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Introducing Our Virtual Shopping Service
As a busy parent it can be hard to find the time to get out to the shops. Or perhaps you’re in hospital post-birth and realise you need some more essentials in tiny sizes. Of course there’s always the option to shop online, but sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Perhaps you want to see a product in action, or ask a question, or get advice . . . You can now book in to have a video call with our in-store team. They can show you close ups, give you a demo or help you choose when you’re confused by all the options. It’s the perfect option for busy parents. And we’ve made it easy with an ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM . Book a Virtual Shopping Appointment Here's why our virtual shopping service is a game-changer: Personalized Assistance: Need help finding the right stroller, cot, or baby monitor for you? Our team of knowledgeable experts can help. Virtual Tours: Explore our store virtually with guided tours led by our experienced staff. From nursery furniture setups to the latest babywear arrivals, our virtual tours give you an immersive shopping experience without leaving your home (or birthing unit). Shop with confidence: Once you've made your selections, you’ll have the peace of mind to buy online. Then you can have your purchase delivered to your door or arrange a Click & Collect. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, we're here to make your parenthood journey a little bit easier. Embrace the convenience of our virtual shopping service and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience like never before.
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Safety On-The-Go: Dimples' Free Car Seat Installation Service
In the whirlwind of preparing for a new arrival, there’s one essential item that stands out among the rest: a car seat. You’ll want this sorted in plenty of time as you won’t be able to drive home from the hospital without it! With so many belts and straps, correctly installing a car seat can be daunting. Whether you’re buying a newborn capsule or graduating them into their next seat , it’s important to get the right fit in your vehicle. That’s why we offer one FREE car seat installation when you buy the seat from us. And we’ve just made it even easier, with our ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM. If you’re not near one of our physical stores – Newmarket and Christchurch – you can instead book in for a Virtual Car Seat Fitting Check. Book an Appointment Safety First: Proper Installation Matters If you’re not a fan of reading instruction manuals, car seat installation can be stressful. But it’s an important thing to get right to keep your little one safe. Properly installed car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. Expert Guidance: In-Store Installations Dimples’ can both install your car seat for you and talk you through the process so you’re confident installing it yourself should you need to in the future. Our knowledgeable staff members undergo extensive training to become qualified Child Restraint Technicians. When you purchase a car seat from Dimples, you can rest assured that it will be installed correctly, following manufacturer guidelines. We'll also take the time to demonstrate proper usage and answer any questions you may have, ensuring that you feel confident using the seat. Bridging the Distance: Virtual Video Calls If you can’t visit one of our stores in person, don’t stress, we've got you covered. You can book a Fit Check online. This is where you do your best to install the car seat first, then on a video call with one of our car seat technicians, we check the fit and help with any issues. Have you bought your seat elsewhere? No problem – we offer a car seat installation service for $50 if the seat wasn’t bought from Dimples. Visit Dimples today to explore our wide selection of premium car seats. Premium brands, great service and peace of mind.
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Tips & Tricks - Cleaning your Carseat
How to Keep Your Car Seat Clean (and Looking Like New!) Parents and caregivers know that washing can quickly take over your life when you’ve got little ones around – especially when it comes to car seats! Kids, being kids, seem to have a knack for turning a spotless, brand-new car seat into a treasure trove of crumbs, spills, and, well, the occasional bodily fluid. While it would be ideal to ban all food and drink from the car seat (let's face it, that’s easier said than done!), prevention is key. A full-sleeved bib worn over the straps can help catch any messes before they even get the chance to make a mark. If a major mess happens (think: vomit, diaper leaks, or spilled drinks), the sooner you clean it up, the better. In between those big cleans, a quick vacuum once a week can keep things under control and prevent crumbs from piling up. For extra protection, consider using protective car seat covers or mats to catch any messes that could cause long-term damage to your car. Here are some simple steps to keep your car seat looking fresh and clean: 1. Vacuum Your Seat Give your seat a quick shake to loosen any crumbs or debris, then vacuum up the mess before removing the car seat for a deeper clean. This will stop any stray bits from making a mess as you go! 2. Remove and Wash the Car Seat Covers Start by checking your car seat’s instruction manual for cleaning guidelines. Many car seat covers are machine washable, but some may require hand washing. Be sure to note any special instructions about detergent, water temperature, or removable parts. Pro tip: Take a few photos or a video as you remove the covers. This can be a lifesaver when it's time to reassemble! A gentle, mild detergent or just soap and water are typically your best bet. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage or weaken the fabric. When it comes to drying, line drying is your safest option, as most car seat covers can't go in the dryer. Give them plenty of time to air out and dry completely. 3. Clean the Harness & Straps Use a non-abrasive cloth and warm water to spot clean the harness and straps. Follow your manual’s instructions, as some manufacturers allow using soapy water, while others may not. 4. Clean the Buckles Buckles are critical for keeping your child safe, so avoid submerging them in water or using any lubricants. Instead, spot clean them with warm water and a soft cloth, keeping them free from soap or cleaning products. 5. Clean the Shell Vacuum the car seat shell to catch any loose bits, then use an old toothbrush or cotton bud to get into those tricky nooks and crannies. A damp cloth can help wipe down any sticky or dirty areas. Make sure the shell is fully dry before putting everything back together. 6. Reassemble Your Seat If you took photos or videos while disassembling, now is the time to refer back to them! Check your manual to ensure all parts are correctly reassembled, and give the harness and buckles a final check to ensure they’re securely fitted and ready for your little one. Note: This guide is intended to help with your car seat cleaning routine, but always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions in your car seat manual to keep your warranty intact.
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Carseats Standards in New Zealand
Under New Zealand law, the driver is responsible for making sure all children under seven years of age are using a child restraint (car seat) that’s appropriate for their age, size, and development. Keeping your child safe is the number one priority. As a guide, from 0-2yrs, most babies should be in a rear-facing capsule or car seat, from two to around four or five they should be in a front-facing restraint, and after that, they should stay in a booster seat until they’re 148cm tall. Read our full guide to choosing a car seat here New Zealand car seat standards Every car seat that is sold or used in New Zealand has to be manufactured to a standard that complies with our minimum safety standards. You will find the car seat safety standard displayed as a sticker or a label on the shell of your child restraint. This will indicate which safety standard your car seat was manufactured to. When looking at car seats, you may identify a variety of different stickers: 1. The joint Australian, and New Zealand standards. This sticker can be identified as AS/NZS 1754. If you have an Australian standard car seat with this sticker identification it can be bought into New Zealand and used here. 2. The European Standard can be identified by a sticker reading ECE R44/04 or UN R129 and/or i-size. A European standard car seat with a sticker showing these numbers is legal for use within New Zealand. 3. The US standard child restraints can be identified with the code FMVSS 213. Some child restraints that are manufactured to the US standard are approved for use within New Zealand, but it is important to note that not all are. Child restraints that are manufactured to AS/NZ and European standards are independently tested to achieve the certification that allows each car seat to be used within New Zealand. However, car seats that are manufactured to the US standard are self-certified. This is why independent testing of US standard car seats must be run by the certification agency - Bureau Vista - prior to being used here in New Zealand. Once it has been approved for use here, each car seat will have a yellow compliance sticker applied. Note: If you buy a car seat in America, it won’t be compliant for use in NZ. Even if the exact same model can be purchased here, one bought in America won’t have the required compliance sticker and therefore isn’t legal for use in NZ. 4. You won’t often see the Japanese Car Seat Safety Standard here. It is only approved in NZ for child restraints that are built into a vehicle – eg a built-in booster seat that can’t be removed from the car. Note: If the car seat standard sticker falls off, or is no longer able to be read (this could be because a car seat is old and has expired), the restraint is not compliant, and therefore it is not legal for use on our roads. I’m Visiting NZ – Can I bring my own car seat? When visiting New Zealand from overseas you can bring your own child restraint only if it carries either the AS/NZS 1754 or the ECE R44 / R129 safety standard sticker.
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Why Carrycots Are One of Our Best Sellers
Carrycots – Essential or Nice to Have? How a Carrycot can make a new parent’s life easier When preparing for your baby’s arrival, the list of must-have essentials can seem endless—carrycots, capsules, bassinets, and buggies, all competing for your attention. Among these, carrycots often sit in a grey area, leaving parents wondering if they’re truly necessary. However, there are several reasons why carrycots are one of Dimples’ best-sellers, and we’re here to explain why they could make your life a whole lot easier. What is a Carrycot? A carrycot is a lightweight, portable bed designed for babies up to around three to six months old (or about 10kg). Unlike a traditional bassinet or Moses basket, a carrycot attaches to your stroller, making it perfect for sleeping while you’re out and about. Its flat, firm mattress ensures your little one can lie down comfortably, and the design keeps them safe, supported, and relaxed while they nap. As your baby grows, they’ll eventually outgrow the carrycot, but for the first few months, it provides a cosy, familiar space that’s easy to move with you. Why Do You Need One? You’ve likely already invested in a capsule for car trips and a bassinet for naps at home, so you might be wondering where a carrycot fits into the mix. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits it offers: Carrycots vs. Capsules for Sleeping Capsules are often designed to easily attach to your stroller for convenience, allowing you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up. However, experts caution against leaving your baby in a capsule for extended periods. Babies need to lie flat to keep their airways open, and when they're in a capsule, their heads can flop forward, which could compromise their breathing. A carrycot, however, provides a flat surface for your baby, ensuring proper alignment and safe sleep. While it can be tempting to leave your baby in the capsule for longer outings, a carrycot offers a far safer sleep solution for extended naps or trips to the park. Moving them from capsule to carrycot after a quick car trip helps keep their sleep environment safe and comfortable. Take a Walk While They Snooze One of the perks of a carrycot is the ability to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while your baby naps peacefully. After feeding or playtime, simply attach the carrycot to your stroller, and off you go! The gentle movement of the stroller, combined with the outdoor sounds, is often just the right combination to lull your little one into a restful sleep. Carrycots are designed to be outdoors-friendly, with weatherproof fabrics, adjustable canopies, and compatible rain and sun covers, so your baby stays protected no matter the weather. Even better, when your baby is deep in sleep, you can easily unclip the carrycot from the stroller and bring them inside to continue their nap. That means you get to enjoy a quiet moment to yourself while your baby stays snug and safe. Carrycots vs. Portacots for Overnight Stays When it comes to overnight visits, whether to Grandma’s house or a weekend getaway - a full-sized portacot can be a hassle to pack and set up. A carrycot, on the other hand, is compact and easy to transport, making it the ideal sleep solution for short stays. With a firm mattress and familiar surroundings, your baby is more likely to settle quickly in a carrycot, even in a new environment. Carrying a bulky portacot for a quick trip or family visit can feel like overpacking, especially when you have a simple, lightweight carrycot that does the job just as well. The convenience of clipping it onto your stroller for a walk, and then using it as a portable bed for overnight stays, gives you the best of both worlds. Say Goodbye to the Bassinet A bassinet or Moses basket can take up a fair amount of space in your home, and while they're lovely for the first few months, they’re not always necessary if you have a carrycot. Many parents find that a carrycot serves as both a primary sleep spot at home and a portable solution for outings. Since a carrycot is designed for safe sleep, you can use it as your baby’s designated napping spot - whether at home, in the park, or at a friend’s house. Plus, since it’s only useful for a limited time, you get the most out of it by making it your go-to sleeping solution in those early months. Carrycots vs. Lie-Flat Strollers Many strollers are suitable for newborns, but most require the baby to be strapped in. If your baby is swaddled or sleeping peacefully, it can be a hassle to unstrap them and disrupt their comfort. With a carrycot, you can avoid all those buckles and straps. Simply place your baby in the carrycot, and you’re good to go - no need to worry about disturbing them or removing their swaddle. This makes the carrycot a much easier and more comfortable option for those first few months. What to Look for in a Carrycot Choosing the right carrycot is about more than just size - it’s about convenience, comfort, and safety. Here are some key features to look for: Certified for overnight sleep: If you plan to use the carrycot for naps and nighttime sleep, ensure it’s certified for overnight use. Weatherproof accessories: Look for a carrycot with a generous canopy, plus optional rain and sun covers, especially if you’ll be using it outdoors. Easy to carry: While the carrycot will often be attached to your stroller, you’ll also need to carry it at times. Make sure it has sturdy, comfortable handles that make it easy to transport. Easy care: Babies can be messy, so choose a carrycot with machine-washable components like the mattress cover or liner. Easy to connect: You don’t want to struggle with complicated clips when your baby is having a fussy moment. A carrycot that’s easy to attach and detach from the stroller will save you time and frustration. Compatibility: Ensure the carrycot fits securely on your stroller. The combination of a carrycot and stroller is crucial, as you’ll use it for many months to come. Final Thoughts While not essential for everyone, many parents find it a really useful addition in those early months – giving their baby a safe, flat sleeping space that’s easy to move from stroller to indoors without disturbing precious naps. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting family, or just needing somewhere for baby to rest during the day, a carrycot can help simplify life a little. If you’re unsure whether a carrycot is the right fit for your family, feel free to get in touch or pop into store – we’re always happy to help you figure out what’s best for you and your baby. We have some amazing bundles to choose from, as well as a range of choices to suit you. Check out Dimples’ range of carrycots here.
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Car Safety for Littlies
Car seats and safety tips for parents When you become a parent, keeping your child safe is your most important job, and safety in the car is particularly important. Most of us drive so regularly that we forget how dangerous cars can be – but car crashes are one of the most common causes of injury and death for children. Car seats are now more sophisticated and high-tech than ever before, which is good news when it comes to keeping your children safe. But as seats have changed, so have the rules and guidelines about installation and use. This is where it gets confusing – many parents are not sure about car restraint laws or best practices. You have to choose from a huge range of car seats, install them properly, then work out how to get your brand-new baby strapped in safely. It can be a minefield, so it’s a good idea to work out what you’re doing well ahead of time – you don’t want to be googling info on the way to the hospital. Here’s our guide to car safety for young kids in NZ. Car seat law in New Zealand Children are far smaller than adults, and they’re built differently as well. That’s why car seats are essential – they protect delicate bodies in case of an accident. Seat belts are designed to sit in the right place on adult bodies, but not on lighter, shorter children. They can actually cause damage to children’s organs in a crash. That’s why the law says that children in New Zealand must travel in an approved, appropriate car seat up to the age of seven . The seat must be installed correctly, and the child must be secured properly. After seven, she should use a booster seat until she is tall enough for safety belts to fit correctly. Safety tips for little ones Car seats are key, but there are other car safety considerations as well, especially as your child gets older. It’s important to never leave your baby or child in the car alone – even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes. Here’s what to remember: Install baby and child seats in the back seat, as this is the safest place – front airbags can be deadly to small children in a crash. Put your child in his seat and secure the straps every single time – even a short journey could be dangerous. Never leave children in the car alone, even for a short time – babies and small children can overheat and dehydrate very quickly if left in a car. In warm weather, make sure your car is air-conditioned, or keep a window open to provide airflow. As your child gets older, teach him to get out of the car on the footpath side if possible – if not, make sure he waits for an adult to get him out of the car. If you’re taking multiple children out of the car, teach them to keep a hand on the side of the vehicle while they wait. Don’t let children play with car doors or controls unsupervised. Activate child safety locks while driving if your car has them. The right car seat at any age When you look at the huge range of options, car seats can seem overwhelming. What’s right at each age? How do you install them correctly? How do you know when your child is ready for the next type of seat? The good news is, there’s actually a fairly simple progression of seat types for different ages – from 0-2 most babies should be in a rear-facing car seat, from two to around four or five they should be in a front-facing restraint, and after that, they should stay in a booster seat until they’re 148cm tall. Read our full guide to car seats here Rear-facing restraints Rear-facing child restraints are the safest option for small babies and toddlers. Because small children have large heads in proportion to their body size, a crash in a forward-facing seat can cause devastating damage to the neck and spine – so try to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. Experts recommend facing your baby backwards until she’s at least two, so if she outgrows her seat before then, you could think about buying a rear-facing seat with a higher height or weight limit. You can choose to use a rear-facing capsule-style seat for your new-born, or go straight to a convertible seat that takes you from infant to pre-school – or further. Rear-facing tips: Buy or rent an appropriate seat well before your baby is born – hospitals won’t let you leave without a car seat for your newborn. Read the instructions carefully and install the seat correctly – many retailers will help with installation or check to make sure your seat is properly fitted. Put the car seat in the back seat of the car if possible – front seat airbags can be seriously dangerous to babies and small children. If your vehicle doesn’t have a back seat, a rear-facing seat can be installed in the front passenger seat – but ask your mechanic to deactivate the airbag or move the seat back as far as you can. Don’t let small babies sleep in their car seats if you’re not driving, as the upright position can cause breathing difficulties in some cases. Always use a seat that’s appropriate to the weight and height of your baby – if you start with a capsule, you’ll probably need to switch to another rear-facing seat when your child is around six months old. Forward-facing car seats When your child outgrows his rear-facing position, you need to turn his seat around. You can tell he’s ready for the switch when the top of his head reaches the top of the car seat or the marked height limit, or when your baby’s weight reaches the limit for your particular seat. Forward-facing tips: Install the seat properly – don’t forget to use the tether strap if the seat needs one. Put the car seat in the back seat of the car unless there’s absolutely no other option – front seat airbags can be seriously dangerous to babies and small children. Always secure your child in the seat correctly – straps should sit flat and tight, and the central clip should be pulled up to sit in the centre of the child’s chest. Booster seats Unlike car seats, boosters don’t have a harness to hold the child in place – they just lift her into the right position to use the car’s seat belt. Your child is ready for a booster when her eye level reaches the top of her car seat, or when she reaches the recommended weight for your model of the seat. If your child grows out of her seat and you still want the safety of a child restraint, you can look for a seat with a higher maximum weight. Children should use a booster until they’re tall enough to use the car’s safety belts on their own – the belt should cross over the shoulder, rather than the neck, their legs should bend over the edge of the seat while their back reaches the seat, and the lap belt should cross their pelvis and thighs. Most children can stop using a booster at around 12 – or 148cm tall. Booster tips: Look for a booster seat with a belt guide to help position the seat belt on your child’s shoulder, rather than close to the neck Only use a booster seat with a full seat belt – lap belts will not hold them safely. Keeping your babies safe It may sound like a lot to learn, but keeping your children safe in the car is pretty straightforward once you get started. Just remember – try to keep them rear-facing and in a five-point harness for as long as you can. And if you’re confused about choosing the right car seat or installing it properly, talk to our expert team – we’re always happy to help.
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