Autumn trends 2012 – staying stylish during pregnancy 

It’s official, summer is over and it’s time to start rockin’ the autumn trends.  Is this even possible when you are pregnant??  Some of the trends I’ve seen this autumn involve bold patterns, super shiny coats, baggy leather pants and cowboy styled paraphernalia.  Hmmm, not so sure how this will match up with a huge baby bump but it’s worth giving it a go.

It’s all about the boots, this season it’s the ankle boot!  This is where you could inject a bit of that cowboy style as I’ve seen some lovely ankle cowboy boots.

Or try these cool flats, which also have a bit of a cowboy theme.

Pair knee length boots and skinny jeans – you can’t go wrong.  Long, tall boots are a great way to keep a bit warmer, and show that your summer clothes have been put away.

Geometric prints is another key trend, but one that might be a bit trickier to pull off with a baby bump.  You could try a patterned scarf or patterned leggings (?) but you might want to stay away from patterned jumpers as it could make you look bigger, and not in a flattering way   Someone like Fearne Cotton (who is now pregnant!) is sure to boast some of these fashions, as she never dresses without some degree of rock n’ roll!  Fearne can get away with this printed dress as she is barely showing in it, we think it looks fab!

Michelle Obama is usually referred to now as a style icon.  Her key message is to ‘have fun with fashion’, something we could all do.  She loves to use colour! http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2012/oct/05/autumn-style-icons-michelle-obama This is a definite way to stay on trend when pregnant, using some colour with the basics or mixing and matching.

Oversized coats are apparently the rage as well (http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9503121/Fashion-trends-autumnwinter-2012-and-how-to-shop-them.html see #6) and these will work well to keep you warm through your pregnancy.  You may even be able to wear it after you’ve had the baby.  I have a coat from French Connection with two upper buttons which had plenty of room for my bump, and now it still looks great post-baby.

Another funky autumn trend is crisp pairing of black and white, with a suit type of look.  Think white blazer over a black roll-neck top and black skinny jeans.  You could definitely carry it whilst pregnant, but I wouldn’t reverse the black and white and wear white trousers in the autumn.  Some could probably get away with it, but I was always told white was a no-no after 1^st of September.  But due to this trend, I may just pull out my white blazer for a little more wear!!

Any autumn trends of 2012 you’ve heard of that we’ve missed??  Do you find it hard to stay on trend whilst pregnant?

The elusive nappy bag

I have had three babies, and five different nappy bags, and still wasn’t ever happy with any of my choices or selections! I always found that there were limitations with each of them:

1. They are not very practical – I could never find anything in most of mine, and had to completely dump the whole bag to find a dummy or something small.
2. They often aren’t very stylish, and therefore were not my favourite thing to lug around.
3. The nice ones are very expensive, and for something you will use for a relatively short time, is it really worth splashing out on a baby accessory?
4. They are not really practical for using with the buggy, they are either too heavy and pull the whole buggy down or the buggy straps aren’t positioned right and it doesn’t sit very well on the buggy.

A few times, I thought of using a normal bag instead of a nappy bag.  Invariably though, they are too small and there are no places for bottles to stay upright.  The portable nappy pad that comes with most nappy bags is quite useful as some baby change stations are just too hideous for words.  So, it never quite worked to avoid using one, and I always caved in the end.

So….even though I’m no longer in the market for a nappy bag, I thought I’d put together some good options for others who face this very dilemma.

1. Pacapod http://www.pacapod.com/ – This bag seems like a great solution to issue number 1 (see above).  Their motto is ‘No matter where you wander, everything’s in place.’ It compartmentalizes all your bits and bobs, so that things are in separate parts of the bag and therefore easy to find.  They seem to have come up with all different designs and some even look quite stylish.  They have buggy clips and therefore attach cleverly onto the buggy.  The price ranges from £75 to £180, but the nicer designs are pricier.  Could this be the bag I should have bought?  Has anyone had one and loved it?
2. Yummy Mummy http://www.pinklining.co.uk/ – These bags are cleverly named as the ultimate accessory for any yummy mummy.  They are quite feminine and youthful, a sort of Cath Kidson type of look without all of the flowers.  I’m not sure of their practicality as I’ve never used one, but they seem to be quite popular and mums like the designs.  Price is £79.
3. Skip Hop http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/pp++skip-hop – This company is based in the US but sells its bags in many shops including John Lewis.  The bags are more reasonable in price e.g. £52, have lovely patterns, side pouches for bottles and come with a changing mat.  They do have buggy straps, but I found it difficult to find things in this bag once the bottles were in.
4. Oi oi http://www.oioibaby.co.uk/ – They have extended their range since I was in the market for a nappy bag, and now have some really lovely leather bags on offer.  The price tag is steep though and they range from approximately £90-£200.  They look lovely but I did use a messenger bag and had the same practicality problem as I couldn’t get to anything I needed in it with any ease.

Some other brands that you might want to have a look at:

Storksak

Bababing!

Boots

Babymel

Have any of you found the PERFECT nappy bag?  Please share and recommend to our readers!  We also welcome any short reviews of any of the bags mentioned in the post!

Travelling with a baby?

Imagine this….

…A frazzled mum is travelling on her own with two small children, one a baby, one a toddler. She is struggling through the airport with both kids, nappy bag, carry on and too many other numerous things to count. It takes absolute ages for the plane to board, at which time the children become more fractious and annoyed before even taking off. They sit on this plane for over an hour, only to be told there is a delay and they will need to get off for approximately an hour.

They get off the flight (keep in mind they have no buggy at this point) and are then told that they must go back on the plane to get their stuff. Despair. She is first saved by an extremely nice couple who helps them out immensely by grabbing all of their stuff and bringing it out, at which time they are told that there will be a four hour delay. They are then saved again when a very kind passenger takes pity on the mum who is looking more and more crushed as the bad news unfolds…he invites them into the first class lounge to wait during the delay – mum is saved for the next few hours until she has to re-board and do it all again!

If only it were this simple!

True story, and I have to say, not even near the worst travelling story I’ve heard! Some other classics include…being thrown up on mid-flight with no change of clothes, a 10 hour delay with three children (one a new-born who was very thankfully being breastfed).

Even though flying with a new-born can seem very daunting, it is often the easiest way to travel with kids. Once they are mobile, it does get a lot more difficult. Breastfeeding is the easiest option, as everything you need is completely portable and gets through security! Small babies can be easily held for hours upon end, and staff are usually helpful enough if they see a sweet little new-born baby.

Here’s a list of things to consider when travelling with a baby:-

– The buggy does not usually come off at the gate, so unless you want to be carrying your baby plus your carry-on, bring a sling e.g. baby bjorn

– Wheels, wheels and more wheels – the more you bring that can be pulled, the better. Try these Trunkis for the bigger children.

– Don’t travel with an expensive buggy. It will more than likely get ruined (or not show up altogether) and then you will have no buggy for your trip! Get a cheap stroller or buggy which will be much easier to transport and you won’t stress if it gets broken.

– Car seats – bring your seat if possible onto the flight as you will then have it with you for any car journeys (no small thing). It can be near impossible to book a taxi with the proper car seat, that isn’t completely disgusting or for the total wrong age child. And if you’re hiring a car at the other end, car seat hire can really add to the price!

– Look into baby websites which arrange things for you on the other end. I’ve never used one, but have heard that they can save the day.

– Passport – get it as soon as possible and pay for the fast service! I have heard of people having to cancel trips due to passports that didn’t arrive in time. They are not sympathetic to this as a reason to refund you.

– Travelling with baby food / formula etc. Much easier to breastfeed (bring cover) but if you are bottle feeding, work out how many you will need and bring extras in case of delays. I took formula to Canada and then had to switch whilst there because we ran out, then they didn’t have the same one there! Check the airline’s policy with regards to bringing baby food in your carry-on. I have had a few arguments over baby food with some extremely unsympathetic airport staff (which did NOT end in my favour).

– Going to the toilet can be extremely tricky if you are travelling on your own with baby. I suggest you smile sweetly at other passengers (or staff) to make friends so one of them will hold your baby whilst you go to the loo!

– Bring entertainment for the baby, but don’t pack all their toys. I have found filling a small treasure box with toys worked a charm.

– Calpol is another essential and can be bought in those small, travel-size sachets.

– Do not rule out being thrown up on. ALWAYS bring a change of clothes (or a few) for the baby as well as for yourself!

This is more like it!!

Do you have any travelling stories to share? Any other tips / suggestions for ways to make flying with a baby easier? Please share!!

Every month, Bundle-O-Joy feature a pregnant mum-to-be on the blog. Our July Pregger of the Month is Shelley Belson, aged 30, who is a qualified nursery nurse, maternity nurse and Ofsted registered nanny. She also runs a website www.localnanny.co.uk where families are able to advertise for a nanny, babysitter, maternity nurse, au pair or any other childcare solution they may be looking for. And of course you can find her on Twitter @localnanny

Here’s what she had to say about her pregnancy…

How far along are you?

I am 32 weeks.

Have you got any other children or is this the first?

This will be our second baby, we have a little boy who is 3 years old and he is completely fascinated with my bump!

What are you most excited about?

Expanding our family and having all those lovely first few weeks’ moments.

What are you most nervous about?

Sleepless nights again!

Most inappropriate pregnant remark made to you?

People always seem obsessed with the size of my bump, I find it really annoying when they say thing like ‘your not very big are you?’ Would love to scream back ‘leave my bump alone’ I don’t remark on your weight/ haircut etc!!!

Have you found it difficult to stay stylish while pregnant?

I think if you can find a great pair of maternity jeans which fit well and leggings then both can be stylish life savers.

What are you most enjoying about your pregnancy?

I have really enjoyed this pregnancy, I had pregnancy diabetes with my son so was very closely monitored but it has not returned with this pregnancy so feel much more relaxed this time round.

What is your biggest gripe?

Just horrible heartburn.

Have you had any crazy cravings?

I haven’t had too many cravings but am loving ice lollies at the moment.

Did you find out what you are having?  Explain why (either way)…

We found out what we are having at the 20 week scan as just really wanted to know this time but we are keeping it a surprise for everyone else.

This week we’re thrilled to have a guest blog from Rachel Bull, editor of Live Urban Love Rural

Urban farms offer a slice of the countryside in the heart of a city, and make for ideal family days out. Most farms are free and give young children the chance to learn about animals and where our food comes from. Rachel Bull, editor of Live Urban Love Rural looks at five of the best city farms across the UK.

Windmill Hill City Farm is an independent community project in Bristol with some added extras. It has a range of farmyard animals to visit, as well as community gardens, picnic area, café and a nursery for children aged between three months to five years old. The nursery is open from 8am to 6pm weekdays, and all the farm’s staff are trained in childcare.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm (closed Monday)

Address: Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA

Web: windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

Spitalfields City Farm in east London was originally set up by volunteers in 1978 and still relies on volunteers today to help maintain the farm and gardens. Its famous attractions include the guinea pig village, Tilly the miniature Shetland pony, and Bayleaf the 15-year-old grey and white donkey, who still gives rides for children.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm (closed Monday)

Address: Spitalfields City Farm,
Buxton Street,
London, E1 5AR

Web: spitalfieldscityfarm.org

Rice Lane City Farm, four miles north of Liverpool city centre is another community-based project that has been running for 30 years. The farm has rare breed cows and pigs and a herd of Ryeland sheep. They are often referred to as teddies because of their rounded features, and are loved by children and grown-ups alike.

Open: Seven days a week from 10am to 3.45pm.

Address: Rawcliffe Road  Liverpool, Merseyside, L9 1AW

Web: ricelanecityfarm.co.uk

Star attractions at Heeley City Farm in Sheffield include Martha the Lionhead rabbit, Jersey Cows Clover and Buttercup, and Summer the pygmy goat. The farm site was originally more than 300 terraced houses built between 1850 and 1880. There was a pub, bakery, greengrocer, a tobacconist, sweetshop and many small businesses on every corner. When the site was demolished in the 1970s, the local residents fought to turn the land into something positive for the community and the farm was born.

Open: Daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm

Address: Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Sheffield, S2 3DT

Web: heeleyfarm.org.uk

Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham is like a living classroom, regularly welcoming schools and parent and toddler groups to learn about animals and farm life. Highlights include a nature walk where you can see a number of wild birds and butterflies, a farm tour, woodland activities and even ‘Ask the Farmer’ sessions.

Open Daily from 10am to 4pm

Address: Stonebridge Road, St Anns,
Nottingham,
NG3 2FR

Web: stonebridgecityfarm.com

Have you had a fun experience at a city farm? Or is there a farm near you that you’d like to recommend? Let us know!

For more rural-style family activities in the city, check out the new Family page on Live Urban Live Rural.com, the blog that shows you the country side of urban living.

Thank you for all of your votes on our most stylish pregnant celebrity! Sienna Miller won with 44% of the vote, followed by 31% for Reese Witherspoon. Neve Campbell and Sarah Michelle Gellar shared third place, but it seems that Tori Spelling needs a bit of a boost in the maternity clothing department – maybe she should shop at Bundle-O-Joy!

Anyway, the lucky winner of our competition is Vicky Williams who voted via our blog. She wins our cute owl cushion!

Never has it been so cool to be expecting….baby bumps are shown in the magazines as the accessory du jour, almost like a trend that you don’t want to miss out on.  What makes pregnant celebrities so fashionable and why are we so interested in them and their offspring?

A few possibilities:

1)      We like to see them behaving somewhat normal e.g. eating for two, scarfing down burgers and frappucinos, just like the rest of us.  I haven’t seen any pregnant celebrities waxing on about their vegan diets, juice cleanses, and raw food cravings.

2)      We like to see them looking somewhat normal e.g. putting on some much needed weight, having curves in the right places and having womanly bodies that are suitable for childrearing.  Size 0 and pregnancy don’t go together – hurrah!

3)      We like to see them cohabitating in a somewhat more traditional fashion e.g. boy meets girl, they settle down and have a child rather than having two minute marriages and a string of endless partners…although that of course still happens in Hollywood, pregnancy or not!

4)      Whilst many celebrities lose their baby weight in the blink of an eye, most of them can’t hide the fact that they are pregnant (there are exceptions to this rule).  It is to the pleasure of us mere mortals to see some famous mums-to-be putting on a lot of weight.  A memorable pregnancy was Kate Hudson (first time around) as she gained a lot, it made me feel normal!

5)  We obsess over how quickly they lose their baby weight, as if it is a national sport.  Who’s done it the quickest, who looks the best, who had the best celebrity trainer…We probably wouldn’t be as interested in them losing the weight, if we weren’t so obsessed with watching them gain it!

Then, it’s the fashion.  The goal seems to be to make ourselves look as glamorous as possible whilst pregnant.  You won’t see celebrities sacrificing style for comfort, they seem to have a new outfit every day. The maternity industry has certainly grown and changed over the last few years, with so many options to stay on trend and look and feel your best.  We certainly try to keep our stock up to date to keep up with the latest – many of our customers comment on how versatile our clothes are and how they are able to wear them with the latest fashions to get the look!

At Bundle-O-Joy, we thought it would be fun to vote on the best presented pregnant celebrity due in 2012 from the following:

1)      Reese Witherspoon

2)      Sienna Miller

3)      Sarah Michelle Gellar

4)      Tori Spelling

5)      Neve Campbell

Who do you think has rocked the best look?  Who has made pregnancy look desirable?  We will be tallying results and holding a COMPETITION (details below) so please vote on:

Twitter @bundleojoyuk

On our Facebook page (why not like us while you’re there?)

Or below in the comments section!

COMPETITION DETAILS: One lucky voter will be picked randomly on Sunday 24th June 2012 and will win our amazing prize as seen above and below. Prize Draw is open to UK residents only, although anyone can vote. Winner will be notified by Friday 29th June 2012.

A gorgeous owl cushion from Jenny’s Shabby Chic Home Accessories.  Visit Jenny’s Shabby Chic Home Accessories Facebook Page for more great products and why not like her page while you are there? 

Welcome to our June Pregger of the Month – we had to get this one in quickly as she’s due in just a few days! Good luck Bex and let us know when baby arrives!!

Here’s our interview…

How far along are you?

39+3

Have you got any other children or is this the first?

I have 3 other children, 2 boys aged 11 and 9 and a girl who is 7.

What are you most excited about?

Having a little baby in the house again, its been a while to say the least!

What are you most nervous about?

That I remember how to do it all! But mainly at the moment I’m very anxious about going in to labour, we have decided to have a home birth and just want to get it over with!

Most inappropriate pregnant remark made to you?

Fortunately I’ve not had any inappropriate comments made to me this time round, but I have had some rather odd looks! I looked after my niece when my sister was in hospital having her second baby, I was 20wks at the time, and had a very obvious bump, so going round asda with all 4 kids and clearly pregnant did draw some attention!

Have you found it difficult to stay stylish while pregnant?

No, I’ve done ok really, took advantage of some sale rail bargains and bump covers so I’ve not had to change my wardrobe much. Finding it a little bit harder due to the warm weather, but we are coping!

What are you most enjoying about your pregnancy?

Feeling the baby move! I may complain about it often, but I do enjoy it when baby is having a good kick about, been able to feel movements since about 13wks and baby doesn’t half get in to some positions!

What is your biggest gripe?

This sudden warm weather! I know everyone else loves it, but I was doing just fine until a few weeks ago, suddenly very uncomfortable and wish it was cool again, summer can just go away for the next week or so!

Have you had any crazy cravings?

No cravings as such, but gone off some of the most innocuous of foods, sweetcorn, ravioli etc even just typing the words has made me feel queasy!

Did you find out what you are having?  Explain why (either way)…

Yes because I’m too nosey for my own good! At our 20wks scan the sonographer did think baby is a girl, and I had to have another scan at 32wks due to possible low lying placenta (which is fine!) and again the sonographer thought it was a girl. Would be very happy if it was as it means we have two of each, but really not fussed if it does turn out to be a boy. I have clothes for both eventualities!

Name  Bex

Age 29

Twitter @cheekyimp

Bex has a flickr page with all the things she’s knitted for baby so far http://www.flickr.com/photos/madriggie/tags/baby/

What makes it so difficult? Shouldn’t it be easier second (or third) time round?

Little ones seem to instinctively know when a baby is on the way.  They seem to know that it means big changes are coming – this knowledge is usually expressed as neediness in an altogether different, yet challenging way.  For example, toddlers will ask you to do physically impossible things.  When you are unable to get down on the floor with them, that’s when they want to do a puzzle.  When your bump is getting enormously big, they start insisting on sitting on your lap more and more.  When all you want to do is sleep, that’s precisely the time they drop their nap!  It makes for some very interesting coping techniques, both to keep your sanity and to keep them happy both before and after the baby arrives.

Pregnancy is difficult for a whole host of reasons, not least of which are physical.  Carrying around an extra 30 lbs (well, not always that much, but sometimes more!) makes simple things like the school run rather difficult.  With my third pregnancy, it was so hot and I found even walking up a small hill absolutely exhausting and energy sapping.  Compounded by two other children to look after, it sometimes seemed like climbing a mountain.  Keep in mind, I am not an unfit person either (I am now training for a half marathon!).  My legs would swell up, my breathing would become laboured and I felt like absolute hell at the end of a short 5 minute walk!!

Patience levels can also be at an all-time minimum.  When you are anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival, even small things can set you off.  When you are overdue, you might feel like snapping at any minute.  Of course, this is when your kids decide to start fighting at every minute, whinging, complaining and just never seeming satisfied.  Try to remember, however, that your child or children are also waiting for the baby to arrive, and may not know how to express themselves appropriately.  They may be excited, anxious, bored or any combination of these and other emotions!!

I have put together a short list of ideas to make your pregnancy a bit easier when you are also looking after your other children:

1)      Lightweight buggy – get an umbrella stroller for your toddler, it will be easier to get in and out of the boot of your car and will prevent you from having to carry your toddler for too long.  Heavy buggies will be your nemesis at this point – you will kick yourself for having spent so much on that designer buggy!

2)      Get a toddler bike that you can push with an attached handle – this is a great, fun way for your little one to get around.  It is fairly easy to push and can make outings fun, without you having to do much work.

3)      Try to organise someone else doing one or two mornings of school / nursery run – this could really save you from losing it altogether.  To have one or two mornings to yourself to put your feet up and have a cup of tea would be wonderful!

4)      Forget about nesting – you may have done it with your first (cleaning, organising, polishing the floors) but now is your time to rest when it is at all possible.  The only nesting you should be doing is getting baby grows washed and cots assembled etc.

5)      Get a toddler car seat that swivels (see reviews here) – I recently saw one of these and kicked myself for never having known about it and getting one.  A release allows the seat to turn to the side, making getting your toddler in the seat that much less painful.  I would even recommend this even if you’re not pregnant!

6)      Don’t try to do it all and recognize your limitations.  Many mums won’t admit that they need help, and this will only cause you more difficulty in the long run.  At the end stages of pregnancy, it is hard work running around after a little one (or two) and you may need to rest and look after yourself as well as your children.

Keeping your hormones in check whilst looking after others, is no easy feat.  Hopefully your pregnancy will go quickly and then you’ll just have to worry about how to cope with a newborn and a toddler!!

Please share your experiences with us about your 2^nd, 3^rd or subsequent pregnancies….how did you cope?

Gosh, it is May already and time for our “Pregger of the Month” interview. This month we talk to the lovely pregnant Kate Towey, who looks amazing with her growing bump. You can follow Kate on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/katiemaymanc and read her blog about all things maternity and pregnancy http://www.the-latch.com/ (including the post about her rather peculiar craving)!

How far along are you?

25 weeks

Have you got any other children or is this the first?

This will be my first baby.

What are you most excited about?

Meeting this little thing who is going to totally flip our world upside down

What are you most nervous about?

I’ve never changed a nappy in my life so I am slightly fearful that I mighty be rubbish at it. I’m sure I’ll master it pretty quickly though!

Most inappropriate pregnant remark made to you?

I’ve been pretty surprised by the number of people who have asked if it was planned (it very much was). Maybe because we aren’t married some people assume that you can’t possibly have planned it without, shock horror, being married.

Have you found it difficult to stay stylish while pregnant?

Not so far – i’ve just swapped my skinny jeans for skinny maternity jeans! I still like to wear dresses and put on a pair of heels occasionally too.

What are you most enjoying about your pregnancy?

I love seeing my body change and feeling the baby move around. It’s a magical feeling.

What is your biggest gripe?

Tiredness and lower back pain but in general they are both manageable and I feel good most of the time.

Have you had any crazy cravings?

The weirdest craving has actually been a craving for the smell of shoe polish and leather. I went through a period of hovering around outside Timpon’s the cobblers! Thank god I didn’t actually go in and buy any shoe polish to eat .I thought about it at times!

Did you find out what you are having?  Explain why (either way)…

No, we are keeping it a surprise. I always thought I would find out the sex but am so glad that we haven’t.  It feels like it’s going to make their arrival extra special. I have a hunch it’s a boy though so I am excited to see if I am correct or not.