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In my family eating together at the dinner table is of utmost importance. Whether it is for a quick breakfast of toast or a leisurely degustation birthday dinner feast, it is an important time for us to spend quality time together. For this reason, it is essential that Baby have a chair that can fit right into our table, allowing him to learn, develop and socialize right alongside us from his first informative days.

We bought our Stokke Tripp Trapp when Baby was very young and have been enjoying it ever since. I chose the natural Birch colour with white Baby Set, which I think looks great in our sunny home. More importantly, Baby is always happy, secure and comfortable in his Tripp Trapp, whether eating, drawing or helping me cook!

The Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair is the only child’s chair that can take you from baby to adult, keeping you secure and comfortable all the way. It is fully adjusting to the size of your growing child, which ensures they are always at the perfect height to eat, play and interact. The sturdy wooden frame holds the seat level and footplate, both of which are adjustable in terms of height and depth. This ensures your child is at the correct level with the table and also has their feet well supported as well as enabling comfortable natural ergonomic sitting. The Tripp Trapp also comes with ‘gliders’ that attach at the bottom of the highchair to ensure stability.

The Norwegian designed Tripp Trapp is thoughtfully designed and made from beautiful and long lasting materials. It is made primarily of wood with metal ‘screws’ and strengthening rods, which can easily be loosened (with the tool provided) to enable adjustment. I have found this very easy and practical, as Baby is growing so quickly and before I know it I have to lower the footplate or adjust the seat depth.

It is also an environmentally considerate highchair; being built to last generations and made from cultivate birch. It comes in an extensive range of beautiful natural timber finishes such as European Oak, American Walnut and Cherry and great colours including red, pink, blue, green and purple and also black and white.

I have to admit that I love Scandinavian design aesthetics and the Tripp Trapp is no exception. It is a good-looking highchair. Instead of a highchair that one might put away when not in use or definitely when having a dinner party, the Tripp Trapp has pride of place at the table and also can be easily adjusted to fit an adult!

Also, I know it is such a busy parent issue, but I also find that the Stokke Tripp Trapp is really easy to keep clean. We just give it a quick wipe down with a soft cloth after each use. Very boring I know, but an important point!

Stokke Tripp Trapp Features:

Height and depth adjustable seat and footplate:

• Grows with your child.
• Lifts the floor up to your child – gives stability and ability to move.
• Chair adapts to your child’s body instead of vice versa.
• Elevates your child up to the correct height at the table.
• Child is part of dining experience.
• Promotes parent – child bonding.
• Child is sitting ergonomically correct.
• Longevity of product.

Manufactured from cultivated beech:

• Strong, solid and durable.
• Environmentally friendly/safety.
• Longevity of product.

No fixed tray:

• Comes closer to the table.
• Develops hand/eye co-ordination.
• Socializing.
• Easy for your child to move.

Available Stokke Tripp Trapp Accessories:

There are lots of fantastic accessories such as a Newborn Set, Baby Set, Table Top, Cushions (seriously fun fabrics!), Extended Glider and Harness.

I highly recommend the Stokke Tripp Trapp because it is an exceptional highchair that can take you from newborn to adulthood. For more information on the Stokke Tripp Trapp, other great Stokke products and information on issues such as safety and how to adjust your highchair to ensure correct sitting position, visit the Stokke website.

I must admit I love dressing Baby up in co-ordinated outfits. Whether it’s going to the playground or attending a friend’s birthday party, Baby always looks undisputedly hip. She has even started helping me dress her, pointing to the shoes and hats she’d like to wear with her outfit.

I was excited when a friend told me about Hip Little Bubba – an online boutique with funky clothes for babies and toddlers. The first time I visited the site, I spent hours looking through the gorgeous range of clothes and shoes for Bubba and of course some exquisite products for the Yummy Mummy too! It’s not just clothes and shoes (as much as we love clothes and shoes) there is a wide range of sleeping bags (look at those Grobags), muslin wraps, nursing covers, nappy bags, nursery decorations, classic toys and more.

I make no secret that I love shopping for baby products online and I have encountered many websites in my pursuit to buy quality baby products. Hip Little Bubba makes the online shopping experience fun and really easy. The website is bright and colourful with well photographed products neatly categorised. On the left hand side of the site, there is a helpful preview pane where you can see all the products, your cart, brands stocked, specials and best of all – viewed products. In the flurry of looking at so many funky baby products on Hip Little Bubba, it was good to have a record of the viewed products as it gave me a good short list. You can create a wishlist of your favourite products too!

From my short list I decided on the fabulous Bali inspired Hip Little Bubba Ava Harem Pants. These pants are made from 100% balinese cotton with elasticised ankles and waist. The pants which are super comfy for Bubba are available in lilac and fuchsia. I decided on two cheeky tees made from organic cotton – the Hip Little Bubba Cheeky Monkey tee and the Classic Hip Little Bubba tee. The tees have envelope necks for easy dressing. I couldn’t resist the Cheeky Little Soles white with love heart shoes as well.

The Cheeky Little Soles shoes are made from super soft leather, with cotton lining and black padded soles for extra comfort and protection. Baby who is currently perfecting her walking technique, loves wearing her new shoes which feature non-slip soles making it very easy for her to walk. The shoes are constructed with no uncomfortable open seams and feature a pretty design of colourful love hearts. The generous sizing means Baby will be wearing her Cheeky Little Sole shoes throughout the Queensland winter and summer too!

Hip Little Bubba is based in Hong Kong and ships everywhere. In fact, Australia is one of their biggest markets. My parcel arrived in Australia within seven days wrapped in gorgeous fuchsia paper and protected by a padded bag. The products from Hip Little Bubba would make funky presents and Gift Vouchers are available too. Bring out the hip in you and check out Hip Little Bubba for yourself!

A gallery of images showing Baby wearing Hip Little Bubba

Why is there something about the Maclaren Techno XT that reminds me of James Bond? After some thought I decided that no, I am not just being over dramatic, but yes indeed, there are quite a few points which form this association. Firstly, the Maclaren Techno XT is high-tech, good looking, packed with innovative features, sporty and adventurous but also sophisticated and elegant and, oh yes… British…

The truly winning point for me is that the Maclaren Techno XT is that oh so rare, versatile all-in-one package. It is safe and comfortable for baby and can take us from sporty outdoors adventures to elegant exhibition openings where everyone is sipping cocktails and dressed in black.

On our most recent trip to visit baby’s grandparents in Melbourne, we used the Maclaren Techno XT as our all-in-one pusher. We used it for varied activities including jogs on unsealed terrain, strolls on grass and sand, lots of pavement walking, shopping and gallery perusing.

We are extremely impressed with the Maclaren Techno XT, in terms of appearance and performance. It comes in a variety of great colours and we just love the Crown/Blue, which has charcoal and silver coloured detailing. It has a 5-point harness system and the seat is well padded for baby’s safety and comfort. It performs very well in all regards, is easy to maneuver and fold (only needs one hand!) and makes a comfortable and secure sleeping pad for baby whilst out and about (baby has never slept as well in any other pusher!).

Like the super lightweight Maclaren Volo, the Maclaren Techno XT is a compact umbrella pusher. At the other end of the Maclaren range, the Techno XT is a little heavier than the Volo, however with this little extra weight comes a whole host of features, the Techno XT revealing itself as a high-tech, highly detailed, super comfortable, rather sporty little number!

The Maclaren Techno XT features:

• Basic Weight 7.9kgs: The Techno XT is a great balance between being lightweight and having all the features that enable it to be a high-tech all-in-one pusher.
• Carrying Capacity up to 20kg: This weight capacity allows for the Maclaren Techno XT to be used well into early toddlerhood.
• Appropriate From Birth: The Techno XT is suitable to use from birth and comes with extra support pads to ensure newborn baby is supported and comfortable.
• Recline Four positions: The four recline positions are amazing! From sitting in a fully upright position, to relaxed reclining, to horizontal for maximum sleeping comfort. You can raise the seat incline with one hand from behind, but do need two hands to lower the seat, which is easily done by lifting two small levers. Also, when the seat is fully reclined, the rear cover fits snugly around the head and the hood can unfold right forward over the seat, which creates an enclosed little bed.
• Wheel Size 16.5cm/ 6.5in: The large wheel size is ample for not only urban areas but also strolling and even jogging on graded unsealed terrain, such as grass or gravel. Also, the pusher’s maneuverability can be enhanced with the built-in front wheel swivel function.
• Hood design: The hood design is a great feature. It is extendable with a neatly zipped section that can fold forward to protect baby from weather and creates a protected little bed when the seat is reclined.  There is also an in-build clear visor folded neatly under the hood that is easily flipped out to provide extra protection from the weather.  The pusher also has a large reflective stripe on the hood, which is a great visual feature and also acts as an important safety feature.
• Hood air vents and large viewing widow: The air vents enable good air circulation and the large viewing window?enables a clear view to baby.
• Elasticized pockets: There are two generous elasticized pockets, which can carry the rain cover and mosquito net. I also find them useful for carrying things like my phone and keys that I like to have easily accessible.
• Satin finish handles: The satin finish handles not only look great, but are comfortable and easy to keep clean. The handles are also extendable which allows adjustment for all users.
• Reflective hubcap design: I think these are a good safely feature, particularly if you ever use your pusher in situations of low visibility.
• Foot-operated linked parking brakes: The red brakes are linked to the park brakes and can be easily activated with either foot from behind either rear wheel.
• Front and rear suspension: I think bub would like to thank Maclaren for the four-wheel suspension! It certainly does seem to add to the comfort of baby’s ride and allows for use on varied terrain.
• Extendable leg rest: I have found this to be a great feature to complete horizontal comfort when baby is reclined and sleeping.
• Flexible footrest: This is great when pusher is in use and when pusher is folded.
• Height adjustable shoulder harness: This is yet another fantastic Maclaren detail that ensures maximum safely and comfort for your child.
• Includes headhugger and shoulder pads: These ensure that when the Maclaren Techno XT is used from birth, your newborn baby is safe and comfortable.
• Carry Handle: This is a very handy feature when carrying the pusher folded.
• Rain cover (included): The rain cover is quick and easy to attach with built-in clips and provides great protection. It also comes with the pusher!
• Footmuff (included): Particularly in cooler climates this is a great feature to keep baby snugly warm, enabling you to continue getting out and about as the cold sets in. It also has a large reflective stripe on the front, which is a great visual feature, but also acts as an important safety feature at times of low visibility.

The Maclaren Techno XT boasts all the usual Maclaren features:

• 5-point harness system: This feature is well balanced and secure, with the clasp requiring quite some finger strength ensuring it to be child safe. Strap lengths at all points are easily adjustable.
• Washable seat: This is a very practical feature for those dirty parts that are just a bit much for baby wipes to tackle.
• Compact Umbrella Fold: This is a truly winning feature in my opinion. The pusher folds up very easily into a compact package, making it so easy to carry and stow.
• Foot operated brakes: The red foot operated breaks are linked to park brakes, which can be activated with either foot with levers situated behind both back wheels.
• Shopping basket: The Techno XT shopping basket has a 3kg weight capacity and reaches all the way under the seat.  It is large enough for storing all the things we need for a day’s outing or even an impromptu grocery shop!
• High performance aluminium: It is Maclaren’s use of the strong aluminium frame, which enables the Techno XT pusher to be so lightweight.
• Rain cover (included): The Techno XT’s rain cover works very well, is easy to use and folds into a tiny bundle to be carried in a pocket at the back of the seat.
• Water resistant hood: The hood design of Techno XT is a real success. The neatly zipped section enables the hood to extend forward over baby for increased protection and also provides good coverage when baby is reclined or sleeping. Neatly folded under the hood, there is a clear waterproof visor that can flip out to provide extra protection when needed.

The Maclaren XT suggested accessories include:

• Light Packaway Footmuff
• Parasol
• Carry Bag
• Buggy Blankets
• Liners
• Universal Organiser
• Field Bag
• Park Bag
• Mini utility tote

If you are after a safe, durable, high-tech and stylish all-in-one pusher, my husband and I (and baby I’m sure!) highly recommend the Maclaren Techno XT. We find it to be very well designed and thoroughly detailed, attractive and appropriate for varied use in urban and graded terrain conditions. Being lightweight and compact also means it is ideal for travel.

For further details on this product and the full Maclaren range please visit CNP Brands http://www.childcareproducts.com.au/

You’ve read the review of the Valco Baby Stroller Roller now you have the chance to win one of your own!

Complete this sentence: “I would roll my Stroller Roller to…” and email your entry to jackie@valiantbrands.com.au for your chance to win. The winner will be drawn and announced on www.valco.com.au and www.babyreview.com.au on 10/8/11.

Looking forward to reading some of the interesting destinations for the Stroller Roller on the Babyreview facebook page and the Valco Baby Aus facebook page.

Most of Baby’s family lives interstate, so Baby and I are often on the move, flying and driving to visit family members. Any product that makes plane travel easier with Baby always gets bonus points from me. On our most recent trip to Sydney, Baby and I decided to road test the Valco Baby Stroller Roller Universal Travel Bag to transport our three wheel pram.

The motto found on the label of the Stroller Roller is ‘Fold – Roll – Stroll’ and that pretty much sums up this product. The Stroller Roller allows you to ‘fold’ your pram in a purpose designed cover, utilise two of your strollers own wheels to ‘roll’ your covered pram like a wheelie bag and make travelling a ‘stroll’ in the park for you and your bub!

The Valco Baby Stroller Roller comes in a neat bag for storage. So the night before our plane trip, I remove the Stroller Roller from it’s bag and unroll it on the floor – it was like unrolling a stroller sleeping bag! I remove my stroller’s accessories, like the Valco Baby Universal Cover and Bevi Buddy to fold my stroller as flat as possible on the floor. I remove the front wheel of my stroller too. I place my stroller onto the cover on the floor with the rear wheels protruding. I make sure the rear wheels aren’t locked, as they will become the wheels of my Stroller Roller when it looks like a wheelie bag. I then place the front wheel neatly on top and after some clicking of straps my Stroller Roller is good to go!

So the next morning, I place my stroller which seems much more compact in it’s Stroller Roller in the car boot and once we arrive at the airport, I check it into oversized baggage. There is a luggage label on the Stroller Roller which I’ve filled in and I’ve put some of my stroller’s accessories in the internal pocket. Since the Stroller Roller is strong and padded, I have peace of mind my stroller will remain intact and not in a million pieces when it reaches Sydney. When I unpack my stroller from it’s cosy sleeping bag at my destination, I find it has been well protected and after I secure the front wheel – we’re ready to roll!

The Stroller Roller is compatible with many 3 and 4 wheeler strollers, including the following: Valco Baby Tri Mode, Quad, Rebel Q, Rebel Q AIR, Matrix, Runabout, Ion, Latitude, Navigator, Baby Jogger City Mini, Elite, Classic, Mountain Buggy Swift, Phil&Ted Explorer, Dash, Hammer Head and many more.

The Stroller Roller is available in black with orange trim and the reflective features make it easily seen at night too. To find out more information on the Valco Baby Stroller Roller Universal Travel Bag visit the Valco Baby website. Keep your eyes on the Valco Baby and Babyreview.com.au websites for your chance to win a Valco Baby Stroller Roller….

I’m 11 weeks into this parenting gig and people keep saying that the magic number 12 is up ahead and this is when I will hit my groove. They’re clearly not around my house between the manic hours of 4 and 6pm each night. Now, I can’t perform miracles, but BabyBjorn’s new Baby Carrier Miracle means I can get at least some things done while still meeting Baby’s demands simultaneously (and not lose my mind). Given my current stage of newfound parenting, that’s a miracle in my books!

The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle is designed to fit a newborn baby from Day 1 to approx 15 months old (12kgs). I’ve found this to be a great solution right from the start, the BabyBjorn Miracle has an adjustable head support specifically designed for newborns in mind and leg straps to ensure baby is nice and secure when they’re little. Also there’s a handy size adapter you simply pull through as your baby grows.

Given that they’re not little for long (and my bundle is certainly thriving and growing far too fast for my taste), the shoulder band, waste band and the lumbar support are just great. I can loosen the shoulder band to transfer the load from my shoulders to the waist band without removing my baby. Considering that you’re quite tired in these early months, the extra support for your back and shoulders really helps. Especially given that you’re doing a fair bit of lifting and your back is getting a work out in every other aspect of baby care.

Another great thing about the BabyBjorn Miracle is the high quality cotton used in the carrier is soft and gentle on newborn skin. The quality materials mean that in the Aussie sun, the carrier dries after a wash in a day when Baby has an….ahem….accident, and our carrier requires an urgent wash. And that’s not a complicated process – you can wash the Miracle in your washing machine. How good is that?

Most importantly for me, Baby likes to be close and to interact with Mum and feel comforted. I’m treasuring this until the day comes that I’m no longer the key attraction for her baby blues and she wants to look outwards. The good news is, the carrier allows for both options. Our little one likes to be carried higher up if she’s on high alert and looking around at the world, but if she fancies a snuggle into Mum and to take a snooze while I toil away, I can lower her position.

And I really can just cart her around with this great looking gizmo. I mean, I wouldn’t cook with her strapped to me because she might collect a bit of splatter, but everything else works a dream – I shop, hang out the clothes, vacuum and go for walks. We also gave the Miracle a try at a recent family barbecue and it was really great. She wanted comfort from us, we wanted adult company, and we both got our way. You can’t do better than that.

The BabyBjorn Miracle is being launched in Australia this month. You can see the key features on BabyBjorn’s You Tube video about the Miracle, and BabyBjorn also provides a great instructional video on the product information page for the Baby Bjorn Miracle on how to use the carrier – which is a really great idea considering their customers are sleep deprived novices at parenthood….namely: me.