I couldn’t resist this stylish baby rocker by British label Mamas & Papas. My second baby is due in June and I was on the lookout for the perfect baby rocker/seat.

I lived in London for many years and had my first baby there and it is nice to see Mamas & Papas gear Down Under.(In UK Mamas & Papas have superstores and their designs are very European - stylish and geared for urban living.) It is rather pricier in Oz than UK though. (That is where UK relatives come in handy!!)

The Go Go Rocker  (I purchased the raspberry/grape colour combo) is ergonomically designed and very minimalist and chic. As much as I love the vibrancy of Fisher Price and character stuff (Pooh etc.), I love chic even more!

The features include padded reversible seat cushion with a choice of two colours (other combos available are sky blue/chocolate and burnt orange/graphite);  ergonomically designed for comfort and support; multi position toy bar with three removable toys, padded safety harness, co-ordinating head hugger that provides additional support for newborns; and machine washable seat cushion at 30 degrees.

Suitable From birth to 6 months approx. (Max weight 9kg approximately.)

The Go Go Rocker is available at Baby Bunting and various online retailers. I paid around $140 dollars.

Be still my beating retro heart!

As I was born in 1976, these stunning prints by German designer Graziela Preiser appeal to my love of things from that era.

Graziela Preiser’s designs, in particular the relaunched ‘1,2,3 design’ are available on bedlinen and children’s night wear. So fabulous. Crisp, clean and colourful.

What I love about these iconic designs is the simplicity, innocence and fun. They aretruly designed for kids but are so fabulous that adults can’t help but love them too. They are also fabulous for boys and girls…no need to go overboard on the gender-specific nursery!

Available from the website and in the UK and Europe, this is a sneak peek for Aussie and NZ customers and hopefully these designs will be available down under soon. Otherwise the website does ship internationally. Hurrah!

I am due for my second baby in June and I must get my hands on some ByGraziela products!

One thing I have discovered from having a child is that containers are great! I have a toddler and we are always on the go. That’s why the Muchee Mug, available from thekidsdepot.com.au is a great item to have.

My daughter likes Cheerios and the Munchee Mug is the perfect way to carry them around without them ending up everywhere!

The mug has a flexible, sectioned lid so little fingers are able to grab snacks. Then the lid  closes up and the food doesn’t spill! The Munchee Mug is diswasher safe (brilliant!) and comes in an assortement of colours including red/blue, purple/pink and yellow/blue.

Retails for $12.99.

Be sure to have a browse around at The Kids Depot. It is full of practical and affordable products (so important for the hip pocket in these crazy financial times!).

thekidsdepot.com.au

I just ordered this super-lush baby blanket for my new baby (due in June and shhh…don’t tell anyone but it’s a girl!) from Sloppy Baby.

This Colorado-based company makes the most fabulous bibs and blankets. The blankets, in particular are very striking, soft and great for stimulating baby’s senses.

I can’t wait to give my baby her blanket (the Julia design with vivid pinks and oranges and stripes!). These would make fantastic and unique baby gifts too.

Available from selected boutiques in the US and several online retailers. I got mine from Allyzabba.com, which ships internationally.

We’re baking in 42-degree heat here in Melbourne, Australia and it’s no better in some other states like South Australia. Nightmare! And even more so when you have kids.

The Comfaseat is a car seat cover especially for child restraints. The silver reflective material that points outward on the Comfaset is designed to reflect the sunlight off of it and help to keep down the temperature  so your little one aren’t hurt by hot buckles and straps.

Currently only available in the US/Canada.

Hands up if you’re sick of using tatty, tired bibs on your babe? Especially when you have them in a cute outfit.

Bazzle Baby makes great bandana bibs that are stylish and practical. So stylish in fact that you could mistake them for an item of clothing!

Here’s a super funky way to jazz up your stroller - pram and stroller accessories from Canadian company My Monkey Moo!

Bright, retro fabrics are the order of the day for these cute pads and chenille-backed stroller blankets designed and made in Vancouver.

Check out the website for retailers. My Monkey Moo is available in the US, Japan, Australia (online from Handle With Care Boutique) and Indonesia.

mymonkeymoo.com

I have bought another pram in readiness for baby number 2 in June. My daughter will be three and I though I could do without a double pram but it is such a nightmare going shopping with her now so I can’t imagine that having her todding next to me will be any easier!

I got a great deal on a Phil & Ted’s SP Graffiti with a double kit in Blue for $597(AUD) at my local Baby Bunting store. With the rain and sun cover too everything came to $700. I told my husband what a bargain it was. He said as long as I sold our existing pram he was okay with the purchase!

So now I am getting the Bugaboo Cameleon, transporter bag and footmuff ready for sale on eBay. The Bugaboo has been good although it has not been as suited to life in Australia as it was when we were in London. The Bugaboo is a European-designed and therefore really suitable for cities. I will miss it though. Where we live in Melbourne is quite bushy and I am looking forward to pounding the pavements with the Phil & Ted’s.

I love bags and I love quirky and individual designs. I don’t have the money for “it” and “WAG” bags and if I did, I certainly would not buy anything that you’d see on the arms of people like Victoria Beckam and Colleen Rooney.

That’s why handmade bags and accessories like the ones at Emotional Baggage are so great. Unique, affordable and stylish to boot.

Melbourne-based designer Carla Limosani offers a custom-made service in addition to producing one-off designs made from funky fabrics.

The range includes shoulder and carry-all bags (perfect for mums), cosmetic and coin purses and midi and mini zipper bags.

You can purchase from the website and you can also check out the markets that Carla will be selling her wares at. Items are also available at selected boutiques in Melbourne and two online retailers.

emotionalbaggage.com.au

I bought these fabulous shorts on Etsy last week. They are made by Aussie designer Trace  from Sweet Birdie Blue, based in South Australia and they look awesome on my two-year-old daughter. Made from Vintage Sesame Street fabric (I admit, there was a bit of my own nostalgia that prompted the purchase) the shorts are a lovely length and so different. I don’t know about other parents but I find a lot of the fashions for girls around too grown up and nasty looking. It freaks me out! Sweet Birdie Blue has designs that are completely age-appropriate, funky and you won’t see them on everyone as you trudge around the shopping centre with your little darlings!

Check out Sweet Birdie Blue at Etsy.