Babi Pur at Home are showcasing at the Nottingham Baby Fayre this Sunday.

The Fayre is in Aid of the Nottingham Neo-Natal Unit and will be held at The Bulwell Academy School, Squires Avenue, Bulwell. Tickets are £3.50 doors open at 10am

I will be there representing Babi Pur at home. So if your in the area please do stop by and say 'Hi'.

Show Offers!!!
Yes, I will be offering customers the opportunity to buy some goods direct from the stall - so if you just love the Crocheted Pebble Toys, or the Lanke Kade wooden Jigsaws you get to see them before you can't resist buying them!

I will also be demonstrating cloth nappies and baby carriers - although I won't have stall stock for nappies or carriers; so all orders taken on the day will be eligible for free delivery!!

Also If your lucky enough to arrive between 10-11am You will have wider access to fayre offers from all the stalls.

I will be offering £5 off your party order for bookings taken during that first hour!

(subject to a min 3 people attending your party and at least £50 worth of party orders being taken.)

Fairtrade fortnight runs 28th February - 13th March 2011 and this years theme is to SHOW OFF your Fairtrade label.  Here at Babi Pur we love Fairtrade so much we've got a bit overexcited and ordered loads of chocolatey treats and we're giving them away with every order.  So if you order anything from today until 13th March we'll pop a little surprise in your parcel  Offer runs until the end of Fairtrade fortnight or until we run out of Chocolate, let's just hope the Babi Pur packers don't eat them all before Fairtrade fortnight even starts!

To SHOW OFF our Fairtrade products we've created a special Fairtrade fortnight category on the Babi Pur website that has all our Fairtrade labelled products in one place.  Browse our Fairtrade category here, we've got loads of organic and Fairtrade baby clothes, gifts, blankets and more.

Can you hear the sea gulls?

Inspired by British seaside scenes the new Piccalilly baby clothes range is great fun and as always made from their lovely organic & Fairtrade certified cotton.  Fun, cute and stylish the "Fish n' Ships" rompers, hats and blankets are just gorgeous.  We especially like the sun hats with their adorable little under the chin ties.  The towelling stripe playsuits look just like deck chair stripes and they are soooo soft you'll be looking for any excuse to dress your little one in them and give the a snuggly cuddle.

As well as funky and stylish designs what makes Piccalilly extra special is the cotton they use.

"Piccalilly’s organic cotton supply chain tells agreat tale - by caring for the people along the way we know we are creating clothes youcan trust are being ethically produced to the highest standards."

Piccalilly baby clothes carry the same Fairtrade mark you see on your coffee and bananas which guarantees that the cotton farmers get a better deal.  Piccalilly cotton is also certified organic which is better for the environment, better for the farmers and better for your babies skin, completely chemical free, oh and did we mention how silky soft it is!

At Babi Pur we just love Piccalilly and we stock a wide range of their fabulous organic baby clothes.  Fairtrade fortnight 2011 runs from 28th February to 13th March so if you want your baby to show their support choose Piccalilly!  Browse the Piccalilly section here

Quentin was about 7 months old when I discovered the Moby Wrap as he was quickly outgrowing the carrier we had. The thing I loved most about the Moby wrap is how soft and versatile it is. I'm still quiet new to the world of baby carriers, and the Moby was the first wrap we purchased. I definitely was not disappointed.

What is the Moby Wrap?

The wrap is essentially a long piece of woven fabric (5.5m) designed to be passed around and across your body, enabling your babies weight to be distributed well and all for comfort and balance. The wrap rolls up and can be stored in the bag provided. It's a fab wrap to take away with you and mine is often stored in the car for those days out to places pushchairs can't go!

Ease of Use

Initially the wrap takes a little getting used to in regards to getting a comfortable fit. The first few times I tried it I quickly realised the best fit was found around the waist (not hips) and sussed out the best way to pass the wrap around me without twisting it.

Once the wrap is on, make sure the wrap is spread across the shoulders and then I could put Quentin in. He loves this wrap!
When he was smaller we used the 'Hug' hold alot, then he would sleep in the moby allowing one of the shoulder supports to support his head as well. When he got bigger we did an outwards facing 'Hug' hold (you shouldn't do this with smaller babies) he loved seeing the outside world - It's also surprising the number of smiles he attracts from people passing by.

One downside is the material is a little too long to get yourself into outside. So it helps to be prepared. This isn't an issue in the summer when its dry - on the plus side the wrap washes and dries really well!

Comfort

This is definitely one of the most comfortable wraps I've used. Quentin was about 18lbs when we started using the Moby and he felt really light in it. It left no marks on my body nor did I feel and strain when using it.

Price

I admit one of the things that attracted me to the Moby; was the price. It is one of the cheaper styles of baby carrier on the market and I would recommend this as an entry level wrap to anyone interested in babywearing.

Advantages

• Price! - Need I say more
• Machine Washable - Sick, baby saliva, mud, all washes easily!
• Versatile - I intend on Breastfeeding our next baby in it
• Variety of Colours/Designs - I know user who have this wrap in several colours - Let's Colour Co-ordinate!!
• Baby feels close and secure to mum
• No buckles or narrow straps to dig into you

Disadvantages

• Can take a little practice - But be patient it's worth it!!
• Outside application can be an issue - It helps to be prepared.

The Moby wrap comes in a variety of styles, fabrics and colours, check out the full collection in the Babi Pur baby carrying section

As the festive season approaches I wanted to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of crowds shopping for gifts and families sharing special times together and reflect on those less fortunate than ourselves.

So, I looked deeper for those special angels out there that really do give something back, remind us that in difficult times there are people out there that really care but that also need support!

About Forever Angels

Forever Angels is a Charity based in Tanzania which opened in August 2006. They care for orphaned and abandoned children. Caring for these little angels is Amy Hathaway whose lifelong dream was to care for and nurture them. The Forever Angels Baby Home has so far cared for over 130 babies & children 75 of which have been successfully re-homed.

As with any charity they rely on donations and fund-raising to support the Baby home and cover running costs. Not all of these donations have to be monetary they have needs for volunteers, and supplies.

How can you help?

Ever wondered what to do with your cloth nappies when your baby no longer needs them?

Forever Angels has a short but equally essential wish list -

• Nappies - washable - small, medium and large sizes needed
• Outer Nappy waterproof pants
• Antibacterial hand wash gel
• Cotton balls
• Disposable Nappy Liners
• Nappy Sacks
• Rusks / Baby Rice / Packet weaning food
• Bubbles and Balloons and Face Paint

If you would like to send a package to Forever Angels - please write on the Parcel 'Second Hand Goods, NO Commercial Value - For Orphanage Use Only'. If this is not written - they will get charged huge customs duty to receive the parcel here in Mwanza.

Please send any parcels to Forever Angels Baby Home, Po Box 2631, Pasiansi, Mwanza, Tanzania, Africa.

Please consider that parcels DO cost a lot of money to send to Tanzania - so please only send goods which are on our Wish List. Anything else (clothes etc) can be brought MUCH cheaper in Mwanza, so please instead, consider donating your shipping costs to forever angels instead of sending goods so that they can buy the required items locally.

Bigger heart to offer?

If you have much more to offer, why not consider sponsoring a child. Child sponsor information here

or even fancy a trip out to Tanzania and spend time volunteering at the Baby home? Childcare skills are useful but if your a plumber, builder, carpenter or even a gardener your skills are equally as valuable.
Further information on Volunteering

Green Baby autumn and winter clothing for babies and children has arrived at Babi Pur.   Fabulous circus inspired designs with stars, stripes, trees, elephants, crazy birds, snails and even lions!  We love the bright colours and funky animals, they're just so playful and fun.  Sizes start from 0 months in playsuits and baby clothes and go right up to 6 years in pyjamas trousers tops coats and more!

But Green Baby clothes don't just look fabulous . . .  they are fabulous . . .  they're fabulous because all the cotton used is organic (GOTS certified) and all the clothes are made on fair trade projects in India.  Cotton farmers, pattern cutters, machinists, everyone gets a fair wage and good working conditions that we take for granted here in the UK.

And what's so good about organic cotton?  Well Green Baby organic baby clothes are super soft because the fibres don't get damaged by chemical pesticides.  Organic cotton is better for babies skin and eczema friendly because it isn't made up of any chemicals. Organic cotton is better for the cotton farmers because they don't get exposed to harmful chemicals that effect their health.   Organic cotton is better for the environment too, because cotton is a non food product it has become most sprayed crop in the world, the pesticides get washed into streams and rivers effecting the wildlife and water quality.

Here's a few of our Green Baby favourites and a review from Nichola who tried out the Green Baby organic sleeping bags

From the top, funky bird organic Pyjamas for children (2-6 years) and there's more Pyjamas to choose from too, great Christmas or birthday presents!  Dress with mock sleeves and stripy matching leggings (6 months to 6 years), lovely thick cotton and great colours.  Mushroom romper (0-18 months), we love Green Baby funky creatures, this cheeky little bird looks very cute sitting on the big mushroom.  Green Starry Romper (0-24 months) bright and fun star print looks great and there's a matching hat, bib and blanket available if you're looking for a nice gift.

Organic cotton padded 2.5 tog sleeping bag.  Available in two sizes and two colours, here's what Nicola had to say about hers.

We got a new 2.5 tog sleeping bag as the weather is getting colder and our little boy refuses to keep a cover over him. The sleeping bag is a natural colour with the stars printed on and inside is a lush soft terry. The outside is quilted too making it really padded. The zip starts from the top and goes down, which pleases me as he then can't chew on the zipper. He's had a few nights in it now and slept soundly through them all - and hopefully many more to come!

So pop over to the Green Baby section at Babi Pur to pick up some super duper organic clothing for your little girls and boys this winter.

Pictures supplied by Green Baby Ltd

We all love a sale so we thought we'd treat you to 25% off selected Frugi Clothes at Babi Pur.  Hurry before everything goes.  And just who's is that football?

Firstly before I go raving about the benefits of Breastfeeding, I'll give you a little bit of background about myself.

ABOUT ME

My name is Nicola, We've been happily married for nearly 5 years. At the age of 28 we decided to try for our first baby. Unfortunately trying to conceive was a challenge for us. When we first started trying I had to get all my medication modified to 'pregnancy-safe' alternatives as I suffer from asthma, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), allergic rhinitus (hayfever type allergies lasting all year round) I also have a mild cow's milk intolerance.

It took us a year to conceive; we found out the day before I was due to see a fertility specialist, to look into reasons why my periods were so erratic. During the 12 months of trying to conceive my period only arrived 6 times. We attended the appointment anyway which was a blessing in disguise as he diagnosed me with a thyroid condition which was affecting my health and would have affected the development of my baby.

MY CHOICE

Now you know a bit about me you'll probably understand my decisions and my determination. Coupled with the conditions I suffer with and the likelihood that my cows milk intolerance could pass to our baby; breastfeeding would be our best option.

My Pregnancy and Birth were a breeze in many ways, I totally astounded me how natural it all felt - my body was working with me instead of against me.

The most important thing I found I needed was the support network which I worked hard in building during my final trimester. I got myself involved in local breastfeeding support groups and discussed feeding with as many members of my family as I could. Unfortunately the ratio of breastfeeding to formula feeding is really low in my family.

I'm by no means writing off formula feeding - neither bottle or breast are without their problems.

It's a personal choice, for me Breast seemed best and the most natural way of feeding my baby. I'm one of the least organised people I know and the thought of waking to do a night feed and realising I'd got no sterilised bottles gave me nightmares before our baby was born.

I have found the whole breastfeeding experience fascinating. It really is amazing that your body can grow and nourish a baby, and even though it now bears the marks of pregnancy I've never been as proud of my body as I am now.

MAKING YOUR DECISION

If your considering breastfeeding or haven't made your mind up, here's a few things that helped me when starting out:

• Give it a go - It's easier to give breastfeeding a go than it is to change your mind later - even if it's not for you, I've spoke to many friends who regret not trying.
• Educate yourself - the more information you can get regarding growth spurts and known issues like blocked ducts. The easier it will be on you, your less likely to worry about what's normal or how to recognise problems and nip them in the bud before they get worse.
• Connect yourself - don't hide away,  problem shared is a problem halved, peer supported sessions can give you the respite you need when it's hard going.
• Bonding with your baby - I admittedly didn't get the 'wave' of love people rave about when meeting their baby for the first time; so breastfeeding has helped me build up a special bond with my baby.
• Pumping/Expressing - I started expressing at 10 weeks (though it's often recommended to start earlier than that) It allows me to have that most needed time out - even if it's just for the weekly shop.

Becoming a Mum is been one of the most rewarding and trying experiences I've ever had. I'm not going to say breastfeeding is easy - if it was we would all do it! It needs patience and determination (and sometimes a little stubbornness helps too) I've defied opinion and gained support from my family where they suspected I might fail. No-one ever said becoming a parent was going to be easy, we all make our own decisions - Just make sure you make the right one for you!

Little Green Radicals baby and children's clothing is all about fun, colour and slogans.  'I recycle my tantrums' and 'give peas a change' are just two of many popular catchphrases printed on T-shirts, playsuits, bibs and hoodies (coming soon).  Everything is exclusively made with Fairtrade certified cotton ensuring the farmers right at the bottom of the chain receive a fair deal for their crop and an extra premium to use on projects to help their local communities.  Not only this but everything is also made from organic cotton. . .

Growing organic cotton is very different from growing conventional cotton. All the cotton we use is hand-picked and organic. This ensures the farmers don’t have to handle dangerous chemicals and our clothing is kinder on your skin. The  cotton is certified organic to either Skal or Demeter standards. Since May 2006 all our prints have been produced using the most ecological water based inks available.

The company 'Hug' has recently been acquired by a giant of the ethical industry 'ethical superstore'. So with all these fantastic ethics, clothes and new financial backing we expect great things from 'Little Green Radicals' .  Look out for the latest baby and toddler range at Babi Pur