If you’re knee-deep in baby product recommendations, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
One way to take the stress out of making all of those essential baby purchases is to shop in one spot. Chicco has a great selection of essential baby products that you buy in one purchase. In just a few clicks, you can have everything you need on its way to your house.
Featuring an innovative and extraordinary locking system, the Goody Stroller folds up all by itself. Simply press the button on the handle and the stroller will close.
The Chicco Boppy Nursing Pillow lifts the baby to a more ergonomic position for comfortable breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Reviewers say this pillow made breastfeeding more comfortable. They also love that it comes in “different cute designs.”
Chicco Hoopla Rocker Bouncer features a multi-position backrest with soft padding and a 3-point crotch strap providing your child safe and maximum comfort.
Perfect 5 bottles feature a flexible anti-colic valve that provides a personalised response to different sucking strengths. Made from soft silicone, the teat is a symmetrical, flat, and elongated shape that favours the natural movement of the tongue.
When I was pregnant and thinking about my birth plan, I decided I wanted to try giving birth without an epidural. I was told an epidural could lead to a higher chance of having an assisted birth, which can lead to having a caesarean.
And one thing was for sure, I wasn’t going to have a caesarean. (Spoiler: I had a caesarean.)
During my last antenatal appointment, my ultrasound revealed there wasn’t any amniotic fluid. I was scheduled to be induced that afternoon. But when I turned up at the hospital and they placed the CTG monitor on my belly, the doctor said my baby wasn’t happy, and I would be meeting him in the next 30 minutes via a caesarean section.
Here’s what I didn’t know about having a c-section.
1. I feel lucky
While I was adamant I didn’t want a c-section, I’m so glad that I did. I don’t want to think about what could have happened if I didn’t have the option of surgery. I feel lucky that my baby arrived safely in my arms before it was too late.
2. Birth is birth
Whether you give birth naturally or via a caesarean, it’s still birth! And it was beautiful. The nurses were fantastic and despite the urgency, they really did make it special. The moment the surgeon held my baby boy up over the sheet changed my life forever.
3. A c-section is major surgery
There are lots of layers that a surgeon has to cut through to get to your little bundle of joy – it’s hardcore! While the first few days after birth were painful and hard to get around, I was surprised at how quickly I started to heal.
4. The first poop sucks
Not just for mums who give birth vaginally, that first poop after giving birth via c-section is just as bad. Make sure you pack a stool softener to help with the process.
5. You can’t drive or lift anything heavier than your baby
Rest! Rest! Rest! Not resting in those weeks after c-section birth can slow down the healing process. Take it easy – you’ve had major abdominal surgery. All you need to do is focus on getting to know your little baby. Everything else can wait.
6. Most of your body will be numb
When the spinal block kicked in, I freaked out because I could still feel people touching me. But I couldn’t feel any pain. Post-surgery, it took a while for the feeling in my legs to return, but I had my baby with me the whole time, so it didn’t matter.
7. You can feel your baby coming out
Before the procedure, a nurse told me it will feel like someone is doing the washing in my stomach – and she was right. Strangely, I could feel the rocking and tugging of my baby being pulled out, but I didn’t feel any pain!
8. It was over before I knew it
I wasn’t aware of how long a c-section would take, but once the anaesthetic kicked in, everything went really fast. While most c-sections can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, my little guy was out in 20 minutes. They said it looked like he had pooped a few days earlier, so the clean-up took longer than expected. But bubs was placed in my partner’s arms and next to me. Once in recovery, I did skin-to-skin … and the rest is history!
“This saved my breastfeeding journey!”
It’s one of the most natural things in the world, but breastfeeding isn’t easy for all mums.
For some, it takes a lot of work to build up their milk supply, and learn how to breastfeed their baby.
One product that can help some mums to breastfeed is something called a supplemental nursing system.
What is a supplemental nursing system?
A supplemental nursing system involves feeding a baby through a tube that is taped to the breast.
As a fact sheet from The Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria says, “Expressed breast milk or infant formula can be given through a fine tube, known as a supply line, taped to your breast so that the end of the tube is close to your nipple during breastfeeding. As your baby sucks, extra milk comes down the tube from a small container worn on a cord around your neck.”
When a baby feeds from the supply line, they drink more milk and tend to feed longer, which in turn, stimulates the nipples to make more milk.
One mum credited this product with saving her breastfeeding journey.
“My newborn baby had a bottle preference due to an undiagnosed tongue tie and he would not breastfeed,” she says.
“After using this for a couple of days and slowly removing it mid-feed and eventually removing it completely my bottle-fed baby became solely breastfed.
“It’s tricky to get set up and can’t be done quickly but this saved my breastfeeding journey and I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Another mum said she found this product “super helpful”.
“Due to a low supply, bub absolutely hated feeding from the breast which in turn meant I had very underestimated breasts. After almost 2 weeks of use with the Medela SNS, my breasts are now being stimulated from bub happily drinking away without the fuss and my own supply is increasing.”
A vintage yearbook collector has gone above and beyond to come up with a list of baby names she thinks we’ll be seeing more of in the years to come.
Sharing her predictions on TikTok, Morgan Timm says the first name on her list is Dorothea, which was ranked 207 in 1922.
“This falls under the umbrella of the ‘Taylor Swift effect’,” says Morgan. Taylor Swift sings about Dorothea on her album, evermore.
“Theo is so popular now [as a boy’s name] that people will like Dorothea for the nickname Thea,” she continues.
Additionally, Morgan also believes Theo is going to make a comeback as a girl’s name.
Another name set to make a comeback is Wilda which ranked 307 in 1922. “It will piggyback off the success of the name Willa, which has jumped 600 spots in the last decade,” she says.
Morgan also likes a bunch of names that she says have a “cool girl vibe”.
“We’re seeing a lot of names with that cool girl vibe making a comeback. Names like Sloan, Blair, Maude, and Maeve,” says Morgan.
“Lou is also one of those names that haven’t made a comeback yet, but should.” The name ranked at number 349 100 years ago but hasn’t ranked again since 1971.
Nature names
Birdie ranked 407 100 years ago and it hasn’t ranked since 1948.
“I think it will make a comeback,” says Morgan. “It hits the cutesiness and people are loving nature names. And it’s another one of those names that a lot of influencers share on their list of names they love but aren’t using.
“It’s a name people romanticise but don’t commit to. And it just takes enough people talking about it for somebody to finally commit to it. And then a little domino effect happens.”
Her final name prediction is Lovie, which ranked 703 100 years ago and hasn’t ranked since 1945. The show You made people kind of like the name Love. “But Lovie is that cutsier version that sounds more like a name than just Love.”
Mum’s warning to parents about teething necklaces: “It strangled my son”
A mum in the US has taken to TikTok to share her heartbreaking story after her son died using an amber teething necklace.
Now, Dani Morin is now raising awareness about the dangers of using the popular teething product.
The video starts off with a series of happy images of Dani and her son Deacon, saying they loved their amber teething necklace. But, the tone changes when an image is shown of Deacon fighting for his life in hospital with the text: “Until it strangled my son to death.”
Lots of parents were grateful for Dani for sharing her story.
“I want you to know that I bought one before my daughter was born and your awareness saved me from ever putting it on my daughter. Thank you,” wrote a parent.
Others can’t believe this product is still available for parents to purchase.
“Sick to my stomach that I ever sold these at a boutique I worked at. Lord forgive me. Praying for you mama!” wrote a commenter.
“I’m surprised that moms today still buy and defend those, being countless child death cases due to those necklaces 🥺 thank you for sharing,” another person said.
“My reason for being was ripped from me”
Dani, now a child safety advocate, shared her story in detail on her website.
“On Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 I woke up got my son ready for daycare, and fed him eggs, toast, and cut-up cherry tomatoes. His go-to. I dropped him off at daycare and that was the last I would ever see my son whole and healthy again,” she writes.
That afternoon, as Dani approached the daycare to pick up her son, she saw fire trucks and ambulances. “I just knew it was Deacon, no one needed to tell me I just knew,” she says.
The daycare provider drove her to the hospital and told her that the fire department had to cut Deacon’s necklace loose.
“My thought was, ‘What necklace?’ In my mind, his teething necklace that she referred to was NOT DANGEROUS and had become such a part of him, I never thought of it as just some necklace,” Dani says.
“Running into the hospital I remember thinking there is no way the baltic amber baby necklace was involved it was supposed to break. ETSY said it was safe for my baby I still had the receipt and the packaging from my baby shower. But there I was watching my son code and doctors working on him and right there on his neck was a strangulation mark. This was not a heart issue he was strangled and his heart had stopped.”
Dani spent the next five days “praying for a miracle”, but sadly on the 10th of October at 3:30 pm, doctors called the time of death for Deacon.
“My passion, my life purpose, my reason for being was ripped from me,” says Dani.
What are amber teething necklaces?
An article published in The New York Times says: “Amber beads are said to warm and then release a substance called succinic acid, which is then supposed to leach into the bloodstream and act as a ‘natural’ pain reliever.”
However, Aaron Celestian, Ph.D., an associate curator of mineral sciences at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, told the publication the beads would need to be heated to around 400 degrees for the acid to be released from the amber. Obviously, it isn’t possible for a baby’s skin to reach a temperature that high, making them pointless – as well as dangerous.
Are they safe?
An Instagram post by CPR KIDS says amber teething necklaces are “a choking and strangulation hazard.”
“You may have recently seen the viral video a mama has shared, raising awareness on the dangers of teething necklaces after her little boy was strangled by one and died as a result,” the post says.
“This isn’t the first time a devastated parent has bravely shared their tragic experience, in hopes of making others more aware.
“Amber teething necklaces are as popular as ever, but it is important to understand that they are a choking and strangulation hazard.”
5 Indigenous-owned businesses making gorgeous products for you and your baby
There is no better time than now to get behind local Indigenous-owned businesses.
Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to find fantastic, beautifully made baby products made by some very creative people. Here are 5 Indigenous businesses to buy from.
Kakadu Tiny Tots is a wholly Australian-owned company that creates authentic Aboriginal clothing, accessories and artwork. All their designs are uniquely handcrafted in remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Dreamtime Aroha is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated store in Meanjin. This is the original and only home of the Aboriginal Jarjum Doll.
You can also ‘pay it forward’ and make a donation to the business, to send dolls and accessories to children in the Dreamtime Aroha community. As the site explains, “Every donation received will go toward sending babies into the community to little Jarjums as special surprises. We have been working alongside community day cares, parents and families who are living their values and spreading love and beauty.”
Amber Days is a Melbourne-based ethical children’s wear label inspired by the Australian bush, desert, and sea. Corina, the founder, is an Aboriginal mother, nature protector, artist, designer, and campaigner.
The Amber Days children’s range includes leggings, dresses, muslin wraps, tops, onesies, shorts and more. As well as kids’ wear, Amber Days also sells gorgeous pieces for adults.
Madison Connors is a proud and strong Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi woman. Yarli Creative is home to a range of clothing for the whole family, as well as canvas prints that would be perfect for a nursery.
The print above right is called Yiyarrak, which translates to “day after” in Yorta Yorta language. As the site explains, “The day after you have a baby you are meet with so much emotion. So much passion. So much power. So much uncertainty. So many new challenges. Yet you have the strength. This piece represents the strength. The strength to continue. The strength to get through the uncertainty, uncomfortable, unknown. The strength to hold space for you and to know your limits.”
Not strictly a baby business, but one that mums should definitely try: Bush Medijina uses traditional Indigenous native botanical knowledge to create modern skin care products. It all began in a small shed, and the business supports Warningakalina women.
Oricom has announced its new range of connected video baby monitors, helping parents access the latest technology to keep an eye on their babies – and we’d love to know what you think about them!
Created in collaboration with international technology company Hubble Connected, the monitors feature some very handy things, like motion, sound and temperature alerts, and sleep reports.
Founder of Oricom International, Kevin McDonnell, a father of two, said, “[We] have a long history of talking to the parents about what it is they are looking for. We are definitely excited to hit the ground running with these new models and look forward to the feedback – they are game-changers.”
Fab features: Oricom powered by Hubble
The Oricom powered by Hubble range offers parents the option to use a traditional video monitor through a parent unit connected directly to the camera (using the frequency-hopping spread spectrum network, known as FHSS – learn more about why FHSS is a good safety option).
At the same time, parents can access the HD video feed through a smart mobile device, via the Hubble Club for Partners App.
The Hubble Club app features:
Cloud HD video streaming and recording
Baby Zone alerts and sleep trainer
Motion, sound & temperature alerts
Video recordings and image snapshots
Feeding timer
The ability to create personal audio recordings
Baby growth and development tracker
Sleep advice and parenting tips
Oricom’s new range of connected video baby monitors
Each monitor offers standard features, including Wi-Fi and FHSS Digital Wireless Connectivity, connection to the Hubble Club for Partners App, dual mode (direct connect or remote viewing via app), two-way communication, the ability to pan, tilt and zoom, and baby-friendly night vision. Each has a rechargeable battery for parent unit (lasts up to 8 hours with display off).
Other features vary from monitor to monitor, but include:
7 colour night light
Preloaded lullabies, soothing sounds and bedtime stories
Wall mountable camera unit
4.3″ or 5″ colour LCD display
The current lineup is below, with three models exclusive to the Baby Bunting retail network across Australia.
Finding the right bottle for your baby can sometimes be tricky. There are so many different teat sizes and bottle shapes to choose from. And every baby is different, so what works for one, might not work for another.
Our community of parents has rated the bottles they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them. Based on their baby bottle reviews, we’ve compared Avent vs Pigeon bottles.
Avent vs Pigeon milk bottles
Pigeon SofTouch Bottle (PP)
Features
Wide neck
Lightweight plastic
Budget-friendly
Low to regular use
BPA & BPS free
Price
$19.95 for 1x 240ml bottle
Pros
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community have lots of positive feedback about the Pigeon SofTouch Bottle. Lots of parents said this is the only bottle their baby will drink from. Others added that the ‘Y’ shaped teat is the best option for thickened milk. A few parents also said they found that no milk spilled out baby’s mouth while drinking from this bottle.
Cons
One reviewer said to be careful when cleaning the teat, so you don’t split the top. But would still recommend this brand.
Example review
“Our second baby had reflux and had to have a thickened formula and this definitely held up and still worked! The flow isn’t too fast and for a baby that refused every single bottle this was the only one she would eventually take. The teats are flexible but you need to definitely be careful cleaning so you don’t split the top. If your baby refuses the bottle give this one a go!”
Reviewers say the Philips Avent Classic+ Baby Bottles are easy for babies to hold once they get to that stage. They also like there are two measurements, ml, and ounces. Another parent said: “These bottles were a lifesaver as they decreased the amount of air she took in. She took to the teat straight away.”
Cons
A couple of reviewers said their baby drank their milk so fast out of these bottles that milk was spilling down the sides of their mouth, which they didn’t like.
Example review
“Avent baby bottles are really good. My both kids used it. Easy to clean and carry. Babies can hold bottle easily and the quality of tit is good compared to other baby bottles. I have recommended Avent to my sisters and they all use same and really happy with it.”
There’s no shortage of lists for what to pack in your hospital bag when you’re having a baby (including this one), but what if you’re having a caesarean section?
Whether planned or unplanned, there will be a few extra things that will make life easier for you after having a caesarean.
C-section hospital bag checklist
Paperwork: For a planned caesarean, you’ve most likely got all of your paperwork sorted. Just don’t forget your Medicare card.
Entertainment: If you’re having a planned caesarean, there might be a bit of waiting around before you go in for surgery. It can help to bring something to keep yourself occupied, like a magazine. Or you could have some relaxing music or a podcast ready to calm those nerves.
Phone and charger: Don’t forget to make sure your phone is fully charged so a midwife can take photos for you.
Glasses: You can’t wear contact lenses while you’re having surgery, so bring your glasses!
Comfortable clothes: A caesarean is major surgery and you will be uncomfortable for a few days. Make sure you pack a nightie with buttons or some oversized pajama pants or tracksuit – just make sure they don’t rest on your scar. A dressing gown and slippers are always nice too for walking around the hospital.
High-waisted undies: Again, you don’t want anything resting on your scar. Pack some cotton high-waist undies (black is a good idea), so you are nice and comfy post-birth.
Maternity pads: Even though you’re having a caesarean, you will still bleed that same as though you had a vaginal birth.
Peppermint tea: You might find yourself bloated and uncomfortable after your surgery, so some peppermint tea can help to relieve some of those symptoms. Packing something to help with your first poop after birth is also a great idea!
Face wipes: You’re going to be sore for a few days and might not feel like making your way to the shower. Packing some face wipes or a washer to keep your face and hands clean will make all the difference.
Dry shampoo and brush: If you can’t wash your hair, some dry shampoo will help keep your locks feeling clean until you’re feeling up to washing your hair.
Snacks: Depending on how you are feeling, you might be in hospital for a few days. This means packing snacks and lots of them.
Newborn nappies: You will be surprised how many of these you go through in the first few weeks! Not all hospitals supply nappies and if they do, it might only be a couple. So pack some just to make sure.
Breast pump: For some mums, it can take a few days for their milk to come in after a caesarian. If you have a hospital-grade breast pump, pack it! However, this isn’t essential and the hospital should be able to provide you with one until your milk comes in.
Going home clothes: Comfy going home clothes for both you and your baby!
Once you have everything you need packed and ready to go, all that’s left to do is wait for your little bubba!
Win an amazing newborn pack, worth over $3000 (May 2022)
One lucky winner will receive a HUGE prize pack, featuring a car seat, pram, travel cot, baby carrier and more!
We’ve teamed up with some top baby brands to give away a jaw-dropping prize you and your baby will love – you’ll be able to tick so many baby must-haves off your shopping list if you’re our very lucky winner.
Now read on to learn what you can win … good luck! (NB. All prices are RRP. Giveaway closes 11.59pm on June 7th, 2022. Get all the terms and conditions here.)
Britax Safe-n-Sound b-first ifix convertible car seat
Part of the Britax Safe-n-Sound Next Generation Safety range, the b-first ifix convertible car seat ($749) boasts the best in class features to keep your little one safe, secure and comfortable on every car trip. Suitable from birth to 4 years (approx), this car seat also is also ISOFIX compatible, allowing quick and easy installation.
Standout features include:
Advanced Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) – located on the headrest and torso, the unique crumple zone technology absorbs crash forces earlier
a rearward-facing level indicator to simplify correct rearward installation
ventilation zones in the rear interior and exterior of the seat, improving airflow and your baby’s comfort in rearward-facing mode
Navigating your way through parenthood, especially for the first time, can be exciting! It can also be daunting knowing where to start – which brands are good, and which products you actually need for your tiny human. That’s where Baby HQ comes in. Their aim is to help new parents on their journey by providing the best brands and products you’ll actually use as a parent, without all the other unnecessaries.
Baby HQ has an online store so you can shop effortlessly with fast delivery Australia wide. There’s also a flagship store in Fortitude Valley Brisbane, with a dedicated pram testing track, validated store parking, experts that genuinely care, and free coffee.
Our lucky winner will receive a Baby HQ $250 voucher.
Adjusting to your baby’s ever-changing needs is effortless with the Joie Versatrax ($699), which gives you the option to attach a carry cot or infant capsule, or to use one of two seating positions, all in one sweet ride. No need to double over as you fold it up, thanks to a handy quick release on the back of the seat; whether the seat is positioned forward or rearward, trigger the safety release, fold over halfway and lift the activator for a secure one-piece standing fold. Suitable from birth to 22kg, with a flat reclining seat, an adjustable forward and rearward facing seat, multi-position recline, large storage basket, built-in carry strap, height adjustable telescopic handle and a cup holder, the Joie Versatrax offers all you need in a good looking, clever stroller.
The Aeromoov Travel Cot ($399) is truly a game-changer, as you can easily set it up (and pack it up) in seconds! This lightweight, compact travel cot is easy to take with you wherever you go, and meets the strictest safety standards. The transparent sides also make it a great playpen, as you won’t lose sight of your little one for even a second, and the tough fabric on one side will protect your baby from the sun and wind (convenient for outside!).
Another amazing feature? The travel cot has a higher level for babies, so you don’t have to reach too far down. The high-quality foam mattress is easy to adjust and offers good back support.
Butterfly Maternity’s Mama-ssentials pack ($150) is made for motherhood – through pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond. The Mama-ssentials pack includes the 100% Australian-owned and made award-winning Butterfly Maternity Pillow, one of Australia’s favourite compact pregnancy pillows.
The unique Butterfly wings cradle your bump and support your back, whichever side you sleep on. The new Nursing Cover does double duty, instantly transforming your trusty Butterfly Maternity Pillow into a supportive, portable and comfy nursing pillow for you and for bub.
ergoPouch takes the guesswork of what to dress your child in for sleep, making sure your little one will get a safe and comfortable night’s rest. Their premium, certified organic, natural fibre TOG-rated sleep solutions are made for newborns through to 12-year-olds, and are designed for each age and development stage.
Our winner will receive an Easy Sleep Portable Bassinet ($159.95), a lightweight (only 2.2kg!) portable baby bed that’s perfect for your newborn to sleep in for naps around the house, on the go, or away from home. As a bonus, it can also be used as a safe and clean place to put your baby down for tummy time or play.
This prize also features a 2.5 TOG Cocoon Swaddle Bag ($59.95) and Long Sleeve Bodysuit ($27.95), as well as a Baby Tuck Sheet ($39.95), a firm-fitting mattress sleeve that provides added security and comfort after tucking your newborn into the cot.
Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage
The Tommee Tippee Ultra UV ($299.95) steriliser is a fuss-free, super clean way to sterilise, dry and then store your baby’s bottles in a sterile environment. Designed to kill viruses and 99.9% of bacteria without using heat, steam or harsh chemicals, the UV steriliser is great for all feeding equipment including bottles, teats and soothers using the bacteria killing power of ultraviolet light – no water, no steam, no more wet bottles.
The BabyDink ($179) is the original ‘no-wrap’ wrap baby carrier! This is the ideal newborn baby carrier for frequent babywearing in the first 6 months of your baby’s life, when closeness to you is essential. Pre-wrapped so you get the same fit every time, you won’t need anyone to help you get your baby into the BabyDink. Simply put it on like a T-shirt – there are no buckles, clips or wrapping to master! It’s all the function of a wrap carrier, without the wrapping.
Made from GOTS certified organic cotton fabric that’s soft, breathable and safe for baby, the BabyDink is sized for your personalised comfort, allowing your baby’s weight to be evenly distributed across your body, ensuring you are both supported and comfy.
