Mamissima Maternity & Baby Products UK

MY SURVIVAL GUIDE - BIRTHDAY PARTIES

2011-11-27T14:12:00.001-08:00

It is natural asparents to want our children to enjoy themselves as much as possible. And whenmore than at their birthday party?! All this stress and pressure to have a goodtime can often lead to tears and frustration, and I don't just mean for yourkids (I think I've cried for one reason or another at just about every partyI've had)! So I decided to push my anxiety a side and plan abirthday party for my 6 and 3 year old that I thought they'd truly enjoy. Ifyou too are embarking on the planning of one of these much anticipated events Ihave compiled a few lists of things I think will help so that your little onehas the time of his or her life, so that your nerves stay intact and you mightactually enjoy the experience! But let me preface this by saying, even if you do everything right therestill might be tears. The important thing is to stay positive and remember thisis a celebration however bizarre it might turn out!

Guide to Planning the Party:

Theme of the moment. Think about atheme or themes that makes your child happy right now. I say right now becausewe all know that our children's interests seem to change on almost a weeklybasis. So try not to plan the party too far in advance, a month is a good amountof time. Whether it is Thomas the tank engine or Barbie go with whatever makesthem happy and try not to get caught up in how much you like the theme. Thetheme can be incorporated into games, decorations, costumes, party bags, food,cake, invitations and activities. For example if you have a super hero themeone of the activities can be decorating a cape with stickers and glitter. Thiswill not only help on the decision making for all these areas but also help youstick to a consistent color theme (example: red and blue for Spiderman). I maybe all for making the kids happy but nothing wrong with a party that'saesthetically pleasing too!

Planning the food. No matter what time of day you haveyour party, children always need to eat! The first rule of planning food for aparty though is getting rid of any guilt you may have if you decided not tobake all your own food! I promise you its okay! If you do decide to cook, trynot to kill yourself because it is unlikely you'll be able to keep the partygoers attention long enough for them to really eat a meal and what is mostimportant is that you have energy to play with your toddler throughout his orher special day. Whether making at home our buying in go for two types ofdishes: Intensely nutritious foods combined with intensely naughty!

Even better if you can combine the nutritious with the delicious (see thecupcake recipe below). Some other ideas are chocolate covered fruit, chocolatecovered pretzels, pineapple chunks w/ cheddar cubes on a toothpick, minianything from sliders to mini-pizzas to catch the toddler's attention. If youcan make the display enticing by placing the carrot sticks in a happy faceshape for example, all the better to grab the children's interest. Anything toget a bit of food in before their blood sugar dips too low and crankiness setsin. Also, be sure to have enough sensible beverages around but definitely stayaway from sparkling drinks. But while it is important to try and pack thosevitamins in I do also think there are a few days a year (at least) when weshould literally let our wee ones eat cake and don't fall victim to peoplegiving you a hard time about this....as my Mother in Low would say cake is anessential food group!

Timing. Make sure the party isn't too long sothat the kids don't get over tired. I would say anymore than 2 hours is toolong. I also advise having the parties earlier in the day so that theanticipation of the day doesn't get the best of your toddler (or you). Earlyparties also leave time for a necessary nap in the afternoon even if your weeone has dropped their usual nap.

Don't over or under schedule the party. Let free playfirst while all the children arrive and then the activities. I suggest planninga certain amount of time doing each thing - 15 to 30 minutes; an activity isusually long enough with singing and cake/cupcakes as the grand finale.

Presents. if you can manage it I suggest waitingtill after all the children have left to open the presents. It is hard for theother toddlers to not want to play with the new toys and this can be doublyhard on the birthday girl or boy. Sharing is always tough but with new presentseven tougher. I've learned from experience that it’s a bit much to ask and noone wants to spend a birthday disciplining. Why not have a table out of the wayat the party where guests can leave presents and only bring them to your weeone's attention after everyone has left. It will be a nice activity for thesecond half of the day.

Gift Bags. gift bags are a nice touch at the endof a party but you don't have to go crazy with spending a lot of money.Stickers, crayons, coloring books go along way and can be themes just like theparty. Be sure not to fill the bag with anything that could be a choking hazardas toddlers often have younger siblings. Do make sure you make a few extra giftbags though in case people bring brothers and sisters.

Keeping track of the gifts. Do try andkeep track of who gave your toddler what. However, don’t let perfection get inthe way of good intention and if you don’t manage to do so just make sure tosend a thank you note to everyone even if you aren’t exactly sure what theygave as a gift. When you are writing the thank you cards it is my policy thatif you are writing to the parents then it should be from you (with perhaps anice wee scribble or masterpiece depending on how you are looking at it, fromyour toddler), and if it is to the children then it should be from the childeven if you are writing it.

Rules to Surviving the Party:

Make sure to give your wee one a large healthy breakfast. I’m abig fan of oatmeal because it is likely their next meal will be icing based!

Don't force your toddler to take part in party activities. Itwill make them anxious and they will join in when they feel ready and with theright amount of positive encouragement. Sometimes it can all be overwhelming sogive them time to adjust to all the people and all the hype.

Be sensitive to your guest’s allergies and ask people to notifyyou if there is one you should be aware of.

If you are inviting children from your toddler’s nursery eitherinvite all in their class or less than half to avoid any feelings of being leftout by other children.

Plan a relaxing afternoon post party activity and even if yourtoddler no longer takes a nap go for a stroller ride or car ride to get them totake a snooze and get their energy back.

Keep some of the snacks your toddler likes in your bag just incase they need an emergency dose. You never know when the all that icing mighteven be too much for them.

Most of all don’t’ worry if it doesn’t go according to plan, italmost certainly won’t. Just say positive and remember no matter what this isyour toddler’s special day and quiet simply you are just happy to be able tospend it together.

Here’s a great recipefor delicious red velvet cupcakes that are also packed with goodness, butremember from one crazy busy mother to another, don’t feel guilty if you justdecide to buy them instead. Enjoy!

RED VELVET BEET CUPCAKE RECIPE

Ingredients 3/4 cup beet purée 1/4 cup milk 1Tablespoon whole plain yogurt 1Tablespoon good balsamic vinegar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup melted butter or canolaoil 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or you can use vanilla bean infusedmilk) 1 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup alkali free dark cocoa (60%+) 1teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cupcrushed walnuts 1/4 cup crushed flax seeds To Make Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine dry ingredients and set aside

Combine wet ingredients and mix in mixer until smooth

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients slowly and mix untilincorporated

Place batter in ungreased cupcake pans with cupcake liners

Cook at 350 degrees 15-18 minutes until toothpick comes outclean

Top with cream cheese frosting

Makes 18 cupcakes

To Make Beet Purée

If you use fresh beetroot cook them in the water first and thentrim ends, scrub the peel off the beet, dice and puree.

To Make Cream CheeseFrosting:

Take 2 packages of cream cheese place in bowl and mix with amixer until whipped

Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla and beat until smooth

Coats/Snowsuits on children in cars, is it safe?

2011-09-23T03:39:00.001-07:00

As the cold winter approaches, we start to look for out child s next winter coat, be it that duffle from Boden or the snow suit from Petit Bateau. Never a thought did I give to the thickness of the coat or how that could affect my child’s safety in the car. Did you know that thick winter coats or snowsuits can compromise your child's car seat safety.

In order for a baby car seat or toddler booster seat to function properly, the straps need to remain tight against the child's chest. Winter coats and snowsuits make car seat safety difficult because they change the way a child fits into the car seat. When the car seat straps don't fit the child properly, there is a chance the child could be ejected from the car seat.

The car seat harness needs to stay close to the child's body at all times. All coats and clothing will compress in a crash, but thicker winter coats and snowsuits could compress enough to create a lot of slack in the harness, allowing the child to be ejected from the car seat.

Check All Winter Coats for Car Seat Safety

It's easy to check and see whether a baby's winter coat or infant snowsuit is too thick to be safe in a car seat. This test will show you how thick the coat is and how much the coat will compress during a crash.

Take the car seat into the house.

Put the winter coat or snowsuit on the child.

Put the child in the car seat and buckle the harnesses as you normally would before car travel. Adjust the straps to the appropriate fit for your child.

Put the child back in the car seat and buckle the harnesses again, but do not tighten the straps.

Take the child out of the car seat without loosening the straps at all.

Take the coat off your child.

If you can fit more than two fingers under the harness at the child's shoulder bone, the coat is too thick and is not safe for use with the car seat.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

2011-08-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Raspberry Leaf tea is one of those pregnancy topics which most people talk about but does anyone really know whether it’s for real or not?

Raspberry leaf tea, also known as red raspberry leaf, is a herbal remedy. It is not the same as raspberry fruit tea!

Red raspberry leaf tea is recommended during pregnancy because it contains vitamins (C, E, A, B complex) and minerals (magnesium, calcium and iron) which not only helps mother and baby get all the nourishing nutrients they need, but can also help replenish stores of the mother after birth.
Raspberry leaf also contains the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus, helping them to contract more efficiently during labour. Research has found that taking raspberry leaf tea during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labour by making contractions more effective. Sipping raspberry leaf tea during and after the birth is also said to help the uterus contract back down to size, reduce after birth bleeding and help initiate the let down of breastmilk. While there hasn't been a huge amount of research into this area, the general consensus does seem to be that drinking raspberry leaf tea during the latter stages of pregnancy can help to make for a 'better' labour with few side effects.
However, because there is little research the certainty of these claims cannot be verified.
What we do know for sure is that raspberry leaf should, like other herbal teas, be drunk in moderation. Some midwives think it is not a good idea to take anything that might interfere with your labour, after all we are designed to give birth without any help, as hard as that may seem at the time!
If you do decide to try raspberry leaf tea, let your doctor or midwife know that you are planning to drink it. And really, whilst we’ve reached no real conclusion here, the best advice would seem to be like anything in life, moderation is the safest way to go. Oh, and I also think it should always be taken with a big slice of cake.

Festivals with kids ....

2011-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest .... music, arts and creativity aside, festivals are like great big playgrounds for adults. Never have I escaped so hedonistically and had so much fun than I have enjoyed at a festival. I haven't done one with my children yet but they are getting to the age now (and I'm getting to the age where the partying should really be slowing down) where I'm thinking it might be ok to try one. But I know to 'do' a festival, responsibly, with children has to be seen in a completely different light. You have to accept that your festival experience will be different and if you're not prepared for that to be so, then you should leave the kids at home. You are going to miss out on a few things, you won't be able to party like it's 1999, get drunk and giddy by 2pm in the afternoon, or stand right at the front of your favourite band or DJ set. And you will have to shelter your kids from the many dodgy aspects of a festival; large crowds, loud music, drink, drugs and weird people! If you accept all of this right from the start, you and your kids could have one of the best holidays of their lifetime. Here's a few tips which I'll be taking on board on my first festival experience with the little one;

1.Choose carefully - there are so many festivals now, it's one of the things we English do better than anyone else in the world, so take the time to research which ones are more suitable for kids. They probably won't be the big boys with huge headlining music acts, but more compact and full of creative acts with theatre, crafts and world music. Most have their very own 'kids area' which you can check out on the website before you commit. Some festivals are completely unsuitable for kids, so don't just rock up without having done the homework.

2.Take plenty of your own food and snacks, things which you know your kids will eat. If you're expecting them to stay up a bit, or a lot, later than usual, they'll need frequent fuel and stuff they like is so much more comforting to them. It can also get really expensive relying on the food stalls.

3. Take some comfort - this might sound totally obvious but when the tiredness kicks in kids need security and comfort. So take a favourite blanket or a few home comforts, pillow or cushion, to help them chill out whilst still enjoying being away from home.

4. Take a potty! Loos at festivals can be hardwork even for us adults, and so for children can be quite an ordeal, especially as the night gets later. Having a potty or bucket, even for older children, will make the experience much less stressful ... if you don't need to use the toilets, then don't bother.

5.Have a chat about getting lost. What and where should your child go if they lose you? Write your mobile number on your child's arm with a permanent marker, rather than a wristband which could fall off.

6.Pack for every possible weather condition, sunny, windy, rainy ... sunblock, hats, shades, waterproof wellies, sandals. If you're prepared for anything it won't matter what gets thrown at you. And lets face it, it probably will.

7. Don't even try to get right to the front of any music act. For one thing, large crowds can be really scary for small children and hard to get out of quickly. And another, loud music is extremely damaging to young ears, and old. Stand well back and enjoy it from a distance, children like dancing too so this gives them some freedom to move around and be silly!

8. Give your child time to do what they want. Take them to the kids tents, give them a couple of hours of their stuff and then they'll be happy to give you an hour to go and see your band or whatever else you'd love to see. Remember it's more about them this time, but if you make it about them, you can bank a few hours for the grown up stuff.

9.Most importantly, Enjoy it! Let them stay up later, allow some raucous behaviour, accept a few tantrums (this isn't the time and place for the naughty step) let them be wild and free ... it's a festival, it's a holiday and it's a chance for you to all escape to a wonderful world, that for just one weekend is nothing like reality. That sounds like a little slice of heaven to me, anyone coming to Latitiude?

The Super foods during pregnancy

2011-06-22T06:06:00.001-07:00

It's easy when you fall pregnant to eat twice as much as your usual quota, plus a bit of whatever you like on top. You're eating for two, so why not? Well, whilst you are eating for two, you need to be aware of exactly what your number two requires in order to be as fit and healthy and you can possibly make them. Plus, it will make your life during pregnancy a lot easier. Here's a quick list of some supersonic foods which will do just that:

Eggs - did you know that eggs are a great source of Vit D? Very few foods contain it, but eggs do! VitD strengthens your immune system, which is typically lowered in pregnancy, so it can help to ward off draining illnesses like colds and flu. It also helps your body absorb calcium for you and your baby.

Spinach - we all know, thanks to Popeye, that Spinach is high in iron, but did you know that if you eats lots during pregnancy it can prevent the very common anaemia? It is also high in folic acid, which helps your baby’s spinal cord develop healthily.

Nuts, especially cashews - a great source of protein and dietary fibre, and brilliant to snack on.

Wholemeal Bread - sounds obvious but it really is a great way to boost your calorie intake and keep your energy levels up (it's a source of magnesium which helps your body absorb energy from food).

Chickpeas - or houmous! A great snack and super delicious, chickpeas are high in calcium, which is essential for your baby’s growing bones.

Blueberries - bursting with Vit C and can be enjoyed as a snack, sprinkled over breakfast cereal or even in salads.

Salmon - omega-3 fatty acids are especially useful in pregnancy; omega-3 is vital for the nerve and brain development of your baby. If you’re veggie or just fancy a healthy snack, pumpkin seeds are just as good as they also contain good amounts of omega-3.

Of course this is just a guide and so long as you're getting a varied diet with a mixture of superfood goodness, there's no reason why you can't indulge in the odd chocolate eclair .... because a little bit of what you fancy always does you good!

The perfect holiday for children

2011-06-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

The family and I ( 2 grown ups and 2 young children, 6 and 4) have just had a wonderful weekend away at the very gorgeous Centre Parcs Longleat. If you've never experienced a Centre Parcs holiday, or even a holiday with the kids in the UK, then this is a great place to start.

Longleat Forest is part of the stunningly beautiful Longleat Estate which has rolling hills and magnificent Giant Redwood trees. You have the option of using bikes, walking or catching the land train, which is exclusive to Longleat Forest. It's a breath of fresh air which the kids revel in and we as parents need! There are so many activities for the kids to do (indoor too if you happen to get the worst of the British weather), there really is never a dull moment. There is even a Spa offering relaxing treatments so you feel you can truly relax into a holiday.

Have a look for yourself at the many things on offer, and I promise you the kids will love it and you'll have achieved the perfect family holiday. We did.

The fashion of smocking

2011-06-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Smocking, if you didn't already know, is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric, allowing it to stretch. It was used before elastic, on details such as cuffs and necklines in clothes where buttons were undesirable. It has an interesting history - developed in England back in the Middle Ages, and worn most commonly by labourers, which is particularly interesting given it’s intricate work and, I think, really pretty effect.
Smocking requires lightweight fabric with a stable weave that gathers well. Cotton and silk would be the favourites then, although according to Good Housekeeping: The Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts, "Any type of fabric can be smocked if it is supple enough to be gathered."
We have a number of girls dresses which boast smocking, take a look here and here. They make wonderful occasion dresses, for weddings, birthdays and christenings. Proof indeed that the times are changing again, and a long forgotten art form is coming back into vogue.

A healthy smile ....

2011-05-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

As a mother of two under 5, I know how tough it can be to do the best for your children, in all areas of their upbringing, all of the time. I am human and not perfect! In terms of being healthy, children will nearly always choose and want the unhealthy options and after endless whining and tantrums it's easy to give in (sometimes). I don't like to go overboard on either sugar or artificial sweeteners but a little of each won't do any harm.
Sitting in the dentist waiting room last week, I read an article by the Children's Dental Practice stating that tooth decay is caused, simply, by sugar. Surely that's just common sense isn't it? But with lots of hidden sugars in things which we think are healthy, fruit juice for example, we as parents can often be guilty. The best and simplest way to prevent tooth decay is by limiting the amount of sugar your child has. Here is some good practical advise which the article shared with it's readers:
1. Clean your child's teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as soon as first teeth appear
2. Use a natural fibre toothbrush to start with (Mamissima stocks natural fibre toothbrushes)
3. Ensure sure the level of fluoride is at least 1000pm up to 3 years and 1450-1500 over 3 years of age.
4. Children should spit out, but not rinse
5. Keep sweets, cakes, chocolate as treats and avoid sugary drinks
6. Avoid fizzy drinks!
7. Be aware of hidden sugars in things like ketchup, baked beans, Nutella - dried fruits such as raisins contain natural sugar in a concentrated form, plus the sticky texture is very bad for teeth!
8. Fruit juices should only be given once a day
9. Offer children nothing but water after brushing their teeth at bedtime
10. Never give baby a sugary drink in the bottle

The power of the Liberty print ...

2011-05-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

There’s something very special about a Liberty print isn’t there? Not least, because ever since 1875 Liberty has been synonymous with luxury and great design. 1875! But also because, I believe, the history of Liberty is so fascinating – it was instrumental in the development of Art Nouveau, it relentlessly nurtured and show cased up-and-coming designers, it thrived upon its reputation for eclectic and fashionable design, and its store in London still holds the title of one of the leading fashion destinations in the world. Whatever you buy sporting a liberty print will be recognised, admired and worth every penny you spent on it – it’s like a little slice of that wonderful reputation of fashion and quality. So we are very excited to have found some wonderful children’s clothing for you, fashioned from liberty prints, by HoneyChild. They are handmade in the UK and mix two Liberty prints in soft cotton. We also have Liberty print Dribblebuster Bibs, perhaps more suitable for boys, which add a touch of that luxury and quality which both and your baby can enjoy. The bibs make great little gifts too.

To learn more about the history of Liberty, click here.

Decisions, decisions ....

2011-04-27T02:32:00.001-07:00

....baby names! Naming your baby is a big part (one of the fun parts!) of the whole pregnancy chapter and something which we as parents pour over and over from the start of conception, sometimes even before, and right the way through until that moment when you finally meet your son or daughter. Most couples will have a list of 4 or 5 names for girls, and the same for boys. And aren't girls names easier to come up with?! Names have meanings, taken from religion or language, and also meanings for us in terms of treasured family members, hero's, heroines, movie stars even! So it's a big deal. Here at Mamissima we have been tweeting popular 'Brighton' names we hear frequently in our shop. It's great fun and very interesting! Sign up for our tweets, @mamissima, to keep up with what's hot in the naming game. And if you're still stuck for ideas then there's even a website devoted entirely to baby names http://www.babynames.co.uk/ !

Christening Presents

2011-04-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

With the start of Spring there are not only new beginnings in nature but there always seems to be a baby boom too! Not sure if it's just here in Brighton but there are lots of Spring babies about! Which means Christening season will soon be upon us.

I struggle with Christenings as I can never think of something beautiful and original to give as a gift. Traditionally, the gift should be something meaningful and something that will last forever, that the child can keep and look back on in adult life, almost like an heirloom. Silver spoons and silver bangles were de rigueur when I was a babe, and I do still have my silver bangle (somewhere). So how have things changed and what are the most unique and beautiful gifts for our babies now?

We still have the traditional things like a silver spoon (this one chimes!) or silver rattle, which may not be the most original gift but often the old ones are still the best. A nice alternative, and much more contemporary to the silver bangle is a friendship bracelet , on which you can have a name engraved and a birth date. Or a slightly more glamorous version of a bangle is this pretty coil bracelet with little charm. If jewellery is not your thing, and you're not a direct relative to the baby then you'll probably want to go for something a bit less traditional and perhaps more fun. I think a money box is a great Christening gift, every child should have one, and it sends a good early message about the importance of saving pennies!

For more ideas, take a look here. And if you still need some help, then give us a call at the shop where we'd be very happy to help 01273 626 676

How to Keep a Pregnancy Journal

2011-03-30T02:46:00.000-07:00

The journey of pregnancy and having a baby is such a huge, mind-blowing, life-changing experience that you'd think it impossible to forget each and every stage and all the emotions that go hand-in-hand. But you do forget, the tiny details at least which are often the ones which are so joyous to be remembered. Like your first scan, your last day at work, the day you and your partner finished off the nursery, the day you bought your babies teddy that will stay with them for the rest of their life. There are so many memories and feelings, probably more than you will ever experience at any other time of your life, and it would be a crying shame not to be able to re-visit them and relish in them all over again.

A Pregnancy Journal can help you do that and it can also be a wonderful gift to your child later in life. During your pregnancy, write a diary to your unborn child telling them how you're feeling, how you are changing, how they are growing, what you are enjoying, and what you're not enjoying! A daily schedule of your life before baby arrives will be very different to that of when they are born! Include your maternity notes, scan pictures, baby shower cards, all reminders of the time leading up to the birth, and a lovely idea is to keep a newspaper from the day your baby is born so they can see what was going on in the world the day they were born.

Take a look at the Pregnancy Journals we stock here at Mamissima, and start to plan your precious book of memories.

Glass bottles are better for baby .....

2011-03-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Glass feeding bottles are becoming increasingly popular with parents amidst scientific proof that they are safer for your baby, and the environment. Polycarbonate (plastic) baby bottles contain Bisphenol-A, which has been found to migrate from the bottle into the milk. Alarmingly, Bisphenol A is a Developmental, Neural, and Reproductive Toxicant. Whilst we are all exposed to this in bottled water and drinks bottles, and other plastic packaging, babies are especially at risk as the amount of toxin ingested is large compared to their body weight. Plus a baby's organs are still growing and will be more affected than those of an adult. For more information see the Environmental Health Reports on Baby Bottles.

So what's the alternative? Glass. Our Green Baby Glass Bottles are 100% safe and bisphenol-A free, therefore do not leach toxins, and the cap is a BA free polypropolane. They are also hygienic: glass does not retain smells or tastes from previous feeds; practical: made of heat resistant, toughened glass so can be washed in a dishwasher, boiled or steam sterilized; and another really important feature, sustainable: glass is a recyclable, renewable resource. They are available in 2 sizes; 125ml and 250ml, and all come with a size 2 (3-24mths) medium flow, orthodontic, anti-colic latex teat.

So when presented with this informed, and actually quite shocking, information(read the Health Report) it appears that there really should be no choice; our babies should be fed with glass bottles. Join the crusade against plastic and buy Green Baby Glass Bottles, because the less plastic we buy, the less will be produced.

How to swaddle your baby ....

2011-03-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Swaddling is a wonderful way for making a baby feel secure. And if your baby feels secure, your baby will be happy! Swaddling creates a light pressure around your baby's body that may remind him of the pressure he would have felt in the womb. For some babies it becomes the trigger for sleep ... yay! But, like with everything in life, it's not for everyone, so if it doesn't work for your baby then don't despair, we're all different.

To swaddle your baby, spread a cotton cot sheet out flat, with one corner folded over a little. Lay your baby face up on the sheet with his neck resting against the fold. Wrap the left corner of the sheet over his body and tuck it beneath him. Bring the bottom corner over his feet, and then wrap the right corner around him, leaving only his head and neck exposed. Don't cover your baby's face with the sheet, as he could over heat, and swaddling isn't about keeping your baby warm, only snug and secure.

You can swaddle your baby until he is about a month old, after that it could interfere with mobility and development. When your baby begins to kick off the covers, it's a sign he no longer appreciates being bundled snugly.

If you want to try swaddling your baby, then invest in some wonderful 100% organic cotton Swaddling Blankets .

Getting organised for a 'Home Birth' ...

2011-03-08T04:00:00.001-08:00

One of our really good friends is about to have her second baby and she's opted for a 'home birth'. How does that work then and what do you need? Does the mid-wife turn up with loads of equipment that she just rolls out of her bag? Ummm, no. You have to get organised yourself. What your midwife will have is a list of all the things you will need to have in place and ready, but if you're still in the early stages of deciding on where to have your baby, and a 'home birth' seems appealing, then here's a quick overview of the key things a home birth requires.

'Birthing Pools are second to epidurals in alleviating pain', say the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence. And you can have one for your home birth. Here's a great website which would be a good starting point for your research http://www.homebirthsupplies.co.uk/

The first thing that springs to my mind with a home birth, is the cleaning up! A floor sheet is an essential and something you can simply roll up and throw away with minimal fuss and no cleaning! Disposable bed pads are super absorbent and obviously really useful. A mirror with a handle will allow your midwife access to you without you having to get out of the pool ..... she may have one, but get one yourself just to make sure. A large bowl to receive the placenta. Face cloths will keep you fresh and cool. Drinking straws .... allow your partner to hold a drink for you so you can get fluids easily without using your hands. Lip balm, at hand for dry lips which can be an off-putting nuisance. Candles .... you're at home, so surround yourself with calming and soothing light, or even scented with a relaxing fragrance. Clary Sage oil is fantastic for labour as it acts as a uterine tonic which encourages labour and stimulates contractions. Other oils, Lavender and Rose, are well know for their relaxing and calming properties. And music! You may not feel like rocking out(!), but some of your favourites may help you get through and can be a wonderful distraction for a busy mind. Prepare some meals before hand and keep in the freezer ... you'll be hungry after all that hard 'labour' and some home-cooked food will be exactly what you'll need. Enlist some support, if it's not a partner, for your birth, a close friend or a 'doula', and also ask this person to record some notes throughout the labour to record the birth and take some pictures at the joyful ending! If you already have children you may want to have a couple of freinds 'on call' to come and collect them or keep them occupied whilst you're delivering their sibling.

And most important of all, when you've done all the hard work, what better place to be than in your own bed ..... sounds like a great option to me.

Help! What do I pack in my hospital bag?

2011-03-02T02:53:00.000-08:00

We often get asked this question by expectant Mums who come into the shop, and I remember, when I was counting down the days to meet my baby, that I didn't really know what to take and what I would need. So we thought we'd put together a little (or quite long!) check list of everything you can pack which you might find essential, useful and comforting for your (short stay away.

A small travel bag is ideal as it will allow you to take lots of different things with plenty of room to see, and access easily, what you've got. And here's what we think should be inside:

1. a comfortable nightgown (and something you'd be happy for potential visitors to see you in)

2. slippers & couple of pairs of socks

3. nursing bra

4. breast pads

5. nipple cream

6. sanitary towels

7. pants (disposable or ones you'd be happy to throw away - large and comfortable!)

8. toothbrush & toothpaste

9. shampoo & conditioner

10. hairbrush

11. face and body creams

12. hand towel

13. deodorant

14. lip balm

15. comfortable going home clothes (don’t forget shoes)

16. a little bit of make up

17. some cash could be useful

And now you also need a bag for baby;

1. nappies

2. wipes

3. muslins

4. swaddling blankets

5. soft baby blanket

6. few baby grows and long sleeve vests

7. baby hat

8. something for the baby to wear to take home, a favourite baby grow perhaps (trust me, you will keep this forever)

And now all you need ..... is your baby!

Light a candle and indulge in some luxury ...

2011-02-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Scented candles are sometimes seen as a bit of a luxury aren't they? I think this is because we associate them with beautiful scents and relaxing environments, or simply some time to yourself to help you unwind. And I guess that all of those things are, indeed, a luxury. So if you're going to indulge in a candle, we say, make sure it's a good one. Our Mamissima candles are made from100% natural organic plant wax which means no parabens or black smoke (which is even more so important when you are pregnant). They also contain Essential oils, making the scent as rich, natural and clean as possible whilst allowing you to receive the natural remedies of your chosen scent. Lavender for example is famously known for its relaxing qualities. The Mamissima Candle also has other properties which make them even more wonderful and luxurious. Due to the organic wax and the essential oils, when burnt and softened they can be used as a brilliant and highly effective emollient massage oil or body cream. Warm and full of charming natural scent they are the perfect way to help unwind tired bodies, not to mention filling your home with a wonderful relaxing, heavenly vibe. Available in 3 different scents; lavender, Rose & geranium and Wild Fig 7 Grape.

Baby shower goodies ....

2011-02-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

Baby showers are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to spoil a friend and new Mum as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. We've put together a Mamissima Baby Shower Basket, full of gorgeous gift ideas for new babes. Beautiful blankets for cots and strollers will always be welcome and make a lovely gift; choose from the Wool Check Blanket and Dwell Baby Owl Stroller Blanket. Books to journal your pregnancy and first baby stages and a Baby Handprint Keepsake kit to guarantee precious memories. For practical organisation an OiOi Changing Bag has no rival and we have lots of different designs to suit every taste. For newborns Petit Bateau is renowned for its high-quality cotton and a pack of bodysuits is, we think, a staple. For bright and fun choose a Bakker bib or a wooden Pram Chain, and for babies playthings we have some very soft and cute teddies! We will happily suggest ideas for your baby shower gifts, or you can browse through our website for a bit of inspiration for your own ideas.

Time for 'You' ...

2011-02-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

Susan and I thought we deserved a little treat at the weekend ... a little getaway with some girlfriends, time-out from work and family, and some 'you time' for ourselves. And we found just what we wanted at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, in Midhurst, West Sussex. It was a gorgeous weekend in a beautiful environment; good company, extremely relaxing and the Spa treatments were wonderful! It comes highly recommended to anyone lucky enough to be able to find the time to get away; it really does do the world of good and also helps get you through the last bitter months of winter. If you haven't got a whole weekend, or even one night, to spare then you could always come along to our very own Wellbeing Clinic here in Brighton and treat yourself to one of our many treatments - you don't have to be pregnant or a new-Mum, we offer treatments to all! Having some 'You' time for body and soul, together with 'Sleep' must be the best medicine in the world.

Timeless classics .....

2010-11-17T04:33:00.000-08:00

What's on your little one's Christmas list for Santa this year? Inevitably it will include lots of plastic, lots of 'batteries required', and at least a few things that you personally regard as 'tat'! As parents, we get swamped with all sorts of toys, games and gadgets that we simply don't want to buy for all of the above reasons, and because we know that they simply won't last and will probably break after countless throws, pushes and pulls. That's why we, here at Mamissima, look really hard to bring you beautiful, traditional, often wooden or fabric toys and games that will stand the test of time, can get handed down, will give endless hours of play, and won't look out of place in your beautiful home if you haven't got time to tidy up! Our selection falls under 3 categories, 'Traditional Toys', 'Novelty Toys' and 'Soft Toys'. There is lots to choose from, for boys and girls, and we think parents will be rather pleased with them too! Remember, orders over £50 receive free delivery!

Snug as a bug ....

2010-11-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

We might be getting our winter warmers on and wrapping up cosy but what about baby?! Whether it's a little pramsuit, stroller blanket, extra cosy sleeping bag, hand crochet blanket for the nursery, or a beautiful embroidered quilt, we have all aspects of snug comfort completely covered. Not only are these things all essential for your little ones but they also make beautiful gifts for newborns. And remember, all on-line orders over £50 qualify for free delivery!

Winter Warmers ..... & 20% off!

2010-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

It's getting chilly! Really chilly, and the nights are drawing in, now is the time to get cosy and find some really lovely key pieces which will see you through what looks to be a long winter. We have some great pieces for cosy comfort and wrapping up warm. A winter coat is essential and unfortunately you simply can't get away with last years coat if your bump is a good 6 months on, take a look at these http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Maternity_Coats.html. A long cardigan is a great cover-up, hugely versatile and a great comfort, we love this one http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Long_Grey_Cardigan.html. And if you only get one more key winter piece, we think it should be our fabulous Jeggings by Faire Dodo which will go with absolutely anything, which is a good thing because they're so comfortable, you'll never want to take them off! If you can pop in and see us on Friday evening, 5-8pm, we are offering 20% off everything, including all of the above! 82 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD.

Start as you mean to go on ... Go Green Baby

2010-09-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here in Brighton, being very 'Green', we're quite big on Organic Cotton. However, if you're still one of the many who has never tried it, or made the switch completely, then maybe this is the season for you to give it a try? Let us introduce you to one of our best-selling labels, Green Baby. Green Baby are the leading eco friendly baby and children's brand on the market and they offer a range of natural, organic and environmentally fiendly products for babies and young children. Take a look at some of the gorgeous new baby clothes for Autumn/Winter http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Boy.html , featuring great fun colours, stripes, stars, appliques prints, all lovingly made for your most precious possessions. And just so you appreciate exactly how lovingly the clothes have been made .... Green Baby produce all of their organic cotton children's clothing and organic cotton baby bedding at Assisi Garments in South India, a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

This community project, managed by the Sisters of Assisi, runs a school for deaf girls and the organic clothing factory was set up to provide jobs for them when they finish their education. It now provides them with a place to live, all their meals and a fair wage.

In the eleven years Green Baby have been providing regular orders for organic kid's clothing all year round, the factory has been able to expand from the original 12 girls to a team of 200. All of the cotton Green Baby uses has been certified 100% organic by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which is an internationally recognised governing body working to guarantee the integrity of organic agriculture.

'Fair trade' is about being fair to the people we trade with to get our products on shelves. That means that everyone in the supply chain, from the cotton farmers to the pattern cutters and everyone in between can bank on the fact that they will be supported, that they will be paid a fair wage, enjoy tea breaks, proper sanitation and work in pleasant and clean environments. It also means that we pay them the kind of prices for their products that enable them to plan for their families and future.

Go for Organic Cotton with Green Baby ... your baby will feel good and you will feel good, everyone's a winner!

Special finds .....

2010-06-30T04:42:00.001-07:00

Each season our job gets a little bit harder if we're to keep our promise of bringing you new, exciting and unusual things - products you can't find on the high-street which are really unique and special. So we are very excited to show off one of our latest finds; a wonderful collection of tins and magnetic boards which make gorgeous and original gifts. Featuring quirky and old-fashioned designs, the tins are available in various sizes and can be used to store small toys, keepsakes or little nic-nacs. The magnetic boards look stunning on a wall holding your little one's masterpiece paintings, photo's or special cards. We know you love them in our Brighton boutique, as they're flying out the door, so we thought we'd offer them on-line too! www.mamissima.co.uk

Exciting News ...

2010-04-28T02:04:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce the opening of Mamissima Mother & Child WellBeing Clinic! Located above our boutique in Brighton's North Laines, Mamissima Mother & Child WellBeing Clinic will offer the following treatments and therapies suitable for pregnancy;

Aromatherapy Massage for Pregnancy £45
Shiatsu Pregnancy Massage £40
Reflexology for Pregnancy £40
Baby Reflexology £65 (for 3 sessions)
Hydrotherm Massage £45
Craniosacral Therapy for babies, mothers, mother&baby £30/£45/£55
Couples Preparation for Labour £60

A caring and peaceful environment to indulge and enjoy some wonderful therapies and improve general wellbeing for you and baby. Now Open! For further information see www.mamissima.co.uk and for appointments call 01273 626676.

Mes enfants sont tres chic ....

2010-03-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to be stocking one of France's most beloved and finest labels, Petit Bateau.

Petit Bateau is France's most famous childrens brand and definitely a favourite amongst all French mothers for the very high quality and comfort of its childrenswear range: from underwear to pyjamas in cotton terry and stretchy material, to tee shirts, pants and skirts. Their soft fabrics offer freedom of movement and their designs reflect French chic, making them the preferred choice in baby clothes for boys and girls. At the beginning of the 70's Petit Bateau invented the very famous milleraies, "colored" stripes which can be "boiled in the wash". In 1990 Petit bateau brought together wool and cotton: the softness of cotton on the skin and the warmth of wool ideal during the winter.

Petit bateau was created over 115 years ago in Troyes in Champagne by Pierre Valton. The first underpants were launched in 1918 when he cuts off the legs of some long johns his son was wearing to provide him greater comfort. The name "petit Bateau" was apparently given when two years later, Pierre Valton heard his son singing "Maman, les p'tits bateaux qui vont sur l'eau ont-ils des jambes?..." ("Mommy, do the little boats on the sea have legs?"). Petit bateau stores are spread all over the worlds including Japan, Germany, Italy, Belgium, London and the US. In 2005 when the new logo was launched 180 boutiques were to be revamped.

Anyway, enough of the history lesson ... take a look here at some of what we think are this seasons most chic styles.

The Denim trend

2010-02-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

This season, to be on trend, you need to be wearing denim. And here at Mamissima we are not one to miss out and compromise our fashion style simply because we have a bump! So we have 2 choices of denim style for you, as well as all the usual fabulous maternity jeans we regularly stock. The Verona Range from Noppies has a dress (pictured) and a cute little skirt. Both pieces are in a gorgeously soft lightweight cotton, offering ultimate comfort and great lines as they hang beautifully. The dress is a great wardobe update for now, will look great with tights and boots, and the skirt will be great for skipping around in flip-flops later in the season. Both available in store in Brighton or on-line http://www.mamissima.co.uk/ . All we need now is some sunshine.

New Collections .....Nurtured by Nature

2010-02-10T03:03:00.000-08:00

Our new season collections are now arriving every week, making us long for warmer Spring days! The new season from one of our favourite, and best-selling baby labels, Nurtured by Nature, is full of beautifully soft pastel shades in the purest of cotton. This Stripe Dress is gorgeously simple and is part of the Cocoon Cotton range which also includes rompers, snugglesuits, jackets and tops. The cotton is pure and grown naturally. It doesn’t contain any chemicals and it’s hypoallergenic, meaning it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin or cause allergies or asthma. Available in a variety of sizes from newborn through to 12months.

Buy on-line http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/New_Season.html or at the boutique in Brighton; Mamissima Mother & Child, 82 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YD 01273 626676.

15% off Maternity Wear all weekend!

2009-11-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

It's a very special weekend this week. We are giving you 15% off all our gorgeous maternity wear, which includes coats, knitwear, party dresses, jeans, and all other day- wear, all weekend 27-29th November, at our Brighton boutique. Think of it as an early Christmas present, from us to you, to help make you feel and look great in time for Christmas! Pop in and see us .... Mamissima, 62 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD 01273 626676

Playtime ...

2009-11-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Last week I came into the office to find Susan (one of the owners of Mamissima) walking around pushing a duck on a stick. Today, Kerry (one of the lovely girls that works in our Brighton boutique) has been whizzing a train around in a spinning top, and I have been tickling the ivories on a little piano. So much fun! We are now stocked to the brim with the most wonderful toys and gifts, that you won't find on the high street, that are made to last, and that you and your little ones will love this Christmas. Many are timeless classics, such as spinning tops, but my favourite (because I loved my toy kitchen when I was little) is this adorable Wooden Kitchen. It is double sided - one side is to play cooking, with a hotplate, oven, microwave and cookware, the other side has a sink, washing machine, magnetic board and magnet. Everything you would find in a grown-up kitchen in one neat little stand! It is beautifully made so will last forever and will be something you would be happy to have lying around the house (far better than all that pink plastic). Buy on-line www.mamissima.co.uk or come and pick one up from the Brighton store 82 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD 01273 626676

Wrap up

2009-10-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

If you are still reading all the fashion glossies, and wishing you could join in, you will know that the 'cardi/coat' is one of this season's key looks. Which is great if you're pregnant because you don't have to be stick thin to pull the look off! Brilliant! Plus, now the days are getting colder and the nights drawing in there's nothing better than getting really cosy in a favourite piece of knitwear. For daytime, the cardi/coat is great as it doubles as a jacket (until it gets really cold and then you really will need to invest in a coat), and for evenings-in it's perfect to cosy up with on the sofa. We have some beautiful knitwear this season and our very own 'cardi/coat' is the Milker Knit Jacket in a lovely deep purple colour. It's a mohair mix, so feels very luxurious but is machine washable (hoorah!). Available at the store, 82 North Road Brighton BN1 1YD or on-line www.mamissima.co.uk

New season maternity dresses

2009-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when the weather is getting a bit colder and we're thinking about changing our wardrobe over into winter, which may mean (hopefully)a few little treats (yippee!). Or you and your bump may just be blooming at such a rate you really do need to invest in a couple of new pieces to see you through the last few months. It's easy to get trapped into the leggings and t-shirt comfort zone, and who can blame you, because at the end of the day, it has to be about comfort. However, we have a huge collection of fabulous maternity dresses which will make you feel stylish and comfortable. Our model Laura is not pretending with that bump, she is very pregnant and we have it on very good authority (from her) that all the dresses she modelled for us are super comfy. My favourite is this Pietro Brunelli Cashmere Dress, it looks gorgeous, can be worn smart or casual, on its own or over jeans, and is designed to grow with you and your bump. It will also see you through the months after the birth so a really good investment. And it's exclusive to us in the UK, so you won't see it anywhere else! Go on, have a little treat, you definitely deserve it.

See us at the Southern Baby Event & Family Day

2009-10-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Come along on Sunday 25th October to Fontwell Park Racecourse in Sussex between 10am-4pm, where we will be showcasing our most beautiful and popular products and offering advice on maternity and nursing wear. Admission is completely free and it proves to be a great day for the family and children from 0-5. A must for all new mums across Sussex and Hampshire. For more information, check out the website http://www.southernbabyevent.com/

Little Vintage Treasures ....

2009-09-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous, and completely unique, range of vintage dresses for little girls (aged 0-5), comes from Brighton-based illustrator and graphic designer Carol Seatory, under the label Atelier
Bricolage.

Carol had a crate full of vintage fabrics, each piece too small to make something for herself but, when she realised that some of the pieces were big enough to make a child's dress, she began making dresses for her own daughter. These dresses proved to be very versatile: they can
be worn alone on warm days or over vests or tops on cooler days.

As the fabric is in limited supply, each dress is different and the fabric and trimmings have a history. The fabric is either deadstock (vintage but unused) or recycled from another garment. Most fabrics are cotton, cotton-linen mix or mixed fibres, there are no pure synthetics. All buttons and trimmings are carefully chosen and are genuine vintage. If the fabric is deadstock it will be crisp and unwashed (but clean!); if it is recycled it will be throughly cleaned (using environmentally-friendly, non-biological detergent) and pressed before the garment is made. Each dress is carefully hand-made in a smoke-free environment.

A limited-edition range for babies of 3–12 months is available here at Mamissima. Click here to see our current collection. or pop in to our Brighton store 82 North Road Brighton BN1 1YD

Bags of style for new Mums ....

2009-08-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

A changing bag is one of those 'necessary accessories' for new Mums (and Dads) and quite often means that it has to double up as a handbag. Our huge collection of changing bags are super stylish (you would never think they were a changing bag), reflect current fashion trends (this leather snakeskin OiOi bag is my favourite), are highly practical (outer pockets, matching padded change mat, insulated bottle holder, zip-top wet/mess bag, plastic wipes case, clip for keys/pacifier, adjustable shoulder strap) and infact are everything you will ever need from a handbag or changing bag. We have so many styles to choose from - luxury leather, fabric, printed, spotted, striped, red, green, orange, yellow - you are spoilt for choice. Click here to see the full collection.

Sleepy time ...

2009-08-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

One of the many things you can get excited about before your little bundle of joy arrives is preparing the nursery. Even if you're not doing a full re-decorating overhaul, you will definitely be in the need of some cot linen (to make sleep time as inviting as possible!). Dwell Baby offer the ultimate in nursery linen, with beautiful contemporary designs in high quality cotton; sheets, quilts (reversible), cot bumpers. Our current favourite is the Garden Blossom set and its one of our best sellers.

Desirable, delightful, decadent ....

2009-08-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

... wouldn't it be wonderful to feel all of those things when you're pregnant? When I was pregnant one of the (many) things that used to get me down (and my boyfriend) was the fact that I had to wave goodbye to all my gorgeous lingerie. Beautiful underwear that makes you feel super sexy - something you don't often feel when you're waddling around and can't even see your toes! If only I had heard of HotMilk ... the world's sexiest nursing bra's, camisoles and nightwear. Whether you want to feel pretty and feminine or sexy and sensual, (or both depending on those mood swings), HotMilk has the answer for you. Not only do we love their collections but also their philosophy to remind every woman that she is beautiful, confidant, and sexy. And anything which makes you feel 'desirable, delightful and decadent' when you're pregnant is definitely worth a look! Check out our collection http://www.mamissima.co.uk/acatalog/Lingerie.html Order on-line and you can try on in the comfort of your own home and if the size is wrong, send it back to us within 14days and we will happily exchange it for you. Much easier than dealing with a changing room!

Comfortable nursing

2009-07-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

The last thing you want to wear when you're breastfeeding is something which is too short, too restrictive and that ... well, looks like a nursing top! That is why we love this fabulous nursing top from 2Wear; it is nice and long, really stretchy, made from high-quality cotton, will undoubtedly become one of those tops you just live in (because it is just so comfy), and most importantly ... it looks like a normal top! Available in purple (as seen), juicy pink, or classic black or white. And for a top that you're probably going to live in, it's a steal at £23!

Some good old fashioned tradition ...

2009-07-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

If, like me, you love things which remind you of the past, which stir memories and give you some reassurance that we haven't completely forgotten about tradition, then you will love our new Vintage Nursery Blocks. The most beautiful embossed 1.75" square wooden nursery blocks decorated with lovely storybook images from the early 1900's. They come presented in a hard wearing keepsake box. A beautiful gift, toy, or simply a gorgeous addition to a nursery (which is a welcome relief to all that bright plastic!).

Customer Evening - Thursday 2nd July 5.30-8pm

2009-06-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

If you're a local Brightonian of just fancy a trip down to the seaside to soak up this gorgeous weather, come and join us for drinks and personal shopping this Thursday between 5.30-8pm, and enjoy 15% discount an all purchases. We will also be offering a complimentary bump portrait in-store with professional photographer MumBumpBaby. And if that's not enough to entice you, we will be serving fresh organic juices and delicious cupcakes!! We would love to see you ... Mamissima Mother & Child, 82 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD

Daddy Cool ...

2009-06-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here at Mamissima we appreciate that Dad's too, can be cool. We also know that it's not always Mum who does the drop off at nursery or take baby on outings to meet friends and have lunch. That is why we are all cooing over the gorgeous BelleBeau changing bags for men, which arrived in-store this week! That and the fact that they are the ultimate in luxury leather and style, which means Dad need not compromise his pride or coolness. Word has it that a certain Hollywood, 'Dad of many', has one, and we all know how cool he is! A brilliant Father's Day gift, and you never know, it may even encourage him to do more of those outings!

Father's Day ... the perfect gift!

2009-06-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Father's Day can often prove quite tricky when it comes to thinking of something original and stylish, and lets be honest the Dad's of this world often take second place in general gift ideas. Well not this year! We have some fantastic Father's Day gifts and this weeks top gift is our Papa keyring; made from stirling silver, you can choose from either a charm or a tag and have it personalised with a name or date. Stylish and meaningful, we think Dad will love it!

Holiday Essentials ... Travel Changing Mats

2009-05-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Holidaying when you've got a baby in tow isn't quite the same as it used to be is it?! Travelling light? That was even hard for us girls to do when we were carefree and single! That is why we are loving our new range of Travel Change Mats ... convenient, practical and ultra stylish, they are a compulsory, staple item in every new Mum's holiday wardrobe. This is our current favourite from Pink Lining ... gorgeous and bright with a pretty pattern, perfect for summer!

New Mamissima Website Goes Live

2009-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are finally live with our new website. You can browse a selection of stylish maternity clothes, maternity dresses, jeans, cardigans, tops etc. Also stylish nursing bras, breastfeeding clothes, baby accessories. Gifts for new babys, and more.

Safe & secure online checkout.

http://www.mamissima.co.uk/