Oops A Baby!

In a comprehensive survey of mothers and expectant mothers, The Baby Show discovered that nearly 20% of babies due to be born in 2010 were not planned and 46% were conceived outside of the bedroom. Over 1,000 parents and parents-to-be responded to a survey commissioned by The Baby Show, who looked into the circumstances surrounding the conception of babies due in 2010; to discover the days, times and places babies in the UK are conceived. The survey revealed the following:

* Nearly a fifth of UK pregnancies were not planned
* Of those that were trying for a baby most parents were trying to conceive for between 1-3 months
* Nearly half the respondents conceived their babies outside of the bedroom
* 9.5% of respondents conceived their baby while on holiday
* Less than 1% of respondents conceived their babies in a car
* Most babies were conceived on a Saturday, with only 8% of babies being conceived on a Monday
* April is the most popular month and September is the least popular month to conceive a baby
* The most popular time for babies to be conceived is between 6pm and 10pm
* Only 11.2 % of babies were conceived between 12 and 6pm

The survey was commissioned by The Baby Show to coincide with this February’s event taking place from 19-21 February. The Baby Show is the UK’s biggest and most comprehensive show dedicated to pregnancy, birth and babies in the UK. "The Baby Show carried out this research to paint a picture of how babies are currently conceived in the UK. It was surprising to see that nearly a fifth of babies due to be born in 2010 were not planned. The fact that most babies were conceived on a Saturday night between the hours of 6pm and 10pm supports the belief that people are making their own entertainment in the current economic climate," said Nicole Muller, Show Director, The Baby Show For more information, head over to www.thebabyshow.co.uk

Choosing a highchair

When your child reaches 4 to 6 months you will probably think about choosing a highchair but the vast array of chairs on the market can be confusing.

The price is often dependent on the number of features a highchair has such as:

• Extra padding on the seats
• Reclining seats
• Adjustable seat heights
• Adjustable foot-rest
• Removable and easy-to-clean seat cover. No nooks and crannies for food to get trapped in!
• Removable tray for easy cleaning

• Compact when folded
• Divided tray to keep different foods separate
• Extra tray or double-layered tray so you can use one for dinner and one for dessert or wash one while the other is in use
• A multi-function highchair, which converts into a separate low chair and table when your baby is a toddler, or can be used as your child grows up.


To decide which features are important to you consider how the chair is to be used. For instance if you have the space is the highchair to stay out permanently and be another piece of furniture? If so the easy folding option is not important but you may want a wooden table as it will blend in with the rest of your furniture.

Another consideration is whether you want your baby to join you at the table. In this case you may want to look for height adjustable features and a removeable tray so you can push the highchair up to the table.

If your baby often goes to grandparents and you need to take the highchair with you look out for a compact folding chair which can go in the boot of the car easily.

Above all make sure you get a a highchair that will seat your baby safely and securely:

• Make sure the chair has a good wide base for full stability
• If you intend to fold up and store the highchair when not in use, make sure it is easy to fold, unfold and click back into place ready for use again
• Check that a harness is included to keep your baby seated securely in his highchair. If not, you can buy one that can be attached to the D rings but it must comply with safety standard BS 6684. I personally would recommend a 5 point harness especially if your baby is a little wriggler. Those shoulder straps make it more difficult to climb out.

When in use, keep these safety points in mind:

• When your baby is sitting in his highchair, make sure that he is properly restrained - it's essential you get into the habit of strapping your baby in the highchair every time you put him in.
• Always supervise your baby at all times while he is in the highchair - don't ever leave him alone when he is eating in case he chokes.
• Don't use a highchair on a raised or slippery surface

Should I buy a Mose Basket?

Many first-time mums ask whether a moses basket is really needed. So why buy a moses basket? Well, here are 5 good reasons to consider:

1. In the first few months it is desirable for the baby to be in a warm comfy environment. Remember your baby has just spent 9 months in the womb and the enclosed nature of a Moses Basket is comforting to the baby.


2. A Moses Basket is easily transportable around the house so, wherever you are during the day, your baby can be there too.


3. The Moses Basket can be kept next to your bed while sleeping in the first few months.


4. The Moses Basket can be put into a cot when making the transition from basket to cot/cotbed.


5. A Moses Basket can easily be taken with you when visiting friends and family and so can double up as a travel cot during the first few months.

Top 10 New Year Resolutions for New Mums!

With another year over, lots of you will be making New Year Resolutions so here are a few we recommend for new mums:

1. Service your pram or pushchair regularly - it is probably one of the most expensive items you will buy for your baby so look after it. Check screws are not working loose, lubricate moving parts if necessary, clean off mud and grit from wheels to keep it running smoothly, don't fold it with items left in the basket or you will buckle the chassis and remember to follow the instructions in your manual for use!



2. Never buy a 2nd hand car seat as you will not know its history



3. Be kind to the environment (and your pocket) with reusable nappies



4. Keep fit! Go for walks with your baby in the pram or invest in a baby carrier



5. Breast feeding helps you loose those extra pounds - better than any diet!



6. Get an active social life with your baby. There are lots of new things for you to try, such as Jo Jingles, Aquatots, and you will make lots of new friends



7. Introduce a night time routine and stick to it - you'll soon reap the benefit!



8. Improve safety around the home. Invest in stair gates and cupboard locks to keep your little one away from harms way.



9. Introduce good eating habits from the start with plenty of freshly prepared food. There are lots of aids available now to make preparing food easy, such as the Wean Machine which we sell both in the shop and on-line http://www.newbeginningsbabyshop.co.uk/products.php?catid=63



10. Don't forget to treat yourself occasionally too. A happy and relaxed mum is the essential ingredient for a contented baby.