Products tried and tested by London Mums

TOYS

BRIGHT STARTS has some of the best toys for babies and toddlers - not the cheap 'Made in China'- check some travel and bath toys here / they are highly recommended by London Mums:

BEND 'n' BEEP PHONE

Firefly Rattle Bright Starts Jiggling Giraffe

Petal Pusher Carrier Toy

Bath and foam letters are brilliant for toddlers and pre-schoolers to learn the alphabet while taking a bath www.brightstarts.com (Posted October 2008)

SHAUN THE SHEEP: Teddies are old fashioned. Shaun The Sheep is the latest trend in the peluche world... The sweet talking toy that really makes 20+ toddlers laugh is linked to a website full of fun activities, downloads and videos made by Aardman, the Oscar winning makers of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run.

WALLABOO FOOTMUFF - Product of the month October 2008: Forget sheep skins... This is most definitely the ultimate footmuff: eye catching, with incredibly soft fleece and made of windproof microfibre suede. It's suitable both in warm and cold weather. The smart thing about this footmuff are the zippers running the length of each side of the footmuff to allow for easy temperature control and the top of the footmuff can be removed altogether on warmer days. A godsend for parents is that the footmuff is machine washable! A ride and play pocket on the front of the footmuff allows you to store your baby's favourite toys where they can easily get them while on the move. The footmuff comes in six contemporary colourways to co-ordinate with any pram including: Black, Chocolat, Soft pink, Soft blue, Lime green and Warm red. It costs 67.50 pounds and is distributed by Hippychick via www.hippychick.com (posted in October 2008).

METHOD BABY PRODUCTS: With growing concerns about the toxins that I put on my baby's skin, I was drawn to the phthalate-free promise on the bottle of the Method products. The two main ingredients listed on the face of the packaging are rice milk and mallow (as in marsh mallow). Both are mild enough for baby and beneficial to the skin. The packaging is eye-catching. It features a removable "cap" that acts as a cup for rinsing baby and I love the pump dispenser for perfect one-hand action. I use them for myself as well and will buy these products again.www.methodproducts.co.uk (posted in October 2008)

SLINGS: Slings are great and allow mums to get their lives back and hands free at all times. One of the best slings i have come across is the Baby Sense Baby Sling designed to encourage moms and dads to 'wear' their babies in the optimal position. The good thing about this particular sling is its soft fabric, made from the softest chambray and gingham cotton. The nylon rings have been tested for breaking force and are safe for use with babies. It's been designed by guru Megan Faure who spoke at our London Mums' seminar on 20th June 2008. www.mybabysense.co.uk. (Posted in May 2008)

BABY MONITOR: If you need to buy a Baby Monitor, I highly recommend the BT Baby Monitor 150. It is unique as it has a Mp3 plug-in capability so you can upload your baby's favourite tunes and even record your own voice. Additional features include two-way intercom, integrated thermometer, vibrating clock/timer alerts, polyphonic lullabies and a handy belt clip. It costs 69.99 pounds and is available from www.shop.bt.com. (Posted in April 2008)

ORGANIC BABY PRODUCTS: I have found great organic cleansing wash for babies and toddlers. Baby Wash Chamomile and Children's Lavender Bath & Shower Gel are my favourite because they don't have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Parabens and other unnecessary synthetic ingredients. Also all the products are not tested on animals and donate 10 per cent of their annual profit to charity.www.greenpeople.co.uk (Posted in April 2008)

HEALTH PRODUCTS

KNOCKS AND BANGS: Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick is a pocket-size stick ideal to keep in your handbag always available on the go for soothing sports day knocks and bangs, it glides on in a fun natural green colour, transforming tears into smiles in seconds. Safe and effective, it is free from chemical nasties and is made with natural alpine flower Arnica Montana which has healing properties proves it to be an effective treatment for bruising (and mums' sore writsts - see our article. Available from Boots and all good independent pharmacies and health food stores nationwide.

COUGH MIXTURE (fantastic natural remedy!!): Sootha cough syrup is great as contains Bryonia, a yellow flowering climbing plant, which has been used medicinally since the Ancient Greeks and Romans in the treatment of coughs. It also contains natural honey and lemon juice, traditionally used in the treatment of colds. It is non-drowsy, safe for all the family and can be taken with other medicines. Available from Holland and Barrett, selected Lloyds pharmacies and all good independent healthfood and pharmacy stores.

TODDLER AND BIG KIDS

MUNCH BUNCH YOGURTH RANGE: VOTED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH IN SEPTEMBER 2008 by London Mums.Definitely the best on the market as tested by London Mums. The new packs show Munch the Cow alongside clear information on nutritional content (good source of calcium, which is great for growing bones) of the yogurts and fromage frais as well as emphasising the fact that there are no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives.The Munch Bunch packs will be available in major supermarkets from September 2008 in the chilled dairy aisle. www.MunchBunch.co.uk

FRUIT SWEETENER: SWEET FREEDOM is the first all natural fruit sweetener made 100% from fruit that tastes just like sugar. This delicious syrup comes in a no mess no fuss top down drip free bottle and is brand new. It looks like honey and it tastes much better than maple syrup. It's the perfect product for busy Mums looking for a healthier option to sugar in their coffee / baking / everyday family use without resorting to artificial sweeteners. I find it a little 'guilt free' sweetness I can have without having to think too hard about it. Check the websites www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and www.dietfreedom.co.uk (October 2008).

Potty training related Products' Review:

PAMPERS FEEL'N LEARN disposable training pants - the unique wet sensation liner means the toddler can also learn what it feels like to be wet. For further information please visit www.pampers.com

Mamas & Papas Squeaka Duck Potty - If you want to turn potty training into a fun experience for yoruself and for your tot, i recommend this duck potty. It is suitable from 18 months. The Squeaka Duck Potty features an ergonomically designed, comfortable seat and a squeaka beak to amuse your little one. This potty also has a lid for easy transportation and a detachable front for easy cleaning. RRP 15 pounds - There is also a Comfy Duck Toilet Trainer seat for the second stage of potty training. www.mamasandpapas.co.uk

FOR POTTY TRAINING TIPS READ OUR EXPERT'S ADVICE

To read this article click here www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html

TOTSEAT: Finally I have found a useful product for tots. Totseat is a squashable washable fabric highchair for children (from 8 to 30 months) on the move. Easy to use, fits most adult chairs and is highly portable - fitting into a pocket or handbag. Its funky fabric won't look out of place in the chicest restaurants. Available from John Lewis stores and directly from www.totseat.com (Posted in March 2008)

FUNPOD: London Mums' product of the month (May 2008). .We love to have our toddlers with us in the kitchen. And little ones just love to help. But it's a room packed with dangers. There are over 42,845 toddlers between the ages of 0 months and 5 years who attend UK hospitals from kitchen related accidents every year. The FunPod is suitable for children aged 1-5 and has 5 adjustable height settings allowing for children's growth so that at whatever child's height, the top of the FunPod is always at chest height to ensure the child's safety. Proven fact: if a child helps prepare a meal, they're more willing to eat it!! No more pestering for attention allowing you to do what you have to do. You can use the FunPod for a number of activities including washing up and helping you cook however, research has shown us that children use it for imaginative play, painting and drawing, playing with play-doh and even having their hair cut so it's not just a piece of furniture!

Check the Little Helper website www.littlehelper.co.uk.

QUALITY LINEN (HICCUPS) - voted Product of the month in October 2008: The bedroom should be an exciting place of fun and adventure for children. However, for some it's the place where they are made to go bed early when they just don't want to. The nightly struggle will be a thing of the past with the introduction of the new Hiccups range by Linen House. With four eye-catching designs using bright colours, exciting images and in comfortable fabrics children will be asking to go to bed! These bed sheets and duvet covers are 100% cotton and really good quality. The Hiccups linen are fun, happy and educational products for toddlers' bedrooms and play areas. All the designs are hand painted in Australia. Hiccups is available in Debenhams stores nationwide from August. Check them out online www.linenhouseuk.com (Posted in October 2008)

FITFLOPS: FitFlop sandals are engineered with a multi-density midsole that stimulates your muscles more while you're wearing them. In independent University testing, FitFlops have been shown to trigger increase gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring response, increase rectus femoris (thigh) response and increased calf muscle response. So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops you'll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you're normally doing. FitFlops work your bum muscles more. Walking in FitFlops is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. And they are incredibly comfortable. www.thefitflop.com (Posted in November 2008)

MUMMY's MITTS are a warm, weatherproof and comfortable pair of mittens, that allow for the quick release of your hands, whilst the mittens stay attached to the handles, or handle bar of any buggy or pram. The beauty of Mummy Mitts is that they provide a simple solution to the problem of having to constantly remove your gloves everytime you tend to your Childs needs, or answer your mobile phone,etc. You might have seen this on BBC Dragons Den. RRP 21.50 pounds - it's money well spent. www.mummymitts.com (Posted in March 2008)

TESTED FOR YOU: CUPCAKE MUM TREATS (August 2008)

I went to Cupcake (East Putney) for a treat and i must say that it was excellent. I had a very relaxing facial on a water bed while my son was in the Cupcake creche. If you are not a member you can actually still use the facility services (but not the classes) and book yourself a treatment. As a non member you can also book the creche at specific times (just call and check this). Check the website: www.cupcakemum.com