Why use cotton nappies?

I decided to use cotton nappies with both of my children as I wanted to help our environment and save money.

However it has had a better impact as my son is now potty trained at 20 months and I have just put away the cotton nappies for good. My daughter was the same and I believe this is largely due to using real nappies as they can feel when they are wetting themselves.

Here are five other reasons why I use cotton nappies:

1. Real nappies are easy to use: No folding and pinning like my mum had to do (and she had twins!)! They are easy to put on they either come with snaps or velcro for the perfect fit, even dads will have no excuse for not being able to change a nappy. They come in a variety of materials, colours and patterns there is a great choice. (My county council also provides me with some free real nappies to get you started - does yours?)
   
   
2. No chemicals. Chemicals used to absorb liquid in disposable nappies are also close to your babies skin. With real nappies, no chemicals. Don’t forget these same chemicals end up in landfills and have an effect on our environment by also ending up in our waters.
   
   
3. Real nappies are easy to wash. I use persil on a hot wash and they always come out clean. I also use nappy liners to keep the nappies free from being soiled.
   
   
4. Gentle on the skin. The wicking action of real nappies pulls liquids away from your baby’s bottom. Baby’s gentle untouched skin needs to be treated with care, what better way than with real nappies.
   
   
5. Save thousands of pounds. I know I am paying for liners and electricity to wash the nappies but I think this outways the cost of disposable nappies as well as the fact that they will go to landfill and will never decompose!

Just give it a go you will be amazed how easy it is to do.

For more information I would recommend the Real Nappy Information Service as it provides comprehensive information on all aspects of real nappies.

Anna
New born Baby Gifts

Why buy organic cotton?

Having young children of our own we have seen the many benefits of buying and using organic cotton products.

These are just a few benefits, to both us and the farmer, to growing and using organic cotton...

1. Organic cotton is grown using NO chemical pesticides, insecticides or dyes and is kinder to delicate skin.
2. It is thicker, stronger and much softer than conventional cotton.
3. The cotton is a biodegradable and renewable resource.
4. Also, Organic cotton is grown using sustainable growing practices so that the impact on the environment is reduced, these include:

• Untreated seeds and natural fertilizers are used
• Crop rotation
• Beneficial insects introduced to cut the population of bad ones so a natural balance is maintained
• The soil retains nutrients and the water and air stay clean for future generations

With these practices in place the farmers and manufacturers of organic cotton have better working conditions, a decent wage and as no chemicals are used they are not damaging their health.


If you are looking for a unique present for a New Mum or Mum-to-be that includes organic cotton gifts, please take a look at our new baby gift boxes, new mum gifts and new baby gifts.

Anna and Cathy

Tips on how to be a greener parent

By being a greener parent not only is it helping the enviroment but it also benefits your childs health.
There are a few ways in which you can help without breaking the bank:

• Re-Usable Nappies

 By using cotton nappies this helps the enviroment because they create less waste. It is said that disposable nappies create 60 times more waste than cotton ones. I have used cotton nappies on both my children and I have found them quite easy to use and wash.

•  Recycle Clothing

By passing on clothes to either friends, family or to your local charity helps the enviroment as the organic industry can have a high impact on it. We have done this for the last five years as my sister was the first to have a girl 5 years ago and has passed them down twice to my little girl and my sisters.

• Recycle Cardboard and Paper

We all know that children like to cut, stick and colour to create there own masterpieces. By recycling card, like cereal boxes, and newspapers it not only helps the enviroment but it is a great opportunity to interact with your children.

• Wooden Toys

Most young children are more interested in the box than the singing all dancing, battery operated toy. Instead you could buy them wooden or natural toys which encourage them to play with their natural enviroment and they are usually less expensive. My sister's daughter was given a wooden train for her 2nd birthday which she played with all the time and now it has been passed to my son.

• Eco-friendly Food

By preparing your own food for your baby or child provides less waste and is healthier. I found this was a better and cheaper way for me as I could cook in bulk and then freeze down in ice cube trays. When they get older they can also help cook which will teach them about natural produce.

• Natural Enviroment

Take your children on nature walks, to National Trust places (I have used my ticket loads as we are lucky to have three gardens near us) or just let them help and play in the garden. This is not only good exercise but will encourage children to learn about their enviroment including growing your own fruit and vegetables.


These are just a few ways in which, as a parent, you can help the enviroment without it costing you a fortune.

Anna
New Baby Gifts
New Mum Gifts

How 'organic' are organic baby skincare products?

When looking for an organic range of baby and new mum skincare products for our molliemoo baby gift boxes and new mum presents. We found to our amazement that the organic beauty industry does not have to comply to any legal standards for these products. So many products ONLY need to contain 1% organic ingredients and possibility include potentially hazardous ingredients and they can still label the product "organic"!

I find this hard to believe as we all look at the front of a label and believe what it states. If it uses the word "organic" you would assume the product was completely made up of organic ingredients, but this is just not the case.

That is why we went to great lengths to find products that were made up of over 75% organic ingredients and many of the products are soil associated. (I will go into more detail about the soil association in a different blog and explain why it is so important to have this accreditation on a product)

We are selling the following organic baby and new mum skincare products:

Maclarens Baby Travel Kit £29.95 and Maclaren Travel Bag for Mother and Baby £60.00 which include products that are 100% certified organic and are soil associated. (The absorbing dusting powder can be found in both sets and this product has won the best organic baby product award at the Natural and Organic Expo 2009

In our bathtime baby gift boxes,@ £65 girls, boys and neutral we sourced Pur Babies bath wash and nappy balm, which are soil associated and certified organic.

We love these products, please take a look on our website for more details on any of the products mentioned above.

Also as always the cost of first class delivery is included in the prices above

Anna

Sigikide HiPP Organic Toys

Looking for a toy that is truly made from organic materials inside and outside?

Then please take a look at our range of toys that includes an organic bunny toy, organic blue pony rattle and organic rattle bear.

Made by Sigikid, whose gorgeous toy designs are cherished and much loved by children across nations, collaborated with HiPP, the company best known and trusted for their organic baby food, to produce this limited collection of adorable Natural Love organic toys.

These organic toys are:

• Made from 100% organic cotton
• Filled with 100% lambswool
• Free from all harmful substances so ideal for a newborn baby
• Sizes 17- 21cms and are machine washable

All these toys are sent gift wrapped in ivory tissue paper, gift card for personal message and all prices include free first class delivery to a UK mainland address (1-2 working days)

Ideal new mum presents and newborn baby presents

A completely unique gift that cannot be found on the high street.

Anna

Why buy organic cotton garments for babies?

Having a toddler and a new baby, and my twin sister's son currently suffering from eczema. We have seen at first hand the many benefits for buying organic cotton clothing.

Simply, organic cotton is an ideal choice for babies delicate skin:
* As cotton is grown using NO chemical pesticides, insecticides or dyes (a babies skin can absorb chemicals 5 times more easily than an adults skin – which can irritate their skin)
* Organic cotton is thicker, stronger and much softer than conventional cotton

Organic cotton is also grown using sustainable growing practices so that the impact on the environment is reduced, these are:
* Untreated seeds are used (no chemicals or genetic modification)
* Natural fertilizers are used
* Crops are rotated
* Defoliation is left up to nature's freezing rather than a chemical application
* Beneficial insects are introduced to cut the population of bad ones so a natural balance is maintained
* The soil retains nutrients and the water and air stay clean for future generations

With these practices in place the farmers and manufacturers of organic cotton have better working conditions, a decent wage and as no chemicals are used they are not damaging their health.

Finally, Organic Cotton is also a biodegradable and renewable resource.

If you are looking for a unique present for a New Mum or Mum-to-be that includes 100% certified organic cotton garments, shoes, blankets and toys, please take a look at our new baby gift boxes, new mum presents and new baby presents.

Cathy
www.molliemoo.co.uk

Reasons to use real nappies v disposable nappies

As it is Real Nappy week I thought I would discuss the reasons why you should consider using real nappies v disposable nappies.

I am currently using real nappies on my baby boy (I did the same with my little girl) as I firstly wanted to help our environment and secondly save money.

Here are five reasons why I use real nappies:

1. Real nappies are easy to use: No folding and pinning like my mum had to do (and she had twins!)! They are easy to put on they either come with snaps or velcro for the perfect fit, even dads will have no excuse for not being able to change a nappy. They come in a variety of materials, colours and patterns there is a great choice. (My county council also provides me with some free real nappies to get you started - does yours?)
   
   
2. No chemicals. Chemicals used to absorb liquid in disposable nappies are also close to your babies skin. With real nappies, no chemicals. Don’t forget these same chemicals end up in landfills and have an effect on our environment by also ending up in our waters.
   
   
3. Real nappies are easy to wash. I use persil on a hot wash and they always come out clean. I also use nappy liners to keep the nappies free from being soiled.
   
   
4. Gentle on the skin. The wicking action of real nappies pulls liquids away from your baby’s bottom. Baby’s gentle untouched skin needs to be treated with care, what better way than with real nappies.
   
   
5. Save thousands of pounds. I know I am paying for liners and electricity to wash the nappies but I think this outways the cost of disposable nappies and they go to landfill and will never decompose!

Lastly, it definitely helps with potty training as my daughter knew when she was wetting herself so she was dry during the day at 20 months! Then at 2 years old she was also dry at night...brilliant! I am hoping this will be the same for my son.

Just give it a go you will be amazed how easy it is to do.

For more information I would recommend the Real Nappy Information Service as it provides comprehensive information on all aspects of real nappies.

Anna

Looking for a gift for a chocoholic?

Molliemoo has a great gift, ideal for any mum or mum-to-be (or partner) who loves their chocolate.

The 'ultimate chocolate hamper' is filled with handmade organic chocolate goodies, as follows:

• Hand dipped dark chocolate mendiants
• A box of four dark chocolate brownies
• A box of four white chocolate brownies
• A box of twelve champagne truffles
• A dark chocolate, cocoa nibs & hazelnut bar
• A milk chocolate & brazil nut bar
• A white and rose geranium chocolate bar
• Four cookies
• 250g dark drinking chocolate flakes
• 100g hand dipped dark chocolate ginger
• 100g hand dipped white chocolate banana chips
• 110g hand dipped dark chocolate mango strips
• 140g dark chocolate buttons
• 140g milk chocolate buttons
• 140g white chocolate buttons

All the chocolates are certified organic by the soil association.

All are beautifully presented and wrapped in a large wicker hamper and you can a message if sending it direct to their doorstep.

RRP: £77.50 including delivery to a UK mainland address.

I think this is a brilliant 'wow' factor new mum present that will make any mum or mum-to-be (or partner) smile!

My sister and brother in law are total chocoholics and would love to receive this present.

Anna

Bloom and Blossom skincare gift sets, ideal gifts for a new mum

Molliemoo sells a unique collection of skincare gift sets by Bloom and Blossom, that are ideal as a new baby present, mum to be gift or new mum present.



All the gift sets contain products that are made from the highest quality ingredients and contain NO parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or colourants. All products are easy to use and safe for you and baby.

Mother to be gift set - Includes Anti stretch mark cream, Rejuvenating Foot and Leg Spray, Soothing Nipple Balm and Luxury Bed Socks

New Mother Gift Set - Includes Anti stretch mark cream, Rejuvenating Facial Spritz, Soothing Nipple Balm and Luxury Bed Socks

Baby Gift Set - Includes Baby Balm, Mother and Baby Oil,Baby soft wash cloth (100% natural cotton - not organic)

I hope you like them as much as we do

Anna

'Beginning range' by Maclaren wins TIPS Midwife Award

We are thrilled to advise that Maclaren's beginning range has won the acclaimed TIPS Midwife 2010-11 award.

Molliemoo stocks the 'beginnings' Baby Travel Kit from Maclaren! This range has been created using certified organic-based natural ingredients... perfect to promote the well being of a new baby.

This gorgeous travel kit for baby contains a special selection of seven trial size products with lavender essential oil to calm and comfort. Natural ingredients are infused with organic essential oils for an introduction to holistic baby care.

"A perfect organic gift set to care for a baby whilst on the go! (convenient travel sizes). A unique new baby present, new mum present, and baby shower gift, produced by a renowned baby brand."

The kit includes an 'Absorbing Dusting Powder' that is made with 100% certified organic ingredients and was the winner of Best Organic Baby Product.

For further information on this very special New Baby and New Mum Present, please go to our New Baby Presents section on our website.

Organic Cotton Booties for Newborn Babies

Molliemoo is pleased to annouce we are now selling beautiful organic cotton booties, ideal for a newborn baby in either pink, blue or natural colour.

Gorgeous shoes that are an ideal present for either a new baby girl or new baby boy:

• Ideal for a baby girl a pair of pink organic booties with cream flower detail
  
• Ideal for a baby boy a pair of blue organic booties with shell detail
  
• Size 0-3 months
• Handmade in the UK
• Gift wrapped in luxury cream tissue paper and tied with raffia
• Gift card for personal message
• FREE First Class delivery to a UK mainland address (1-2 working days)
• RRP £15.50 per pair of booties

"Babies first shoes ideal for out and about...."

We think they are gorgeous and they are beautifully handmade in the UK, please take a look at our selection on our website.

Anna

New Twins Gift Boxes by Molliemoo

Molliemoo has introduced a selection of all boys, all girls and girl/boy twin baby presents.

Packed full of organic & eco-friendly new babies gifts that will be cherished by mother and babies. Hand wrapped gifts are presented in a Molliemoo keepsake box, perfect for a twins nursery to treasue the babies keepsakes.

An example is the Twice as Fun gift box for a twin girl & boy:

"A perfect gift for travelling with newborn twins! Includes travel set, cute hat & booties, soft toys and lambswool comfort blankets to take with them wherever they go.....and a signature keepsake box ideal for the twins nursery for all their keepsakes"

RRP: £125 includes free delivery to a UK address

A perfect gift for the mum to be, new mum or new parents and can be sent directly to their doopstep at no extra charge.

Please take a look at the website to see the whole range of new twin baby gifts

Anna

Babies First Spa Christmas Gift Pack

Molliemoo is delighted to introduce the limited edition of the baby's first spa christmas gift pack in the UK.

An ideal first christmas present for a newborn baby or for a mum to be, new mum or new parents.

This range contains natural, bespoke baby products which will make a baby feel, look and smell fantastic.

Encompassing massage oils, lotions, cleansers and moisturisers, The Baby Spa range makes caring for little ones an extra-special bonding experience. All products are made from 98% natural ingredients, (2% preservatives) Organic ingredients, 100% natural essential oils and free from parabens and SLS.

Celebrate baby’s first Christmas with the first Baby Spa skincare gift which contains:

• Bubbly Baby Bath (30ml) A creamy, mild but wonderfully bubbly baby wash which is kind to the eyes and sensitive skin.
• Organic Massage Oil (30ml) A silky, absorbing massage blend containing organic oils in a rich blend designed for a gentle, soothing massage.
• Soothing Baby Lotion (30ml)
• A light baby lotion to gently cleanse and moisturise baby’s skin.
• Natural Nappy Balm (30ml) A gentle but effective balm especially for problem skin
• Cotton Face Cloth (100% cotton)
• Treatment Guide
• Presented in a gift box with ribbon
• Retail Price: £45 including free delivery to a UK address (allow 2-3 working days)
  

All Ingredients and packaging are ethically sourced, sustainable and Fair Trade.

Please take a look as i would love to receive this gift for my 5 month old son.

Anna

New Baby and Mum Skincare Gift Sets

I am pleased to announce we are now selling three new skincare gift sets that are ideal for new baby, mum to be or new mum.

All the gift sets contain products that are made from the highest quality ingredients and contain NO parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or colourants. All products are easy to use and safe for you and baby.

Mother to be gift set - Includes Anti stretch mark cream, Rejuvenating Foot and Leg Spray, Soothing Nipple Balm and Luxury Bed Socks

New Mother Gift Set - Includes Anti stretch mark cream, Rejuvenating Facial Spritz, Soothing Nipple Balm and Luxury Bed Socks

Baby Gift Set - Includes Baby Balm, Mother and Baby Oil,Baby soft wash cloth (100% natural cotton - not organic)

I hope you like them as much as we do

Anna

Organic Fortnight 5-20 September

I want to highlight the Organic Fortnight which takes place from 5-20 September.

This is a national campaign sponsored by the Soil Association and celebrates everything organic. The aim is to increase awareness on why organic is important for our health, animal welfare and the environment. Organic Fortnight runs from the 5th – 20th September.

An organic festival is being held this weekend (September 12-13) at Bristol's scenic Harbourside. It is Europe's largest showcase of the organic community, with hundreds of organic products, cooking demonstrations with Raymond Blanc and other top chefs, childrens taste workshops and a lively Street Food Bazaar and Organic Bar.

If you live close to Bristol I would certainly recommend you go and take a look.

To find out how you can get involved and for more information, visit the Soil Association today.

Anna