hype baby

Introducing Babes About Town!

2010-01-28T11:38:00.006+00:00

It's been a busy month. Hype Baby is proud to announce the launch of a brand new blog.

Babes about Town is a city guide and social network serving young families in London and beyond. We find and recommend cool things to do, fun places to hang and stylish places (and products) to shop - and mostly with the little ones in tow.

Babes about Town targets parents with kids in the 0-5 age range but we're open to anybody with kids in their life and everybody with a GSOP (great sense of play).

Please visit the blog to find out more, subscribe via reader, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and of course, get to know the face and family behind Cheekymama and her team.

Cat and the hat

2010-01-11T00:58:00.004+00:00

As the 'owners' of two cheeky munchkins of the male persuasion, it's not surprising that some of our finds tend to be a little boy-centric.

But every now and then we satisfy our blog's girlie side with something that catches our eye. Like this adorable Catriona the Cat playsuit by UK designers Olive & Moss. We're especially taken with Catriona's dinky little handbag and sweet mouse ears on the hat that comes as part of the set.

The romper is available in sizes 0-12 months in 100%, machine-washable cotton. Visit Olive & Moss to check out their range of playful characters and products.

Bus boy

2009-12-21T21:51:00.004+00:00

Our Mr. Cheeks is a typical boy, in love with all things that go and particularly the iconic London bus. So this adorable hand-knitted Red Bus Hat from Stealing Candy immediately caught my eye.

It's only available in sizes 3-12 months, so sadly His Cheekiness would have to sit back and watch baby bro double-decked out in wintry fashion.

This hat might not stop traffic but it's guaranteed to turn the heads of any toddlers in transit. Visit Stealing Candy for more sweet finds.

Back in Shape

2009-12-06T10:11:00.003+00:00

When scouting around for Xmas gifts for the young 'uns, it's easy to feel bombarded by the big name brands and the cookie cutter toys.

One great alternative to major department stores is checking out museum gift shops for something quirky and stylish. We love this brightly-coloured Shape Caterpillar Backpack, by design duo Zoe Miller and David Goodman. The bag is part of a range of kids' accessories to mark the publication of their children's book exploring the concept of shapes.

Pick up the pack on a visit to the Tate Modern with your tots or if you can't face the crowds, swing by their online shop for more gift ideas.

Cute cover-up

2009-11-22T18:09:00.003+00:00

As winter creeps in, our thoughts turn to stylish ways to keep our little ones cosy and warm when we're out and about. We've fallen in love with the BabbaCover, a car seat cover that keeps baby wrapped up and protected from wind, snow and in the latest versions, harsh sunlight.

The BabbaCover features windows on front and back for ventilation and easy viewing or access to baby. There are also side pockets to keep your handy bits and an elastic opening up top to allow for a secure grip on your car seat handle. The BabbaCover fits all standard infant car seat carriers and comes in a range of funky-fab designs. We're particularly keen on the 'GQ Guillen' in SnuggleFleece as pictured. Visit the web site for more styles and suppliers.

Yo Bubba Bubba

2009-11-04T17:33:00.005+00:00

So I know Hype Baby has been sleeping on this one, but I just rented out the Yo Gabba Gabba It's Time to Dance DVD and I have to admit I'm hooked. The intro sounded hectic but, within minutes, I was grinning insanely and ready to boogie down with my bubbas.

The popular Nick Jr. show features zany characters, juicy colours and positive messages (e.g. 'eat your fruits' and 'brush your teeth') set to a crazy-funky-cool soundtrack blending old-school hip hop beats, dance pop and even electronica.

The first DVD from the series, It's Time to Dance features cameos from Elijah Wood and Tony Hawk. This Halloween, Mr. Brangelina himself gave the show some extra stardust by dressing up as central figure DJ Lance Rock.

Yo Gabba Gabba mania continues to sweep the States with the release last month of the soundtrack Music is Awesome and the live show hitting the road nationwide. Whether your kid's already a fan or, like ours, normally restricted to ad-free kids TV, the Yo Gabba Gabba DVD should make a much-played prezzie this Xmas. For more of the mayhem, check 'em out on their web site or on YouTube.

Hot Seat

2009-10-22T12:52:00.005+01:00

When travelling with Mr. Cheeks as a baby, I couldn't have gone anywhere without my Tot Seat portable highchair. This handy wrap keeps baby tied safely to most seats so he can have a little independence and leave you with both hands free.

Now that the Little Big Cheeks is weaning, I keep one in my baby bag but as an avid mummy blogger I'm always on the quest for what's new.

Enter Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper, a genius little contraption that offers the same portability as the Totseat but goes one step further.

Not only does the Wriggle Wrapper secure baby snugly to a chair or around your waist, but you can also tie it to standard single beds for extra peace of mind when your little one's napping.

Phil & Ted's Wriggle Wrapper comes in chic grey or snazzy red, is machine washable and suitable for babies aged 6 to 24 months. Snap one up via the Phil & Ted site or available stockists.

Yoga Babies

2009-10-14T16:52:00.003+01:00

The little ones and mama are fresh from a limbering session of afternoon yoga at a local Children's Centre. Well, in truth mum sat with Little Big Cheeks on my lap at the corner and egged on his older brother.

It was a treat to see my 3-year-old (who's already built more like a rugby player than a tiny dancer) ease himself into various poses. It was even better to see how quickly he transformed from wallflower into proud, standing tree with waving branches - amongst other yogic moves.

What's clever about Yoga Bugs is a series of standard poses are woven into storytelling so the kids feel like they're going on a magical adventure with plenty of stretching and rolling about.

It's a canny mix of song, dance and fitness that appeals to toddlers (1 to 2) and pre-schoolers (3 to 4) already hooked on yoga-inspired CBeebies show Waybuloo. Check out the Yoga Bugs web site to get a sense of it and find your nearest class.

Angel baby

2009-09-20T22:30:00.005+01:00

She may keep you up all night feeding and drive you crazy all day crying, yet one gummy smile from baby and she's transformed from tiny fiend into cheeky little cherub.

Make her look the part with this angel wing bodysuit by Marie Chantel. The babygrow is made of 100 percent pima cotton and comes with the sweetest set of angel wings sewn on the back. It's also available in pink or blue, but we think you'll agree white looks most celestial. Browse for more heavenly finds at the Gift Library online store.

All wrapped up

2009-09-13T16:07:00.005+01:00

Although the baby boom is no longer quite as intense as when I was expecting (funny how that happens), I just found out yet another relative is due in a couple of months. Always an excuse to hunt for new baby gifts.

I've fallen in love with the soft throws, wraps and nursery bedding by the Atlantic Blankets company. I'm particularly swayed by these Moss/Salmon striped blankies made in Ireland. These 100% lambswool babywraps are just designed for snuggling a newborn and will make both new mama and little bundle very happy indeed. Find your own perfect style at the Atlantic Blankets web site.

Buzz off

2009-08-27T11:03:00.005+01:00

After our recent travels, we were horrified to find our Cheeky ones covered in scabs and scars from insect bites. I had prepared for the African scourge but the worst offenders turned out to be in the South of France.

If only I had known about Green Baby's Deet Free Mosquito Patch beforehand. This fantastic little product packs a powerful punch of 100% pure undiluted Citronella and Eucalyptus Citriodora - essential oils that have been used for years to keep those buzzers at bay. Simply take a patch, give it a friendly squeeze to release the fragrance, and slap it on for up to 10 hours protection.

The patches are not only environmentally cool, but totally safe for everyone even babies since the product never touches the skin. You can stick them on practically any area you fancy including clothing, furniture, pushchairs and bedding. Each packet comes with 24 patches designed to repel midges, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and even headlice.

Being partial to his stickers and plasters, Mr. Cheeks was especially keen and proud to display his Deet patch while playing in the woods. I was just thrilled that I didn't have to cover either of my babies in smelly, possibly rash-inducing gunk. Now when are they going to come out with a sunscreen patch?

Visit Green Baby for the lowdown.

Just frontin'

2009-08-22T14:00:00.005+01:00

Now that the little big boy is starting out on solids, our thoughts have turned to getting him some stylish feeding gear. I'm charmed by this funky Island Stripe bib by Babylicious. With its wipe-clean surface, catch-all front pocket and Velcro closure, this plastic protector provides an easy way to inject a little attitude into chow time. Best of all, it's on sale now at Style Kid. Check out more discount offers at their web site.

Babbling over

2009-08-07T14:16:00.006+01:00

I literally laughed out loud when I saw this onesie with 'Oh Crap' so aptly placed above the rear. And strolling through Covent Garden the other day with Little Big Cheeks in his 'Fuel' bodysuit, I was stopped time and again by people wondering where we got that cute t-shirt.

The answer is Babble Babywear, a line of bodyhugging onesies with witty captions and logos that are bound to make you do a double-take. Check out the 'Chunky' onesie with peanut butter jar logo or the 'Recycling Centre' for the eco-conscious parent with a sense of humour. Each bodysuit is made of 100% ringspun combed cotton with reinforced three-snap closures and available in sizes 0-12 months.

And if you think you can do even better, Babble Babywear are running a contest for new slogans. Visit the web site for more details.

Special Offer: Direct to your living room

2009-07-27T13:09:00.007+01:00

Becoming a new parent means revamping your home - whether you're painting the nursery walls or watching your baby redecorate the kitchen floor with his porridge. And once you've got a new addition, you soon find pretty much every room becomes the 'baby room'.

Before you go spare trying to figure out what shade of sofa will match the little one's toybox, take a trip to Living Rooms Direct. This online superstore offers a broad range of living room furniture and accessories to spruce up your main hanging out area - from cosy family-size sofas to funky magazine racks for stacking all those baby catalogues.

Living Rooms Direct are offering one lucky Hype Baby reader $30 towards any item on the site. New mamas and papas might dig this gorgeous notNeutral Wood Block set featuring letters, numbers and images that can be combined to create 3D stories.

To win this $30 voucher, simply email Hype Baby with your name and address and a message of 15 words or less on how your little bubba has transformed your living space. The winner will be notified by email and get a special mention on the blog.

**Update: This competition is now closed.

Surfer dudes

2009-07-22T11:05:00.006+01:00

If the temperamental British summer is getting you down and you're craving a little all-weather California sun, turn to kids' fashion line Haiden Surf for inspiration. Developed by two former surf chicks turned mamas, this is beachwear for babes with serious water-slick appeal.

From slaps (flip-flops) to lids (hats), the Haiden Surf range will keep your little ones looking tip-top whether they're catching mini-waves or staying out of the rays. We can't get enough of their boardies - beach shorts for infants and toddlers featuring exotic or hipster prints with names like Rip Tide, Firecracker and Zoo Keeper. And a quick visit to the super-cool Haiden Surf web site alone is like taking a mini-break in the Sunshine State.

Just kicking it

2009-06-18T20:22:00.003+01:00

Finding cute yet affordable clothes for kids in a recession can be headache-inducing. So we're pleased to share an extra special offer from online superstore Kicky Pants. Normally only available to wholesale customers, the site is offering a massive 50 percent off retail orders for a limited time only. Simply head to the site, click on Our Products and then select Seasonal or Maternity to see the sale range. Their adorable ruffle dresses and romper suits are perfect for lolling around in the long, hot summer ahead. Visit Kicky Pants for further info.

Hot mama

2009-06-01T18:05:00.004+01:00

Not every mummy feels yummy all the time. But there are some days when you stroll out with extra sass in your stride - days when not even the spit-up on your shoulder can steal your shine.

So if you've got it, why not let your bubba flaunt it in this 'I'm with the MILF' onesie? If that's a little OTT for your tastes, why not check out other t-shirts in the David & Goliath range? They specialise in fashion tees emblazoned with cheeky or cute slogans that are guaranteed to make people look twice. And with sizes to fit the whole family, even your DILF can get in on the action. Pop into David & Goliath's online store for more words to the not-so-wise.

Green delicious

2009-05-17T09:28:00.005+01:00

Our Little Big Cheeks is one of those babies that even strangers seem to want to take a bite out of. And he's almost irresistibly delicious squeezed into his blue on red Cherries bodysuit from eco-friendly range Green Baby.

We snapped up two luxuriously soft and roomy suits from Green Baby in Islington including the adorable Spotted Duck on a tangerine backdrop. Suitable from 0-18 months, all designs are 100% cotton and made by their fair trade partner in India. Visit Green Baby at one of their UK outlets or swing by the web site to check out more goodies in their award-winning collection.

For book bugs

2009-05-13T18:11:00.006+01:00

I'm proud to say that Mr. Cheeks has been a book worm since he was a mere nipper, chewing on cloth books. He's also a big fan of push-pull toys and anything that looks like a wagon.

So imagine my delight to come across the P'kolino Book Buggee, a pull-along book shelf that contains four book holders and a front compartment where your kid can store other toys/junk. The Book Buggee makes a great gift for budding word nerds. And the powerful combo of stories and wheels should keep bubba busy while you catch up on some of your own reading. Find out more at kids' design store Mason and Matisse.

Bathing beauty

2009-05-08T10:48:00.004+01:00

If you've ever tried to persuade a terrified toddler that showering for the first time in a strange hotel can be fun, you'll definitely appreciate this slick piece of baby gear. The Bibabath is a portable bath - sort of like a hammock - that lets you transform almost any type of shower into a fun, hygienic bath for kids.

Ideal for bathrooms with no space for a tub, the Bibabath is quick to install and made of non-slip material that's washable at 60° C. It features a drainage outlet that can be attached to the shower drain and when not in use, the bath can be folded flat against the wall. It can also be used outdoors as a mini splash pool. And at just 3kg, it weighs less than your average travel cot so comes in handy when you're off on holiday. Get more info at the Bibabath web site.

Bootie-licious

2009-04-17T15:58:00.004+01:00

Snow season's over but it's all about style with these rocking Baby Chestnut Crossbone Skull booties by Las Vegas line Penelope Wildberry. Those teeny toes will feel oh-so-cosy wrapped up in sheepskin boots that look a bit like baby Uggs, but with attitude. Snap them up via the Gift Library and let everyone know your kid's a real wild child.

ABC, easy as 123

2009-03-28T18:11:00.006+00:00

Even though Little Big Cheeks has a wardrobe crammed with 'vintage' onesies from the year 2006 (i.e. his older brother's cast-offs), it's hard to resist adding some fresh duds now and again. We're recently addicted to the sleek, stylish clothes and accessories shop, Milalu.

And our boys are almost too cool for school kitted out in two Milalu designs: a hip, higgledy-piggledy Numbers bodysuit for our little Buddha and an Alphabet toddler t-shirt that's le dernier mot in cool calligraphy. Screenprinted on American Apparel's ultra-cosy combed cotton, these are high quality pieces that (after a few washes) seem to survive the fade factor. Visit Milalu to scope out more hype gear for the little people.

Yellow Baby!

2009-03-01T21:20:00.004+00:00

We at Hype Baby are proud to announce that our babe-in-waiting, Little Big Cheeks (as he shall be blogged about) is finally here. He's been with the Cheeky family for two weeks now and already we can't imagine life without him.

And we can think of no better way to greet him on this blog than with a sun salutation from one of our top shops, Nordic Kids.

This Yellow Smiling Sun bodysuit design by Mini Rodini is simply hot to trot. The sweet smiley face and funky, graphic print rays on sunshine cotton are irresistibly cheerful. It's the perfect way to inject a little summertime spirit indoors while we yearn for warmer days ahead. Check out this and more designs at the Nordic Kids web site.

Sleep easy

2009-02-08T12:49:00.005+00:00

When it comes to their precious newborns, even the least eco-conscious amongst parents can suddenly develop a green conscience. You want to create as safe an environment as possible in your home and protect your progeny from any toxic influence. But one area that some newbie mamas and papas overlook is what mattress their baby sleeps on - many simply relying on the synthetic options that come with their crib or cot.

The Natural Mat Company specialises in 100% natural, breathable mattresses and organic bedding hand-made in Devon. These natural fibres create a constant circulation of air to allow babies to regulate their own temperatures and prevent from overheating. Each mattress is made from non-chemical fire retardant materials and treated with essential oils to provide allergy protection.

The Natural Mat Company can't guarantee their products will make your little one sleep through the night. But their promise of safety and long-lasting comfort for your child should help new parents rest a little easier. Find out more at the Natural Mat Company web site.

Swing high, butterfly

2009-01-31T20:21:00.003+00:00

Summertime and the living is easy... So the deep freeze from Siberia may be heading to the UK, but this swinging baby makes us think of those lazy, hazy days we can only dream about. The Fisher Price Butterfly Garden Papasan Cradle Swing not only looks ridiculously cosy but it also comes with a variety of sound and music settings and plenty of good vibrations.

For playtime, the bubba can relax to bird song and 8 happy tunes while nap time mode features a soothing brook, chirping crickets and 8 lullabies. Along with the detachable butterfly mobile, there's a butterfly light show that projects onto the canopy and at the flick of a switch the cradle will swing from side to side or back to front. Order at Kiddicare, an online superstore with excellent deals for new parents.