Please click the PDF link below to view the safety report for our bamboo dinnerware.
As a parent, you never forget your baby’s first Christmas so you’ll want to make it as special as you can. This is the time to introduce your little one to the magic of the season by getting festive and creating some lasting family memories and Christmas traditions. December is a busy time for year for all mums especially if there’s a young baby in the house, so here are some simple ideas to help you make your baby’s first Christmas memorable.
Fillable baubles from Hobbycraft. Photo Christmas bauble from NotOnTheHighStreet.com. Salt dough imprint tutorial by You're So Martha.
As soon as the fairy lights and baubles are out of their boxes it starts to feel like Christmas. This year to celebrate baby’s first Christmas you could create some simple decorations of your own. Your baby will love the twinkling lights and shiny bright objects.
Tree decorations using baby keepsakes can make a lovely reminder each year of your baby’s first Christmas. You can simply hang a baby bootie or first shoe by a ribbon or you can use fillable baubles to hold hospital bracelets, scan pictures, or your baby’s first hat. Packs of fillable baubles are available from Hobbycraft.
Another sweet idea for personalised tree decorations is hand and foot imprint Christmas ornaments. These also make great gifts for doting grandparents. You can make these yourself simply by using salt dough, see this tutorial.
Decorating the house for Christmas can be fun family affair especially if for older siblings so don’t forget to hang some personalised Christmas stockings for everyone.
Mum & baby reindeer pyjamas from NotOnTheHighStreet.com. Baby imprint and frame kit from Amazon.
Even though your baby won’t remember their first Christmas you’ll definitely want to capture those special moments with a family Christmas photo. Whether you decide to book a professional photographer or do it yourself, don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Santa hats and reindeer antlers are great for Mum and Dad and there are so many cute Christmas outfits for dressing up your little one.
Personalised Christmas cards are a lovely way of sharing the joy of your baby’s first year with friends and family. If you’re organised in time you could send out the family Christmas photo to your list or baby footprints or handprints make great art for Christmas cards. You can find a mess-free baby imprint kit here.
You can order your personalised Christmas cards on Papier.com or create an e-card on smilebox if you prefer to go the digital root and save on paper, postage and time.
Fairy lights and star string lights both from Lights 4 Fun.
If you decide to decorate the nursery remember to keep it low key - you don’t want anything too distracting at bedtime. Think about using fairy lights or a mini Christmas tree.
Personalised Christmas Eve Box and Baby Grow from NotOnTheHighStreet.com.
Every family has its own traditions for this time of year including Christmas outings, going to see the lights, Elf on the shelf, cooking festive treats and storytelling or watching a favourite movie on Christmas eve. With a new addition to your family, now’s the time to start creating some rituals of your own.
Christmas eve boxes for the kids on the evening of the 24th are a lovely way to begin your celebrations. And what child doesn’t love an early Christmas present? Fill the box with shiny tactile objects or some favourites toys for your littlest family member and as your children grow you could include chocolate treats, a letter from Santa, a tree ornament, books and other little Christmas gifts.
Giving new pyjamas or slippers on Christmas eve is a great way of preparing excited children for bed ahead of the big day. You can find some cosy personalised Christmas sleepsuits here on Etsy and if you want to get in on the pyjama action yourself might like these mummy baby pyjamas on Not on the Highstreet
Left: Merino wool throw from Wolletjebol. Right: Cashmere bed socks from Brora.
Don't forget to treat yourself a little bit this Christmas. Whether you're a first-time mum or have a small brood to wrangle, it's a busy time of year so make a little time for you. Get into your comfiest clothes and curl up on the sofa with a hot drink and a movie or a book.
Remember that your baby doesn’t know about Christmas yet so you don’t have to do too much or spend a lot of money to make it magical. Just create a cosy relaxed family atmosphere, include them in your celebrations and enjoy watching your child discover the delights of this very special time.
]]>More and more mums these days are choosing baby-led weaning over more traditional spoon-feeding, and you may be considering if it is the right option for you and your baby.
As with so many choices that parents have to make, there is no definitive right way or wrong way, just your way. What suits you and your baby. And as always you should rely on your common sense, intuition and of course, do some research.
The phrase was coined by Gill Rapley, Author of Baby-led Weaning: The Essential Guide. Essentially, baby-led weaning is following your baby’s lead at mealtimes and allowing her to feed herself from day one of weaning rather than preparing pureed food for spoon-feeding.
Experts will say that your baby is ready to wean around 6 months and you’ll also pick up on some signals from your little one when the time is right. If you think your baby ready earlier check with your health visitor.
You know your baby is ready to start weaning when:
With most child-rearing choices there will be some pros and cons, and it’s worth taking these into consideration before you start with any new routine.
This last one is a real fear for some parents and of course, you should always follow safety guidelines and never leave your baby eating unattended. That said, it’s also advisable to make sure you know what to do if your child does start choking, if only for your own peace of mind.
You should offer a range of small, finger-sized foods. Start with well-steamed veg and soft fruit such as cooked sweet potato, banana, mango, cucumber, carrots and unsalted breadsticks.
And it’s advisable to present just a few bits at a time so that your little one doesn’t get overwhelmed by choice.
As with a spoon-fed diet, you should avoid giving your weaning baby salt and sugar, whole nuts, as they present a choking hazard, and no honey in the first year.
Be aware of potential allergens and introduce them one-by-one to your baby’s diet so that you can identify any adverse reactions. The most common are cow’s milk, eggs, wheat and gluten, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish.
And finally...
The truth is that you don’t actually have to commit to one style of weaning or another. Some parents prefer to mix both methods to suit their children and family lifestyle. If that’s you, check out the recipes of some trusted experts.
The important thing is to make a choice that you feel comfortable with, and as long as your baby is getting good variety and all the nutrients she needs, you can relax and enjoy this exciting stage in your baby’s development.
We all love the summer but if you have a baby or small children, the summer heat, at home or away, can bring with it challenges for you and the little ones. Here are some tips for keeping your baby cool, comfortable and safe this summer.
]]>We all love the summer, and during the dark winter months, we dream of long, lazy evenings, holidays in the sun, and trips to the beach. But if you have a baby or small children, the summer heat, at home or away, can bring with it challenges for you and the little ones.Don’t let it ruin your enjoyment. Here are some tips for keeping your baby cool, comfortable and safe this summer.
When it comes to being out in the sun, babies under 6 months old shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight in the summer months. You should also avoid exposure for your older infants especially during the hottest part of the day. This is generally between 11am and 3pm.
Of course, it’s difficult to avoid exposure entirely so protection is key to sun safety.
If your child is going to be out in the sunshine ensure that you apply sunscreen regularly. Pick a product that is specially formulated for childrens’ young delicate skin, with a minimum spf 15 and offers both UVA and UVB protection.
Here’s an ethically and environmentally responsible option from the Green People which will protect and take good care of your little one’s skin.
If you are spending a lot of time on the beach or by the pool you might also prefer a sun protection suit for you little one.
It is also important to protect your babies eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Try these sunglasses with detachable strap from Jojo Maman Bébé.
For more tips on sun safety here’s a useful article from the NHS website.
We all need to stay hydrated in the sun, but children, young babies and breastfeeding mothers need to take special care.
Breastfed babies don’t need extra water as your milk will be giving them exactly what they need to stay hydrated. They may, however, demand more milk, so it’s vital you stay hydrated.
If you’ve moved on from the breast, cooled boiled water can be used to supplement formula. And for older babies (6 months +) very diluted juice and homemade fruit lollies can help to keep up the fluid intake.
Another healthy option to keep your young ones hydrated in the summer is coconut water. Rich in nutrients and electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, which are lost through sweat, this is a good alternative to fruit juice. Be sure to check the pack and buy only coconut milk that has no added sugar or artificial flavouring.
If you’re out and about or spending the day on the beach, keep liquids cool by putting bottles into a small insulated bag with an ice pack. Freezing liquids before you leave the house is also a nifty trick to keep your drinks cooler for longer.
We all know children and babies love the water, so what better way to keep them cool in the summer than getting out the paddling pool. This is always a great option whether you are in your back garden or on the beach. But do make sure that there is also shade and of course that your baby is supervised at all times near water.
In the hot summer months, it’s best to opt for clothing made from natural fibres. The same goes for nightwear and bedclothes. Check out Tilly and Jasper for a great range of organic kids and baby clothes.
Bamboo is now a very popular choice as it is soft, breathable and absorbent, helping to wick away moisture from the skin and keep baby cool and dry.
If you use a baby carrier, choose one made from a light coloured, lightweight and breathable fabric. The confined space in combination with the heat your body puts out may cause your baby to quickly get hot and bothered.
Wide-brimmed hats are a must for mother and baby and remember to carry an anti-UV umbrella to protect you and your baby when out and about in hot countries.
The hot weather can make it hard for your baby to settle for naps and bedtime.
A cool bath is always a good way to start the bedtime routine. Remember to keep the shades or blinds down during the day to keep the heat out, especially on holiday in hot countries.
You can use a fan to ventilate and circulate air but remember never to point it directly at the baby and make sure that it is well out of reach. Another tip is to hang wet towels in front of the fan in really hot temperatures as the evaporation cools the air. Placing frozen water bottles in front of the fan will do a similar job.
Babymoov offers low emission travel monitors so that you can keep an eye on the temperature of the room where your baby is sleeping at home and on holiday. The recommended temperature range for safe and comfortable sleep is between 16C (61F) and 20C (68F).
Bedclothes and nightwear should be made of breathable, natural fibres and are best kept to a minimum in the summer. Removing waterproof sheets will also help to keep your baby cool when sleeping.
Here are some gorgeous bamboo and organic cotton swaddle blankets which are ideal for very small babies
We at Koko kids hope that you find these tips useful for keeping your little ones safe and comfortable in the heat and we wish you a cool summer!
]]>For mums and dads-to-be, awaiting a new addition to the family is an exciting time and preparing the new nursery should be fun too. However, with so many other things to consider when expecting a new arrival, there are a number of common pitfalls to be aware of. And with a little bit of planning, you can avoid these and enjoy creating the perfect space for your baby and for you.
As with most things in life, timing is everything. So, don’t leave it too late. The nesting instinct, a natural part of pregnancy that so many mothers-to-be experience, tends to get stronger towards the due date but you don’t want to be banging nails, painting walls and flat packing right up to the eleventh hour.
One of the big questions is when to paint. It is not recommended to paint during the first trimester - although the risks to pregnant women and unborn children from exposure to the chemicals in paints are not fully known. It is also recommended to finish any painting or wallpapering in the nursery at least 8 weeks prior to your due date to allow for any potentially harmful fumes to dissipate before bringing your baby home (if you can, leave the windows to speed-up the process).
Remember to keep the room well ventilated, wear a mask and don’t eat or drink while painting. And the same precautions should also apply when you’re using cleaning products.
You can find baby safe VOC free paints by Little Green and Little Knights.
It is also advisable to order the larger items of nursery furniture - cot, changing table, storage - in plenty of time to ensure availability. Which leaves the third trimester for the fun stuff: accessorising.
You might also want to order your baby monitor at this point to be sure you’ve got to grips with the functions before baby’s first night in the nursery. Take a look here for low emission baby monitors by Babymoov.
The key thing to remember when designing the nursery is that it needs to be a comfortable and relaxing space for you too, as well as a calm and cosy sleep-promoting environment for your child. You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time in there feeding and gazing at the walls, so bear this in mind when you start to plan.
Must-have items include a comfortable feeding chair or rocker, offering good lower back support, armrests and the ability to sit with your feet planted flat on the floor. If space allows, you might want to consider including a spare bed or day bed for you to sleep in once your baby is old enough to sleep in the nursery.
Consider a changing table that doubles as a dresser or a cotbed that can be extended as your child grows. Organise the room so that you have everything you need close to hand for the nighttime nappy changes.
When it comes to the decoration, accessories, wall hangings and artwork, pick something that you’ll enjoy looking at during those long feeds. Beware of over-theming at this early stage, as the time for Disney or Star Wars themed everything will come soon enough.
Remember also that grey is your friend. Consider this for your walls over brighter colours that may overstimulate your little one. It’s neutral, calming, versatile and still very much on-trend. You can brighten it with white, pastels and accessories to add some playful colour to neutral tones. The other advantage of grey is that you can update the room as your child grows without having to start from scratch.
When and how much your baby sleeps will have a huge impact on your own precious sleep and any parents who’ve learned the hard way will tell you how important it is to get the lighting in the nursery right from the outset.
Organising it so that you’re able to control the amount of natural and artificial light there is in your baby’s bedroom, at any time of the day or night, will pay dividends in the end. If possible the baby’s cot should be out of the direct line of sunlight or street light and blackout blinds, lined curtains, dimmer switches and nightlights are all your friends.
When imagining the nursery, don’t just plan for the first couple of years. Think toddler. This involves future proofing for safety and adaptability.
Windows and window dressings should be safe and secure with blind or curtain cords safely out of reach and furniture kept away from the window. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also among the nursery safety essentials that you should consider.
When it comes to storage items, such as shelves or drawers, be sure to choose something solid that can’t be easily pulled or knocked over by cruising babies or toddlers - for extra security, fix them to the walls or floor.
For versatility and adaptability wall stickers are a quick and easy option. They’re non-toxic, add instant colour to neutral walls and are easily replaced. They’re also safer than heavier items, such as framed pictures, that could be pulled off the wall.
Check out our post on non-toxic nurseries for more advice on making your nursery a safe and secure environment for you and your baby.
And finally a word on flooring. This is something that you want to consider carefully and get sorted well in advance of the birth. Bare boards are lovely to look at, but they can be noisy when you’re trying to slip out of the room after putting your baby down to sleep, not to mention a splinter hazard for little crawlers.
Carpet is cosy and comforting, not to mention forgiving of little people who are prone to topple and fall on their bottoms. They can, however, harbour dust mites and other allergens so you might want to consider looking for a carpet made from natural, VOC-free fibres. And be sure to sort out any squeaking floorboards before the carpet is laid!
If the cost of natural fibre carpet is a barrier, you could opt for an attractive area rug instead, but beware of any trip hazard and be sure to secure these to the nursery floor to avoid slippage. Other flooring options include cork, laminate and bamboo.
For more information and inspiration take a look at this really useful article on nursery flooring.
And finally our shopping guide on where to find all those nursery essentials.
1. Little Trees Lampshade from Koko Kids. 2. Changing table from The Baby Room. 3. GroEgg Baby Thermometer and night light from John Lewis. 4. Chest of drawers from Cuckooland. 5. Cloud Mobile from Junior Edition. 6. Acacia Rocking Chair from Cuckooland. 7. Cotbed from Scandiborn. 8. VOC-free paint from Little Greene. 9. Organic Muslin Squares from Smallable. 10. Ferm Living Pear Storage Basket from Scandiborn. 11. Low EMF baby monitor from Babymoov.
]]>There are lots of milestones to celebrate in your baby’s first year, and with spring springing all around us and Easter just around the corner, it’s never too early to start creating some family traditions.
Even if chocolate is off the menu for a year or two, for the littlest family member at least, there’s still plenty you can do to start making Easter memories with your precious little bundle. And if you have older children, you can get them involved in making this an Easter celebration to remember.
Putting together an Easter basket for your baby can be lots of fun for everyone. Find a shallow basket and line it with a nice soft fleece or even some coloured tissue paper that she can also have some fun with - babies love the sound of crinkling paper. Then fill it with Easter and spring-themed objects that you know she’ll enjoy exploring.
The contents of the basket can be a mixture of old and new, including favourite soft animal toys, shiny tactile objects, a cuddly blanket, a textured board book, a dinner set or a teething toy. You could even ask friends and other family members - grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, godparents - to contribute items to the basket.
We've put together a shopping page to help you find perfect the perfect gift for baby's Easter Basket.
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While babies do enjoy the taste of chocolate, the generally accepted wisdom on this subject is that you should avoid it for the first year at least. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t have some egg-based fun with your little one at Easter.
Colourful percussion eggs or nesting toys make the perfect tactile gifts to include in the Easter basket. If your baby is at the grasping stage, he'll enjoy taking them in and out of the basket. And even though he's too young for a big treasure hunt, a little game of 'hunt the egg' will provide an endless source of fun.
There are plenty of ways to introduce a little bit of spring into the nursery this Easter. The addition of cushions, a new picture for the wall, new bed linens, a colourful rug or a new bunny blanket will instantly brighten up your baby’s room.
Another simple yet beautiful idea is to create a springtime forest scene of your little one’s favourite woodland creatures using wall stickers. Here at Koko Kids, we have a delightful set of animal wall decals including a fox, a rabbit, birds, squirrels, hedgehogs and a racoon using vintage floral patterns. They’re easy to apply and re-apply, 100% biodegradable and, because they are made from a fabric that’s free from PVC, phthalates and other toxins, they are ideal for a toxic-free nursery.
The pretty decorations don’t have to be limited to the nursery. Easter provides a good opportunity to get crafty and set your inner creative free. This is also a great project to share with any older siblings or cousins in the family.
You can buy an Easter tree ready to decorate or if you prefer, check out your local florist or grab a branch from your own garden to decorate. Adorn the tree with Easter-themed decorations such as eggs and springtime animals. Your baby may not be able to help but she will enjoy looking at and touching the results and will be adding her own decorations before you know it in years to come.
For more inspiration here’s a quick and simple tutorial from Red Ted Art on making paper chick ornaments for your Easter tree.
Your little one may be too young for egg decorating and big kid treasure hunts, but Easter is a great time to start involving them in the outdoor springtime activities.
If the weather permits, get the family outside in the garden or the park. Bring the Easter basket, throw down a rug and let baby play and explore while enjoying the colours, the smells and the sounds of spring, as well as getting some of that all-important vitamin D from the sunshine.
And if you have the time to get to the garden centre or supermarket before Easter, find a good spot and plant an instant spring garden. Primroses, petunias, tete-a-tete daffodils and other annuals can transform a small patch of flower bed into an instant garden for kids and the whole family to enjoy.
Crocheted rabbit outfit by All About Amy. Rabbit hat from Amazon. Knitted lamb hat from Etsy. Baby romper from Not on the High Street.
Playing dress-up with your baby is always lots of fun, and Easter offers a great opportunity to do just that. Think chicks, and bunnies and lambs and prepare for maximum cuteness.
Check out Not on the Highstreet for some seriously sweet Easter outfit ideas from sleepsuits, booties and bibs to bunny ear bathrobes and jumpsuits.
Floral headband from Etsy. Photography by Lianne Marie.
So, the house and garden are looking springlike and your baby is dressed-up for the occasion. Make sure that you capture the moment by taking some great photos. Your baby may not remember their first Easter, but you’ll want to.
When it comes to the Easter photo shoot, you can either do it yourself or book a professional photographer. If you are going with a professional, check out their online portfolio to be sure you like their style, and find out what’s included in the price and whether they can also produce finished artwork for your walls.
Of course, you don’t have to call in a Pro. Some of your most memorable family moments can just as easily be captured on an iPhone. Here are some great tips on iPhone photography with kids and some good advice on DIY photography with very small babies.
We at Koko Kids hope that we’ve given you plenty of inspiration to make your baby’s first Easter a special one and we wish you all a very happy holiday with your little ones.
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When picking out furniture, make sure to opt for solid wood. Alternatives like composite board, particle board and MDF use formaldehyde, veneers and toxic glue that release nasty chemicals which do not belong in a child’s room.
Non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint is also essential to making sure your painted furniture isn't releasing toxic fumes into the air your baby breathes.
Look out for products with a Greenguard certification as this is only given to manufacturers that meet the highest standards of indoor air quality.
Organic baby brand, The Little Green Sheep sell high quality organic mattresses for under £200. You can also purchase bedding from their gorgeous animal themed range. www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
Our own decals are perfect for a toxic free nursery as they’re made from a special adhesive fabric that’s free from PVC, phthalates and other toxins. They can also be removed and reapplied over and over without losing stickiness or leaving residue on walls.
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Keep it cool and natural with boho inspired pieces. Natural materials like bamboo and wicker along side plants, wall hangings and muted, earthy tones.
Neutral doesn't have to be bland, keeping a room light and airy with white or off white walls creates more space and leaves you to decide how to accessorize. Simplicity is key with Scandenavian inspired furniture gives a modern fresh look.
There are so many gorgeous prints around. Try the more traditional photography prints in black and white, pencil illustartions or go for something modern and fun like this dog print from Norse at Etsy
What little one doesn't like a cuddly toy? There are so many gorgeous designs out there at the moment. Vintage style soft toys are really on trend and look so cute. Bedding is another way to incorporate the animal theme in and when they get bored you can have another design on rotation.
Another great way to add a touch of the jungle is with houseplants. Good for the air and they look great. If you feel you're not green fingered then try easy-to-keep succulents or a peace lily.
These teepees have been around for a while now in all shapes and sizes and kids love them. What could be more fun than camping in your own bedroom! Also check out this gorgeous teepee bed from Woood.
Cute things up and create a subtle woodland effect with cuddly creatures. There are so many contemporary takes on the traditional stuffed toy and here are some of our faves.
Here at Koko Kids one of our most popular ranges is woodland animals. From vintage floral patterns to modern mustard and grey hues there is something for every nursery. Also check out our porcelain Rabbit lamp which fits beautifully with a woodland themed nursery.
Woodland Animals on Branch in Mustard and Grey (left) & Deer fawn and Woodland in Vintage Floral (right).
Think tropical, think summery, think fruit! We love these watermelon and citrus inspired wares. Watermelon beakers from Etsy, Crib sheet from DarlingClementine and Watermelon stool from The Timbertrend
Sunshine, sand and citrus. Yellow is unmistakably cheerful and can bring that little bit of sunshine into your home. Try mustard and pale yellows combined in a room or add flashes of yellow into the cot with a gorgeous yellow blanket like this one from Etsy.
Add some tropical vibes with cacti patterns. There are loads of cute pints out there for babies clothing and if you're a knitting whiz why not try some cute patterns from handylittleme.com
]]>We wanted to share some of the winners of the Birth Becomes Her 2018 Birth Photography Contest. Inspiring and life-changing moments have been captured in visually stunning images. These inspiring images were taken around the world, featuring images of pregnancy and births at homes, hospitals, and birth centers. To see the full submissions or to find a photographer for your own birth, visit: www.birthbecomesher.com
Overall Winner - Marijke Thoen of Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie – Serving Lochristi, Belguim – “Stunning Siblings First Encounter”
Peoples Choice Winner - Caroline Devulder – Serving Ghent, Belgium – “Transition to Earth”
Maternity category - 1st Place - Jen Conway of Jen Conway Photography Serving Greenville, SC – “This is what a Goddess Looks Like”
maternity category - 2nd Place - Melissa Benzel of Benzel Photography – Serving Orlando, Florida – “Staying Afloat”
Fresh/Postpartam 1st Place - Veronika Richardson of Fox Valley Birth and Baby – Serving Green Bay, WI – “This is VBAC.”
Labour category - 2nd Place - Rebecca Coursey of A Wondered Life Photography – Serving Santa Monica and West Los Angles, CA – “Nowhere and Everywhere”
Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography – Serving Vancouver Island, BC – “Labor by Candlelight”
Founded by Monet Nicole (www.monetnicole.com) and Jennifer Mason (www.jennifermasonphotography.com
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Think soft apple, pastel peaches and dreamy shades of blue. Perhaps just go for one wall and mirror the colour around the room using soft furnishings, wall hangings and imaginative flooring.
Pastel pineapples from Figo Studio on Etsy, Wall art from Olli and Ella. Neon Cloud (top of page) from This Modern Life. These accessories can transform the room immediately and they're so fun!
Lights, pompoms, dream-catchers, action! These little pastel gems will keep the little ones interested as well as creating the full magical pastel effect. We're all crushing on the pastel pendant lampshades from Made.com especially this one in duck egg blue.
Grey walls look chic and stylish, but rather than just paint them a block colour, try using wallpaper or stickers. Or get creative and paint some mountains!
If all grey seems a bit heavy mix it with white for a lighter look. White washed or pale wooden furniture and floors give a fresher look and you can add and take away accessories as you wish.
No need to go full-on grey in every corner of the nursery. Try using it for key pieces of furniture or accessories.
Window coverings don't have to be the main feature of a nursery. Pick an accent colour from your room decor and choose blinds or curtains in the same hue. This works particularly well if you have more than one window to consider.
From farm animals to the king of the jungle, animal prints are a classic nursery addition and using your child's favourite can add a personal touch. We love beautifully illustrated fabrics like these Longleat curtains and the tie-backs by Anthropologie are the cutest we have seen yet!
There are so many amazing fabrics available today
You don't have to resort to knitted monkeys for nursery tie-backs – they may be cute but have a limited shelf life. Choose one of these chic options for a design that can be worked into an updated room as your child grows.
Curtain tie-backs, from left to right: Rabbit tie-backs by Anthropologie, image courtesy of Design Sponge. Wing and Cherry Blossom tie-backs by Urban Outfitters.
You can dress up a plain window with a garland of your choice. Choose a theme and use found objects, such as feathers, or cut-out shapes and hang with string.
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There is nothing cuter than a child dressed as a woodland animal! If I could get away with it myself, I would! Both coats found on Etsy
We adore these gorgeous coats in an assortment of Harris tweed wools. They are by Caramel and are available at Selfridges.
For when the rain won't stop pouring down, there are some great animal printed raincoats to lift your mood. These two can be found at ChildrenSalon and Next
Spell out a spooky word with bold balloons or use a marker to draw pumpkin and ghost faces. Cheap and cheerful!
Forget ghosts and witches. Think outside of the box this year and dress your little ones up as ice creams, pineapples or clowns. So cute!
Create a feature at the Halloween party with homemade tissue paper ghosts or hanging lanterns! Spooky!
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Little Indians
Dutch company Little Indians have a fantastic range of kid's clothes and footwear that manage to look cool yet practical. Their clothes combine a neutral colour palette with funky graphics.
Tiny Cottons
Barcelona-based store, Tiny Cottons have some beautiful designs in muted colours. With strong graphic design elements and quality tailoring, these pieces will last for years and yours will be the coolest kids on the playground.
Cosy Cloud Kids
Cosy Cloud Kids produce folk inspired, boho clothing for kids. A beautiful clothing range with delicate detailing.
Dudes and Dolls
This clothing range for 0-6-year-olds is made with GOT certified organic cotton/cotton blends. Good for the environment and great minimalist designs in mainly cool tones.
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From handmade mocassins to crochet footlets, Etsy has a great choice of little shoes for your little ones. Check out these adorable finds that we took a shine to this week.
Some of the money you spend on Humble Hilo shoes goes to good causes such as infant and child nutrition, education, and microfinance for women. These ethically handmade products are also incredibly beautiful. What's not to like?
Oxfords, loafers, Mary-Janes and sneakers are just a few choices from this fabulously cool company. They do shoes for mummy too!
For the budding fashionistas! How can you resist?
Designed in East London, these retro-feel shoes are lightweight, practical and super cool. They make shoes for toddlers up to juniors. We love the T-bar sandals and the nubuck ankle boots.
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If budget isn't an issue you could treat yourself to one of these rugs created from over 100 pompoms made of pure merino wool. Available in a range of styles from simple white circles to snow leopards, you are guaranteed to find the perfect rug for your home.
Australian company Adairs sells a gorgeous range of children's bedding plus matching accessories.
Danish company Ferm Living continues to innovate with their muted colour palette and contemporary illustrations.
Colour, texture and pattern. Mix it all up for an exciting result in your child's bedroom.
Simplistic geometry and sugar sweet colour palettes create beautiful pieces for your little one's interior.
]]>Another contributing factor to how effective the use (of the sometimes slandered) pink, is to be aware of all the many hues. The intensity and saturation of a cool, soft, blush pink are entirely different to that of a bold, bright cerise. This careful decision making is essential when deciding on the complimentary greys.
Consider may be the size of the room- does it need a whole statement wall and will a darker hue decrease the aspect of space? Will the colours work with the furniture and accessories you have already? Do you want a soft traditional look or perhaps a more contemporary feel? All of this is great fun to work out and before you know it you will have the little girl's bedroom of your dreams!
I have found myself absolutely loving the muted tones of pink. Almost grey/pinks. Apricot, almond and coral shades are also an alternative to the popular “barbie” pink. These more grown-up versions of the colour can be found in some beautiful soft furnishings and bedding available at the moment. Teamed with perhaps some silver grey or taupe statement furniture (or a painted brick wall if you have the chance!) this will be a child's room to be proud of.
]]>Monochrome hits the trend radar every few years in fashion and interior design and nurseries are increasingly being decorated in this timeless colour scheme.
Many may feel a monochrome scheme is too harsh for a baby but this needn't be the case. As some of the best designers around have embraced the trend there are now a huge variety of products in black & white that are designed specifically for children. So you can have that woodland theme and a monochrome palette. If you want to soften the look, use off-whites or add a muted colour such as dusty pink or taupe.
But monochrome nurseries aren't just about style. Babies only see in black, white and grey for the first four months of their lives and research has shown that black and white contrasts register powerfully on a baby's retina and send the strongest visual signals to their brains. Stronger signals mean more brain growth and faster visual development. So a monochrome theme will not only result in a stylish nursery but will actually benefit your newborn!
The neutrality of a monochrome scheme gives you the power to add splashes of colour when you (or they) fancy a change. You can add colour in the form of a new cushion, rug or lampshade. It's possible to repeatedly update a monochrome scheme in this way as your child grows without an entire room makeover.
Monochrome also replaces the traditional lemon yellow for parents who don't want to know the gender of their baby until it's born. You can buy all of the key items in black and white and add colour at a later stage.
As far as pattern is concerned, keep it simple. A patterned statement wall and several soft furnishings work well. If mixing various patterns try playing around with scale - large stripes teamed with a small polka dot pattern for example. This way the patterns won't compete with each other or make a room look too busy.
Simple, graphic designs work well – stars, clouds and raindrops are recurring themes. There are many stylish graphic prints available that look great in a contemporary nursery and won't date as your child grows.
Monochrome nurseries are a trend that is here to stay. Done well, they make inspiring spaces for little ones and fit perfectly into stylish contemporary homes. You can design a nursery knowing that many of the pieces will see your little one from newborn to toddler and well beyond.
]]>Most parents these days work hard to remove toxic chemicals from their baby’s environment. They buy organic food served in BPA-free dishes. They check toys and teethers are free from PVC and paint nursery walls with paint that's free of VOCs. So why choose a wall sticker that will literally pollute the air your baby breathes? Vinyl wall stickers are a source of phthalates as well as volatile organic compounds that are associated with neurological conditions.
Wall stickers are a great way to decorate your child's room or baby nursery ~ they can transform a room quickly without the fuss of paints or stencils. However, most companies produce their decals using vinyl. That's vinyl as in polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), sometimes referred to as the most toxic plastic.
Fabric Wall Stickers Make a Great Choice for the Nursery and Children's Rooms
Non-toxic Wall Stickers
All of our wall stickers are made using a multi US-patented adhesive fabric that is free from vinyl, PVC, BPA and phthalates. As well as being non-toxic the stickers will biodegrade once disposed of. We’ve even considered our packaging - we wrap our stickers in cellophane (compostable) and post them in cardboard tubes (recyclable).
Fabric Wall Stickers are Removable AND Reusable
A lot of our customers are decorating a nursery in the final stages of pregnancy and love the ease with which our stickers can be applied, but best of all you (and baby) can sleep safely knowing they're not adding to a toxic environment.