When it comes to bathing your baby there are many more elements to bath time than just purchasing the bath. Dimples have all the bath time necessities that make bathing baby easier for you and 10 times more sensational for baby.
Let’s begin with bath toys...
Baby is already getting so much enjoyment by splashing the water around your bathroom but throw a jellyfish in there and watch their eyes light up as you have never seen before.
Jelly the jellyfish
from Done by Deer is going to become your little one’s new best friend. Jelly can perform entertaining tricks when he soaks up water and then drizzles it out when turned upside down. This neoprene activity bath toy is easy to grasp, including different sensory features that will help baby learn as they bathe.
Now that you have your little one distracted playing with Jelly, let's get that baby nice and clean. The
Made 4 Baby Starter Pack
is the perfect place to start. Suitable from newborn these products are all fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin. Featuring all the essentials you need, these products are also all full size. Featuring a 200ml foaming hair and body wash, 60ml all over baby lotion preventing dry skin, a
Sleep Tight Massage Oil
for after bathing helping them to relax and sleep well, a Botty Barrier Crème to help prevent nappy rash and a face cloth to wash your baby’s soft skin. All these essentials will be incredible and keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy.
A shampoo brush is going to become your new best friend when washing your baby’s hair. Until the
Shnuggle Baby Shampoo Brush
landed in your palms this product is something you never knew was missing from your bath time routine, however after just one use you will realize how revolutionary this product truly is. Gently massage your baby’s head and brush away that cradle cap, cleanse, and shampoo. Fitting perfectly in your hand this design is comfortable for you and soft on your baby’s head helping them to feel calm.
Now that your little one is all relaxed post head massage here comes the scary part. Somehow you will need to rinse the product out without a meltdown about water and shampoo trickling down their face. Well parents you need to fear no more as we have the perfect product for you. The
Shnuggle Washy
is the perfect little jug designed to take the tantrums away from bath-time. Featuring a soft grip handle for parents and a flexible edge that contours gently to the top of baby’s forehead tipping the water safely away from sensitive little eyes. Keep bath-time tear-free this is the perfect bath-time accessory for all ages – from treating baby’s cradle cap to washing a toddler’s curly locks.
Now that you have made it through your bath time routine it’s time to wrap the little one up in a nice, hooded towel. When looking for the best Bath-time towel
Dimples Hooded Towel and Flannel Set
is the best place to start. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton towelling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensuring your set will last longer.
Bathtime creates special memories between you and your children, so let’s not allow it to become a chore.
The perfect gift for any new parent. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton toweling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensures your set will last longer.
And you never thought leaky pipes could be fun. But these Boon Pipes make bath time a scooping and pouring extravaganza!
These fun bath toys come in five shapes that can be used individually or put together to make a chain. They suction to the wall so the water goes back in the tub, not on the floor.
Complete your baby's bath set with a Dimples Towelling Flannel. Made from 100% towelling cotton. It is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Choose from the 3 famous Dimples hand embroidery designs, this soft flannel is stain trimmed to give that extra beautiful finish and will ensure your flannel will last and last.
Keep your baby’s clothes food free with this cotton towelling bib. Made from 100% cotton towelling, it is soft and gentle on baby’s skin. They conveniently dome at the back of the neck making it easy to put on and off. Bound in silk, giving it a beautiful finish and making sure it will last. Take this bib anywhere as it easily sips into any bag, and it is very stylish making it look great with any outfit. Dimples hand embroidery.
The perfect gift for any new parent. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton toweling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensures your set will last longer.
This pack includes the ergonomically designed B.Box baby bath brush, and a two pack of replacement sponges.
The cute baby brush is ideal for gently washing your baby’s delicate skin and scalp, and it's comfortable grip helps you control each swipe, even when your little one is wriggly!
Simply pump or swipe your soap onto the sponge, and let it work it's magic. Doubles as a sensory toy for baby to touch and feel.
The Baby Bath Brush in Lullaby Blue colour is a gentle and essential baby care tool for bath time. With soft silicone bristles on one side, it helps gently remove cradle cap while softening and exfoliating baby’s scalp. On the other side, the replaceable non-toxic sponge is perfect for everyday use.
Perfectly complementing the B.box body range, this bath brush is ideal for cleansing, soothing, and nourishing your little one. The soft bristles promote bonding through gentle massage, while the playful fox character inspires communication and storytelling during bath time.
Once bath time is done, simply remove the sponge, attach the fox’s suction cup tail to a clean, flat surface to drain and dry. The brush is made with 100% FDA food-grade silicone, while the sponge is made from 100% polyurethane. The bath brush is dishwasher safe (top rack only) and steriliser safe, making it easy to clean. Suitable for babies from birth, but must be used by an adult with children under 3 years old.
The Oricom Digital Bath and Room Thermometer Duck is an adorable, dual purpose floating bath toy and temperature gauge.
This cute duckie is designed to ensure both your baby's bath water and nursery are at safe, comfortable temperatures as well as be fun to bop in the bath!
This bundle brings together two bath-time favourites to keep little ones safe and entertained while they soak. Featuring the Slip-Safe Bath Spots and the Chomp Whale Bath Toy it’s a winning combo for water-loving kiddos.
The Slip-Safe Bath Spots add colourful ocean character to your tub while helping prevent slips on wet surfaces. Easy to apply and kind on little feet, they make bath time that much safer, without the need for bulky bath mats.
Then there’s Chomp the Whale—ready to gobble up floating sea creatures with one big squeeze! This interactive toy is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, all while making water play even more fun.
Whether you're creating a safer bath routine or gifting something practical and playful, the Ocean Fun Bundle is a splash hit!
You can never have too many muslins! This set of 3 organic cotton gauze cloths is soft, breathable, and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, making them a true everyday essential.
Beautifully absorbent and quick to dry, they’re perfect for wiping little mouths, catching spills, or laying down during nappy changes. Their generous 70x70cm size makes them wonderfully versatile - use them as a light blanket, a swaddle, a bib, a changing mat, or even to dry your baby after bath time.
Available in a range of lovely colours and patterns, they add a touch of style while making life that little bit easier.
You can never have too many muslins! This set of 3 organic cotton gauze cloths is soft, breathable, and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, making them a true everyday essential.
Beautifully absorbent and quick to dry, they’re perfect for wiping little mouths, catching spills, or laying down during nappy changes. Their generous 70x70cm size makes them wonderfully versatile - use them as a light blanket, a swaddle, a bib, a changing mat, or even to dry your baby after bath time.
Available in a range of lovely colours and patterns, they add a touch of style while making life that little bit easier.
Breastfeeding Made Easier: Tips for Common Challenges
Before your baby arrives, it's easy to imagine that breastfeeding will happen instinctively. While that can be true for some families, it's perfectly normal if it takes a little longer to find your rhythm.
Many new mums experience challenges like sore nipples, engorgement, latch difficulties or concerns about milk supply in those first few weeks. If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.
At Dimples, one of the things we hear most often is, "I thought breastfeeding would just come naturally." The reality is that for many mums, it takes a little time, plenty of patience, and the right support.
Thankfully, many breastfeeding challenges are only temporary, and with the right guidance they often become much easier to manage.
If you decide to supplement or switch to formula, that's okay too. A fed baby and a supported mum are what matter most. But if breastfeeding is something you'd like to continue, know that many mums find things improve with time, patience and the right support.
You've got this.
Here’s a gentle guide to some of the common hurdles and how to help overcome them:
1. Engorged Breasts
A few days after giving birth, you may notice your breasts suddenly feel hard, heavy, warm, and tender as your milk comes in. Although it can feel quite uncomfortable, this is a completely normal part of your body adjusting to your baby's feeding needs.
The good news is that engorgement is usually temporary. As your milk supply begins to regulate and your baby establishes a regular feeding pattern, the fullness will often settle.
What can help
Feed your baby regularly, even if it's only for a short time.
If your breasts are too full for your baby to latch comfortably, try hand expressing a small amount of milk first to soften the breast.
A cold compress after feeds and gentle massage can also help relieve discomfort.
💛 A favourite with our team: Many mums find the Bare Mum Hot + Cold Breast Therapy Packs incredibly soothing. Warm them before feeding to help encourage milk flow, or chill them afterwards to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
And here's a little old-school wisdom that's been passed between mums for generations: chilled cabbage leaves tucked inside your bra between feeds have long been used to help soothe engorgement. It might sound unusual, but plenty of mums still swear by it!
2. Latch Issues
A little tenderness during the first few days of breastfeeding is common, but ongoing or severe pain isn't something you should simply put up with. A painful feed is often a sign that your baby isn't latching deeply enough, making feeding uncomfortable for you and less effective for them.
What can help
Try encouraging your baby to open their mouth wide by gently brushing your nipple against their upper lip. Position them with their nose level with your nipple and bring your baby to your breast, rather than leaning towards them. A good latch usually means your baby's mouth is wide open, their chin is pressed into your breast, and your nipple sits comfortably towards the back of their mouth.
If breastfeeding is still painful after the first week or two, or your baby continues to struggle with latching, it's worth reaching out to your midwife or a lactation consultant. Sometimes a simple adjustment, or identifying something like a tongue tie, can make all the difference.
3. Cracked or Bleeding Nipples
Sore or cracked nipples are very common in the early weeks of breastfeeding. They can be caused by a shallow latch, frequent feeding while your skin adjusts to this new rhythm, or even overuse of your breast pump.
What can help
Applying a nourishing nipple balm after every feed can help soothe and protect the skin, while hydrogel pads can provide instant cooling relief for particularly sore nipples.
One combination our team often recommends is Pure Mama Nipple Butter together with Silverette Cups. The nipple butter helps moisturise and soothe damaged skin, while the Silverette Cups protect sensitive nipples between feeds, allowing them to heal naturally.
If your nipples aren't improving after several days, it's important to have your baby's latch assessed, as treating the cause is just as important as treating the symptoms.
4. Low Milk Supply
Worrying about milk supply is incredibly common, especially during the first few weeks when your baby may seem to want to feed constantly. The reassuring news is that frequent feeding, cluster feeding and night waking are all normal behaviours and don't usually mean you're not producing enough milk.
True low milk supply is less common, but if your baby isn't gaining weight well or has very few wet nappies, it's important to speak with your midwife, GP or lactation consultant.
What can help
If your healthcare provider is happy that everything is progressing normally but you'd like to naturally support your milk supply, try feeding frequently, pumping between feeds if appropriate, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet.
Many mums also enjoy adding lactation cookies or a lactation blend to their daily routine. While they're not a guaranteed way to increase milk supply, many mums enjoy them as part of their breastfeeding routine alongside regular feeding, good hydration and a balanced diet.
Shop our lactation support range here
5. Inverted or Flat Nipples
You may never have paid much attention to the shape of your nipples before breastfeeding, but flat or inverted nipples can sometimes make it more difficult for your baby to latch.
The good news is that many mums with flat or inverted nipples go on to breastfeed successfully.
What can help
Speak with your midwife or a lactation consultant, who may recommend using a nipple shield or expressing a small amount of milk before feeding to gently draw the nipple out.
6. Blocked Ducts
A blocked milk duct often feels like a tender lump beneath the skin and usually occurs when milk isn't draining effectively. This can happen if you've missed a feed, your bra is too tight, or your breast hasn't emptied fully.
What can help
Continue feeding regularly, particularly on the affected side, to help keep milk moving. Applying warmth before feeding and gently massaging the area towards the nipple can also help encourage the blockage to clear. Most blocked ducts resolve within a day or two but if you are experiencing alot of pain and unable to breastfeed, please see your GP.
7. Mastitis
Sometimes a blocked duct can develop into mastitis, or bacteria can enter through cracked skin, leading to a breast infection. Mastitis often causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches, along with a painful, red area on the breast.
What can help
If you think you may have mastitis, it's important to see your GP promptly, as antibiotics are often needed.
Although feeding may feel uncomfortable or sore, continuing to breastfeed or express milk can actually help speed up recovery by keeping the breast well drained. Warm or cool compresses between feeds may also provide some relief.
💛 Don't try to push through - Many mums think they can "tough it out", but mastitis really needs medical treatment. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you'll usually recover.
You Are Not Alone - and You're Doing an Amazing Job
If there's one thing we'd love every new mum to know, it's this: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!
For over 30 years, we've had the privilege of supporting hundreds of New Zealand families through pregnancy, newborn life and beyond, and we've learned that almost every breastfeeding journey is different, and has its own ups and downs.
And if, despite your best efforts, breastfeeding doesn't work out the way you'd hoped, that's okay too. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed or combine the two, what matters most is that your baby is fed, loved and thriving.
Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to lean on your midwife, GP, lactation consultant or the people around you. Sometimes the right support is all it takes to help you find your confidence.
❤️
Shop our full range of breastfeeding support and essential items here
Choosing the Right Bottle & Teat for Your Baby
A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Bottle Feeding Setup
We’ve been helping families for many years now, and a question we are always asked by new parents is “Which is the best baby bottle?” - and while we wish there was a one size fits all answer to this question, the reality is that there isn't one perfect bottle for every baby. The best baby bottle is the one that suits your bub's feeding style, comfort, and stage of development, while also fitting your family's routine and preferences.
Finding the right bottles and teats can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from anti colic bottles and wide neck designs to glass, silicone, and plastic bottles… it's natural to wonder which choice is best for your baby.
In this guide, we'll help you understand the different bottle and teat options so you can find a feeding setup that feels right for your baby and your family.
How to Choose the Best Baby Bottle
When comparing baby bottles, start by thinking about your baby's feeding needs rather than focusing on brands or features.
Newborn? Look for slow flow teats and easy to clean bottles – you’ll likely be using up to 12 bottles a day in those very early stages!
Breastfed or mixed feeding? Wide neck bottles and breast shaped teats can help support a natural latch.
Experiencing wind or reflux? Anti-colic bottles will help reduce swallowed air.
Need something practical for everyday use? Lightweight plastic bottles are often a great choice.
Looking for a long term option? Glass bottles are durable and long lasting.
Choosing the Right Bottle MaterialDifferent bottle materials offer different benefits, but there isn't a single right choice.
Bottle Type
Best For
Things to Know
Plastic
Everyday use
Lightweight and practical
Glass
Durability
Easy to clean but heavier
Silicone
Mixed feeding
Soft and flexible
💛 Dimples Tip: Something we often tell parents is not to overthink the bottle material too much. Most babies will adapt well to different bottle types, so it's often more about what works best for your family and feeding routine.
Bottle Shapes at a Glance
Standard Bottles - A simple, reliable option that works well for most babies.
Wide-Neck Bottles - Easier to fill and clean, and often preferred by families combining breast and bottle feeding.
Anti-Colic Bottles - Designed to reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding.
💛 Something we get asked a lot at Dimples: "Are anti colic bottles really worth it?" For babies who experience wind, gas, or reflux, or even for as a preventative method – yes! We know many parents who have found they make feeding more comfortable and reduce post feed fussiness.
Explore our bottle range here
Explore our Infant and Toddler Formula range here
Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies & Mixed Feeding
Another common question we hear at Dimples is:
"What's the best bottle for a breastfed baby?"
While every baby is different, wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great place to start. When introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby, look for:
Wide teats that encourage a natural latch
Slow flow teats that mimic breastfeeding
Soft silicone teats with a familiar feel
Bottles designed to support mixed feeding
Many parents also find paced bottle feeding helpful, as it encourages babies to feed at a rhythm that's closer to breastfeeding. You can learn more about paced bottle feeding here.
Shop bottles suitable for mixed feeding
Choosing the right teat flow can make feeding feel calmer and more comfortable for your baby.
For newborns and younger babies, a slow flow teat is usually the best place to start. This helps milk flow gently and steadily, giving your baby time to feed at their own pace.
As your baby grows and becomes more confident with bottle feeding, they may be ready for a medium or faster flow teat. Age guides can be helpful, but your baby's feeding cues are often the best sign.
The flow may be too fast if your baby is coughing, spluttering, gulping milk, leaking milk from their mouth, or becoming unsettled during feeds.
The flow may be too slow if your baby seems frustrated, takes a very long time to finish a bottle, or often falls asleep before finishing their feed.
💛 Another common questions we are asked: "When should I move up a teat size?" The answer is usually based on your baby's feeding cues rather than just their age alone.
Shop our teat range here
Cleaning, Sterilising & Bottle Care
Keeping bottles and teats clean is a very important part of bottle feeding. Wash bottles and teats thoroughly, replace worn teats when needed, and sterilise bottles up until your baby is approximately 12 months old.
A few simple essentials can make life easier:
Bottle sterilisers
Bottle warmers
Bottle brushes
Drying racks
Feeding bibs
Shop bottle cleaning and sterilising essentials here
Frequently Asked Questions about Bottle Feeding
What bottles are best for newborns?
Most newborns do well with bottles fitted with slow flow teats. Anti-colic designs can also be helpful for babies prone to wind or reflux.
What bottle is best for a breastfed baby?
Wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great option for supporting mixed feeding and encouraging a natural latch.
Are anti-colic bottles worth it?
For babies who swallow excess air while feeding, anti-colic bottles may help reduce wind, gas, and feeding discomfort.
How do I know if teat flow is too fast?
Look for coughing, spluttering, milk leaking from the mouth, or your baby struggling to keep up with the flow.
Glass vs plastic baby bottles: which is better?
Both are excellent options. Plastic bottles are lightweight and practical, while glass bottles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to staining.
Finding the Right Feeding Fit for Your Family
Every baby is different, and finding the best baby bottle often involves a little trial and error.
Trust your baby's cues, be kind to yourself, and remember that there's no single "right" choice. What matters most is finding a feeding setup that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.
💛 A final note from our team: We've helped hundreds of New Zealand families navigate bottle feeding over the years, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that every feeding journey looks a little different. You're doing a great job.
Shop our full range of baby bottles, teats and feeding essentials
Getting a wriggly toddler into a car seat shouldn’t feel like a workout. That’s why rotating car seats are quickly becoming a go-to for modern parents.
In this blog, we explore how they work and why so many families are making the switch. From extended rear and front facing options to reducing back strain, we’ll help you decide whether a rotating car seat is the right choice for your growing family.
Benefits of a Rotating Car Seat
Easier access in and out of the car - The swivel function turns the seat towards the door, making it easier to get your child in and out of the car without awkward angles. With the seat facing you, it is easier to correctly position and tighten the harness, helping ensure your child is safely secured every time.
Reduced strain on your back - Rotating the seat towards you helps minimise bending, twisting, and reaching, which can help prevent back and shoulder strain, especially with growing toddlers. This also helps parents (or grandparents) recovering from birth, injury, or surgery, or those with limited mobility, who often find rotating seats easier and more comfortable to use.
Rear and front facing options - While your child is young, rear facing car seats are recommended for their safety. Though you want to keep them rear facing as long as possible (according to weight and height restrictions), you will eventually need to switch to forward facing, which is made incredibly easy with the swivel feature. You also have multiple angle options to recline the seat and can change all of these settings without having to re-install the entire seat.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Weight limits - Most (though not all) rotating car seats have a weight limit of 18kgs because of the isofix installation. On average, that’s around four years old, and while many parents are happy to switch to a booster seat after that, others just want one seat that goes all the way. If you’d prefer to buy a single seat with more longevity, a non-rotating option may suit you better. The Nuna Rava Next goes up to 29.4kgs (seven or eight years on average), and the Exec Next has a booster seat conversion, meaning that it lasts right from newborn up to 49.9kgs, around 12 years old!
Space in your car - If you have multiple kids and multiple car seats in the car, having one that rotates might be a bit tricky. Rotating seats generally have a larger base, and the swivel motion itself can be blocked if there are other seats in the way. If you plan on having three seats side by side in the back row, swivelling is a no-go. If you have two seats, then a rotating seat might be a good option depending on how it fits into your car. If you’re not sure, give us a call at our Newmarket or Christchurch stores, and book in a time to try out some options and see what works best.
What Are the Rotating Car Seat Options?
Nuna NEXT System
Built to work together seamlessly, the Nuna NEXT System offers flexibility, longevity, and peace of mind in one refined package. With two different base options (Base Next & Base Curv), two capsules (Pipa Next & Arra Flex), a unique lie-flat car seat (Cari Next), and a toddler seat for good measure (Todl Next), the NEXT System gives you a range of options for travelling in style. The bases come equipped with True Lock™ technology and coloured installation guides for your peace of mind, and one base can be used for all compatible products (keeping you covered for the first four years of baby’s life).
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro Capsule & Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360
As part of the 360 Pro Family range, the Pebble and Pearl (when on the Family Fix 360 Pro Base) not only rotate 360°, but also slide towards you to eliminate the awkward reaching that usually comes with buckling in a little one. While the Pearl must be attached to the base in order to go in the car, the Pebble can also be seatbelt installed by itself.
Nuna Pruu
If you love the Todl but don’t want to bother with the separate base, the Pruu might be the seat for you. With the same detachable Side Impact Protection, integrated rebound bar, and smart-swivel lock, your little one will be travelling in stylish safety from start to finish. The big difference? The Pruu is one piece, with no separate base, making it a bit heavier to carry around, but super convenient for those who’d rather not bother with the extra pieces.
We also have the new Nuna Pruu Aire with a retractable sun canopy.
Nuna Rylo
A new and popular choice is the Nuna Rylo. This seat has it all: 360° rotation, seat belt installation capability, and premium materials. Certified to the AS/NZS standard, it’s perfect for Trans-Tasman travellers, or anyone who’s after the latest version of Nuna’s award winning technology.
Not sure which seat is right for you? Visit us in Auckland or Christchurch to see them in person. You can also book in a fitting with our team - we’ll help you find the safest, easiest option for your car and your family.
How to Keep Your Baby Warm and Well This Winter
Winter with a baby can bring a few extra worries, especially when they are brand new. Along with keeping your little one warm and comfortable, there are the inevitable winter sniffles, coughs and bugs to navigate.
Babies have very small nasal passages, so even a little congestion can make feeding and sleeping more difficult. While it is impossible to avoid every winter cold, there are a few simple ways to help protect your babe and keep them comfortable when the sniffles arrive.
Dress your baby in warm, breathable layers
Keeping your baby warm does not prevent a cold, but it does help them stay comfortable during chilly winter days.
A helpful guide is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. Choose light, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove as the temperature changes.
Merino wool is a wonderful choice for winter baby clothing. It naturally helps regulate body temperature, keeping your baby warm while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. Soft merino bodysuits, babygrows and sleepwear are ideal for layering without adding too much bulk.
Create a safe and cosy sleep space
For every sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress with their face and head uncovered. Keep pillows, toys and other loose items out of their sleep space.
During winter, it is safer to dress your baby in suitable sleepwear or a baby sleeping bag than to add heavy or loose bedding. Avoid overheating the room and adjust your baby’s clothing when needed.
Help keep winter germs away
Good everyday hygiene can help reduce the spread of coughs, colds and other winter illnesses.
Wash and dry your hands regularly, especially before feeding your baby, after changing nappies and when returning home. Encourage older siblings to wash their hands and cough or sneeze into their elbow.
It can also help to regularly clean frequently handled toys and surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are (or have just been) unwell.
Breastmilk provides valuable nutrients and antibodies, but every family’s feeding journey is different. Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, continue offering their usual feeds regularly.
When your baby has a blocked nose
A blocked nose can make it harder for your baby to feed, settle and sleep comfortably.
Saline drops suitable for babies can help loosen thick mucus. You can then use a baby nasal aspirator to gently remove it, following the product instructions carefully. This can be particularly helpful before a feed or sleep.
A cool-mist humidifier may also help make a dry room feel more comfortable. Place it safely out of your baby’s reach, change the water regularly and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mould or bacteria from building up.
Keep an eye on their temperature
If your baby feels unusually hot, cold or unwell, checking their temperature can help you understand how they are doing.
The Oricom Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer provides a quick reading without disturbing your little one. Always follow the user guide carefully, as forehead thermometer readings can be affected by positioning and the surrounding environment.
A fever is generally considered a temperature of 38°C or higher. If your baby is under three months old and has a fever, seek medical advice urgently.
A gentle chest rub for older babies
For babies over three months, the Nude Alchemist Chest Rub for Babies can be added to their comforting bedtime routine.
Apply it only as directed and remember that chest rubs provide comfort rather than treating or curing a cold. This particular formula is suitable from three months but there are other types of rub on the market as well. Always check age recommendations, complete a patch test and stop using the product if irritation occurs.
Baby Cold and Sniffles Comfort Checklist
Keep these winter essentials together so they are easy to find when your baby needs a little extra care:
A reliable baby thermometer
Baby safe saline drops
A gentle nasal aspirator
A clean cool mist humidifier
Chest rub suitable for your baby’s age
Soft, breathable layers
Hydration - Plenty of regular milk feeds and water if they are over 6 months
Extra cuddles, comfort and rest
When to seek medical help
You know your baby best. Seek medical advice if they are becoming more unwell, feeding poorly, having fewer wet nappies, unusually sleepy or difficult to settle.
Get urgent medical help if your baby:
Is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher
Is struggling to breathe, breathing unusually quickly or grunting
Looks blue around the lips or mouth
Is floppy, very pale or difficult to wake
Is unable to feed because of breathing difficulties
If you are unsure, contact your doctor, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or call 111 in an emergency. You can also read Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s guidance on colds in babies and children.
A Little Winter Preparation Goes a Long Way
Winter bugs are an unavoidable part of childhood! Having a few trusted essentials ready can make those sniffly days feel much more manageable.
With breathable merino layers, a cosy sleep space and gentle comfort close at hand, you can help your little one feel warm, secure and well cared for throughout winter.
You’re doing great.
