Hopefully you’ve been reading our blog for long enough to know the deal regarding our Hip Random Reviews! We do a call out for one of our products and get real mum, parents, grandparents or carers to push them to their limits and tell us their honest opinion to help you with making your shopping decisions. This week? Something from our much loved Aden and Anais (if you haven’t bought one of the sleeping bags for summer yet you are cr-raazy! They are my most favourite item ever and I can’t wait till Tinkerbell is big enough for hers). What better product to be pushed to its limits than the Aden and Anais Burpy bibs. We all know meal time can make a horrendous mess, but this neat little design makes this 100% cotton muslin bib a ‘must have’ for meal times, bottle time or just generally dribbly babes! 

 I love receiving packages in the mail, the anticipation before opening them and the opportunity to try out new items, especially when they are for my darling little princess – Mia Rose. As parents, you can all agree that the buying bug sets in HARD after having a child. I have four. So when I found Hip Infant and realised I could apply to be a tester for certain products, I JUMPED at the chance. FINALLY, a way to see if products are worth their weight in $5 notes, and have the favour returned by other reviewers.

My name is Tina and for my first (and hopefully not last) review, I was asked to test the Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs. Bibs are something that I have never been fully happy with. They generally cover a small surface area of your child’s front and fail to protect other areas such as sleeves. My little Mia Rose (17mths) is not so graceful when it comes to eating. She insists on hiding food in the folds of her neck, her hair and up her sleeves. It had gotten to the point where I had resorted to making her wear art smocks while eating, but of course this meant, when it came to having some painting time, that the art smocks were in the wash.

The first thing I noticed upon opening the parcel from Hip Infant was the soft, thick feel of the bibs. Thickness is important to me, as a lot of bibs these days LOOK like they offer coverage, however, they do nothing to prevent moisture from sneaking onto the clothes beneath. As if I need MORE washing to do! The next notable characteristic of the bibs/burpy cloths was the cute, bright print. Absolutely gorgeous to look at!

Well, the bibs have passed the aesthetics test, now for the real trial – THE HIGH CHAIR.

The thing I love most about using these bibs is that – due to their burpy cloth shape – when you pop them on your little munchkin, they provide coverage of not only your little one’s front, but little miss or mister’s shoulders and arms. It is not restricting in anyway, but fits snuggly (not uncomfortably) under the neck. While there is nothing I can do to stop Mia from using her food as hair styling products (short of making her wear a swimming cap), the bib performed wonderfully in terms of protecting her clothes and keeping her as clean underneath as possible.

My older daughter, Amy (21) has a little one – Scarlett Anne (3mths). Scarlett is bottle fed, and one of Amy’s biggest gripes when feeding her is the amount she manages to get all over her clothing and under her chin, so the above-mentioned fit had Amy fall in love with these bibs upon first use.

Unfortunately, neither myself, nor Amy, have very spew-y babies, so we did not get the chance to try it out as a burpy cloth, but I am POSITIVE that the shape, thickness and design of the bib means that it would be just as effective as such.

I have found no fault with this product, I have been as honest as possible and I think that the manufacturer has taken great care in making sure that the bibs do not have any of the flaws that I mentioned other bibs having. I would recommend this product to any parent that wishes to keep their chid relatively clean at meal time and while we can’t safeguard them from all mess (they need a little dirt here and there), this product makes the task a little bit easier (and is useful as a cloth for cleaning the highchair afterwards!).

Not convinced? Check out what hip mum Bec thought!

At nearly 7 months Josh hasn’t yet totally mastered the art of burping, although he does give out a few good belches when he’s sitting up. However when he has a little trouble, the bib can be thrown over the shoulder as a little burp cloth which I just love, no need to bring a separate cloth outside with me or worry about getting a little spit up on my shoulder – not that it really bothers me anymore!

I love the way the muslin feels, and with at least 5 goes in the washing machine so far; it still retains the soft feel. This is great, as I love how gentle they are on Josh’s skin. He has severe eczema and it flares up at the slightest irritation, but these bibs are as gentle as can be on his little chin. The designer prints are divine and insanely perfect for my little cheeky monkey, I’m sold on these and have picked up 2 more sets to give away to friends!

 And last but not least hip mum Carly tells us her thoughts on the Burpy Bibs.

Being the mum of a 10 month old little girl who has suffered quite bad reflux her whole life I have certainly tried my share of bibs! And even the most well designed still have one fundamental problem – they are too small!! Not this bib.Very smart investment for the chucky babe as it protects the shoulders not just the front of the clothes. The bib its self is very absorbent yet also attractive unlike the army of white cloth nappies I always use. 

Summer loved wearing the burpy bib and couldn’t remove it herself like she does with so many other bibs so we were off to a great start.

Summer is an independent self-feeder with her hands – and often her face – into everythingbut the burpy bib withstood the barrage of foods and beverages she threw at it first and sometimes second hand. Juice, milk, vegemite, banana, vomit, a runny nose all were tried all with no trace of mess getting through to the clothes below.

As I was given a two pack I placed one on Summers lap and one around her neck whilst she ate her cereal bar in the pram. Now these are quite messy to eat and often get mashed into her clothes!When she was done it was just a matter or removing the bibs, shaking them off and voila clean clothes below when we arrived at our coffee date!
While testing this product Summer also had a quite bad tummy bug so I found it fantastic to be able to pick her up and flip the bib over my shoulder while I was carrying her around. Many a clean T shirt was spared thanks to this wonderful product! I even had a mum at the Dr’s surgery compliment me on the bib and asked me where she could get one.

When it came time to wash the burpy bibs they washed well with no loss of shape or pilling.

My only negative? I wish they were Australian made and designed.

Overall this is a great product. Pretty designs, soft texture, easy to clean oh so versatile and super absorbent.I wish I had known aboutthe burpy bib all along as they are really fantastic, well made and well-designed product.Enjoy!

 With three reviews like that who wouldn’t add Aden and Anais Burpy Bibs to their ‘must have’ wish list! Check out all 9 designs and decide which one you like best! At $24.95 for two these are a steal!

The visial benefits of black and white objects, toys and artwork for newborn children is well documented.

As one who’s wedding was themed black and white  I don’t think you can ever go wrong with this colour scheme for any decoration within the home (for years I have coveted the now commonly seen black and white striped wall paper but have never found the right place to use it).  And because the weekend marked one year since the death of Michael Jackson we thought this post might be timely!!! 

So whether you’re in the mood to nod to the King Of Pop, looking to help develop your little ones visual and cerebral skills or like me you just like the combination we thought these little bits and pieces might tickle your fancy!

Top Row L – R

Gertie and Me Velour Booties $9.95 Cute! Cute! Cute!

Giimmo ‘Bamboo’ Panda $44.95 Love these soft and pretty night lights.

Flexibath $64.95 You know how much we love these and we know how much you love them too!!! Perfect for those short on space or bathless!

Second Row L-R

Aden + Anais 4 pack muslin wraps Paparzzi $49.95 Essential for any newborn! Once wrapping is finished they are great over pram hoods.

Newborn Organic Cot Sheet Set $84.95  So soft and cuddly we are sure they promote better sleeping in babes! Wish they made them in king size!

Printspace Ba Ba $20 Printspace does it again. A lovely inexpensive way to decorate a nursery

Third Row L – R

Old Soles First Walkers Gabrielle White $44.95 Super soft leather means little, just learning to walk feet can still grip the ground.

Alimrose Scotty Dog Mobile $34.95. A lovely unizex addition for above a cot or change table. Woof! Woof!

Skip Hop Geo $69.95 A stylish portable change mat that you will be proud to whip out of your handbag!

Bottom Row L – R

Wee Gallery Art Cards Garden $22.95 A boxed set of cards designed to help stimulate baby. The sturdy card will stand up to babies exploration and mat lamination and rounded corners will be gentle on your baby!
Bellyart Inkless DIY Frame Kit $34.95 A great, easy and mess free way to capture your little ones hand and foot prints

This week we’re jungle crrrrazy! Check out our lovely little jungle bits and pieces!

Top row L – R

Zuny Bookend Giraffe $69.95
Zuny Bookend Elephant $69.95  Both these little beauties are timeless pieces. Looking perfectly in place in a nursery and then transitioning to a young childs room!

David Fussenegger Elephant & Giraffe Blanket $84.95 Snuggle up! Love these blankets!

Alimrose Knitted Elephant $10.95 A great baby shower or hospital visit gift! Alimrose does it again. 

Aden and Anais Cosy Winter Weight Jungle Jam Sleeping Bag $44.95 Four layers of muslin allow a babies body temperature to self regulate preventing overheating but keeping your babe snuggly.

Row 2 L – R

Printspace Print Hello Giraffe $20 I love these prints, artist Mara is so clever. Frame or blockmount them and use them to decorate a nursery.

Dwell Studio Luggage Tag $14.95  A cute little accessory for any little ones bag!

Tiger tribe Hanging String Elephant $31.95 . The range of Tiger Tribe mobiles are exceptional, there is something for everyone! This one is no exception.

Gertie and Me Max Monkey $29.95 . The perfect accessory for any cheeky little monkey!

Bottom Row L – R

Printspace Print Mama & Me $20 Team  a few on a wall and hey presto nursery decorated!
White & White decorator Tree $129 Ideal for hanging accessories (or ‘pretties’ as they’re called in our house), clothes or just a stunning decoration to fill a decorating void.

Aden + Anais 4 Pack Muslin Wraps Jungle Jam $49.95 .  Muslin wraps are perfect for any season. Super soft and designed to keep your babe warm whilst allowing them their bodies to regulate their body temperatures.

Wee Gallery Wall Graphics Safari $69.95. Just the right item to set the theme in any little ones nursery!

Make no mistake I gush when any Aden and Anais hits our warehouse. I’m a HUGE fan of the muslin sleeping bags and have converted almost all my friends with children onto them! I’m already working out if Goldilocks’ soon-to-be-arriving-little-sister will be ready for one at 3 months of age come Summer 2010/11!

Second confession of the day, I have a rather large crush on Ellen DeGeneres. I don’t find that much time to watch her, but when I do I generally tap my feet when she dances, laugh out loud atleast once in her show and always like to see what great sneakers or dessert boots she has on that day. I recently found out I’m not alone in my lady crush, Mel has one too!!! So it seems fitting that we both were impressed when ‘our’ Ellen gave ‘our’ much loved Aden and Anais the seal of approval on a show in early May!

To celebrate just how much we heart Aden and Anais we’re currently offering 20% off (excluding new 2010 stock).  Check out the 2 packs of wraps. They are just perfect for summer or winter and at 20% off are a steal! They make a great gift too. Also plan ahead like me and work out roughly how big your babe will be next summer and then snap up a summer weight sleeping bag in advance. These got us through last summer and I’ve just sent one off to my niece in Hong Kong who is currently sweating out the tropical summer up there! Click here for terms and conditions and hurry cause offers are only valid whilst stock lasts.

Whilst the new Winter 2010 range is not on sale there are a few items that are definately worth checking out. With new packaging, designs and items you could browse all day!

 The winter weight muslin sleeping bags  are just lovely! Goldilocks is trialling one this week! Most parents do the ‘are they too hot too cold?’ dance in both Summer and Winter, these 4 layered muslin sleeping bags are designed to be worn over your babes pyjamas and keep them cozy and warm on wintery nights! Muslin is a unique fabric in that its weave allows your baby’s body temperature to self regulate. Thereby helping to prevent overheating and the sleeping bag eliminates the need to blankets and sheets that could pose possible SIDS risks.

Next stop, the Burpy Bibs, we all now how messy learning ot eat can be! This 4 layer muslin bibs unique design provides maximum coverage for your babe.Versatile and durable the bib can easily be draped over their shoulders and fastened at the back. Bibs only ever lasted one mealtime in our household so the open weave of these assures a quick drying time so you can be ready for the next meal!

And finally, the Dream Blankets. These soft and breathable blankets will ensure sweet dreams all round. Generously sized at 120cm x 120cm these four layered muslin blankets provide warmth whilst ensuring there is no overheating. Ideal for both a babe and toddler.

Phhheeewwww I think that’s it. Have I twisted your arm? Spend a little time browsing through our Aden and Anais range. I know you will love it as much as I do!

Anyone who’s read this blog before will know I’m a massive fan of a sleeping bag, particularly the Aden and Anais muslin ones over the warmer months. As the nights get cooler the new Ella and Otto ones will be top of my wish list.

For those new to the sleeping bag game there’s a few things you need to know, things that will help you too become a convert!

They make a great transition from swaddling to sheets. Goldilocks is a tosser and turner and I fear with sheets she would end up under them or without anything on at all and hence cold. So they keep wriggly babies cosy, warm and reduce risk of SIDS.

They are great for travelling or sleepovers. Our’s is a definite cue for Goldilocks that it’s bed and bottle time. She see’s it come out and now says ‘zip up’! We recently flew overseas and it was great on the plane.

Sleeping bags are rated in ‘togs’. They range from 0.5 (sheet equivalent) to 2.5. The great thing is that when you pair them with the right clothes your babe or toddler won’t be hot or cold. So if you’ve got a 2.5 and the night is warm a short sleeve sleepsuit might be all you need.

These stylish little Ella and Otto cocoons are 2.5 rated and include a zip guard to ensure no pinching as the zip goes up! There are four fashion forward designs available, so there’s something to suit every little persons taste! My favourite? The Lollipop Tea Rose.

Give them a go, hopefully you and your babe will love them as much as we do.

Every parent knows just how heavily you rely on wraps. And I don’t mean the eating variety, I mean the snoozing ones!

Be it a super soft muslin Aden and Anais one for swaddling or a luxurious Dwell Studio stroller blanket there is one for every occasion. We are super thrilled with our 100% cotton wraps from the Bunnies range. Designed with versatility in mind you can swaddle a newborn in them, use them as a play mat when you’re out and about, layer with other linens in the cot or proudly parade them as you push your pram about town!

At $24.95 they make a great Christmas gift for someone expecting a new year arrival!

**HIP COMPETITION ALERT** Love the Bunnies range as much as we do? Don’t forget to enter our Christmas Stocking giveaway, we have the whole set to give away!!!

Spring has truly sprung and the weather is warming up. I’m finding Goldilocks’ winter sleeping bag is still good for cooler nights but way too hot for day sleeps (particularly these last few days where we’ve have 28 degrees!).

So this is my favourite product of the week and one I’m looking forward to using alot more of in the height of summer.

These Aden and Anais muslin sleeping bags take the place of sheets. Goldilocks covers the whole cot in one nights sleep and I’m still paranoid about SIDS so sheets aren’t an option for us. Coming in three sizes and various patterns to suit boys and girls they can be used from birth to toddler stage.

I like the idea of her still feeling cozy, but being muslin these lightweight sleeping bags will breath allowing her to keep cool. At $34.00 I’m pretty happy with the price too!

I’ve decided having a baby is a little like getting married.

The price seems to hike up when you mention the ‘marriage’, similarly when having a baby, according to many books and ‘experts’ you need ALOT of stuff!

The truth of the matter is a few key essential items will see you through the first few months. And then when you and babe have settled into the swing of things and the fog has lifted you can actually work out what you do and don’t need before you go out shopping.

We all know pregnancy makes our brains go a little wobbly and I think you can get swept up in having the latest and greatest, thinking you are doing the best thing for you and your soon to be baby. We’re here to set the record straight and give you a few key essential items that will see you through your first few weeks at home.

1. A well stocked change table/chest of drawers with change mat. This is pretty standard, but don’t think you will have time to be out and about picking up new nappies and wipes when you first get home. Have a LARGE supply of nappies and drawer full of wipes, creams if you’re going down that path (I’m a big fan of Lucas Pawpaw ointment. Natural and soft of skin) and some cotton nappies for mopping and wiping up any spills.

2.The Newborn Organic range. What newborn doesn’t look fresh, angelic and perfect in white. Over pink, blue and yellow, white is always my pick of the bunch. Being 100% organic means that no harsh chemicals have treated the cotton and subsequently aren’t being placed upon precious oh so new skin. It also means extra soft to touch. These fail safe items can me purchased early in your pregnancy when you don’t know the sex of the baby (hence the white) but just have that little itch to get out there and buy something for your ever growing bump.  There is something in the range for all the seasons, you can mix and match tops and bottoms and being super reasonably priced you can stock up! Sure there’s a time for frills and pretty prints and whizz bang outfits – let’s call these ‘photo moments’. But the reality is when you first get home and your baby is getting used to the world, simple, gentle, fresh and easy to use items with minimum buttons and zips to stick into little bodies are really going to take you alot further than those that look cute for a photo.

 Also worthy of checking out is the bedlinen from the same range. Again, soft and lovely for little heads to dream on. Even if you don’t have a newborn, the cot sheets are well worth taking a look at for any little person zzzzzz-ing in a cot!

3. Pure Baby sleepsuits. Mel and I are not shy in proclaiming our love of a sleepsuit. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. At 3am when you’re up for the second time that night changing yet another dirty nappy. No buttons are a god send! Enough said. These really are an essential item – I don’t care what anyone else says! Pure Baby are also 100% cotton so as with the Newborn Organics, gentle on skin.

4. Aden and Anais Hooded Towel set. Another necessity. We are all about the bath this month at The Hip Infant. And I agree with Mel’s blog entry earlier this week – babies love baths. They are a time for relaxing, winding down and a great cue for nighttime sleep routines. When they come out of a warm bath who wouldn’t want to wrap them up in these super soft cotton muslin towels.

5. Aden and Anais muslin wraps. Another can’t live without product. Don’t believe anyone who tells you some babies don’t like being wrapped. The psychology behind it is pretty simple. I liken it to getting out of bed on a winter morning from a super soft duck down doona – you don’t want to just walk around in a pair of shorts and singlet do you? You rug up into your favourite trackies and slippers. Similarly, if you were tucked up in a tiny, warm, tight space for 9 months would you want to sleep all limbs aplenty? I don’t think so. Learning to wrap is an art and one that many midwives in hospital will share with you so lap it up and keep an abundance of wraps on hand. Again, I’ve gone for white – particularly if you don’t know the sex of your baby, keep it simple.

**HIP COMPETITION ALERT ** To celebrate our love of white and newborn essentials we are giving away a fantastic Newborn Organic pack to get you through those first few weeks. The starter pack includes 1x Babygrow, 1x Long leg pants, 1x Nappy Pants, 1x Sleep Nightie all in size 000. Valued at $82.80 this pack is a winner! Simply leave a comment in the comment section and share with us the best piece of advice you’ve recieved about looking after a newborn. The winner will be drawn on September 20. Goodluck!

As you know we’re all about the baby shower this month. If you haven’t already entered our ‘Ultimate Baby Shower Competition’  then click here and do so quickly, the prizes are just incredible!

So yesterday we kept the piggy bank intact with our Top 10 Baby Shower Gift Giving Ideas On A Budget, however today we are bringing out the hammer and smashing it to little pieces!!!!  I know I know its the GFC and times are tight, but we think the best way to access these uber hip, luxurious products is to pool your resources. Gather a group of friends and pool your money to buy mum and bub-to-be a gift that they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, after all a baby shower should be about abit of spoiling! Alternatively if it’s your baby shower and you are after a big ticket item, drop a few not so subtle hints to a group of your girlfriends and if this is to awkward for you, then take the stress out of it all and organise an online registry  or wish list with The Hip Infant and we can look after everything for you!

1. Aden & Anais hooded towel and wash cloth $39.95. This 100% cotton hooded towel is super soft so perfect for drying little newborns after bath time

2. Printspace Custom Print Birth Print $35. Think outside the square and give a blank frame with the promise of one of these divine custom prints once the baby comes along

3. WeeGo Glass Baby Bottles fr $19.95. The lust have of 09, these highly coveted bottles are stylish, functional and free from any nasties often found in plastic baby bottles. Purchasing a Weego is investing in a healthy long bottle feeding future, hardy and durable there will be no need to replace these. Trust us mum to be will be thanking you in years to come.

4. Blik Wall Graphics Bodalee Trees. Adorable, a decorating essential and perfect for a unisex nursery. We love the fact that you can re stick them if you decide to move the nursery around

5. David Fussenegger blanket $84.95. These cosy blankets make a nice change from the hundreds of pastel blankets on the market. Renowned for their eye catching designs, the bright and funky designs and colours are great for mixing and matching  and all blankets are reversible

6. Rondeau Custom Made Names 4letters from $75. Why not make up a gift certificate for the mother-to-be and organise these lovely custom made wooden names once the baby arrives. A lovely personal touch for any nursery.

7. Dwell Studio Storage Bin $134.95. With the arrival of baby so comes the arrival of ALOT of stuff! This stylish bin is perfect for keeping toys, linen or anything else you fancy and will look perfect in any homes decor.

8. Minimonkey Sling $79.95. No doubt about this, this is the best sling on the market, completely adjustable which means everyone in the family can have a go, and with seven funky colours in the range it is easy to find a colour that suits.

9. Skip Hop Playspot $199.95. Without a doubt this is the gift that keeps on giving, it makes the ideal playmat from newborn to toddler hood. Fits perfectly with all decor and packs away neatly when needed.

10. Gertie and Me Moses Basket $250. An excellent alternative to a bassinet, this divine moses basket, is specially hand-woven from maize and is both extremely practical and very stylish for the modern baby, providing a portable, safe and snug environment for the newborn . The linen is made from 100% cotton and can be simply removed for washing. And whilst it is extravagent (this would be a great one for a group of friends to group together on) once the baby has outgrown the basket, it can be easily stored or used for toys, nappies and blankets.

So there you have it our top 10 luxurious baby shower gifts, we hope we’ve not only been helpful but provided some inspiration and taking the stress out of choosing your next baby shower gift.