Having never tried a hammock before, I wondered whether my babe would fall asleep as quickly as the others. As you can see from the pictures, she fell fast asleep in the comfort of the Natures Sway Hammock.

Hammocks are a wonderful alternative to western style cribs and are used allover the world to provide a perfect sleeping environment for baby. The Natures Sway hammocks are designed in New Zealand and are made from double-boiled cotton calico or organic hemp / cotton blend fabric held in place by a hard wood beam to ensure the fabric keeps apart. At the top of the hammock is a spring which allows the hammock to be bounced gently lulling baby to sleep. The hammock has been designed to support weight up to 15kgs.

Once baby is trying to roll over, sit up or wriggle around, the hammock is no longer suitable. However, in the early months, it is such a restful chilled place for baby to sleep.

The Natures Sway baby hammocks come with a natural New Zealand wool mattress. The woolen mattress provides beautiful warmth for winter babies and coolness during the summer months too. To find out more about the Natures Sway Hammocks and the full range of accessories visit the Natures Sway website.

I liked the ‘retro’ design of the ‘Hi-Diner’ booster and thought I’d give it a try. So far it’s been great for dining at home or out in restaurants. In fact, my husband remembers sitting in similar boosters, in diners throughout the US, when he was growing up. Put simply the InfaSecure Hi-Diner Booster is sturdy, durable and timeless.

The Hi-Diner Booster is child’s play to assemble. Simply place the adjustable seat harness strap inbetween the two bases and secure with the screws included with the booster. It took me less than 10 minutes to put together.

One base has a greater depth to accommodate large children, while the other base accommodates smaller children. I just selected the base suitable for my child and secured the booster to my dining chair with the seat harness.

The InfaSecure Booster is available in three different colours, I chose the neutral coloured booster to suit my decor.

Not only does the InfaSecure Booster provide a safer seat for my child during mealtimes, she can now see her food properly, use her cutlery better and seems to enjoy mealtimes more. She likes her new booster so much that she affectionately refers to it as ‘rooster’ – too cute.

To find out more about the Hi-Diner Booster and the full range of InfaSecure products visit the InfaSecure website.

She sits proudly upright at the breakfast table and even taps the table in excitement as I approach her with a bowl of Bellamy’s Organic Baby Rice cereal. It’s simple to prepare, I just add 1-2 teaspoons of the rice cereal with baby’s usual milk or cooled boiled water. I then mix it to a smooth consistency for Baby. As Baby has developed her ability to eat solids, the consistency has become less runny and I am now adding homemade stewed apple and pears to the mix.

Other foods which I have introduced, include mashed banana and pumpkin. Baby enjoyed the banana but wasn’t such a fan of the pumpkin.

I think it’s important to introduce Baby to healthy foods and I am satisfied that only certified organic ingredients are used in Bellamy’s products. Bellamy’s babyfoods are made in Australia and are free of synthetic additives and preservatives.

As Baby’s palate develops, I am quite keen to introduce Bellamy’s Organic Baby Porridge, Apple & Cinnamon Breakfast and Banana & Vanilla Rice Cereal. To find out more about the full range of Bellamy’s products visit the Bellamy’s website.

The wondersuit retains it’s beloved features of rich terry fabric, fold over mittens for hands and feet - only with added zip! The front zip makes it quick and easy to dress baby.

Checkout the new Wondersuit on the Bonds website, while you’re there, download the new Bonds App to shop online for all your trusty Bonds favourites and new collection from your phone.

We love the Bonds model in the new wondersuit too – you may recognise her from posts on Babyreview.com.au  The Bonds Baby Search 2013 is being launched on Tuesday 19th March - for all the details checkout the Bonds website.

The Goliath is a giant when it comes to safety and utilises Air Protect technology. Developed in the US, Air Protect has been designed to protect your child from side impact collision and immediately reduces crash forces at the most critical spot: around a child’s head. In essence, Air Protect shields a child’s head from impact and immediately reduces forces through the precise release of air.

In addition to the safety features of the Maxi-Cosi Goliath, the narrower seat design makes it easy to have up to three car seats in the backseat of my car. Making this seat a real winner amongst families with three children or those planning for more children. The functionality of the Goliath doesn’t end there, it has an adjustable safety harness, independent latching buckle, locking headrest and a reclining backrest.

The Maxi-Cosi Goliath can be used in “Toddler Mode” which is a forward facing position, up to approx 4 years old or until a child’s shoulders reach the middle shoulder height marker. The car seat then converts to “Booster Mode” with a lap sash seatbelt, from approx 4 years to approx 6 to 8 years old when a child’s shoulders reach the upper shoulder height marker. Both these modes give this car seat fantastic longevity.

The styling of the car seat is quite swish, with padded belt mates and armrests, drink side pockets and a high back car protector mat. The car seat fabric is so soft and smooth against my little girl’s precious skin. The covers are easy to remove and are machine washable. The Maxi-Cosi Goliath seat is available in three different colours: Stone / Black, Ash / Black and Olive/Black. I have the Ash / Black combination and my little one seems very happy with her new car seat.

The Maxi-Cosi Goliath is ideal for growing families looking for a safe, functional car seat with outstanding longevity. To find out more about the Maxi-Cosi Goliath and other great products visit the IGC Dorel.

Travelling with my three month old, two and a half year old, husband and his family – I hadn’t done much research and wasn’t sure what to expect. It turns out Lord Howe Island is a really easy and fantastic destination when travelling with babies and young children

There are direct QantasLink flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie. Upon our arrival,we were greeted by the sweet sound of birds tweeting, salty smell of sea air and the lush appearance of both palm and pine trees.

Our accommodation was at Pinetrees lodge. With all meals included, it meant everyone could have a really restful (and delicious) holiday. The meals were scrumptious and the children ate well from breakfast until dinner.

Every evening our family watched the sunset from the Boatshed at Pinetrees. There is nothing more beautiful, than watching the sunset over the ocean, while your daughter climbs trees with local children. We were even invited to the local Playgroup, who were celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Playgroup NSW.

Interestingly, the island feels very connected with mainland even though there is no mobile phone service.

It was a refreshing break from the Internet, mobiles and emails. So instead we focused our energy on nature, swimming with 3 adult turtles and 1 baby turtle at Old Settlement Beach. We hand fed fish swimming in the ocean on Ned’s Beach which was truly exciting for my two and a half year old. We took a glass bottom boat tour to North Bay with Turtle Tours and learnt even more about these graceful creatures.

While we were there for the week, we explored the whole island which has sealed paths and a canopy of trees – making it a wonderfully stroller friendly location. My husband hired a bike and trailer exploring all extents of the island with our toddler. It really was a wonderful holiday enjoyed by the whole family and a fantastic finale to 2012.

We know Santa and his elves will fill the stockings of all babies big and small this Christmas.

Have an wonderful festive season and we look forward to bringing you more enjoyable reviews in 2013!

Since receiving the gorgeous blue and black Bugaboo Donkey, it has tirelessly served us on all kinds of expeditions – all the while patiently carrying gaggles of kids, sleeping babies, piles of shopping, stacks of dry-cleaning and mounds of miscellaneous children’s things.

What is it?

The Bugaboo Donkey is a convertible/extendable single/double stroller. With three easy clicks, it goes from a single (The Mono which is 60cms wide, which is the same as the Bugaboo Cameleon) to a full-sized double (The Duo which is 74cms wide).

Both side-by-side seating positions have independently interchangeable bassinets and seats (making it suitable for twins and different aged children from birth to 17kgs) – both of which positions are reversible and reclinable. This makes it possible to put child/s in any desired position such as facing you, the world or each other.

Being a side-by-side seating setup, the Bugaboo Donkey caters for you being able to see both children face-to-face at once increasing socialisation between you and the children and between the children themselves.

The overall operational feel and movement of the Bugaboo Donkey is excellent. It does indeed have all the things you would expect from Dutch designed Bugaboo, such as refined design, top quality, easy to use, super versatile and comfortable as anything for your precious cargo.

How it works

As a picture says a thousand words, I certainly can’t compete with the great little Bugaboo clip that explains how it works. It is made in sections and covers the following sections – which I have also commented on:

• Mono duo mono convertibility – very well designed to be easy to use and stress free. Remove seat, three clicks, add basket, done. Remove basket, three clicks, add seat done. Simple as pie.
• Suitable from birth – bassinets  are soft, spacious, sturdy and secure. Very easy to remove whilst Baby continues to sleep soundly.
• Reversible and reclinable seats – fantastic feature. Increased surveillance and socialisation, but also ability for child to look out and see the world. I find my toddler usually wants to look out (and chatters away to me), whilst I feel much more comfortable being able to see Baby (especially whilst they are sleeping). Also worth mentioning that the toddler seat is easy to climb in and out of. The harness system is the best I have used: It is adult friendly and child safe and easily adjustable.
• Multi-terrain – It has been able to go wherever I have wanted to go so far, including several off-road conditions (even at a slow jog!).
• Two-wheel position – This would be fabulous for the beach using the larger wheels only (see the cool clip).
• One-piece fold and self-standing – Once you have the knack of the fold it is quick and easy. It seems to fold in on itself once and then again.
• Compact fold – compact fold… well I suppose this is relevant right?! Obviously it is considerably larger than my Maclaren umbrella pusher, but then again that is comparing apples and oranges. It is a double stroller and folds very compactly for what it is. You can always change it into single before folding it, which makes it even more compact.
• Car seat adaptability – this is a great feature for a newborn, so as to not wake them when transferring from the car.
• Brake and height adjustable handle bar – No surprise that this is yet another perfectly designed feature. Easy, simple, practical and a must if you want comfort for both pushers of differing vertical needs. There is also a safety strap located in the centre of the handlebar which can reach to either hand position. The handle bar itself has a great hand feel and is super sturdy.

You can also explore all the chassis details (such as the swivel wheels, brake block, suspension etc.) at http://www.bugaboo.com/learn/bugaboo-design, which is a cool little interactive map showing how all the parts are work.

Statistics… and how they rated

• Suitable from birth to 17 kg / 37.5 Lbs – As well as this suitability, it also can accommodate different ages at the same time and also grow as your family does. I think this is a key feature.  
• Dimension one-piece fold into Duo: 52 x 74 x 93 cm / 20.5 X 29 x 36.6″ – As a Duo it does fit through most doorways and does fit on all paths that cater for wheelchair access. Just remember, it is a double pram so just use common sense.
• Dimension compact fold: 91 x 60 x 40 / 34.3 X 23.6 X 15.7″ – As mentioned above this is really about the same as a full sized single.
• Weight stroller with 2 seats: 15 kg / 33.4 Lbs – You can feel the difference between a single stroller and packed double stroller, but that is to be expected. Also, if you are carrying children of different weights side-by-side (e.g. newborn and toddler) you can feel that the pram requires a little extra effort on the heavier side. So, if you are worried about overdeveloping the muscles on one arm you can always change the bassinet and seat positions between outings
• Width in duo: 74 cm / 29″ (width in mono: 60 cm / 23,6″) – As above
• Width with one car seat: 84 cm / 33.1″ –  This is a little wider that the full Duo width, so just watch those doorways.
• Storage: under seat basket 28 lbs – So much storage you can easily do a decent shop at the grocery store whether you have one or two kids in tow.
• 10″ Swivel wheels & 12″ rear wheels with air filled tyres – This larger wheel size means that the Bugaboo Donkey easily takes on the great outdoors and also enjoys a suburban jog. Remember to check the pressure in the tires to ensure maximum comfort for passengers. The swivel wheels also mean the pusher is very easy to direct, even with one hand in the centre of the handlebar.

After test-driving the Bugaboo Donkey it is evident that all the details have been thoughtfully engineered and well made. It is like a high precision piece of kit but also super easy to operate. Like they say the ‘vision comes from a distinct Dutch point of view that informs design at Bugaboo: reduce complexity to the essence to create harmonious form and function that endures.’

So, does it live up to our high expectations?

Well that would be an unequivocal yes. The Bugaboo Donkey promises to do a lot and it delivers on it all. Exceptionally well.

If you have two children of pram ages (i.e. twins or different ages) this pram offers an excellent transport solution. Here at Babayreview.com.au we continue to be impressed with Bugaboo and are excited to see what they get up to next!

I was looking for an independent source of information on buying child restraints when I found CREP (Child Restraint Evaluation Program). This organisation rates child restraints on crash protection and ease of use. In fact, the car seats rated, are tested in a crash lab with crash test dummies.

I was curious to see the CREP ratings for forward-facing restraints which could convert to a booster seat. I found the InfaSecure Comfi-Cruiser achieved a top rating for protection and ease of use, making it one of the safest car seats for children aged between 6 months and 4 years old.

The safety features of the InfaSecure Comfi-Cruiser include deep, energy absorbing side wings which offer protection for side impact. The tall backrest helps to protect the head and neck. While the multi-height harness is fitted with shoulder and pelvic padding for increased comfort and safety.

The belt path design is low, so when correctly positioned the lap belt is tight over my child’s pelvis. After some research, I found it’s important to keep the belt path low over my child’s pelvis, so the belt doesn’t ride up into the soft abdomen area, where internal injuries are possible. It was clear this car seat has been designed with safety as the top priority.

It was easy to fit my child in the InfaSecure Comfi-Cruiser in forward facing mode. The shoulder heights are clearly marked on the side wings. The harness system was easy to adjust and I was reassured by the 1 CLICK, 2 CLICK independent latching buckle. It’s great to know my child will be able to use the InfaSecure Comfi-Cruiser as a booster seat in the future too.

The full specifications for the Comfi-Cruiser and the instruction manual is available for download from the InfaSecure website. The dimensions of the Comfi-Cruiser are 500mm (width), 780mm (height) and 430mm (depth). The Comfi-Cruiser is available in the following colours: Black, Slate and Black with Pink Piping.

Visit the InfaSecure website for more information on the Comfi-Cruiser and full range of InfaSecure products.

The BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance responds to Baby’s movements to make it bounce. I’ve found the gentle rocking movement fun and relaxing for my 8 week old, who enjoys observing her big sister race around from the comfort of her bouncer, smiling and bouncing as if to join in.

The Babysitter Balance is proving wonderful for Baby to develop her own sense of movement, balance and motor skills. With a unique ergonomic shape, the bouncer’s design ensures my Baby’s back and head is well supported at all times.

The bouncer is intuitive to set up with a safety harness which fastens with buttons across Baby’s waist until your little one can sit up on their own. The frame of the BabyBjorn Balance can be adjusted to different positions. When the frame of the bouncer is placed at the greatest angle it is in ‘Play’ mode. To change the position of the BabyBjorn Balance, simply lift the positioner on the frame of the bouncer, at the same time as you lift the backrest with your other hand. The next angle down is ‘Rest’ mode and when the bouncer is at the slightest angle it is in ‘Sleep’ mode. The last position is totally flat which is ‘Transportation mode’.

Due to the popularity of the BabyBjorn Balance with my newborn baby, I have been taking it everywhere with me. I collapse it flat and place it in the boot ready for use at our destination, whether it be a friend’s place, mother’s group or playgroup. The bouncer is light weight at 2.25kg and compact measuring 39 x 79 cm when collapsed. It’s a breeze to transport and set up ready for use with Baby.

The mesh cover is easy to wash, simply loosen the two elastic loops at the bottom, pull it off the frame and machine wash it.

The practicality of the BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance makes it a fantastic choice of bouncer for Baby. In addition to the ‘mesh’ fabric, the bouncer is also available in ‘cotton mix’ and ‘organic cotton’. To find out more on the Babysitter Balance visit the BabyBjorn website.