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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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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 play-dough, 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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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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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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Dimples Highchair Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Highchair for Your Baby 🍽️ When it comes time to start solids, your baby deserves only the best. A good highchair should be safe, ergonomic, and built to last — not just through the puree phase, but right through toddlerhood and beyond. One key feature to look for? A footrest. It might seem minor, but it plays a big role in supporting healthy hip development. Paediatricians note that having stable foot support helps babies build motor skills, which leads to better eating, improved concentration, and less fidgeting at mealtimes (win-win). At Dimples, we offer a carefully chosen range of highchairs that are beautifully designed and built with your baby’s comfort in mind. Here are some of our favourites: Stokke Tripp Trapp A timeless classic that grows with your child. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is fully adjustable, with height and depth settings on both the seat and footrest, so you can tailor the fit as your little one grows. The Tripp Trapp has two attachments available (see more on these below), so you can use the chair from birth - all the way through to adulthood! Designed to sit right up at the table, the Tripp Trapp helps make mealtimes feel like a family occasion, right from the start. It comes in a beautiful range of colours to match any home. Age range: From birth with newborn set; from 6 months with the baby set Weight limit: Up to 136 kg Tripp Trapp Newborn Set Suitable from birth up to 9 kg, the Newborn Set lifts your baby up to table height and surrounds them in a soft, nest-like seat. With two adjustable angles, great leg support, and a secure five-point harness, it’s perfect for safe and cozy bonding during mealtimes or family chats. Age range: 0–6 months (approx.) Weight limit: 9 kg Tripp Trapp Baby Set Once baby is ready to start solids, the Baby Set provides the right amount of support with a high backrest and secure harness. Add the Tripp Trapp Tray and Cushion for a complete mealtime setup that’s both practical and stylish. The cushions come in a range of lovely patterns to complement your kitchen décor. Age range: From 6–36 months (when baby can sit unaided) Weight limit: Up to 15 kg Stokke Nomi Highchair Designed by the same creator as the Tripp Trapp, the Stokke Nomi brings a modern twist to ergonomic seating. Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, this highchair supports your baby from newborn through to adulthood. The flowing design offers excellent freedom of movement and encourages active sitting — important for developing posture and coordination. The footrest is easily adjustable without tools, and the chair's curved edges and organic shape make it a standout in any dining space. Age range: From birth with the Nomi Baby Set; from 6 months as a highchair Weight limit: Up to 150 kg Stokke Clikk Highchair Minimalist, modern, and made to make life easier. The Stokke Clikk arrives in one compact box and clicks together in minutes — no tools required. It includes everything you need: seat, tray, footrest, and harness. The ergonomic design supports your baby’s hips and posture, and the tray is dishwasher-safe for fuss-free clean-up. Add the Clikk Cushion for extra comfort, or get the Travel Bag if you’re heading away. Light, durable, and practical — this one’s a winner for home or holidays. Age range: 6 months to 3 years Weight limit: Up to 15 kg Nuna Bryn Highchair Sleek, sturdy, and thoughtfully designed — the Nuna Bryn is all about making mealtimes smoother. This highchair features an easy-to-adjust recline, a secure five-point harness, and a smooth seat surface that wipes clean in seconds. The tray is removable so baby can be brought closer to the table. With its clean lines and high-end materials, the Bryn blends beautifully into any home. Age range: 6 months to approximately 3 years Weight limit: Up to 15 kg Find Your Perfect Fit at Dimples Whether you’re after a highchair that grows with your child, fits your décor, or travels easily, Dimples has a range of safe, stylish, and practical options to suit your family’s lifestyle. Shop online or visit us in-store — we’re here to help you find the perfect seat for your little one’s next stage.
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