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Fall in Love with Hendeer's viral Boho Picnic Rugs & throws with a 25% off special offer! With the weather starting to (finally) warm up and summer just around the corner, we are delighted to share with you Hendeer, the very adored Australian boho home and living brand who make stunning products that can be used to create special memories with you and your little ones. Hendeer's beautifully designed woven rugs are incredibly versatile and can be used as a picnic rug, a beach mat, a couch throw or on the road! They are brilliant for picnics with your little ones, to put down in your garden for your little one to sit on and play during the summer months, as a rug in your house and to take on holiday where the rugs can be used as a beach mat and a beach cover up! Hendeer uses eclectic and unique designs drawn in-house by hand, taking inspiration from art and different cultures around the world, to create its collections. The rugs are made using a blend of cotton and recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles and waste diverted from landfill and our oceans which we love! Hendeer are currently offering a special bundle set which includes 1 large rug, 2 matching scatter cushions, and a tote bag, all from our bestselling designs. And the best part? Hendeer are offering 25% off on all bundle sets & Free Express Shipping for orders above £120! 'Bring home the perfect blend of globally inspired weaves and eclectic patterns. Hendeer is all about creating spaces that add boho beauty and vintage warmth to your interiors. We aspire to build homes that not only reflect our personalities but also tailor to our lifestyles. Every piece at Hendeer is inspired by our world and its many histories. While being carefully crafted and designed, it makes for a perfect match of timeless style and functionality!'

"Hi, which reusable swim nappies would you recommend? There's a number of different types and we aren't sure which to go with!" There are many different brands of swim nappies on the market and it can be daunting trying to find the ones to go with. Having tried many reusable swim nappy brands with our little ones including Jojo Maman Bebe, Bambino Mio, Liewood and Splash About, our favourite brand for swim nappies is EcoNaps! The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies are great value for money (they currently have an offer of 2 swim nappies for £20!), have very cute prints and have fit our little ones for much longer than other brands - for example we found that our little ones grew out of the Splash About reusable swim nappies so fast and they became very tight and uncomfortable around our babies' thighs very soon after purchasing! The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies also seemed much comfier for our little ones than other brands we tried. The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies are our number 1 reusable swim nappy by far! 'Our reusable swim nappies are an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Created with lightweight fabrics that won't weigh baby down, EcoNaps swim nappies feature an inner layer to catch number twos while letting liquids flow through. Your little one will enjoy many water-filled adventures in these stylish and comfy swimmers.'

"I've started to experience postpartum hairloss since having my daughter, did any of you experience it and do you have any tips? It's quite stressful." We all experienced this. It is a natural process following having a baby and although it is stressful, it does get better and starts to grow back. Postpartum hair loss is a common condition that affects many women after giving birth. It is caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to hair thinning and shedding. While postpartum hair loss is a natural process, there are some things you can do to help promote healthy hair growth and reduce the severity of the condition. Here are a few tips: Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help support healthy hair growth. Include foods that are high in protein, iron, and vitamin C, which are essential for healthy hair. Take supplements: Consider taking supplements that contain biotin, iron, and other nutrients that support healthy hair growth. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause it to break or fall out. Instead, opt for loose hairstyles that are gentle on your hair. Use gentle hair care products: Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for thinning hair or hair loss. Avoid using heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers, as these can further damage your hair. Be patient: Remember that postpartum hair loss is a natural process that will eventually resolve on its own. Be patient and give your body time to adjust to the changes. With time, your hair will start to grow back and return to its pre-pregnancy state

Congratulations on your journey to becoming a new mum! Parenthood is an adventure like no other, and with Carol, you have a wealth of resources and support at your fingertips. In this article we have compiled some pregnancy tips and parenting advice that may help you navigate this wonderful chapter. First and foremost, when you're pregnant, consider attending antenatal classes to prepare for childbirth and learn essential parenting skills. These classes offer expert advice, and you can connect with other expectant mums who are on the same journey. As a new mum, take advantage of local support groups and online forums. Joining these communities allows you to share experiences, seek advice, and offer support to fellow mums and mums-to-be. In addition to local resources, there are numerous online platforms that cater specifically to new mums. From informative websites to parenting apps such as Carol, you'll find a wealth of information at your fingertips. Remember, each day is a learning experience, and you'll find your own rhythm and style as a new mum. You know your baby best, trust your instincts. Embrace the journey, seek support, and try to take a few minutes each day to enjoy your precious little one, they really do grow so fast.

Our community are always asking questions about which sustainable, reusable nappies we would recommend. There are so many different brands out there and it can be hard to know which ones to choose. There is one key winner for us however, and that's EcoNaps! EcoNaps believes that every small choice can make a big impact. In the UK alone, a baby will go through 2500+ disposable nappies in their first year. Each nappy can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill, leaving a negative legacy for our children. EcoNaps is committed to producing reusable nappies and accessories that make it easier for environmentally conscious parents to reduce waste and protect the planet. EcoNaps also offer 20% off your first order! EcoNaps are an award-winning brand committed to producing reusable nappies and accessories, and are thrilled to announce the launch of their latest collection for the UK market! Designed in the stunning Australian beach town of Byron Bay, the EcoNaps UK collection features captivating prints that inspire families to reduce waste and choose sustainable options for their little ones. EcoNaps reusable nappies are incredibly easy to wash, soft on babies skin, very absorbent and very easy to use! If you're a first time reusable nappy user, EcoNaps have a brilliant blog on all things cloth nappies including washing your nappies tips and tricks, cloth nappy guides and so much more. Every purchase of the reusable nappies, swimwear, and accessories from EcoNaps contributes to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment for future generations. By choosing EcoNaps reusable products, parents can make a significant difference and contribute to the protection of our planet. "At EcoNaps, we are passionate about creating the best and easiest eco-friendly products that meet the demands of environmentally conscious parents in the UK while preserving our planet for future generations," said Kyla, founder of EcoNaps. EcoNaps values quality without compromise and sustainability in everything. The brand's reusable nappies are made with the best quality materials to keep active little bottoms dry and happy for hundreds of uses. The products are also beautifully designed to make cloth nappying simple and stylish. With EcoNaps, you are stronger with support. The brand believes in the power of community and offers helpful resources to parents transitioning to reusable nappies. You will be joining an environmentally conscious family dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet. Join the sustainable parenting movement with EcoNaps' UK collection. Choose reusable products for your little ones and be part of the solution. Visit the EcoNaps website or reach out on Instagram @econaps for more information.

Love To Dream SWADDLE UP - £27.99 Love To Dream SWADDLE UP - £27.99 We love using the Swaddle Up for our little ones. An alternative to traditional swaddling, the innovative design based on research of infant sleep, the Love to Dream Swaddle is one of the very few swaddles available that enables baby to sleep with their arms up by their head unlike traditional swaddles - the sleep position our babies preferred and a natural position for your baby allowing them to sleep in the arms up position. The soft, clingy fabric - breathable cotton- replicates the feeling of being in the womb keeping your little one feeling safe and comfortable whilst calming the startle reflex. The Love to Dream Swaddle UP is the perfect tool to reduce sleepless nights. The Swaddle Up is very easy to use, the snug fit of the swaddle helps baby feel safe and secure and is available in a range of TOG sizes for the different seasons and temperatures. Not only this but the 2-way zip makes it easy for nappy changes which is very helpful for those middle-of-the-night changes! The design of the swaddles is recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for enabling baby's hips and legs to flex naturally. The certified hip-healthy design allows the recommended flexion for hips and legs and is safe for new-borns hip development. The double zip feature makes changing a nappy in the middle of the night easy with minimal disruption to baby! Love To Dream™, is the global sleepwear brand that is loved and trusted by millions and millions of parents around the world and is now available at John Lewis, further expanding the brands retail footprint in the UK and making it even easier and more accessible for parents to easily access a tried and trusted sleep solution. John Lewis are now stocking key global, best-sellers Swaddle Up™ and Swaddle Up™ Transition Bags and Suits in Original, Limited Editions prints and recently launched All Seasons Swaddle Up™. The single layer of breathable fabric reduces the risk of overheating and the soft clingy fabric wraps around baby with no excess loose fabric. Unlike traditional swaddles which keep a baby's arms by their side or across their chest, the natural ARMS-UP design of SWADDLE UP, bring their hands to their mouth for true self-soothing. The Love to dream Swaddle is machine washable and tumble dryer safe! A baby swaddle that your little one will love, the perfect tool to keep your little one feeling comfortable, sleeping in their natural sleeping position and the two-way zip is an excellent addition for minimal disruption for those middle-of-the-night nappy changes without disturbing baby, the award-winning baby swaddle is loved by thousand's of mums worldwide! For a no-fuss transition out of the swaddle, simply zip off one of the wings at a time allowing your baby to slowly adjust to 'arms-free' sleep.

We often get asked by our community what sleepwear brand we would recommend for babies and we always recommend Love To Dream™. The SWADDLE UP is such a game changer for parents as it allows baby to sleep with their arms up whilst also providing the swaddle feeling. An absolute must-have for our babies who all preferred sleeping in their favourite 'arms up' position which no other sleep suit comfortably enabled them to do whilst still being swaddled! The Swaddle Up combines all the benefits of a traditional swaddle with the safety of a sleepsuit! Traditional Swaddling, flexion for hips, two-way zip, arms up position, hip-healthy design, breathable fabric- this really is the baby swaddle with it all! The unique ARMS UP™ design of SWADDLE UP™ replicates baby's behaviour in the womb, this natural position allows them to place their hands to the mouth for true SELF-SOOTHING™. Self-soothing behaviours, where babies learn how to self regulate their emotional state, are often developed from birth and help to foster independence throughout a child’s normal stages of development. Not only this, but the SWADDLE UP also has a double-sided zip which enables you to change your baby's nappy without having to take off the whole swaddle - another brilliant feature that definitely makes those middle-of-the-night nappy changes much smoother! Love To Dream™, is the global sleepwear brand that is loved and trusted by millions and millions of parents around the world and is now available at John Lewis, further expanding the brands retail footprint in the UK and making it even easier and more accessible for parents to easily access a tried and trusted sleep solution. John Lewis are now stocking key global, best-sellers Swaddle Up™ and Swaddle Up™ Transition Bags and Suits in Original, Limited Editions prints and recently launched All Seasons Swaddle Up™. Love to Dream’s patented, SWADDLE UP™, helps baby to safely settle quickly & establish a peaceful sleep routine. Swaddle Up™ can be used from birth through to when baby starts to transition to independent sleep. Medical research has shown that when babies can self-soothe, they can sleep for longer. A baby who establishes a healthy sleep routine and can settle themselves back to sleep is a baby who doesn’t have to wake up mum and dad, better and longer sleep for everyone. Swaddle Up™ is easy and convenient for parents and carers and has been described by many as both a “lifesaver” and a “gamechanger”, which we can confirm! About LOVE TO DREAM™ "Since our early beginnings in 2009, our mission has remained the same; to help parents and families around the world achieve better sleep. We believe today’s little dreamers are the shapers of tomorrow. We exist to celebrate the power of sleep and dreams to brighten the world – one little dreamer at a time." "Love To Dream™ have swaddled millions and millions of babies globally. The Swaddle Up™ Original range of products has very recently won three Made For Mums Awards and we are super proud that we have been recognized as a parenting essential and a game changer when it comes to Newborn sleep. Love to Dream™ Organic Sleep Bag in White Stellar, another very popular “all seasons” product has just been listed for a fourth Award." For more information, you can find the FAQ's about the Love To Dream SWADDLE UP here

Postpartum back ache is a common topic of discussion for the Carol App Team where the back ache we experienced during pregnancy didn't seem to improve as quickly as we thought postpartum (probably due to carrying a little one on our hip at all times!) After doing our research, we came across a brand called Percko and we had to share them with you. Percko have designed the everyday vest to relieve back pain. Working with health professionals, including osteopaths, physiotherapists and doctors in biomechanics to find a simple and effective solution to reduce spinal pain by stimulating a dynamic posture, Percko created the Lyne UP tech-embedded T-shirt that reminds you not to slouch. The Lyne-UP works thanks to a system of elasticated tensors positioned strategically to align the spine and the pelvis. The clever tech applies gentle pressure to your lower back and shoulders, encouraging you to straighten up naturally while allowing freedom of movement. The everyday vest, Lyne UP, is the original smart vest that helps you strengthen your back muscles by encouraging movement and engaging your posture. The result? Back pain relief. By strengthening the back and core muscles, the Lyne UP can help to improve your back health and pain relief, both long term and short term. Percko claims that wearing the Lyne UP at least two days a week guarantees a long-lasting healthy back. It has been long established that not moving enough weakens your core muscles, making back pain worse over the long term. The everyday vest was created to combat this, using the principle of proprioception to keep the user's back mobile and engaged throughout the day. This is especially common after pregnancy and was certainly the case for us! Created with discretion in mind, the everyday vest is invisible under your clothes. This makes it ideal whether you are working from home, the office or simply going about your day. Take back relief on the go. Lyne UP is designed to encourage movement and give you support similar to Kinesio taping. It uses elasticated tensor technology strategically positioned on the upper body to create a dual-action: on the shoulders to open the chest and on the lower back to realign the spine and the pelvis. The everyday vest has been certified as a medical device by the MHRA. This achievement recognises the work that went into developing this product by a multidisciplinary team of biomechanics experts, physiotherapists and osteopaths. Six studies on over 4,400 testers were submitted as part of the certification process. Results from the research showed: 86% of users are satisfied* 72.5% reported reduced pain** *2020 study of 819 users. **Based on studies from 2020 and 2021 conducted at SNCF, Bouygues Construction, FM Logistique and 9 other companies using PERCKO products Percko knows that back health and pain relief isn’t limited to the proper functioning of its products though. That is why Percko is building a community of specialists to provide its customers with regular access to exercises, tips and tricks to improve back health.

"My back is so achey after having my little one. I'm 7 weeks PP and have been signed off to start exercising again, do you have any tips for helping with postpartum backache that you found useful?" Postpartum backache is a common condition experienced by many women after giving birth. It's often caused by the physical stress of pregnancy and labour, as well as the postural changes that occur during pregnancy. Here are some tips that helped us with PP backache and that you may find helpful, (remember to always consult with your health professional before starting to exercise again after having your baby). Practice good posture: Make sure you are standing, sitting, and lifting properly to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your back muscles. Percko : We recently discovered the brand Percko and cannot recommend them enough to help with postpartum backache. Their everyday vest to help with back pain (Lyne UP) is brilliant, we started gradually using it from 6 weeks PP and it really helped with backache and back muscle soreness. Read our full write up on the Lyne UP here. Exercise: Start with gentle exercises, such as walking or pelvic floor exercises, to strengthen your core and back muscles. Rest and relax: Take frequent breaks to rest and relax your back muscles. We loved a warm bath and a massage to help with backache when time allowed! Remember to always consult with your doctor if you have persistent or severe back pain.

"Can you share some postpartum essentials that you found beneficial after having your baby?" Of course! Here are some of our top essentials that helped to make the postpartum period more comfortable and manageable for us: Postpartum Pads: You'll need heavy-duty pads for the first few weeks after delivery, especially if you had a vaginal birth. A favourite brand of ours is Cottons for their organic 100% cotton pads, especially for when you are feeling sensitive after delivery. Perineal spray: A cooling spray can provide relief from soreness and swelling in the perineal area. You can find sprays made specifically for postpartum use and a brand we would recommend is Frida Mom and their Peri Bottle. Nipple cream: Breastfeeding can be tough on your nipples. Nipple cream can help soothe and heal any soreness or cracking. We would recommend the Lansinoh Nipple Cream. Breast pads: Leaking breasts are common during the early days after having your baby, whether you are breastfeeding or not! Back Support: Many women report back ache after pregnancy and we swore by the Percko Lyne Up Vest postpartum to help with posture and improve our back discomfort! Comfortable clothing: Soft, loose clothing is a must-have for postpartum recovery. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important for postpartum recovery and especially if you are breastfeeding. Keep a large water bottle handy, we found one with a straw was the best and made it easier to drink from when feeding - breastfeeding or bottle feeding! Healthy Snacks: Having healthy snacks on hand was a game changer for us and meant we always had food available to grab especially in the early days when we were sleep deprived and didn't have much time as we adjusted to our new routines! Breastfeeding can make you very hungry too! Having fruit, nut butter and mixed nuts, Nakd Bars (we loved!) to hand was helpful. Baby carrier or wrap: A carrier or wrap can make it easier to carry your baby around while still having your hands free. The Baby Bjorn Mini is our recommended! Night light - We used a himalayan salt lamp for those night time feeds which made it more relaxing than putting on the main light and starling yourself, baby and partner when feeding!

SnuzPod 4 - £199.99 SnuzPod 4 - bedside crib £199.99 When looking for the right baby product, you want to know whether it's worth the money and will last, especially when it comes to baby furniture. The sleek, stylish design of the SnuzPod along with the standalone mode, bedside mode, 3D mesh that can be washed in the washing machine, the cot mattress that can fit perfectly to the height of your adult bed frame, are just some of the reasons why the SnuzPod 4 is brilliant. The SnuzPod and it's lowest height will easily attach onto different styles of beds including frame beds. The SnuzPod offers 3-in-1 functionality as it can also work as a standalone crib with a portable bassinet which you an carry into the living room for daytime naps! The crib also comes with a slatted bassinet base for increased breathability and a mesh liner for increased base ventilation helping to regulate your baby's temperature for a good night's sleep. The crib also comes with a gentle reflux incline and rocking stand and the SnuzPod has been expertly designed for a safe bonding experience by keeping your little one close. The zip-down panel enables access to baby easily and is an innovative design in comparison to traditional bedside cribs. Not only is the SnuzPod 4 stylish, chic and practical, but it also has a reflux incline, rocking function, breathable mattress, mesh bumper and a washable mesh liner and the bassinet is portable meaning you can lift it from the base. The SnuzPod 4 works well as a bedside crib with the side being able to fold down meaning the crib can be right next to your bed so you can put your hand on your little one if they are stirring, lift them easily to feed without having to climb out of bed and you can gently rock the crib with it's rocking mechanism. The crib also helps to regulate your baby's temperature with its innovative ComfortAir system and 3D Mesh Cover. The Breathable Mattress and removable bassinet (lift-off bassinet) as well as the option to have the standalone crib and half-height zip-down wall are all very useful! The snuzpod also fits more beds than any other traditional bedside crib. We love the SnuzPod4 crib! The SnuzPod 4 also has a storage compartment beneath the crib which is really handy for nappies, wipes, changes of clothes for your little one and anything else you may want handy. The Zip Down Wall is great for when you have your little one next to you and makes night time feeding much easier! The SnuzPod 4 also has a handy reflux leg which is great if your little one suffers with reflux! The Reflux Leg is so easy to attach and works really well giving a natural reflux tilt to help reduce reflux in your little one - especially handy after a night feed. The crib also converts to a stand-alone crib. We absolutely loved using our SnuzPod 4 for our baby and it's one of our top recommended products! The crib isn't too large that it takes up too much space yet is bigger than our moses basket so our baby will be able to use it for a longer period of time. It's worth the price in our opinion! The covers of the crib are all machine washable which is also super handy! The main downside is that we found the SnuzPod 4 quite complex to put together and the crib isn't foldable so if you are wanting a bedside crib that folds it isn't going to work for you. SnuzPod 4 Specifications: Weight - 11.5kg Suitable from birth to approximately 6 months SnuzPod⁴ crib complies with BS EN 1130:2019 Made using quality sustainably sourced Beech solid wood and plywood The SnuzPod is designed to fit divan, ottoman and framed bed bases. Suitable for bedside use where the top surface of the adult mattress is level with the top of the zip down wall of the SnuzPod⁴, up to a maximum height of 73cm from the floor. Included: Bed straps (fits divan, ottoman and framed beds) Included: Breathable mattress certified and the perfect fit for SnuzPod⁴ (40 x 75.5 x 3cm). Complies with BS EN 16890:2017. ComfortAir mesh liner has been tested to BS 4578 for breathability and air-flow External size: L100 x 49 x H95 (maximum height) Product weight: 11.5kg Requires self-assembly Zip-Down Mesh Wall Lightweight Lift-Off Bassinet Adjustable Height Settings Minimalist Design Quilted Mattress for extra comfort Choice of colours Dual-View Mesh Windows, Soft Mesh Liner, Portable Bassinet, Reflux Leg Materials: Wooden frame: Beech faced plywood and solid beech White Fabric Bag: 99% Polyester. 1% Nylon Grey Fabric Bag: 100% Polyester ComfortAir Liner: 100% Polyester Mattress: Cover: 100% Polyester, Filling: 100% Polyurethane CV Foam Care: Mattress cover can be washed according to manufacturer's instructions. A waterproof mattress protector must be used. Key Features: Washable Mesh Liner Converts into a standalone crib Uk's best selling bedside crib! Removable fabric bag can be hand washed ComfortAir liner can be washed according to manufacturer's instructions Warnings: WARNING: Stop using the product as soon as the child can sit, kneel, or pull itself up. This product is only suitable for a child who cannot sit up unaided. WARNING: The product shall not be used before reading the instructions for use. Maximum recommended weight of child is 9KG (20lbs). Mattress included is not suitable for use with a sensor pad. Lightweight Lift-Off Bassinet, removable fabric Zip Down Wall Meets new bedside crib safety standard When using a mattress with SnuzPod4, ensure that the internal dimensions of your furniture are no greater than: 420mm width x 775mm length. The maximum gap between the mattress and the sides and ends should not exceed 20mm. Fits divan and framed beds SnuzPod⁴ crib complies with BS EN 1130:2019 bedside crib removable bassinet standalone crib bottom of page

"Do you have any tips for recovering from a C-Section? I'm due to have a planned C-Section with my first baby in a couple of weeks so if you have been through it and can share anything that helped you it would be appreciated!" Alongside following the advice of your health professionals, some tips that can help with recovering from your C-Section include: Rest: Allow yourself plenty of time to rest and recover. This may mean asking for help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of your newborn. Don't be afraid to accept help from family and friends. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out any medications and toxins from your body and promote healing. Move around gradually - remember that you have just been through surgery so try to take things easy but keeping moving is important to reduce the risk of blood clots, just try to be mindful to not overexert yourself. Eat well: A balanced diet with plenty of protein, fibre and healthy fats can help promote healing and give you the energy you need to care for your newborn. Your midwife should advise you on looking after your wound, recovery from your C-Section and offer advice for any questions you may have. Remember that every mums' recovery is different, and it's important to listen to your body and give yourself the time you need to heal. If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your midwife and health professionals, they are there to support you through your recovery.