacher, I have taught at several schools and day cares and therefore I can say that I know a fair bit about 1st days...or first weeks really.
I have seen it all, children crying and holding on to their mothers, mothers crying and holding on to their children, mothers throwing their hands up in the air and saying they weren't ready, picking up their children and leaving with them, mothers staying the entire day unable to let go and my all time favourite - the mother who cries because her child doesn't.

I thought that mothers would appreciate some tips for the first days and weeks to help settle..

1. Don't just spring it on them. In the lead up, talk to your child about changing day cares or moving to preschool. Don't speak about it so much that they feel anxious but definitely talk about it with them so they know whats happening. Don't underestimate how much they understand. Speak positively at all times.
2. Take on the routine of "one activity together and then kiss, cuddle and goodbye". This is probably the key point to this whole blog. It's important for your child to know that they are not just being dumped in this strange place and you'll see them at some point in the future (remember they don't have a concept of time). I know mothers have to run off to feed babies, go to work or if they are lucky for a quiet coffee somewhere but if you invest a little time, I promise you it will be worthwhile. So aim to spend 10 minutes on an activity before leaving. Put your phone on silent and just enjoy the time with your child. At this minute, believe there is nothing more important than that play dough ball you are making or that puzzle piece that doesn't fit. Let your child choose the activity that you can do together. Once they are happily involved in the activity or have found a little friend to play with, that is your perfect time to tell them you need to go.
3. Once you say goodbye, you go. Don't stop and chat to another mother, don't use this as your time to start talking to the teacher, don't take a call on your phone and fight your urge to stand somewhere semi hidden and spy on your child. Take note from Genesis 19:17 where it says "Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away". Learn from Ruth and do NOT look back!
4. Never duck out without saying goodbye, yes this is nice for you that your child is so busy they can't even look up to wave but it will become the teachers problem when your child does eventually look up and you have disappeared.
5. Pack lunches you know they will love in the beginning, this is not the time to start being adventurous and trying to get them to expand their (fussy) food choices. You just want them to love their day and everything about it. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH A VEGEMITE SANDWICH!
6. If possible do not leave them for such long days in the beginning. Just because it closes at 5:30pm doesn't mean that you only have to pick them up at 5:20. You want your child to go home remembering what a fun day they had and not how they sat at the gate waiting for you and wondering when you would pitch up.
7. Don't cry in front of them..even if the anxiety is eating you up inside, keep it inside! As soon as that door closes and you are out of there, I give you full permission to burst out crying! Sob yourself silly!
8. It's always a lovely idea to put a photo of yourself in their bag or even in their pocket. Tell them that if they ever get sad that they can look at it. I have also seen mothers give a little something of their own to their child. It can be as simple as their hair tie that they had that morning or a bangle they had around their wrist. All these little things will just make them feel like you are with them and they will take comfort from that. Give them something to look forward to, something you can tell them in the morning to keep them excited all day.. Maybe you can bring a grandparent to pick up with you or you can tell them you will take them for a baby cino straight after pick up...
9. If the school allows it, let them have their comforter in their bags. Don't stress about them having it forever, we can deal with that problem later.. Once they are settled and happy my bets are that they won't want it anymore.
10. If possible, try and just take that child so you can completely focus on them. I know this is not easy for a lot of mothers but those of you that do have some kind of help, this would be a perfect time to use them. Rather than chasing the baby around the kindergarten and saving them from sticking their heads in paint pots,see if you can even meet a grandparent outside who can take the baby off your hands for 10 minutes so that you can do that one special activity and totally focus on your preschooler. Easier said than done I know..

Here's a link to some healthy lunch box ideas.. (I did read this and really got some good ideas - pity it didn't translate - A friend had to bail me out and make a vegemite and cheese sandwhich today because this Bellies and Beyond mother totally forgot to buy fresh bread). Either way this site makes for some good inspiration..
http://www.kidspot.com.au/Back-to-School-Lunch-box-nutrition-Nutrition-and-school-children+3942+181+article.htm?gclid=COaa17fxjbwCFQ4AvAodmF8AWA

Keep in mind that all children are different and respect that about them. My oldest brother is famous for saying to my mum before his first day"drop me at the gate and don't kiss me" whilst my other brother cried every morning for the duration of preschool. He sobbed just till my mum was out the door and then would start playing - typical middle child! And with me... well my mum doesn't remember what happened when I started. (And that's typical of a third child isn't it?)

I have just gotten back from dropping Mikah at Pre-school, her day 1. It went fabulously and I was even surprised with just how confident she was. Yes I was sad (well gutted to be honest) that she's growing up so quickly and I'm becoming more redundant but I am just so excited for her. What is better then playing all day? Painting, colouring, exploring, imagining, building friendships, making connections, being curious..she is learning her first life lessons and I couldn't be prouder. And yes I was that mother that shed a little tear because her daughter didn't...

www.belliesandbeyond.com.au

Rebecca Abraham, known to clients as a "baby expert". Rebecca has implemented an easy-to-follow and gentle approach for both parent and child. Taught by sleep guru Kim West (author of Good Night, Sleep Tight) she believes she will have the sleep solutions you exhausted parents are looking for.

Most importantly, she is a mother to two sleeping beauties Mikah and Rafaella.