PacaPod Hastings Parenting Bag Review

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Some parenting bags look awful, others are just not that functional. When we reviewed the PacaPod Hastings Parenting Bag we were very impressed. It has different removable sections for each aspect of parenting: feeding, changing and a mat. Even more impressive, it even has space for the ol’ parents things. The hastings is even better because it is also unisex, so the poor woman doesn’t end up always carrying the bag. It has three bags rolled into one and is easily cleaned. The mat and removable bags are easily wiped clean, they also can be unzipped and packed away flat in the bag.

We were very impressed with the bag, it is stylish, functional and is also lightweight: everything you could want in a parenting bag. It gets our stamp of approval. We interviewed Jacqueline Waggett, founder of the amazing PacaPod changing bags here.

PacaPod’s new ‘Travel Lite’ Hastings puts the knapsack back on the map for adventure seeking parents. Versatile in design it can be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack and seamlessly marries style with practicality, combining utilitarian styling with innovative new design features and a super lightweight construction.

Perfect for all kinds of family road trips the Hastings is part of PacaPod’s ingenious new ‘Travel Lite’ range and weighs just .56kg. It has a practical top loading style which makes it easy to arrange baby gear and pack, grab and go. The brand’s unique 3-in-1 ‘baby organisation system’ has also been cranked up a notch with new flat pack feeder, changer pods and mat which are simple to clean and fold away.

Retaining a sense of tradition for this much-loved style the Hastings features a modern pin-stripe print, offset with faux leather trims that will have both mum and dad reaching for it as they leave the house. The sturdiest and most adaptable change bag on the market it represents a great value too, providing parents with three bags rolled into one and the tools they need to travel in confidence with tots on board.

Hastings in Mocha or Driftwood priced at £65 available from www.pacapod.com, johnlewis.com and mummyandlittleme.co.uk

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier We Review

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I went to check out BabyBjörn’s new Baby Carrier We at the W Hotel. I was very impressed. First of all: it looks incredibly stylish but, equally important, it is easy to use. You don’t even need to take your baby out to turn the carrier around. It is very secure and safe. It is easy to put on, easy to manoeuvre and is comfortable. It doesn’t cut into the shoulders or rub. You can carry the baby on your front, inward-facing or on your back when your child is older. From newborns to three-years-old. The one we tried didn’t have an outward-facing option but not every parent wants that. It works and we highly recommend it.

After hundreds of interviews with test families in several countries, a recurring theme was identified. Parents want a simple baby carrier that they can use for a long time, The BabyBjörn Baby Carrier We is flexible with perfect ergonomic support, and has a great design at an affordable price, it is unique in the market and will help new families everywhere enjoy the benefits of babywearing with BabyBjorn. Parents now expect baby carriers to be safe, comfortable and high quality, which is always guaranteed with all BabyBjörn products and carriers.

With the BabyBjörn We, you are guaranteed:

Ergonomic baby carrier offering maximum comfort – adjustable with padded shoulder straps and waist belt.
Three front and back carrying positions (special inward-facing option for newborns)
Long usage time, from birth to 3 years with support for the child’s head, back and hips.
Available from johnlewis.com and here.

“Today’s parents have an active lifestyle and a baby carrier needs to be practical and fit into all parts of family life. It should be just as easy to put on and wear at home in the middle of the night, as it is in a queue at the airport,” says Björn Jakobson, founder and CEO of BabyBjörn.

The Baby Carrier We is made of the best quality cotton and polyester. The materials are certified for use in baby products in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1, which guarantees that they do not contain any health-hazardous or allergenic substances.

Tech for Little Kids – Good or Bad?

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Aidan

This is an important question because, in today’s tech world, almost everything is dependent on technology. Studies show that screen time is not beneficial for very young children. They get distracted when TV is on, but still don’t reap any benefits out of it. However, as they grow older (age 5 or above) they can understand the benefits and accordingly will be able to master them too.

Looking at the other side, preschoolers know how to operate an electronic gadget but don’t know how to tie their shoelaces. Yes, this shows that they are technology-friendly. But has technology taken away the simplicity of your children? Is it taking over their lives?

Children are spending too much screen time, which is not good for them. But then there are so many sources for them like television, computer, laptop, smartphone, and a number of other electronic gadgets. Agreed, they are still playing in the parks, having regular physical activities and going to their grandma’s house, but the question still is; is technology good for them or bad?

Looking at the good side, there are a number of gadgets designed to teach kids. Educational toys, interactive media and other electronic stuff help kids to become smarter. They are able to compete with elder kids and can still be good enough.

But the negative side is terrible. With a recommendation that the screen time of a toddler should be reduced to nil, babies today are logging an average screen time of two hours on a daily basis.

Can one do anything about it?

Digital media is a part of our lives and slowly becoming a need for the kids too. There is nothing much that can be done to keep them away from technology. If you stop watching television, shut your laptops and PCs, throw away your smartphones, your kids will still be exposed to technology, in some form or the other. So, it is better to focus on how can one use it to their advantage and make them benefit from it.

Here are some cool ways; you can use technology for the good:

Music: If you are playing a song on your TV sets, your iPod, iPhone, or music system, use it to make a dancing session for your kids. This way, you and your kids are a part of a physical activity.
Games: There are a number of educational games available in the market. Buy some for your kid and let them spend more time with it, instead of wasting quality time on watching TV or staring at the laptop.
Mix Flash Cards with TV time: This combination can be a bit irritating, but if you do, there is a possibility that your kid will learn more to watch his favorite cartoon on TV. If you are planning to buy such kid-friendly stuffs, here is a free shipping coupon sears to make your purchase cheaper. These toys help kids learn things quickly and with ease.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Child

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Frostie

Ah, your precious one. The apple of your eye. What isn’t too good for them? These picks all really caught our eye: perfect for your little one.

Blade & Rose Christmas Pudding Leggings and Cute Socks

These are adorable. I mean so unbelievably adorable. One of the best things about babies is that you can dress them however you want, and who wouldn’t melt at the sight of your baby in its festive clothes.

Carib Glass Wall Clock from Room To Grow

Not only beautiful and stylish, it also has big numbers so your little one will be able to see clearly. Is fun and vibrant and will look stylish in any bedroom or playroom. Coloured glass with contrasting coloured numbers and chrome hands.

Peppa Pig 4-in-1 Shaped Bath Time Puzzle

This is a great bath game, the pieces also stick to the bath. Fun and educational at the same time. From Jumbo Games. Available from Boots.com and argos.co.uk

Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders

You can also buy this amazing giant Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders game. A brilliant 80x80cm floor game for children over three.

Available from argos.co.uk and Amazon.

Gus & Me Book By Keith Richards

Yes, THAT Keith Richards. Let’s be honest, it is never too early to get your kid hooked on the Rolling Stones. This is a wonderful children’s book which comes with a CD and has artwork from daughter Theodora Richards, so it is a family affair. Especially cool if your child is musical, or you want them to be. Available here and from foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

Penguin Junior Wellies

These are super cool and super cute at the same time. We love them and so do little ones. The Penguin Junior Wellies are a fully waterproof, durable and fun product for keeping children’s feet clean and dry. From mountainwarehouse.com

Horrid Henry’s Christmas Lunch

Perfect and fun for early readers. Horrid Henry would much rather have pizza and chips for his Christmas lunch, and this year, he might just get his way…This is the 100th book in the phenomenally popular Early Reader format, published during Henry’s 20th anniversary year. Available here and foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

What will you get your little one?

Jacqueline Waggett PacaPod Founder Interview

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

We interviewed Jacqueline Waggett, founder of the amazing PacaPod changing bags. A must for all parents.

How did you come up with idea of the PacaPod?

I never even had a baby bag, I created a mock-up first PacaPod with different bags inside and thought this was a really good solution to getting out the house quickly when you had a precious window of opportunity between feeds, sleep, changes!

What makes it different?

PacaPod bags contain a unique ‘baby organisation system’ with two detachable pods to store feeding and changing items which keeps them hygienically apart and organised so there’s no panic rummaging for lost wipes or dummy. All three elements can be used on their own, clip onto a buggy and great for sharing with a partner, travelling or dropping at nursery – it’s very versatile and more than a bag it’s a toolkit for parents.

Was it hard getting the design right?

I held “focus groups” – basically having a bunch on my new found NCT friends around for a coffee and asking them to bring their changing bags with them and tell me what they loved and hated about them. The passion these ladies had about their bags just blew me away and I realised that everyone had the same frustrations as me and that I was really onto something. My background as an outdoor clothing designer for high profile brands meant that I had the tools to and knowledge to bring a product to market, so from those early discussions I designed a bag that would incorporate all the requirements necessary for the perfect baby bag – basically the PacaPod 3 in 1’ baby organising system’ was born. Using my previous experience and contacts I sourced some factories to make bags, made samples, and held more focus groups, field tested and amended the bag again and again until the feedback from parents was just right.

Do you have a favourite bag?

I use a PacaPod everyday even though my children are not in need of a baby bag as it makes a great work bag. I use the parent section for paperwork and laptop, the feeder pod for my lunch and the changer pod for all my odds and ends, make up and so on. So it depends when you ask me – right now I love the Sydney leather messenger.

How hard was it getting the business off the ground?

When I spoke to nursery retailers about the concept to gain industry feedback and I was told there were too many bags out there already! But my gut feeling and the response from other mums told me it would work – so I took the plunge and booked a stand at the Harrogate nursery trade show in 2008, ordered the goods, set up a website and started selling! From the first idea to the launch at Harrogate it took just one year. Looking back it’s hard to believe I achieved so much, especially as I had a one year old and I was pregnant with my second child at the time.

What was the biggest challenge?

The early days and the legalities of launching a brand and protecting the copyright, patents, trademarks and testing standards required for the nursery industry on such an unusual product was a real education because there was nothing like it before in the market! Just to give you an idea the lining in the feeder pod alone is tested to the same degree as a dummy. It has taken years and a good deal of financial investment to ensure the product is protected worldwide and when you are self-funded re-mortgaging your house twice with two small children certainly takes its toll on the nerves.

When did you realise you had gotten it right?

Probably at that first trade show when we had such amazing feedback and great orders!

What is the high point so far?

When I see the bags out and about and people take the time to let us know how they love their bag.

For me it’s about people and places, helping people with babies to go places!

Our PacaPod review will be up soon. They are available from johnlewis.com and mummyandlittleme.co.uk

Maternity Burden On Small Business ‘Overstated’

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Frostie

We found this very interesting at Frost: Small business owners over-estimate the burden of providing maternity protection to their staff a new review, conducted by a team of experts from Middlesex University for the International Labour Organization, has revealed in a new report, out now.

The review, led by Middlesex University Professor of Organizational Psychology Suzan Lewis, suggests that effective maternity protection has a positive rather than negative on SMEs and can have a range of positive productivity related outcomes for firms, as well as wider social benefits.

The team found:

SME owner-managers are often adverse to maternity protection regulations, fearing the time and costs involved can lead to a competitive disadvantage.

There is a link between maternity protection and improvements in performance and productivity, linked to enhanced employee satisfaction and commitment.

There are wider societal benefits of effective maternity protection including poverty reduction, reproductive health, gender equality, fertility rates, and economic development.

Commenting on the review’s findings, Professor Lewis said: “Anything that is going to impact the financial stability of a business is naturally of concern to its owner, and that is why it is so important to understand that many maternity protection practices can have little or no costs and considerable benefits.

Middlesex University Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR) Research Associate Dr Bianca Stumbitz added: “It is clear that a supportive workplace is crucial – one that is sensitive to gender-specific issues and that recognises the joint roles that both men and women play in family life.”

The report shows that women who know their employer will support them as they start a family and avoid stereotyping their role in the workplace are happier, more loyal and therefore more productive. For these positive effects to arise and maternity, paternity and family responsibilities to become a normal fact of business life, maternity protection and other work-family balance measures need to ‘fit’ into practices and interests of SMEs.

The review also found there was space for government to help ease any financial strain on small businesses complying with maternity provisions.

Professor Lewis said: “The economic reality means that if we want small business to implement strong maternity protections, some financial compensation by way of tax breaks or public subsidies may be necessary – and that is something policy-makers ought to consider seriously.

“Additionally, education campaigns designed to raise awareness and provide practical advice to employers struggling with maternity entitlement issues is also vital – especially information which highlights the potential productivity benefits.”

The report also highlighted the urgent need to address economic and cultural challenges facing working mothers in developing countries, which has largely been ignored by research.

Compiled for the International Labour Organization, the review was authored by Professor Suzan Lewis, Dr Bianca Stumbitz, Dr Lilian Miles and Dr Julia Rouse.

The 6 Secrets to Starting a Business Whilst on Maternity Leave

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Frostie

The 6 Secrets to Starting a Business Whilst on Maternity Leave

By Emma Walker

When you first get pregnant, you may think that you will go back to your current job without too many changes, and for some women this will happen.

But for others, when they’re holding their baby in their arms, they just know that things have changed forever and they might not want to go back to their job.

This is why using your maternity leave is a great opportunity to evaluate your career and decide what you want to do after your leave ends – return to your job, become a stay at home mum or start your own business.

Whatever direction you choose, just remember that you are doing what’s right for you and your family so please don’t feel like you have to follow ‘the rules’.

If you decide to take the plunge and start your own business, follow these 6 simple steps to make the transition easier:

Decide on your business idea

Let me be very clear right from the start. Running a business is hard work and definitely NOT a get rich quick scheme – if that’s what you’re after, you need to go elsewhere!

That’s why it’s really important to choose something that you’re going to enjoy doing a lot of. Think about your past jobs, your hobbies, what your talents are – is there a business idea lurking there? What can you do that you can get passionate about?

There are lots of business opportunities out there, whether you are selling your own products or services, or buying into a franchise or MLM business, you will find something that is a fit for your skills, experience and goals.

Get clear on the type of client you want to work with

You will spend a lot of time, and money if you’re not careful, on marketing so you need to make sure that what you do works.

This is where getting clear on who your ideal client is key and is something that you must take the time to do.

Really get to know the type of person you want to buy your product or service, this makes marketing so much easier. By focusing on one type of person (instead of everyone), you can tailor all your marketing materials to speak to only those people – this is what will get results.

You want your ideal clients to see any of your marketing materials (your website, business card, leaflet, advert etc) and know that you are the person they need to work with as you obviously understand them, after all, you speak their language.

Stand out from the crowd

The sign of a good product or service is if there’s already some competition, this means that people are already buying what you’re offering from competitors.

It is your job to make sure that you stand out from all your competitors in the eyes of your target market so that you are the only choice they should be making when they want to buy your product or service.

Think about what extras you can add that will really appeal to your customers and make them spend their money with your business.

The other thing you can do, that a lot of people don’t do, is make sure that you inject your personality into your marketing. We all buy from people so be yourself as that will attract people to do business with you.

Speak your customers language

If you’ve taken the time to really get to know your ideal customers, you should have discovered what their issues are and why they’d want to buy your product or service.

What is keeping them up at night, what are they prepared to pay anything to solve?

Knowing this can help you to create a marketing message that will show them that your product or service is the perfect solution they need. You can turn their big problems into questions that will make them say yes to you.

Manage your time

As a busy mum, we only have a limited time available to work on the business so you need to get focused so that you get all the important work done – instead of chatting to friends on Facebook.

Set up a schedule so that you know exactly what time you have available to work on the business and when you will be with your family – a great visual for everyone in the house to know when mummy is working so that there aren’t any interruptions.

Talk to your partner and get them on board to help you out – can they do some of the housework, help out with the kids more, do the cooking? Anything that can free up your time to focus on the business.

Take the time to plan out what work you need to complete for the week so that you can get straight to work as soon as you’re in work mode – instead of wasting valuable time wondering what you should be doing.

Plan for success

Map out your goals for your business as well as the tasks you need to do to achieve that goal. You then need to break those tasks down to 90 day chunks as this timescale is perfect to make you focus on what is important.

These tasks can be included on your weekly planning to make sure that you get them done and stay focused on achieving your goals.

If you’re struggling trying to fit everything in, ask yourself if the task to do on your list will move you one step closer to your goal. If the answer is no, it can wait until a later date and you need to focus on something else that does move you closer to your goal.

Use your goals to keep you accountable so that you do achieve exactly what you want with your business.

There are lots of things to start and market a successful family friendly business but these are the 6 essential things you should focus on first whilst you’re still on maternity leave.

About the author

Emma Walker is the founder of The Mumpreneur’s Mentor and a busy mum of 2 little divas. As a mums in business coach, she works with mums who want to start and market their own successful family friendly business as well as mums already in business who want to take their business to the next level without sacrificing time with their family.

Learn her ‘6 Success Secrets to Running a Family Friendly Business’ in a free training session. Get the details and register now at www.MumpreneurSuccess.com

How To Find The Right Egg Donor

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Frostie

Choosing to build a family using egg donation requires careful consideration.

Egg donation can be a wonderful option, but you will need to take the time to explore the many complex issues and feelings involved in selecting a donor. The characteristics you desire in a donor will be unique to you and based on your personal preferences, and while there is no right or wrong way to go about the selection process, you may wish to keep the following factors in mind.

Anonymous Vs Known donors

The first decision you will need to consider is whether you want your egg to come from an anonymous or known donor.

An anonymous egg donor is a donor found through an egg donor database. Such a donor will have chosen not to reveal their identity to you. Using an anonymous donor will enable you to clearly define your relationship with the donor and will grant you the chance to source a donated egg in confidence.

However, if you choose to tell your child that they were the product of an egg donation, they will be able to use the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) register to find out identifying information such as the donor’s name, address and date of birth once they turn 16.  A known egg donor, on the other hand, is a donor who has chosen to reveal their identity to you. For example, she may be a friend or relative, or someone you have found through an online connection service. You may prefer to use a known donor because you will provide your child with the opportunity to form a relationship your egg donor. However, you may find it difficult to define the donor’s role in your child’s life.

  Physical Characteristics

One of the most important considerations to make when choosing a donor is whether your chosen donor’s physical appearance is similar to your own. If you and your partner have brown eyes and dark hair, then finding those qualities in an egg donor may be of the utmost importance to you. This is why in many cases couple’s will contact a family member so that the child will have genetic qualities of the woman.

  Medical History

When reviewing your shortlisted egg donor profiles, it is essential to evaluate their past and present history of physical and mental illnesses.

You will also need to consider whether you wish to match the blood type of your donor with your own. If you chose a donor with the same blood type, you will be able to donate blood to your child should the need ever arise.

Personality  

In addition to providing you with information on donors’ physical traits and medical histories, fertility clinics can also help you to gain an insight into donors’ personalities and backgrounds.

Whilst you should read this information with care and choose a donor based on the traits and characteristics that are important to you, it is essential to remember that the way in which you bring up your child may have a greater influence on their personality than the genes they have inherited from your chosen donor.

Of course, if you use a known donor you have a chance to meet them personally and get a feel for their characteristics up close.

  Location  

Once you have narrowed down your search for a donor, location may become an important consideration. If you intend to involve the donor in your child’s life, you may wish to choose a donor from your locality for ease of travelling to meet with the donor. This will also help throughout the process of trying to get pregnant if your donor is nearby.

  Where To Look For The Right Donor

Egg donations are available on the NHS and through private clinics. The Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA), which licenses clinics, recommends that you take into account location and success rates when choosing a suitable clinic.

It is important to realise, however, that the waiting lists for egg donation vary widely, and many opt to use online connection services to meet and get to know an egg donor before beginning the IVF process.  Choosing the right donor is a big decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Whilst it is perfectly acceptable to prioritise the characteristics that are important to you, it is important to trust your intuition, too. Your maternal instincts should play a key role in the process and they will help you to find a donor who will provide you with the child you have always wanted.

Author bio:

This post was written by Franz SOF, Founder at CoParents.co.uk – a service which aims to connect men, women and couples who are looking to have a child through co-parenting, sperm donation and surrogacy.

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