Out and About

Jojo Maman Bebe Waterproof Buggy Cosy

Posted by cafebebemama on Dec 14, 2009 in Out and About | 4 comments

I’m beginning to have a bit of an obsession with Buggy Cosies!  I love to have a bit of style for Little Miss and to make sure that she’s nice and snug as she’s loathe to wear hats or mittens.  Obviously, living in England, weather is a factor at all times and to be able to keep Little Miss protected from the weather without installing the rain cover (which she hates) is key.  Jojo Maman Bebe is a brilliant catalog company (with several stores as well) with EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN for mother and baby.  And, don’t you just love to say “Jojo Maman Bebe”?  It’s so French!  I was allowed to trial the Waterproof Buggy Cosy in Rose but they also have one called Boat which is more “boy” oriented.

Jojo Maman Bebe Waterproof Buggy Cosy

• STRENGTHS:  This Buggy Cosy is brilliant!  The fleece liner is so soft and cosy and is a lovely shade of bright pink- not too offensive but still obviously girl!  The waterproof outer is made of polyester and not pvc so it’s still flexible and cosy as well.  The Rose print is very feminine without being too in-your-face.  The buggy cosy should fit most pushchairs and has handy ties which allow it to remain in place at all times.  There are plenty of adjustment slots to allow for straps to be inserted in different places which is very handy as not all pushchairs are the same.  The zip comes up fairly high which really keeps your little one snug and secure in the buggy cosy.  The price is brilliant (£29.00) as other Buggy Cosies can cost upwards of £50!
• WEAKNESSES:  I have noticed that in the bottom of the buggy cosy, the fleece is pilling a bit where Little Miss’ feet/shoes are rubbing.  This is not a big deal though as there is bound to be wear and tear when there are shoes involved.  You could solve this by taking off your child’s shoes before snuggling them in.
• OPINION:  I really love the Jojo Maman Bebe Waterproof Buggy Cosy as it’s sufficiently soft and cosy while adding the feature of waterproofness!  It’s stylish, coordinates well with our pushchair and keeps Little Miss warm and snug.  The price makes it very attractive as well.
• TECHNICAL STUFF:  Price= £29.00; Colours- Pink/Rose and Blue/Boat; If you want this item…HURRY…they will not be offered in the Spring catalog which comes out at the end of January.  You can’t go wrong with this purchase!
• RATING:  5 out of 5

Jojo Maman Bebe- www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

3 & 5 Bagz from ZPM

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 20, 2009 in Great Finds, Out and About | 4 comments

We’re all trying to be green and eco-conscious aren’t we?  Well, we try!  How many times do you go to the grocery store and realise you’ve left your REUSABLE shopping bags in the boot?  I imagine, more often than not!  I HAVE A SOLUTION FOR YOU!!  3 & 5 Bagz from ZPM…they will save your life.  Well, if not your life, at least a small corner of the environment because you won’t be caught out again!

• STRENGTHS:  The real strength of the 3 & 5 Bagz from ZPM is the genius of the whole thing!  You have 3 or 5 reusable rip-stop nylon “Bagz” (think parachute fabric here people…you know that’s STRONG) nicely folded into another zippered bag which has a handy strap attached to the top allowing it to be hung off the shopping trolley, pushchair or changing bag.  In fact, it’s compact enough to take up no more space than a packet of wipes in your changing bag!  The Bagz are stylish and strong and hold a considerable amount of product.  You absolutely CANNOT go wrong with this product.
• WEAKNESSES:  I cannot find a weakness with this product.  Genius!
• OPINION:  I was asked by Profile PR to trial the 3 Bagz from ZPM and am so happy that I agreed to do it.  I’m a little too excited about this product, to tell you the truth…didn’t think I could get so happy about reusable anything!  I love the convenience of this product, the style and the durability all make it a necessity in any household.  You MUST check out the ZPM website as there are SO many brilliant product that Zoe Phayre-Mudge has created.  I am particularly drawn to the Trolley-Dolly as I think it will revolutionise your shopping experience.  I WANT ONE!  There are products for every need and want…and Christmas is coming readers.  You may want to prepare your list right from ZPM!  All of the products would make brilliant Christmas presents for family and friends as well.  Tell them Cafe Bebe sent you! (It won’t get you any special deals but you know…it’s nice to share the love)
• TECHNICAL STUFF:  The 3 Bagz is £9.95 while the 5 Bagz is £14.95.  There are a variety of fabric styles to choose from- see the website for specific styles.  www.zpm.com
• RATING: 5+ out of 5! Genius!

ZPM

Baby Aid First Aid Kit

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 5, 2009 in Great Finds, Out and About | 0 comments

Along with every other new and experienced mother, I try to protect my child at all times.  Perhaps too much so sometimes!  We are careful out in public; we use anti-bacterial hand gel, wipe off surfaces and high chairs before sitting in them and are aware of our surroundings for safety’s sake.  No, I’m not obsessive…just protective.  When I was approached by the PR for BabyAid to see if I would like to review the BabyAid First Aid kit, I jumped at the chance!  When I received the kit, I was very impressed.  Here are the items you will find in the BabyAid First Aid kit:

• 3 x Burnshield Burnblott Sachets
• 1 x Non adherent absorbent dressing 10cm x 10cm
• 1 x Conforming bandage 5cm x 4m
• 1 x Blunt first aid scissors
• 1 x Adhesive tape 1,25cm x 5m
• 1 x sterile Eyewash/Woundwash pod 20ml
• 3 x Disposable Traxit childrens thermometers
• 4 x Alcohol free cleansing wipes
• 2 x 4cm x 4cm hypoallergenic plasters
• 1 x 6cm x 7cm hypoallergenic plasters
• 8 x Childrens fun hypoallergenic plasters
• 6 x Brave Little Star Stickers
• 1 x How to make it better-Guidance leaflet
• 1 x What is it all for-Directions for use leaflet

• STRENGTHS:  The BabyAid First Aid kit comes in a lovely, vinyl, waterproof case that’s small enough to fit easily into any changing bag.  There are mesh dividers and pockets in the kit containing all of the brilliant first aid supplies.  I was even able to add a few of our own items without over-filling the kit.  I feel like we could tackle any emergency no matter how major or minor.  The BabyAid First Aid kit is quite stylish as well, with multicoloured flowers and bright trim which make it the perfect accessory.
• WEAKNESSES:  I cannot come up with one weakness…it’s perfect for every family.
• OPINION:  I have had a clear plastic sandwich bag stuffed in our changing bag until now.  It’s truly amazing the amount of things in the BabyAid First Aid Kit.  You can’t be caught out!  It’s an affordable price and something everyone should have in their car or changing bag.
• TECHNICAL STUFF:  Dimensions= 15 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm; RRP = £14.95 including VAT; You can add additional refill packs and specific items so your kit can remain properly stocked at all times.
• RATING:  5 out of 5

BabyAid

Baby and All Bag

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 1, 2009 in Great Finds, Out and About | 2 comments

On a recent trip to London, the Baby and All bag, which I received as a prize in a blog competition on Yummy Mummy Tips, became our saviour.  I had packed it with Little Miss’ toys to keep her entertained while I was at a blogging event.  When I hung it across my body, messenger style whilst disembarking from the train from Peterborough to Kings Cross, I popped Little Miss on the Baby and All bag and quickly realised what a brilliant product it is.

• STRENGTHS:  The Baby and All bag is stylish, durable and has loads of storage which will easily take you through a day out and about.  The interior of the bag is lined with a wipable material that is essential for mums.  You will be able to safely secure your child onto your hip whilst negotiating any mode of transportation and keeping your hands free.  The zip allows you to secure your precious belongings and easily access them when you need them.  The Baby and All bag stands on its own when you put it down on the floor or another surface.  We received the ‘Olivia’ bag which is the more “blingy” style and it is very stylish and fashionable.  The fabric still remains wipeable and wearable which is a MUST for any mum.
• WEAKNESSES:  If your child has bare legs, the ‘Olivia’ bag, after a time, can rub on their legs.  It might be worth the designer considering if it’s possible to have an additional, removable pad which would give more cushion to the zip/seat.  If you’re packing for a weekend away, the Baby and All bag will not fit everything you need but for a day out, you’ll be more than prepared.  The included changing pad is lovely and cushioned but, if you keep it in the bag, you won’t have much room for your belongings.  I had to substitute it with a flat, foldable changing pad.
• OPINION:  I was skeptical about the Baby and All bag, initially.  It was cool looking and had a spacious interior but I didn’t appreciate its real value until I popped Little Miss onto it on a recent trip to London.  She sat securely on my side and remained quite comfortable.  My hands were free to hold onto the rails on the Underground trains and carry our other changing bag.  A second trip into London saw me using ONLY the Baby and All bag which accommodated all our necessities and still provided a comfortable seat for Little Miss.  If you live in a big city and/or take public transport frequently, I would highly recommend adding the Baby and All bag to your arsenal.  You won’t have to fuss about with a pushchair and your child can still remain secure and safe with you at all times.  You won’t have the convenience of the pushchair shopping basket but you will get about with a lot less stress.
• TECHNICAL STUFF:  4 in 1 carrier; Used for babies from 7-15kg;  Colours:  Kerry- Black, Olivia- Brown, Bella- Purple;   Kerry bag RRP = £45.00; Olivia/Bella bag RRP = £98.95
• RATING:  4.5 out of 5

Debra Clare Ltd.

As Clear As PR

Petite Star Zia

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 1, 2009 in Out and About, Pushchair Queen | 0 comments

The Petite Star Zia is promoted as a best-selling, lighter-than-light, from birth stroller.  I am somewhat wary of lightweight strollers and had a rather negative experience with one that I tested a while ago but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the Petite Star Zia.  I received the Petite Star Zia for test and review, specifically, and decided to give it the best test possible- an airplane trip and journey around Wisconsin, USA.  What better testing ground?

• STRENGTHS:  The Petite Star Zia lives up to its lightweight billing (6.3kg) and is ridiculously easy to fold and unfold.  When folded, the Petite Star is not much bulkier that the standard “umbrella stroller” and is very easy to carry thanks to a latch which keeps the pushchair shut in transport.  The 5-point harness is very sturdy and feels quite secure and is nicely padded for the comfort of your child.  Unlike the Quinny Zapp, its near twin, the Petite Star Zia’s seat does recline virtually flat which allows it to be suitable from birth to approximately 3 years.  The recline feature is smooth and seamless allowing you to choose any number of recline positions.  We were fortunate to have the matching footmuff to test in addition to the pushchair, raincover and shopping basket.  The footmuff (£35.22) is one of the plushest available with a glorious fleece liner and matching fabric outer which allows it to be weather proof.  The Petite Star Zia, although lightweight, does not feel flimsy or rickety and the ride is quite smooth and seems very comfortable for Little Miss.  The Petite Star Zia has new autumnal colours (Pink Fizz, Cardinal Red and Purple Berry) which makes the pushchair look slightly classier and different from the rest of the Petite Star Zia’s out there.  This pushchair is a popular one, for sure.  If you’re looking for unique and to make a statement, the Autumnal Colours will help with that.
• WEAKNESSES:  The shopping basket is small but it really could not be much bigger considering the size of the stroller itself.  The brake feels a bit plasticky and whilst I had no problems with it holding properly, it doesn’t seem as sturdy as other pushchair brakes.  The canopy is somewhat ineffective unless the sun is directly above and behind you.  It doesn’t come down very far to protect your child from the elements.
• OPINION:  I was very impressed with the Petite Star Zia and pleasantly surprised.  It travelled to America and back surprisingly well and was a big hit with American observers.  The footmuff is one of the nicest ones I have seen and makes the Petite Star Zia quite a plush and comfortable choice.  Little Miss seemed very comfortable and happy in the Petite Star Zia which was the final seal of approval on this model.
• TECHNICAL STUFF:  Weight- 6.3kg; Dimensions- 72 x 60 x 107cm unfolded, 72 x 36 x 34cm folded; Handle height- 101cm; Colours- Pink Fizz, Cardinal Red, Purple Berry (Autumnal range); Accessories included- shopping basket, raincover; Optional Accessories- Cosy Toes (£35.22), Transit Bag (£14.99); RRP = £125
• RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Petite Star website- www.petitestar.com

Babies R Us website