Keeping your baby safe and comfortable when it’s hot
Summer brings holidays, beach trips, swims and sunshine – but it also brings higher temperatures, which can be hard on your baby’s sleep. Make sure you’re ready by organising your baby’s room, sorting out summer clothing and bedding, and being aware of summer sleep safety while you’re out and about.
Cool, comfortable, controlled
Babies sleep best at 18-20 degrees Celsius (use a room thermometer to keep track). In the summer months, a baby’s room can rise above this temperature very quickly, even without direct sunlight. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your baby’s bedroom cool and comfy.
If you have air conditioning or a heat pump with cooling function, simply set it at the right temperature before baby’s bedtime, so the room has time to cool down. If you don’t, a small fan can help with temperature and airflow – just don’t point it directly at your baby. Bonus – the noise of a fan can help some babies drift off.
You can also keep the temperature down by leaving the windows open and curtains closed – this lets air circulate, but keeps sunlight out. Just remember to use mesh screens to prevent mosquitoes and other insects coming in.
The best baby bedding
Summer bedding is pretty straightforward. You’ll need light cotton sheets for the cot, bassinette, or Moses basket, and not much else. Depending on the temperature, your baby may need a cotton top sheet or a light muslin sleeping bag as well. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as these don’t breathe, and can make babies sweaty and uncomfortable.
If your baby is very young and still needs to be swaddled, use a thin cotton swaddle , and consider leaving their legs free to regulate temperature. As always, keep unnecessary toys and blankets out of the bed.
Clothing choices
For clothing, think loose, light, and cotton. Depending on the heat in your house, your baby can sleep in just a nappy and singlet, or a light sleepsuit. Avoid synthetics, and keep everything loose and breathable.
If you’re not sure, check the back of your baby’s neck – if it’s sweaty or hot, remove a layer of clothing or bedding.
Out and about
Summer means outings and disrupted sleep schedules. If your baby is happy to sleep in the pram or car, you’re lucky – but don’t forget to think about the temperature.
Prams can get hot and airless very quickly, so park yours in the shade if your baby is asleep. Carry a mesh pram cover or light muslin throw for extra shade, but always leave an opening to allow air to circulate in the pram. Never use a heavy blanket or cover, as this could prevent airflow – which can be dangerous.
In the car, use a sunshade over the window to keep direct sunlight off your baby’s skin. Crack a window or use the air conditioning to keep air flowing inside the car, and never, ever leave your baby asleep in the car alone. The temperature can rise to dangerous levels extremely quickly, even with a window open.
Keeping your baby cool and comfortable should help them sleep better and feel happier during the day – so you can both enjoy the fun parts of summer.
The Love to Dream Swaddle Up is the original and first-of-its-kind swaddle that lets your baby sleep comfortably with their arms up. Formerly known as the Wrap Me Up, this design allows babies to self-soothe while still feeling secure.
Unlike traditional swaddles, the Swaddle Up keeps your baby wrapped while giving them access to their hands. This makes it a great choice for little ones who dislike being tightly swaddled or for parents who prefer a more natural arms-up position.
If your baby is still experiencing the startle reflex but loves sucking on their hands, the Swaddle Up keeps their hands in place for self-soothing while ensuring they stay snug all night long.
It’s also an excellent option as you transition away from swaddling. Babies can adjust to having more movement without losing the comfort of being wrapped. For catnappers or older babies who resist nighttime wrapping, this design offers the benefits of swaddling without restricting freedom.
The 1.0 tog Swaddle Up is best suited for room temperatures between 20°–24°C.
Welcome Your Baby with Dimples' Pure, Soft, and Natural Classic Merino Collection.
Introduce your precious little one to the world in style with Dimples' timeless Classic Merino Collection.
Our Sleep Pods are crafted from 100% Merino wool, offering natural breathability and ventilation to keep your baby comfortable through the night. Soft against delicate skin and temperature-regulating by nature, merino provides peace of mind for parents and lasting comfort for little ones.
Designed especially for newborns, the Sleep Pod encourages natural movement to support healthy hip development. The clever arms-up design allows babies to self-soothe by touching their face or sucking on their hands, all while feeling snug and secure. It’s the perfect balance between freedom and comfort, helping to ease the startle reflex and promote longer, more restful sleep.
With an easy zip-up style, the Sleep Pod takes the stress out of swaddling. It creates a cozy, womb-like environment without the hassle of wrapping, making it ideal for parents who want a simple, safe, and effective sleep solution.
Wrap your little dreamer in Cosy Dreams and let them drift into merino-made magic.
Our Sleep Pods are crafted from 100% Merino wool, offering natural breathability and ventilation to keep your baby comfortable through the night. Soft against delicate skin and temperature-regulating by nature, merino provides peace of mind for parents and lasting comfort for little ones.
Designed especially for newborns, the Sleep Pod encourages natural movement to support healthy hip development. The clever arms-up design allows babies to self-soothe by touching their face or sucking on their hands, all while feeling snug and secure. It’s the perfect balance between freedom and comfort, helping to ease the startle reflex and promote longer, more restful sleep.
With an easy zip-up style, the Sleep Pod takes the stress out of swaddling. It creates a cozy, womb-like environment without the hassle of wrapping, making it ideal for parents who want a simple, safe, and effective sleep solution.
The Cosy Dreams Winter Collection is available in three timeless tones, designed to mix and match seamlessly with the rest of your Dimples wardrobe. These classic styles make it easy to create soft, stylish looks for your baby while keeping them warm and comfortable all season long.
Help your baby enjoy restful naps wherever your day takes you with the SnoozeShade Original Baby Sleep & Sun Shade. Designed for younger babies who are primarily lying flat in their pram, this clever shade creates a calm, cosy environment by reducing visual distractions and providing protection from the elements while you're out and about.
Perfect for walks, shopping trips, holidays, and everyday adventures, SnoozeShade helps maintain your baby's sleep routine away from home. The breathable fabric offers maximum sun protection while also shielding little ones from wind, chill, light rain, and insects. Many parents find that regular use of SnoozeShade becomes a familiar sleep cue, helping their baby recognise when it's time to rest, even in busy surroundings.
The extra-long "sneak-a-peek" zip allows you to check on your sleeping baby quickly and easily without lifting the entire cover and letting in bright light that could disturb their nap.
Lightweight, compact, and simple to fit, SnoozeShade is a practical travel essential that works with virtually all prams, pushchairs, travel systems, and buggies. As your child grows and becomes more interested in looking out from their pram, SnoozeShade also offers the Snoozeshade Plus model, specifically designed for older babies and toddlers who are sitting upright.
Welcome Your Baby with Dimples' Pure, Soft, and Natural Classic Merino Collection.
Introduce your precious little one to the world in style with Dimples' timeless Classic Merino Collection.
Our Sleep Pods are crafted from 100% Merino wool, offering natural breathability and ventilation to keep your baby comfortable through the night. Soft against delicate skin and temperature-regulating by nature, merino provides peace of mind for parents and lasting comfort for little ones.
Designed especially for newborns, the Sleep Pod encourages natural movement to support healthy hip development. The clever arms-up design allows babies to self-soothe by touching their face or sucking on their hands, all while feeling snug and secure. It’s the perfect balance between freedom and comfort, helping to ease the startle reflex and promote longer, more restful sleep.
With an easy zip-up style, the Sleep Pod takes the stress out of swaddling. It creates a cozy, womb-like environment without the hassle of wrapping, making it ideal for parents who want a simple, safe, and effective sleep solution.
Here at Dimples we treasure babies and are committed to preserving nature for our future generations by offering a natural alternative. Our Bamboo Muslin Wraps are Made with 100% bamboo, these silky-smooth swaddling wraps are perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin. Bamboo fibre has the added bonus of being more water absorbent and breathable than regular cotton and further boasts superior temperature control capabilities, meaning it’s cooling on those hot, humid nights and a great base to keep baby warm and snug during the cold winter nights.
These wraps are simple, yet practical. The versatile design allows for so many different uses; use in the bassinet, pram, car sear, and to swaddle your baby while feeding or sleeping. The natural fibres allow for excellent breathability and ventilation. Use all year long!
Here at Dimples we treasure babies and are committed to preserving nature for our future generations by offering a natural alternative. Our Bamboo Muslin Wraps are Made with 100% bamboo, these silky-smooth swaddling wraps are perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin. Bamboo fibre has the added bonus of being more water absorbent and breathable than regular cotton and further boasts superior temperature control capabilities, meaning it’s cooling on those hot, humid nights and a great base to keep baby warm and snug during the cold winter nights.
These wraps are simple, yet practical. The versatile design allows for so many different uses; use in the bassinet, pram, car sear, and to swaddle your baby while feeding or sleeping. The natural fibres allow for excellent breathability and ventilation. Use all year long!
Please note: This chair is classified as Imperfect Stock. It’sfrom a particular production batch which were packed too tightly in the box, which may have caused dents, creases, or pressure marks in the soft upholstery. Similar to circled marked in the images shown. This doesn’t affect the chair’s functionality.
Please choose carefully, as this item is final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.
The Chair That Holds You Like a Hug
This is more than a rocking chair – it’s the embrace every parent-to-be longs for, and the unwavering comfort they didn’t know they needed. A hug in a chair.
Thoughtfully designed for the journey from bump to baby and beyond, the BabyRest Celeste Nursing Chair in Wheat Marle colour wraps you in comfort from the moment you sit down.
The cloud-soft headrest cradles your head and neck like the world’s gentlest hug because your rest matters too. Whether you're feeding at midnight or sneaking in a rare moment of calm, it’s your space to exhale.
The ergonomically sculpted armrests are perfectly positioned to support both you and baby – relieving tension in your shoulders and arms so you can feed, soothe, and snuggle in total comfort. It’s like the chair knows what you need before you do.
When your body is healing, every movement matters. That’s why it's been designed with a one-action recline feature, so the backrest and leg rest move smoothly, together, with a single motion. No pushing, no shifting, no awkward adjustments. Just thoughtful design for seamless support postpartum and relaxation at the touch of a button.
And because comfort should never come with compromise, it includes a premium cushion, meaning more ways to sink in and relax with baby.
The longer 3.4m power cord gives you more freedom to place your chair where it works for you, not your nearest power outlet. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. More flexibility, less fuss - and a little more space to reconnect, recharge, and rest.
Whisper quiet glide and premium fabric that looks as beautiful as it feels, allows Celeste to blend seamlessly into your home, and your life.
Wrap your little one in the softness of everyday luxury with theLittle Bamboo Cellular Blanket, thoughtfully designed for mindful families.
Crafted by Australia’s original bamboo textile pioneers, each blanket blends premium bamboo viscose and cotton, perfected over more than two decades to deliver supreme comfort, breathability, and lasting quality. These blankets aren’t just beautiful to touch – they’re engineered to help regulate your baby’s temperature all year round, keeping them cool in summer and cozy in winter. Trusted by generations of parents worldwide.
Wrap your little one in the softness of everyday luxury with theLittle Bamboo Cellular Blanket, thoughtfully designed for mindful families.
Crafted by Australia’s original bamboo textile pioneers, each blanket blends premium bamboo viscose and cotton, perfected over more than two decades to deliver supreme comfort, breathability, and lasting quality. These blankets aren’t just beautiful to touch – they’re engineered to help regulate your baby’s temperature all year round, keeping them cool in summer and cozy in winter. Trusted by generations of parents worldwide.
Wrap your little one in the softness of everyday luxury with theLittle Bamboo Cellular Blanket, thoughtfully designed for mindful families.
Crafted by Australia’s original bamboo textile pioneers, each blanket blends premium bamboo viscose and cotton, perfected over more than two decades to deliver supreme comfort, breathability, and lasting quality. These blankets aren’t just beautiful to touch – they’re engineered to help regulate your baby’s temperature all year round, keeping them cool in summer and cozy in winter. Trusted by generations of parents worldwide.
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.
