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Newmarket Store Closed Temporarily Following Fire
We’re devastated to share that there was a random arson attack on two businesses in the early hours of Sunday morning (21/9/25) resulting in a fire at our Newmarket store - read the NZ Herald article here. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but we’re still working through the shock and sadness of it all; it’s been a heavy few days to process. The Newmarket store will be closed temporarily while we re-build As we’ve had more access to the building we’ve realised the scope of the damage, which is significant, and will likely to take a couple of months to repair. Make sure you follow us on social media to keep up with our progress. Fortunately our head office, warehouse, and dispatch operations haven’t been affected. If you need anything, you can continue to support us by shopping online. And of course, our Christchurch store is open as usual. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time - it truly means the world to us.
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Postnatal Pelvic Floor Health: A Physiotherapist’s Guide
Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible journey, but one that places big demands on your body - especially your pelvic floor.
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When Pets Meet Babies
Welcoming Your Baby and Fur Baby Together 🐾👶 For many families, pets are our first “babies” – loyal companions who’ve shared the couch, the bed, and plenty of milestones. So when a new human baby comes along, it’s natural to worry about how everyone will adjust. The good news? With a bit of preparation and kindness, your pet and baby can build a beautiful bond from the very beginning. Start with Your Pet’s Personality 🐶🐱 Every animal is different, and how you prepare depends on your pet’s species, temperament, and past experiences. While goldfish or guinea pigs usually require little adjustment, cats and dogs can be more sensitive to the changes a baby brings – new sounds, smells, routines, and less attention. If your pet hasn’t spent much time around children, consider slowly exposing them to baby-related sounds (like crying or giggling) using recordings beforehand. This can help desensitise them and reduce anxiety once baby is home. A Gentle Introduction is Key Before baby arrives, introduce your pet to baby items like the pram, cot, or bassinet. Let them explore at their own pace so these new additions don’t feel overwhelming later. You can even go for practice walks with the pram to help your dog get used to the change. When baby comes home, offer your pet something with baby’s scent – like a swaddle or hat – before the first face-to-face meeting. For dogs, initial introductions should be calm and ideally on leash, in a neutral space like the front yard. For cats, allow them to approach in their own time and retreat when they’ve had enough. Reward your pet for calm, gentle behaviour with treats or praise to create positive associations with baby. Safety First – Always 💛 No matter how friendly or socialised your pet is, never leave them alone with your baby. Even well-meaning pets can act unpredictably when startled or stressed. Cats may try to jump into the bassinet to cuddle up, which can be dangerous. Consider using a cat net over the cot or keeping the nursery door closed. For dogs, teach them to respect baby’s space and avoid licking or nudging the baby. Once your baby becomes mobile, always supervise interactions and start gently teaching respectful handling – this not only keeps everyone safe but helps your child grow up with empathy and confidence around animals. Create Safe Spaces for Everyone As your household routine shifts, pets will appreciate having a quiet, baby-free zone to retreat to. Use pet gates or closed doors to keep their food, bedding, and litter trays separate. This not only protects your pet’s resources but keeps curious toddlers away from things they shouldn’t be touching (or tasting!). Make sure escape routes like cat doors are secure, and create high perches or quiet corners where your cat can safely observe without feeling overwhelmed. Managing Allergies and Cleanliness Pet hair is a common allergen, and while it’s impossible to know if your baby is sensitive right away, there are a few preventative steps you can take: Vacuum regularly (a pet-specific vacuum can help). Bathe or groom your pet as advised by your vet. Keep pets off nursery furniture and out of the baby’s sleeping space. Consider using an air purifier in high-traffic areas. It’s also a good idea to wash baby’s hands after contact with your pet – especially once they start crawling! Don’t Forget About Your Pet’s Routine ❤️ Newborns take up a lot of time and energy – and pets can sometimes feel left out. Sticking to familiar routines, like walks, feeding times, and play, helps them feel secure. Enlist friends or family to help out with dog walking or play sessions, especially in those early weeks. Cats benefit from mental stimulation too – puzzle feeders or interactive toys can be great for independent play. Some parents also find that having their pet involved in small baby routines (like sitting nearby during nappy changes or walks in the pram) can help strengthen the bond early on. Growing Together: A Bond Like No Other With time, patience, and gentle consistency, your baby and fur baby will adapt to each other – and may even become inseparable friends. Watching them grow up side by side is one of life’s simple joys 🥰 If you’re getting ready to welcome a baby into your home and have questions about creating a calm, safe space for both little ones and furry friends, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team or pop into your local Dimples store – we’re always happy to help.
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Your Guide to Antenatal Classes
At Dimples, we understand that preparing for the arrival of your little one can feel both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Grace Strange – Midwife and owner/founder of Antenatal Co.
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The Play Table Packed with Possibilities
Harness the power of early learning with the Stokke® MuTable that grows and adapts just as quickly as your child’s imagination! Play isn’t just fun – it’s also the foundation of learning. A children’s play table gives little ones the perfect space to explore with both hands and minds. From building the MuTable Play House (which comes complete with dolls and toys) to tackling puzzles or inventing animal adventures with play dough, every activity sparks creativity, problem solving, and growth. The MuTable is designed to grow with your child. It comes with three double sided activity boards, each one offering new adventures and challenges as your little one develops. From quiet solo play to lively group fun, there’s something to spark curiosity at every stage: A wooden cover that flips to become a blackboard for doodles, scribbles, and first masterpieces A reversible landscape board featuring a peaceful nature setting on one side and a bustling city scene on the other A bricks board with surfaces for both small and large blocks, giving building projects endless possibilities The MuTable chairs are perfectly sized for little ones to sit comfortably while they draw, build, and create. Cleverly designed to grow with your child, the seat height can be adjusted as they get bigger. When it’s time for a change, simply remove the backrest and the chair transforms into a sturdy stool that can hold up to 100kg. Why a child’s play table is a game changer A fun zone for kidsA child-sized play table and chair set creates a safe, comfortable space just for them. It encourages proper posture while giving little ones their very own place to play, build, and create. Nurtures creativityFrom drawing and painting to building towers or sculpting playdough, a play table becomes the stage for endless adventures. With the MuTable’s colourful, tactile boards, your child can dive into imaginative worlds every day... saving the city, exploring nature, or inventing their own stories. Encourages independenceEasy access to their own table and chairs means children can jump into play whenever they choose. This sense of ownership helps build problem-solving skills, self-sufficiency, and confidence. Brings kids togetherA play table is also a hub for teamwork. Kids can play side by side, sharing space while still enjoying their own chair. This is perfect for collaboration, cooperation, and making memories. Made to lastCrafted from premium natural wood, the MuTable and chairs are built for years of use, backed by a 3-year warranty. Softly curved edges ensure safety, while the award-winning design blends seamlessly with any home. Grows with your childDesigned to adapt as your little one gets older, both the table and chairs come with leg extensions to raise the height as needed. The clever design means the MuTable keeps up with every stage of childhood.
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Crying for a Reason: Decoding Your Baby’s Different Cries
Every baby cries, but not every cry means the same thing. We’ve enlisted Family Sleep & Wellness Coach, Lauren Moran from Little Dreamers, to help decode the different cries.
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Your Pregnancy Food Guide
When you're pregnant, what you eat matters more than ever. We’ve asked Sarah-Jane Simpson, a NZ Registered Dietitian, to break down the key foods to enjoy and the ones to avoid during pregnancy
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Pregnancy and the Pelvic Floor: A Physiotherapist’s Guide
Pregnancy and the accompanying hormonal changes can impact your pelvic floor muscles. We’ve asked pelvic health physiotherapist Liz Childs to break down what these important muscles actually do, how pregnancy affects them, and how to make sure they’re working well.
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Car Seat Expiries - What You Need to Know
Car seats are one of the most important safety products you'll ever use for your child. Did you know they typically have a lifespan of 6 – 10 years, depending on the brand and model? While it might seem surprising that something so solid and well-built would have an expiry date, there are good reasons behind it. Why Do Car Seats Expire? Wear and Tear: Over time, materials like plastic can become brittle and weaken, especially after sitting in a hot vehicle exposed to harsh UV rays. Even if a seat looks fine on the outside, internal components may have deteriorated, and this could potentially compromise the seat's effectiveness. Changing Safety Standards: Car seat technology and safety regulations evolve. An expired seat may not meet the latest standards or be compatible with newer vehicle designs. Considering a Second-Hand Car Seat? If you're thinking about buying - or accepting - a second-hand car seat, checking the expiry date should be your first step. Additionally, it’s important to: Ensure it hasn’t been in a crash: Car seats involved in an accident may have hidden damage and should not be reused. Make sure all parts are included: Without the original manual and components, proper installation may not be possible. The seat must also have its original certification label to certify it complies with one of New Zealand’s approved safety standards - NZ/AU, ECE, or US displaying yellow S sticker. Learn more Where to Find Expiry Information The expiry will either be from Date of Manufacture or from Date of Purchase (with a receipt) – depending on the brand. To check your seat, check the car seat expiry list here. Car seats generally have a label or stamped date on the shell that indicates the date of manufacture. This example above shows the date embossed on the shell – Date of Manufacture 4 June 2022 In this example the date is found stamped on the harness clips - Date of Manufacture August 2023 In this case it’s a sticker – Date of Manufacture 18 July 2024 The Bottom Line Your child’s safety is too important to leave to chance. Always check a car seat’s expiry before use - especially if you’re considering a second-hand one. When in doubt, it’s best to invest in a new, up-to-date seat that meets all current safety standards.
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