Ozeri Duckymeter

One item I would say that any new parent needs is a bath thermometer considering how sensitive newborns are to temperature. There are lots and lots of different ones out there, but I believe that this blows all the bog standard ones strait out of the water (sorry, couldn't resist).

Using a round, easy-to-read screen (about the size of a 50p piece), the Duckymeter screen lights up either blue, green or red to indicated temperature. Blue is cold, green just right and red too hot. The reading is displayed in farenieght and is clear enough to read from a standing position above the bathtub.

The thermometer is of a reasonably large size, bigger than an average rubber duck and has no buttons or switches, it's sensor activated. The LED screen remains constant whilst in the water, checking the temperature every second. The display will light up blue if the water temperature falls below 95 degrees and red if it goes above 102.2, leaving a reading anywhere between firmly in the green, and therefore safe, area.

Moo is hugely fond of all of her bath toys (and will often be found playing with them on the bathroom floor in the middle of the day), and when bathing with Bear, she gets a lot of enjoyment out of this duck thermometer! For me I find it very reassuring and takes a lot of the doubting I had with my eldest over the temperature of the water, I had been bathing her in water that was too cold and had no idea so it's great to have the thermometer constantly updating the water temperature for me.

Here are my pros and cons...

Pros.

- Constantly checks the water temperature to give you an up-to-date reading.

- Easy-to-read screen.

- Automatic so no buttons or switches.

Cons.

- Can sometimes take a long time to tun off after removal from bath.

The Ozeri Duckymeter is priced at £9.99 and available from Amazon.

Clare

Please note we were sent this item for review, however all thoughts and opinions or my own.

Baby Wishlist

So I'm in my first week of maternity leave and so far my mind has turned to nesting and more specifically, being prepared. The job I do typically is quite a busy one and so far this week I have eaten a lot of cake and last night I went out to my local Chamber of Commerce AGM where I got to sample some lovely canapés at the hotel where we got married. I must say, I felt very 'grown-up' (apparently you give me a bit of duck on a twirly stick and I am giddy with excitement).

Anyways, I digress...

So in my free moments over the last couple of days I have been flitting about the Internet (Twitter specifically) and tracked down some things that I have the major wants for! I thought I'd share them here with you today.

Clockwise from top...

Cosatto Giggle in 'All Star'.

Around £400.

This is a great-value travel system that has already caused a lot of attention. Cosatto are well-known for not only their fabulous prints and 'funky', innovative designs, but also for their hard-wearing quality. As a brand, Cosatto is superb value for money (I have a few products from when Moo was a baby that will be making a re-appearance for Bear) and let's face it, £400 is an excellent price for such a diverse system, especially when you consider that other products that I personally would consider to be rivals in quality would set you back well over the £500 mark for a travel system. It's a bargain. And it's pretty. I want it. Husband not so keen (sadly bold prints are not for everyone).

Safe Dreams Cot Wrap.

From £25.99.

I'm not a lover of cot bumpers. They worry me and although their pretty, they're certainly not recommended (yet they seem to be EVERYWHERE...why is that?). I always ended up putting mine at the foot of the crib/cot because it seemed wasteful not to use them, but at the same time I didn't really want them near my baby's head. Enter Safe Dreams and their innovative, breathe-safely cot wrap which they say provides peace of mind when baby is sleeping, should they happen to roll over and press their face against the fabric. This is a fantastic idea and ideal for fellow worry-warts like myself who stress over every little thing. They have a bit of a celebrity following AND make toys too...

My Buggy Buddy Pram Clip.

£4.68 (from Amazon).

A simple idea, there's lots out there like this; a clip to attach things to your buggy. I like this one because of the sturdy, karabiner design.

TotsBots Easyfit 'Every Nappy Tells a Story' Reusable Nappies Pack.

£79.99 for five.

I'm really becoming quite interested in the idea of reusable nappies. They are by far the most budget-friendly way forward. I'd really, really like to try some but I'm very nervous. That said, TotsBots have a great reputation. If I was going to dip my toe in the reusable nappy waters, it would be with them! I'm in love with their designs, their colours and there's a great page on their site that explains all the differences between their nappies and who they do/do not suit. It's the initial expense I think that makes me so hesitant. I'm a give-up easily kind of girl when it comes to trying new things and I just don't have the faith in my own character to follow it through. I think these have pretty much sold me, however...

Joy and Joe Baby Wrap Carrier.

From £19.99

This is my absolute top want on this list (and by gum I'll be getting one)! When I had Moo I thought these types of slings to be tricky and complicated-looking. I bought a Babasling instead. BIG mistake. I used it a handful of times before giving it to a friend who got on slightly (but not amazingly) better with it. It just did not suit my large bosom. Now that Moo is older and I am a bit more 'in-the-know' about babies (before I had her I had no infant relatives or friends with babies or know any babies...), I really, really want one! I did a lot of looking around and prices seem to vary dramatically. Joy and Joe seem to be within my budget and have some beautiful designs on their patterned wraps. A friend recently left a comment on my 'Double Buggy Dilemma' post suggesting that I try a sling so I am taking her advice and doing just that! I think it's time I went and smiled sweetly at my husband...

So there you have it, my Wishlist of practical and useful baby wants!!

Clare