Baby Scot

My Bare Knees Boy

2010-05-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Blondie Boy was invited to two weddings this month and I knew straight away I wanted him to wear a kilt. I started looking but they were either really poorly made or really expensive and I was getting frustrated until I found Bare Knees.

Libby, the kiltmaker and owner of Bare Knees was a solicitor but after having two wee boys, works from home making and selling custom made kilts. She originally started out intending to make adult kilts (and still does), but has found the demand is much higher for baby and toddler kilts.

Baby kilts are attached to a short sleeved onesie/vest and wraps around just like an adult kilt, but attaches with poppers rather than buckles. The kilts are made from proper tartan fabric (not printed cotton like some cheap baby velcro kilts) and are pleated perfectly in the back. Bareknees also makes makes and hires out toddler kilt packages.

Blondie Boy wore his kilt to a wedding in Edinburgh last Saturday and I can not tell you how many guests came up, commented on how cute he looked and asked where we got it. I loved seeing both my boys looking so handsome together in kilts.

My only critique would be that it would be nice if somehow the onesie could detach (it's sewn on to the back of the kilt) and be washed, but I'm no seamstress so I have no idea if such a thing is possible. Blondie Boy managed to have a bottle without spilling all over it, but I as babies tend to be messy, I think we got lucky. I plan on very carefully handwashing just the onesie (keeping the kilt out of the sink) if it starts to look a bit dirty.

I can't wait for him to wear it again this weekend! If you are in the market for a baby or child's kilt contact Libby at Bare Knees; most tartans are available and she even does a buy-back scheme so when your baby has outgrown their kilt, you can still keep them looking stylish! I can't recommend her enough!

Blondie received this product to review.

Save our Sleep!

2010-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

STTN-it's what every new Mommy dreams of, right? It's what gets you through those early days of middle of the night feeds, one day, one glorious day they will sleep through the night.

Well it doesn't just happen that easy for everyone. We've been lucky so far that Blondie Boy started sleeping through the night as soon as we moved him into his own room. I know a lot of people though that aren't so lucky. If you aren't so lucky there are lots of books to turn to for advice.

I recently received a copy of "Save our Sleep" by Tizzie Hall. At first I thought, there wouldn't be much for us, but the book is way more than just sleep schedules. There is lots of information on weaning, including recipes and schedules as well.

I particularly found the information on travelling with a baby helpful. We're about to take a long trip and there is lots of helpful information on travelling, as well as helping the baby adjust when in a new timezone.

Are there any books that you've found particularly helpful for parenting advice? Do you have any top tips of your own?

Benefits of Babywearing

2010-05-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Babywearing
When I talked to a friend the other day about babywearing - she was completely confused as to what I meant. She thought perhaps I was suggesting that she use her little darling as a hat.

However, when renowned paediatrician, Dr William Sears invented the term babywearing in the 1980s, I’m fairly sure he meant it to mean "all the various types of baby slings", and not "wearing babies as a fashion accessory" (at least we hope so!)

In all fairness to the human race, all Dr Sears did was come up with the name for something that had been going on since... well, since the first human mummy stood up, looked around and said, “Now, where did I put Baby?”

Even before that, our simian ancestors did (and still do) carry their offspring in a variety of ways attached to the fur of different parts of their bodies.

Humans around the world have been carrying their offspring for several millennia before Phil and Ted - and anything that has been going for that long is subject to local diversity, so it’s not surprising to find a wide range of different baby carriers.

Of course, in "less developed" countries it is still regarded as the best way of getting your kids around before they can keep up, so you will find African, Asian and South American varieties. It even used to be popular in the “developed” west before the Georgian and Victorian aristocracy persuaded everyone that children should be kept as far away from their parents as possible, handing them to nannies to be genteelly wheeled around in their wonderful little perambulators.

As well as the name, Dr Sears came up with some other interesting facts, for instance, did you know that carrying your baby upright can reduce the effects of colic and reflux – definitely worth considering if you have a colicky baby (and if you do, you will try anything…I did!). Babies who are carried learn more quickly, as they spend their time being involved in your world, not just watching knees and feet - but participating; developing a brain that is learning to learn.

Some people suggest that having your baby in a sling will make him clingy. Exactly the opposite, actually. Your baby will become more emotionally secure and independent as he knows you are around as a safe base from which to explore.

Need I go on?

Well, if us mums are permitted a bit of selfishness, there are always the extra calories you burn by carrying your baby, and the way you can breastfeed discreetly, and the general snugly cuddles you both get to enjoy, which stimulate your new-mum hormones, and can help to reduce the likelihood and severity of post-natal depression. What do you do to get your baby off to sleep in a pram? You rock him and talk to him to simulate the motion and closeness of your own body.

Now who’s starting to look more “developed”?

There are a huge range of different baby slings around, and everyone has their own personal favourite, although some people switch between different styles.

My own favourite is the Mei Tai, which is basically a square of fabric with straps at each corner. Because of its simple design it can be used in a variety of different positions.

Simply put though, the bottom straps are tied around your waist, and the top straps go over your shoulders and wrap around you, and are then knotted, securely strapping your baby to your body.

So, are they easy to use? Surely they can’t be as convenient as a pushchair?

Yes, they are very easy - you can go up stairs, through narrow doorways or for a pleasant summer walk. And you don’t have to push an empty one round town when junior decides he would rather walk. Not only that, but they're light and fold up small - can you get a pushchair in your handbag? More importantly, can you afford a pushchair to go with every outfit!
But, your husband wouldn’t be seen dead in one? Well, men with babies are very attractive – remember that Athena poster; and Brad Pitt has carried baby Shiloh in one, so how can he possibly object?
Having said all that, the main benefit for me, at least to start with, was that I regained the use of my hands after months of trying to make lunch, hoover, iron and just about anything else you care to think of, all whilst holding on to my dear son. So, slings, carriers, mei tais, call them whatever you like, are starting to sound like a good idea, aren’t they?

I have to admit, I got in to babywearing almost through necessity rather than choice, but I love it now, and so does my now toddler son. The only difficulty now is choosing which fabric for the next one…

Claire Willis, is mum to two children, and the owner of SnugBaby
After the birth of her second son, she discovered babywearing and, decided to design and make her own brand of baby slings, which she now sells through her website, www.snugbaby.co.uk. SnugBaby baby carriers were recently shortlisted in the Outstanding New Product category at the Women On Their Way Awards.
She also runs “Get Your Hands Back” magazine and review website, which is aimed at promoting babywearing and its associated benefits in the UK. More information can be found at http://www.getyourhandsback.co.uk/

Designer Discounts in the East End

2010-05-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for cute baby clothes. I'm not talking about teddy bears or fluffy bunny cute, no I'm talking about baby clothes that fashionable and funky. I love dressing Blondie Boy in jeans and shirts and other stylish duds. What I don't love is paying a lot of money for something that is likely only going to fit him for a few weeks.

Cue Next Clearance; clothes that have been on sale at a higher price in Next stores or the catalog for 28 days or more. You'll get the best sale prices on things that are out of season, but they often have seasonal clothing, too.

I got Blondie Boy these two shirt and tie combinations for a grand total of £10! That's a savings of £16- SCORE! They are a size bigger than what he is wearing now, but I can't wait for him to wear them!

Next Clearance is located at Parkhead Forge Retail Park. They also carry men and women's clothing as well as home products.

Monkey Bizness

2010-05-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend we visited the new softplay @ Xscape, Braehead and were really dissapointed!

Firstly it was VERY expensive! £5.95 for 2-3 year olds and for EACH adult it was a further £1.00 just to be there!!

The staff were all very uninterested. Young scruffy looking teenagers mostly! Not whom i'd put my trust on for good service or care of children. The young man on the front desk was on the phone when we arrived and actually scowled the whole time and "snatched" a pen from a wee boy who was leaning over the desk touching things.

Apon arriving in the centre I was reminded of a cage of monkeys at the zoo when they see the keeper coming with food! Wild!! (maybe thats where the name has come from?? Monkey Bizness??)

The food was expensive and very much FAST food with no homeliness about any of it.

The play area itself was OK. Nothing more.

The toddler section (which was full of teenagers I may add!) had ZERO supervision!
1 slide, a tiny ball pool, and a few soft climby bits. Very boring for any child who's steady on their feet and interested in "getting in about things" like my CJ.

All in all this place has every characteristic of a large national franchise. All about the money, none about the care!

Very dissapointing! Def won't be going back when there are places like Kidzworld in Glasgow and The Big Adventure in Linwood!

Bounce & Rhyme at the Bridge

2010-05-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Blondie Boy and I decided to go check out Bounce and Rhyme Time at The Bridge. Blondie Boy loves reading and singing so it seemed like a perfect fit! Plus it's free and was only a mile and a bit walk from our house.

There were lots of other Mommies and babies as well as some older toddlers and children, too. The session started with a "Hello" song to all the babies and then worked it's way through lots of nursery rhymes; the older children got to request their favorite songs.

Unfortunately for Blondie Boy I couldn't sing along to most of the songs-- some of them I'd never heard in my life (Wind the Bobbin up), some had different tunes (Baa Baa Black Sheep) and some had different words (Wheels on the Bus).

However, Blondie Boy seemed to enjoy himself and I was surprised that a 15 week old sat through the entire session without any fuss. He even attempted to play a musical instrument (a jingly-jangly rattle thing). After all the songs the older kids had a story read to them, which they seemed to enjoy.

I think we'll try it again, but maybe bring Dad next time since he'll be able to sing along!

Sea Life Centre, Loch Lomond

2010-05-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

This week Isla and I visited the Sea Life Centre at Lomond Shores, Balloch, with a friend and her one year old boy.

The children really enjoyed their visit, particular favourites were the otters, the rock pools (Isla loved having the chance to touch the crabs and starfish), and the huge tank with sharks and the centre’s latest addition, a green turtle.

We managed to see the otters and the turtle being fed and the staff talks were really interesting – it helps that the staff are so enthusiastic and obviously love their job.

The only part of the centre we didn’t visit was the cinema as the children were a bit young for this. My son (almost 6) does enjoy the cinema though so its good for older children.

Even if you’re not going to eat in the centre its worth going up to the café level for the beautiful views of Loch Lomond.

Although if you walk in off the street the Sea Life Centre is quite pricey (£12 for an adult and £9 for children over 3) there are ways you can save a bit on admission fees. If you book open dated tickets online the prices are £7.75 for an adult and £4.75 for a child. You will often get money off vouchers (we used 50% off vouchers on our visit) and if you are likely to visit a lot you can buy an annual pass (around £30 for an adult and £25 for child). You can also hold your child’s birthday party at the centre from £12 per child.

When you visit you are helping marine conservation and when you hear that the shark tank alone contains creatures worth over £300,000 you begin to understand why it’s a bit pricey to visit! Tickets are valid all day so you can leave the centre and come back later.

There is ample parking at Lomond Shores, or you can get a train to Balloch station (from Queen Street) and the centre is a 5 minute walk from the station.

Brodie Park

2010-05-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

This week I thought i'd tell you about the play park at Brodie park on Braids Road in Paisley.

It has always been a lovely wee park with swings for both younger and older children, a slide and a see saw and plenty of room for the little ones to run around but this year it has had a huge revamp and now has 2 new structures with slides and various climbing frame type activities as well as a big basket swing and ride on type bouncer seats.

The children absolutely love it

But, an even better addition to this park is what they are calling a "pensioners playground" which is actually an outdoor gym! It is fabulous! And if your little ones are of an age they can play happily on their own or are very little and napping in a pram/buggy you can do a wee free workout.

There are various pieces of equipment with full descriptions of how to do each excercise includung cross trainers and rowing type machinery.

Here is a link to the website about it http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/ce-gm-press-PensionersPlaypark

Definately worth a visit. Just off Neilston Road for bus users and plenty of parking for drivers.
Jenni x

Baby - Scot speaks with Jasper Conran about fashion

2010-05-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Baby Scot had the pleasure of speaking with Jasper Conran on tips for maternity fashion and what is hot for kids fashion.

Baby Scot - How do you dress for your changing shape in pregnancy?

Japser Conran - I would say it's all about jersey, buy clothes that expand with you!

Baby Scot - What are the trends in kids fashion?

Jasper Conran - Pieces for play, day and parties with the party dresses being a particular favourite.

Checkout the full range at http://www.debenhams.co.uk/

Hello East End!

2010-04-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi! Y'all can call me Blondie and I'm representing all the Mommies in the East End of Glasgow.

You might have guessed from the "y'all" and "mommies," but I'm originally from the USA, but have been living in the east of Glasgow since 2004.

I'm a new Mommy and had my son, Blondie Boy, via an emergency c-section at the Princess Royal this past January. I live with him, my Not Blonde Husband and our dog in the east of the city. I'm really looking forward to trying out all that there is to offer for Moms and babies in the east, especially if it's cheap or free!

So if you have any hot tips on where to go and what to do or have someplace you'd like us to check out, please get in touch and let us know! I can't wait to get to know other Moms in the East End and the rest of Glasgow!

Bumps & Bundles Toddler Group, Bearsden

2010-04-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Isla and I love the Bumps and Bundles toddler group which meets on a Monday morning in Bearsden Baptist Church. It’s a really well run and friendly group with lots of activities for the children.

There is a great selection of toys for the children to play with, from baby bouncers and walkers for the youngest ones, to dolls houses, playdoh and ride on toys for the older ones.

The first structured activity is ‘sticky kids’ which is movement to music – great fun exercise for the children and adults! After that we have snack time where the children sit at a table for juice and snack, and the adults have tea or coffee and a biscuit. After snack the older children can take part in a craft activity while the younger ones carry on playing with the toys. The toys are then tidied away before the session finishes with singing time (Isla’s favourite is ‘sleeping bunnies’).

The group is really popular so there are lots of children for your child to play with, and the ages range from tiny babies to pre schoolers. As the name suggests, pregnant women are welcome to attend as well.

The group is a great place for your child to socialise but also for the adults to make new friends. If its your first time and you don’t know anyone, the ladies who run the group will make sure you are introduced to someone so you’re not on your own.

There is a charge of £1 per adult, and the group meets from 9:30 till 11:30 on Mondays during term time.

Hope to see some of you there!

Contacts:

Carina Craib (Chairperson) 0141 563 7830

Bronagh Ewart (Secretary) 01360 771 575

Mugdock Country Park

2010-04-18T14:13:00.001-07:00

My friend and I took our children (two boys aged 5 & 6 and two girls aged 2) to Mugdock Country Park on Wednesday. When we arrived, we went straight to the playground where all the children had a great time on the swings, slides and obstacle courses. We had lunch from the Stables café sitting outside in the courtyard, went for a lovely walk round the loch, through the fields and woods, back to the café for an ice cream and we finished off with a play on the adventure trail for the boys.

The park also has a lovely Victorian walled garden complete with bandstand, a garden centre with farm shop and restaurant, and the ruin of Mugdock Castle which has recently undergone some restoration work. In the courtyard there is a craft shop ‘Mugdock Makkers’ and a gift shop which are worth a look. There are two barbeque areas in the park – you need to book these.

There are some great activities to do while you are at the Park, including a history trail, tree trail, scavenger hunt and easy access orienteering – we have done the last 3 on previous visits and my son really enjoys them. You can borrow everything you need to do these from the Park office.

There are often activities and events on at the Park from archery to cinema and these are advertised on the Park’s website and in the local press.

The Park is a fantastic place for a day out and I feel very lucky to have it virtually on my doorstep.

Opening hours:

The park is open 7 days, with the car park open from 9am – 9pm (April – Sept) and 9am – 6:30pm (Oct – March). The Visitor Centre, Garden Centre, Restaurant and Farm Shop are open 9am – 5pm. The Stables Gift Shop is open 12:30pm – 4pm, the Stables Tea Room 10am – 5pm and the Art & Craft Gallery 12pm – 4pm.

Contact details:

General enquiries and bookings: 0141 956 6100

Email: office@mugdock.org

Website: Mugdock-country-park.org.uk

Ranger Service: 0141 956 6586 or email rangers@mugdock.org

How to get there:

Just off the A81 3 miles north of Milngavie and 1 mile south of Strathblane. Well signposted.

Bookstart Rhymetime!

2010-04-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

My daughter CJ and I just LOVE Bookstart Ryhmetime at our local library (Glenburn) and cannot recommend it enough to other Renfrewshire mums!

The woman who runs the sessions is so good with the kids and uses toys and puppets to keep the children interested and enjoying it. She also has a really good balance of books and songs so there are no kids playing up as they are all transfixed on her. She uses songs and rhymes the children mostly already know and puts some new ones in now and again too! She works to season also which is fab! Had an Easter Bonnet rhymetime last week! So sweet! It lasts 30 mins and unlike many singing groups I've been to with CJ the time flies in and the kids stay in the caroet area happily for the full session without getting bored and wanting to move off.
These sessions are free and a great way to get out, meet other mums and babies and also help your child's development with books and songs! The children/babies who attend are anything from newborn to 4/5 years old so> anyone can join in!

I know most libraries have this facility so check out http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/els-cg-Bookstart-Rhymetime> more info or contact your local library for days and times.
And dont forget to pick up your free bookstart pack while there.

Happy Rhyming!
Jenni x

www.baby-scot.co.uk Dunbartonshire Editor

2010-04-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Scot welcomes our second editior Karen, who will be looking after the Dunbartonshire area.
Check out her page.
www.baby-scot.co.uk

www.baby-scot.co.uk Renfrewshire Editor

2010-04-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

We warmly welcome our first editor Jenni - she will be looking after the Renfrewshire area keeping all the parents informed of what is going in the area.

You can contact Jenni via our forum page under the Glasgow, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire section.

www.baby-scot.co.uk

Welcome to www.baby-scot.co.uk

2010-02-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

We have just launched the new wesbite aimed at Scottish Parents.

The ultimate guide for Baby Products, Advice, Fairs, Activites, Shopping, Support, Working Mums and Friendship in SCOTLAND. The Scottish Baby Directory!

We need you to get involved!

So follow our blog to find out how you can help out and maybe even get some freebies along the way.