Here’s what happens during your second trimester of pregnancy.
The second trimester, marked from weeks 13 to 28, is often when pregnant women feel at their best. The major developments in your baby’s growth have slowed, which means the hormones (and all the horrible symptoms!) tend to ease now, too. Your baby bump will be popped out – so people stop wondering if you’ve just been eating too much cake – and you can also begin to feel a bit more reassured that your pregnancy will be viable. It’s extremely unusual to miscarry after week 12, which is why many parents wait until the second trimester to announce their impending addition to the family.
Your baby is busy refining the developments made in the first trimester, which means you’ll still feel reasonably light and mobile.
The second trimester is arguably the most exciting period in pregnancy. On top of feeling a lot better, you’ll also begin to see obvious signs of life. Some women feel movement as early as 13 weeks, but some don’t feel those first flutters until closer to 25 weeks. It all depends on your baby’s positioning, and where your placenta is. It’s in the second trimester that you’ll have scans that will tell you your baby is growing as it should, and, if you like, what sex it is. While the external sex organs are more clearly male or female now, scans can get it wrong – it’s not unheard of for parents to take home a little girl when they were expecting a boy (and vice versa!)
What happens to your body?
While your body is saving up all the really big changes until the third trimester, you’ll still notice a big shift.
Here are some symptoms you may experience:
Feeling achy in your back, tummy, groin, or thighs
Stretch marks on your tummy, breasts, thighs, or bum
Darkening of the areola (skin around your nipple)
Development of the linea nigra – a line on your skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
Patches of darker skin on your cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip
Numb or tingly hands
Itchy tummy, palms or bottoms of the feet. If this is combined with fatigue, nausea and yellowed skin, call the doctor – it could be your liver.
Swollen feet, ankles, face or fingers. If you puff up suddenly or gain weight quickly, call your doctor – it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which is serious.
The good news is that this is the trimester for the famous pregnancy glow. If you’re lucky, you might notice your hair getting lush and shiny, your nails growing faster, and your skin looking radiant. Not too bad right? Remember to treat yourself kindly – lots of good food, sleep and gentle exercise. You may notice feeling a little slower, or short of breath now, too – this is normal. Listen to what your body is telling you and try not to push yourself too hard.
What’s going on in there?
At 16 weeks, your baby is about 11.5 cm long and weighs a hefty 85 grams.
This trimester is all about putting the finishing touches on its little work of art. The bones and muscles are still forming and the skin appears – it’s nearly transparent.
Your baby will also be making its first poo! This is called meconium and develops in your baby's intestinal tract. The sucking reflex is working overtime, practising for the breast or bottle.
Whether or not you can feel it, your baby is also getting frisky in there, kicking arms and legs, and swimming around in that still-roomy sack.
At 20 weeks, the way your baby is measured changes. Before, your baby was measured from head to bum – it’s hard to measure those tiny legs when they’re all tucked up. At 20 weeks, people generally begin measuring foetuses from head to heel – so it can seem your baby has stretched from 15cm in week 19 to 25cm in week 20.
Your baby’s skin is now covered by fine, feathery hair, called lanugo, and a waxy protective coating called vernix. Other hair comes in too – eyebrows, lashes and the first tufts up on top. Your baby can swallow, and also has working ears – you may notice your baby’s movements respond to sound.
By 24 weeks, your baby is over halfway done – and babies born at this stage have even been known to survive, with a lot of medical help. There’s still plenty more left to do, though. Your baby needs to fatten up, and still has important elements developing: bone marrow begins to make blood cells, taste buds, footprints and fingerprints form, and sex organs are all present and accounted for. Your baby’s lungs are formed, but still don’t work.
Our natural wood and super soft goat's wool hair brush is the perfect tool for delicate infant hair. Brushing your babies hair has major benefits to their well being and with our eco friendly 100% natural brush you can keep their scalp stimulated while also assisting to prevent cradle cap, generate blood flow and removing dried skin while keeping them relaxed...even helping them drift off to sleep.
Recognised by women and their caregivers as simply the best pregnancy guide available, this latest edition of YOUR NEW PREGNANCY BIBLE has been updated to take account of recent changes in antenatal and newborn care.
Given a fresh design, it still contains special fold-out sections on each of the trimesters and the birth process; week-by-week images of the developing baby; in-depth chapters dealing with all aspects of antenatal care, labour preparation, delivery experiences and care of the newborn; comprehensive reference sections on medical treatments and procedures in both pregnancy and the postnatal period and an extensive glossary of ante- and neonatal terminology.
Written by a team of eminent specialists under the direction of a leading UK obstetrician, YOUR NEW PREGNANCY BIBLE is filled with everything prospective parents need to know about creating the optimum environment for a developing baby and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the mother.
A groundbreaking guide to pregnancy: empowers women with the facts and allows them to make their own decisions.
Award-winning Emily Oster debunks myths about pregnancy to empower women while they're expecting. Pregnant women are often treated as if they were children, given long lists of items to avoid - alcohol, caffeine, sushi - without any real explanation from their doctors about why. They hear frightening and contradictory myths about everything from weight gain to sleeping on your back to bed rest from friends and pregnancy books. In EXPECTING BETTER, Oster shows that the information given to pregnant women is sometimes wrong and almost always oversimplified.
Capture Life’s Everyday Magic More than just a journal, Hold the Moments is a timeless keepsake designed to preserve the raw, beautiful details of your everyday family life - the ones that often slip by unnoticed but mean everything in the end.
Unlike traditional baby books full of rigid prompts and pressure to document milestones, this journal offers simplicity and freedom. There’s no “right” way to use it - just space to capture the real, unfiltered moments that make up your unique story.
Whether you’re documenting the journey of one child or an entire family, Hold the Moments adapts to you. Use it daily or occasionally - guilt-free. Every entry becomes a treasured memory, ready to be rediscovered years from now, by you or your loved ones.
One day, this journal will be more than a collection of words - it will be a cherished legacy of love, laughter, and everyday life.
After her son was born, Jamila Rizvi felt isolated, exhausted and confused. While desperately in love with her new baby, the world she'd known had disappeared overnight and so had her sense of self.
Jamila's salvation came in the form of a letter. A dear friend, Clare Bowditch – who had been there herself – wrote to tell Jamila she would get through this. Her comforting words reassured Jamila that she was seen, that she was supported and that she was not alone.
Now Jamila wants to pay it forward to the next generation of new mothers. The Motherhood is a collection of letters from some of Australia’s favourite women, sharing what they wish they’d known about life with a newborn. Coming from writers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, no two stories are alike – but all are generous, compassionate and deeply honest.
As the old adage goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ – and it also takes a village to properly support a new mother. Here is your village. These sisters (with babes) in arms are here to share the joy, the fear, the love, the laughter, the tears and the frustration, and to hold your hand in the dark.
Contributors include Zoë Foster Blake, Clementine Ford, Holly Wainwright, Clare Bowditch, Em Rusciano, and more.
Together, they will give you the strength and courage to find your feet as a new mum. ______________________________________
'All new mothers need to read this book . . . Bravo to these women who have bravely put themselves out there in the hope that their stories will help new mothers find the strength to push on through.' Books+Publishing
Australia’s top-selling, most respected pregnancy book – now fully revised and updated.
Kaz Cooke’s best-selling Up the Duff is firmly established as the most loved and trusted book for Australian and New Zealand women on pregnancy.
Australia’s most trusted advisor on women’s health delivers the lowdown on pregnancy, birth and how to best prepare for life with a baby.
There’s no bossy-boots advice – just lots of cartoons and the soundest, sanest, wittiest advice you’ll ever get.
Comprehensive Pregnancy Guide- Week-by-week updates and humorous insights from Hermoine the (even more) Modern Girl Preparation for Pregnancy - Info on conception, birth, and the latest in IVF. Daily Pregnancy Life - Addressing daily challenges like eating, sleeping, weeing and working. Body Changes and Challenges - Surviving nausea, stretch marks, and other ‘side effects’ that mess with your pregnancy ‘glow’. Prenatal Testing - Understanding the very latest tests, what they’re for, and when they’ll be poking and prodding you. Foetal Growth and Development - Monitoring healthy foetal growth and development. Childbirth Choices - Weighing the pros and cons of ‘natural childbirth’ vs. medical intervention. Baby Essentials and Postpartum - Covering everything from baby care, safety, and breastfeeding to how to be rude to complete strangers. This edition has been meticulously revised and updated to provide the latest insights and advice for today’s readers. It includes cutting-edge information on prenatal testing, sustaining a healthy pregnancy, due dates, and more.
Offering valuable insights for diverse readers, including same-sex couples, individuals from various backgrounds, and working parents, it also covers contemporary trends like baby showers and gender-reveal parties.
What’s more, you’ll find a treasure trove of invaluable resources, including the best services, websites, and books covering everything pregnancy, ensuring you receive guidance from trusted sources rather than relying on well-meaning but potentially misinformed partners and busybodies.
Up the Duff has all you need to know on pregnancy and childbirth – the scary parts, the funny parts, the joyful parts – and your private parts.
Dorothy Waide is a Karitane nurse and one of New Zealand’s leading sleep consultants with strong international connections. With almost 30 years’ baby nursing and sleep-settling experience in homes here and abroad, Dorothy returned from overseas in 2010 and set up her unique ‘Baby Help’ consultancy, dedicated to teaching new mums the timeless art – and everyday parenting skills – of ‘mother craft’.
"You Simply Can't Spoil a Newborn" is a must have book for any new parent. It focuses on the first three months of a newborn baby's life and offers new parents a unique opportunity to lay a solid and loving foundation that will last a life time.
It also offers all parents unfailing support to help them deal with the countless decisions they face every day. This book reveals Dorothy's nurturing approach in calming the most unsettled baby and teaching them to self-settle and resettle, as well as advice on solving common feeding issues and managing time, relationships and emotional demands in the weeks following birth.
The details are clear and succinct, using bullet points, photographs and illustrations for quick reference. This book is structured by topic rather than developmental stages, acknowledging that babies grow at different rates.
YOU. – A 6-Month Well-Being Planner & Daily Journal Designed to help you reignite your spark and reconnect with yourself.
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to lose touch with what matters - and with who you really are. That feeling of just “getting by” instead of truly living? You’re not alone. But the spark you’ve been missing? It’s still inside you.
YOU. is a six-month guided journal and planner that helps you rediscover your energy, passion, and purpose - one small daily action at a time. With structured chapters, thought-provoking prompts, workbooks, real-life examples, and accountability check-ins, it’s a powerful tool for creating lasting change and building a life that feels good from the inside out.
This isn’t just a planner. It’s your personal guide to becoming a more intentional, grounded, and vibrant version of YOU. Because the most important project you’ll ever work on, is you.
Baby Swimming Lessons: Building Water Confidence from an Early Age
Living in New Zealand means water is never far away! We've got beaches, we've got lakes and we've got rivers, not to mention our swimming pools and backyard water play. Learning how to feel confident and safe around water is an important life skill for our Kiwi kids.
Introducing your little one to the water from an early age can be a lovely experience for the whole family. Swimming lessons can support coordination, movement and confidence, while also giving parents and caregivers a special opportunity to have fun, connect and learn together.
Most importantly, early positive experiences around water can help lay the foundations for lifelong water safety.
Water Safety New Zealand says drowning remains a leading cause of death for New Zealand children aged under five, making active supervision and age appropriate water skills incredibly important.
Start with water confidence
Your baby's first introduction to water doesn't need to happen at a swimming pool.
Bath time is a great place to start. Allow your baby to enjoy splashing, kicking and gradually becoming familiar with water around their face and body.
As they become more comfortable, trips to the local pool can introduce them to a completely different environment with new sounds, sensations and movements plus a whole lot of fun!
The aim at this stage isn't to turn your baby into a swimmer. It's simply about helping them feel happy and secure around water.
When can babies start swimming lessons?
There isn't one set age that suits every baby or every swimming programme.
Some specialist swim schools offer parent and baby classes from around three months, while others begin from six months. The best option is to check the starting age and requirements of your chosen swim school.
Finding swimming lessons in New Zealand
If you're looking for somewhere to start, there are plenty of great options.
Dean Greenwood Swim School has several Auckland locations and offers programmes ranging from babies through to adults.
Hilton Brown Swimming offers lessons for babies, children, teenagers and adults across locations in Auckland, Waikato, Hawke's Bay and Manawatū. Their infant programme focuses on water confidence, movement, safety awareness and introducing skills such as floating.
Many local leisure centres and community swimming pools also offer learn-to-swim programmes for babies, preschoolers, school aged children and even adults, so it's totally worth checking what is available close to home.
What happens at baby swimming lessons?
Baby swimming lessons are usually much more about water familiarisation and confidence than traditional swimming.
A parent or caregiver will generally get into the pool too, helping baby feel secure while the instructor introduces activities through play, songs and movement.
Depending on your baby's age and the programme, lessons may gradually introduce skills such as:
Becoming comfortable with water around the face and head
Kicking and moving through the water
Floating and rolling
Breath control and gentle submersion
Moving towards or returning to a safe position
Learning to feel calm and confident in the pool
It's also valuable learning for parents. You'll become more confident handling your baby in the water and learn ways to continue practising positive water experiences together.
And remember - swimming lessons build skills and confidence, but they never replace active adult supervision around water.
Tips for making swimming lessons easier
Give yourself plenty of time
Getting yourself and a baby changed can sometimes take longer than the swimming lesson itself!
Arrive early enough that you don't need to rush. Family changing rooms are especially helpful, and if your pool allows strollers inside, having somewhere safe for baby to sit while you get changed can make things much easier.
Pack for afterwards
Swimming can be tiring, particularly for little ones. Have everything ready for a feed or snack afterwards depending on your baby's age.
Keep them warm
Moving from a warm swimming pool into a cooler changing room or outside air can feel like a big temperature change. Have a cosy towel and dry clothing ready so you can get your little one comfortable quickly.
Bring another pair of hands
If you're taking more than one child to lessons, another adult can make changing, feeding and getting everyone safely to and from the pool considerably easier. It can totally be done with one caregiver if you're game... but four hands are easier than two.
Don't worry if every lesson isn't perfect
Some days your baby might love the pool. Other days they may be tired, hungry or simply not interested.
That's completely normal. Building water confidence is a gradual process, so keep the experience positive rather than trying to push through when they've had enough.
What to pack for baby swimming lessons
A little preparation makes getting in and out of the pool much easier.
Baby swimwear
Start with comfortable baby swimwear and swimming essentials suitable for your little one's age and the type of swimming you'll be doing.
Our new Baby Swimwear Collection brings together the swim essentials you need for trips to the pool, beach and summer days by the water.
Shop our full range of Baby Swim Essentials here
Swim nappies
Most pools require babies who aren't toilet trained to wear an appropriate swim nappy, so check your swim school's requirements before your first lesson.
A warm towel
A soft towel or hooded towel is ideal for wrapping baby up as soon as they leave the water.
A change mat
Pool changing rooms aren't always the easiest place to change a baby, so having your own change mat can be incredibly useful.
The Purely Baby Disposable Change Mats are particularly handy for swimming lessons because you can create a clean changing surface and simply dispose of the mat afterwards.
Don't forget
Pack a few extra essentials too:
Dry clothes
Spare nappies
Wipes
A wet bag or waterproof bag for wet swimwear
Milk, a bottle or snacks depending on baby's age
Your own swimwear and towel - surprisingly easy to forget!
Water safety always comes first
Swimming lessons are valuable, but no swimming lesson or floatation device can replace close adult supervision.
Water Safety New Zealand recommends keeping babies and young children within arm's reach whenever they're in or around water. This applies everywhere - the swimming pool, beach, bath, paddling pool, lake or river.
Stay focused on your child rather than relying on lifeguards, older siblings or floatation toys to supervise them.
It's also important to look for potential water hazards around your own home. In New Zealand, residential pools that can hold water to a depth of 400 mm or more are subject to requirements for physical barriers designed to prevent unsupervised access by children under five.
Enjoy the water together
Learning to swim is a journey, and it begins long before your child is swimming independently.
Positive bath times, trips to the pool and regular swimming lessons can all help your little one develop confidence and respect for the water while creating plenty of special memories along the way.
Keep it fun, follow their pace and, above all, stay close whenever water is around.
Travelling with a baby or toddler is much easier with a lightweight, compact stroller. Whether you’re navigating airports, hopping on and off trains or exploring a new city, the right stroller can make all the difference. We’ve compared some of the best travel strollers available in New Zealand, including the Stokke YOYO3, Nuna VIAA CABN, Nuna TRVL dubl and Edwards & Co Lucci.
Why Choose a Travel Stroller?
Everyday strollers tend to be packed with extra features that are great for everyday usage but can make them more bulky. When it comes to travel, compact and lightweight is the way to go. Travel strollers are designed to be easy to carry, fold, and store – perfect for life on the move.
What to Look For
Foldability: Look for a stroller that’s easy to fold – ideally one-handed.
Weight: A lighter stroller is easier to lift into car boots, overhead lockers, or up stairs.
Compact Size: Check the folded dimensions – the smaller, the better for travel.
Portability: Is there a carry strap or handle? This makes a big difference on the go.
Manoeuvrability: Smooth steering and good suspension can help you navigate tight spaces and bumpy pavements.
Comfort: Reclining seats, padded cushions, and a sun canopy keep your little one happy on the move.
Storage: A basket underneath for snacks, nappies, and must-haves is a handy bonus.
Accessories: Travel bags, rain covers, and cup holders can all add extra convenience.
Plane Travel Suitability: If you want to carry your stroller onboard, check its folded dimensions. IATA (the International Air Transport Association) suggests 56 x 45 x 25 cm for carry-on. But cabin baggage and stroller rules vary between airlines, routes and aircraft. Always check directly with your airline before flying.
You may also be able to use your stroller right up to the gate and have it stored in the hold – ask your airline in advance. Even strollers designed to fit in overhead lockers may need to be gate-checked on full flights.
Our Top Picks for Travel Strollers
STOKKE YOYO3Weight: 6.2 kg (6+ pack)Folded Size: 52 x 44 x 18 cm
The YOYO3 folds with one hand and opens in seconds – true to its name. Its compact size makes it a favourite for airline travel, and it’s compatible with a bassinet, newborn pack, or capsule. The slim frame and smooth steering are ideal for city life, and it’s customisable with colour/seat packs in a range of colours. It even has a padded shoulder strap so you can carry it hands-free.
Perfect for: Urban adventures and families who travel often.
NUNA VIAA CABN Weight: 7.6 kgFolded Size: L 20 x W 42.5 x H 62 (52 without armbar) cm
The Nuna Viaa Cabn is compact, lightweight and designed to meet IATA cabin guidelines, fitting into the overhead locker. With a quick, compact fold, smooth manoeuvrability and all the premium details you expect from Nuna, it’s ready for airport dashes, city exploring and everyday outings.
Perfect for: Those who want a high-end, luxurious stroller with all the comfort of a full-size model.
NUNA TRVL DUBLWeight: 12.8 kgFolded Size: L 41 x W 78 x H 74 cm
Travelling with two? The Nuna TRVL dubl offers the convenience of a travel stroller in a side-by-side design. At 78cm wide, it's designed to move through standard doorways and narrow spaces, while each seat reclines independently - handy when one child wants to nap and the other wants to see the sights. It folds one-handed, stands on its own when folded and is surprisingly lightweight for a double stroller.
Perfect for: Families travelling with twins, a baby and toddler, or two young children.
EDWARDS & CO LUCCIWeight: 7.3 kgFolded Size: 57cm H x 46cm W x 24cm D
The Lucci’s one-handed auto-fold makes travel easy. Ergonomic seat with 3 recline options including lie-flat. Meets IATA guidelines for the overhead plane lockers in Travel Mode (wheels/bumper removed).
Perfect for: Families looking for a lightweight, compact travel stroller that won’t break the bank.
Shop stroller accessories
Which Travel Stroller Is Right for You?
The best travel stroller depends on where you're going and how you'll use it. Flying frequently? Folded size and weight may be your priority. Exploring cities? Look for smooth steering, suspension and a comfortable recline. Travelling with two children? A lightweight double stroller can make getting around much easier.
Shop our range of strollers online, or visit Dimples Newmarket or Christchurch to fold, carry and test-drive them for yourself. Our team can help you find the best stroller for your family and your next adventure.
Happy travels!
FAQs
Can you take a travel stroller on a plane?Often, but it depends on the airline, aircraft and stroller's folded dimensions. Some compact strollers may be accepted as cabin baggage, while others need to be checked or left at the aircraft door.
What size stroller fits in an overhead compartment?There isn't one universal size. Many airlines use cabin-bag dimensions around 56 × 45 × 25cm as a general reference, but individual airline rules apply.
Can a travel stroller be used as an everyday stroller?Yes. Many modern travel strollers offer features such as reclining seats, good suspension, storage baskets and sun canopies, making them practical for everyday use as well as holidays. And they don't take up too much space in your car boot. However you should consider how much storage and all-terrain capability you need before choosing one as your main stroller. Travel strollers typically have smaller wheels making a slight less smooth ride.
Can you use a travel stroller from birth?Some travel strollers are suitable from birth thanks to a lie-flat seat, newborn insert, bassinet or compatible infant capsule. Always check the manufacturer's age, weight and configuration guidelines for the specific stroller.
Which is the right seat for your little one?
Choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming. Your choice is more than just a purchase; it's an investment in your child's safety and comfort. Are you looking for a capsule, a convertible, a booster seat or an all in one? And how do you know where to start?
Buckle up as we lay out the different types of seat to help you figure out what’s right for your whānau.
Capsule Car Seats
Best for: Newborns to approx. 12 months (up to 13kg depending on the brand)What they are: Rear-facing, portable infant car seats that easily lift in or out of the car. Most of the capsules we sell clip onto a base (sold separately) that stays installed in your car. Others have a baseless install either by Isofix or car seatbelt.
Why parents love them:
If you choose a capsule that's compatible with your stroller, you can transfer your sleeping baby for car to stroller without waking them
They're easy to carry with a handle
Most work with a base that stays in the car - simple click and go.
Things to consider:
You’ll likely only use it for the first year.
Weight matters – some are much easier to carry than others.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Pipa Next – lightweight (only 2.8kg) and super portable.
Nuna Arra Flex – features three recline positions - including a near-flat 157° recline.
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro – ergonomic recline, 360° base for easy loading.
Nuna Pipa Urbn – ideal for swapping between cars or rideshares, it has built-in Isofix, no base required.
Nuna Cari Next – this one is in a category all of its own - both a carrycot and car seat. The Cari has a three-point harness and connects to the Nuna Next Base in the car. Baby can lie peacefully at a full recline - the best position for a developing spine. The Cari can also connect to your stroller so you can move from home to car to pushchair without interrupting their sleep.
Convertible Car Seats
Best for: Birth to approx. 4 years (or longer depending on the seat)What they are: Seats that start rear-facing and convert to forward-facing as your child grows.
Why parents love them:
Cost-effective – you’ll use it for several years.
Often more spacious and padded than a capsule.
Things to consider:
Not portable – it stays installed in the car.
Some seats rotate on a base, so you can turn them towards the door to make buckling in easier
Check your car - do you have Isofix points or do you need a seat that can be seat belt installed?
Great options to compare:
Nuna Todl Next – works with a rotating base for easy access.
Nuna Rylo – built-in 360° rotation, no separate base required.
Nuna Rava Next - seatbelt installed, and known for its simple installation, generous legroom, and plush comfort. Ideal for families who want a long-lasting seat without the need for a base or Isofix.
All-in-One (Convertible + Booster)
Best for: Birth to approx. 11–12 yearsWhat they are: Car seats that transition from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat.
Why parents love them:
One purchase that lasts for years.
Ideal for parents who don’t want to keep upgrading.
Things to consider:
Not portable – stays in the car.
No rotating options available.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Exec Next – rear-facing from birth, forward-facing to booster mode up to 148cm / 50kg.
Britax One4Life Slim – rear-facing to booster mode up to 160cm / 54.4kg.
Booster Seats
Best for: 4+ years (or as per height and weight guidelines)What they are: Forward-facing seats that position the vehicle seatbelt properly across your child.
Why parents love them:
Simple to use and install.
Gives older kids a good seat height and a view out the window.
Often more compact.
Things to consider:
Only suitable once your child meets minimum size requirements.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Lumn – harnessed car seat that transforms to a belt positioning booster
Nuna Aace Lx – adjustable height, recline, and side impact protection.
Britax Skyline – affordable, comfortable, and lightweight.
Axkid Up – has a patented raisable seat to elevate your child to better align with the vehicle seat belt
Other Key Considerations When Choosing a Car Seat
Car fit: Not all seats fit all vehicles – check for compatibility, especially if fitting multiple seats.
Ease of use: Consider rotating seats if you struggle with lifting your child in and out.
Installation method: Isofix is quicker and easier, but seatbelt installs offer flexibility for older vehicles or travel. However Isofix does have lower weight restrictions (generally around 18kgs). If a seat allows for both Isofix and seatbelt installation it can pay to opt for Vehicle Seat Belt installation as it eliminates having to switch installation method once weight limits are reached.
Longevity: Weigh up whether you want a dedicated seat for each stage or one that adapts as your child grows.
Need Help Choosing?
Our Car Seat Technicians are here to help you make the best choice for your family. Visit a Dimples store and get personalised advice, try seats in your car, and enjoy our free professional car seat fitting with purchase. You can also take our handy quiz to find out what might work best for you.
Whichever seat you choose, safety and comfort come first – and we’re here to make sure you get both.
Shop the full car seat range online or in-store today.
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby
Simple rhythms that can make bedtime calmer – for both of you
In the early weeks with a newborn, life seems to find a rhythm all on it’s own! Feeds, naps, cuddles and nappy changes all blur into one another, and having anything that resembles a routine can feel a little out of reach… Don’t worry – that’s totally normal.
As your baby grows, you might start to notice more predictable patterns start to emerge. This can be a lovely time to gently introduce a baby bedtime routine - a simple series of calming steps that helps signal to your little one that that the day is coming to an end.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, some of the best bedtime routines are the simplest ones.
Why a Bedtime Routine Matters
Babies LOVE familiarity. Repeating the same gentle activities each evening can help your baby begin to recognise that sleep is coming, while creating a comforting transition between the day’s activities and bedtime.
A bedtime routine can also be a really special opportunity to slow everything down together, creating a sense of calm, security and connection.
And while your bedtime routine will naturally change as your baby grows, those familiar little rituals can continue well into childhood.
When Should You Start a Bedtime Routine?
There’s no exact age when you have to start.
During the newborn stage, feeding and sleeping are naturally quite unpredictable, so there’s no need to worry about a strict schedule. From around six to eight weeks, you will probably notice your baby becoming more predictable, and you can begin introducing a few simple bedtime cues if it feels right for your family.
At first, your routine might simply be a fresh nappy, sleepwear, a feed and a cuddle. You can always add more as your baby grows.
How to Start a Baby Bedtime Routine
There’s no “perfect” bedtime routine - what works beautifully for one family might not work at all for another.
The important things are keeping it relatively simple, calm and consistent. Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually plenty, and where possible, try doing the final part of the routine in your babes room so they begin to associate that space with winding down and sleep.
Here’s a simple bedtime rhythm you could try:
Bath
A warm bath (or shower with you!) can be a lovely way to end your day together. Keep the lights soft if you can, slow things down and let bath time become part of the transition from playtime to bedtime.
Massage
After the bath, a few minutes of gentle baby massage can be incredibly calming and is a beautiful opportunity for some quiet bonding time.
You could use a baby massage product such as Scullys Massage Oil, or keep things very simple with Loloma Coconut Oil.
Keep the movements very slow and gentle, talking quietly, humming or singing to your baby as you go. Over time, even the smell and feel of their usual massage can become another little signal that bedtime is approaching.
A Little Extra Wind Down Support
For particularly restless little ones, you may also like to add something like Magnesium Rescue into your bedtime routine. Magnesium can help regulate the nervous system, promote muscle relaxation, and support the production of melatonin.
The important thing here is the ritual itself. Whether it’s massage, moisturising or simply a quiet cuddle after their bath, repeating the same calm steps each night is what helps make bedtime feel familiar.
Sleepwear
Changing into cosy sleepwear is another simple but powerful bedtime cue!
Choose soft, breathable layers that are appropriate for the temperature of your baby’s room. Merino is one of our favourites for sleep because it makes layering easy throughout the year.
Our baby sleepwear collection includes merino bodysuits, babygrows, gowns and other cosy layers for bedtime.
💛 Dimples Tip: Your baby’s room temperature is much more useful than the season when deciding what they should wear to bed. Feel their chest or back to check whether they’re comfortably warm rather than relying on their hands and feet, which can naturally feel cooler.
Feeding
For younger babies, a feed will naturally be an important part of bedtime.
As your baby gets older, you might like to experiment with offering their final feed slightly earlier in the routine rather than making it the very last thing before sleep. Some families find this helps separate feeding from falling asleep.
But don't stress if your baby loves feeding to sleep, especially in those early months. Every baby is different and your routine can evolve gradually.
A Story or Song
This is one of our favourite parts of a bedtime routine.
Your baby certainly doesn’t need to understand the story yet to enjoy listening to your voice. Reading the same book each night, singing a lullaby or simply humming quietly can become a wonderfully familiar sleep cue.
Reading together from an early age is also such a lovely habit to establish, and our children’s book collection has plenty of beautiful first books to choose from.
One day they'll be choosing the bedtime story themselves - and probably asking you to read it agaaaaiiiin!
Cuddles & Goodnight
Finish with a cuddle, a quiet goodnight and plenty of reassurance.
It sounds so simple, but that same kiss, phrase or cuddle each evening can become one of the most familiar parts of your baby’s bedtime routine.
And even if you know you’ll probably be seeing them again in a few hours, it’s still a lovely way to finish the day together.
Watch for Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues
One of the best bedtime tips we can give is to watch your baby rather than becoming too attached to the clock.
Yawning, rubbing their eyes, staring into the distance, becoming quieter or suddenly getting a little fussy can all be signs that your baby is getting tired.
Starting your bedtime routine when you notice these early sleepy cues can often make settling easier than waiting until your baby is overtired.
Create a Calm, Sleep Friendly Nursery
As bedtime gets closer, gradually make the house feel a little quieter.
Dim the lights, turn the television off and put away stimulating or noisy toys. These small environmental changes can become part of your baby’s bedtime cues too.
A dark room is ideal for sleep, but a gentle night light can be super handy while you're feeding, settling or changing nappies overnight.
💛 Dimples Tip: Once bedtime begins, keep voices quieter and movements slower. Babies pick up on our energy surprisingly well, so turning your pace down can help make the whole room feel calmer.
Putting Baby Down for Sleep
As you get to know your baby, you may like to experiment with placing them into their sleep space when they're sleepy but still awake.
Some babies take to this beautifully. Others need plenty of cuddling, rocking or feeding before they're ready to settle - particularly when they're very young.
There's no need to turn bedtime into a battle. The aim of a routine is to make sleep feel calm and predictable, not to achieve a perfect settling technique.
What works for your baby today may also be completely different in a few months time.
Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible
Consistency helps babies recognise their bedtime cues, but flexibility is just as important.
There'll be evenings when your baby is overtired. There'll be illnesses, holidays, late dinners, visitors and nights where absolutely nothing goes according to plan.
That's parenting!
Rather than worrying about following your routine perfectly, think about having a few familiar rituals you can return to wherever you are.
A fresh nappy, familiar sleepwear, the same book, a cuddle and your usual goodnight might be all your baby needs to recognise that it's bedtime.
If more than one parent or caregiver can occasionally do the bedtime routine, that's great! It helps your baby become comfortable settling with the other special people in their life.
And Don't Forget About Mum
Once baby is finally settled, it can be surprisingly difficult to switch your own brain off.
After spending all day feeding, changing, remembering, organising and looking after somebody else, having a tiny bedtime ritual of your own can be just as valuable.
Make a warm drink, put your phone down, have a shower or simply sit somewhere quiet for ten minutes.
For mums who enjoy something cosy before bed, Mamma's Milk Bar Moon Milk can become part of your own evening wind-down ritual. Prepare yourself a nice warm cup and enjoy a quiet moment once your little one is settled.
Small Rituals With Lasting Benefits
Your baby's bedtime routine doesn't need to be elaborate, and it certainly doesn't need to be perfect.
It's simply a collection of familiar little moments that tell your baby: the day is finished, you're safe, and it's time to rest.
Some nights it might be bath, massage, pyjamas, feed, story and bed. Other nights it might be clean nappy, feed, cuddle... bed.
Both count!
As your baby grows, the routine will grow with them. The massage might disappear, they'll choose their own pyjamas, and eventually they'll be the one reading the bedtime book.
But that cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter - even if one day you have to sneak them in after lights out. ❤️
