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Must-have items to pack in your nappy bag
The Ultimate Nappy Bag Checklist: Be Ready for Anything Leaving the house without your nappy bag? That’s the kind of chaos every parent dreads. Whether it’s a surprise nappy blowout or a teething meltdown mid-supermarket shop, being prepared can turn potential disasters into minor hiccups. That said, there’s a balance to strike. Overpacking can make your bag heavy and hard to manage — underpacking leaves you without the essentials when you need them most. What you pack depends on your baby’s age, where you’re going, and how long you’ll be out. To make things easier, here’s your ultimate nappy bag checklist - designed to help you leave the house calm, confident, and ready for anything. Start with the right bag You’ll want a nappy bag that’s both practical and stylish. Something that works for both parents and doesn’t scream “baby gear.” Look for one with plenty of compartments, bottle holders, and enough space to fit everything without being bulky. We have a gorgeous range of stylish bags, shop them here. What to pack For changing: Nappies – more than you think you’ll need Baby wipes – either travel packs or your own stash in a reusable snap-lock bag. Nappy rash cream – keep a small tube in your bag. Change mat – compact and easy to clean. Most good nappy bags come with one, you can also get disposable ones. Nappy disposal bags – for dirty nappies or any messy surprises. Hand sanitiser or wipes – for quick cleanups when a bathroom’s not nearby. Spare clothes – at least one full change, maybe two if you’re toilet training. Warm layers in case the temperature drops. For feeding: Bibs – always helpful for dribbles or spills. Bottles and formula – if bottle-feeding, bring everything you’ll need. An insulated bottle can be handy too. Muslin cloth or burp cloth – great for burping and as a lightweight feeding cover. Baby food and utensils – a travel pouch, and spoon and bowl if you’re onto solids. General extras: Teething toy or small distraction – for those fussy moments on the go. First-aid basics – baby sunscreen, plasters Sunhat and beanie – be ready for any weather. Dummy – keep a spare in the bag so you’re never caught short. Wrap – useful as a swaddle, sunshade, blanket, or emergency carrier. Don’t forget Mum’s must-haves: Breast pads – to prevent leaks if you’re nursing. Water and snacks – a must when you're running on empty. Spare top and bra – messes don’t just happen to the baby! Sunscreen and hat – you’ll need protection too. Final tip: restock after each outing Once you’re home, do a quick check and restock your nappy bag so you’re ready to go next time. Think about the different scenarios you might face and pack with those in mind. Multipurpose items help you save space and stay organised — no need to carry the kitchen sink!
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Ready to Pack your Beach Bag with Us?
Beach Days Made Easy ☀️ Summer’s here — and if you’re heading to the beach with a baby in tow, you’ll know that travelling light is officially a thing of the past. Gone are the days of throwing a towel and book in a tote and calling it a day. But the good news? Dimples has you covered with all the practical, beautiful beach day essentials to keep your little one protected, comfy, and stylish — and make your life just a little bit easier. 🎒 Pretty Brave Stella Baby Bag The Stella Baby Bag from Pretty Brave is the kind of multitasking hero that every parent needs. Spacious enough to carry all your beach-day essentials, yet stylish enough to double as your weekend bag, it’s designed for real life — sand and all. Inside, you’ll also find a padded change mat that makes those on-the-go nappy changes a breeze. Pack everything from snacks and sunscreen to spare togs and toys — there’s room for it all, without feeling bulky or overstuffed. 🏖️ Wildride Toddler Carrier Ditch the bulky buggy and embrace beach freedom with the Wildride Toddler Carrier. Whether you're navigating sandy paths or just don’t want to wrestle a pram through the dunes, this stylish hip carrier is a smart alternative for toddlers aged 9 months to 4 years (up to 20kg). Ergonomic, compact, and quick to throw on, it offers support without the strain - perfect for when little legs get tired or you’re trying to keep both hands free. Bonus: it folds up small and easily fits into your beach bag when not in use. 🌊 Crywolf Baby & Kids Swimwear Splash-ready and sun-smart, Crywolf swimwear is a go-to for little adventurers. Each piece is made from recycled fibres, offering high protection from the sun while being gentle on the planet. The prints are playful, the coverage is practical, and the quality is built to last - so you can focus on the fun knowing your child is comfy, covered, and looking cute as ever. 🕶️ IZIPIZI Sunglasses Keep those little eyes protected in style with IZIPIZI sunglasses. With 100% UV protection, these sunnies aren’t just adorable — they’re essential for sunny days, whether you’re at the beach, on a walk, or relaxing in the backyard. Available in sizes for babies right through to big kids, IZIPIZI offers thoughtful, lightweight designs that stay on (yes, even on the wriggly ones) and suit every stage. 🌞 Nude Alchemist SPF30 Natural Sunscreen This gentle, broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen is specially formulated for delicate skin — making it a family beach bag essential. The Nude Alchemist Natural Sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide for effective sun protection, plus nourishing natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to soothe and hydrate. Free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances, it’s safe for babies aged 3 months and up. It’s also reef-safe, water-resistant, and rubs in smoothly with minimal whitening. Just good, honest sun care you can feel great about. 🐚 Over the Dandelions Hooded Muslin Towel Wrap your little one in soft, breathable comfort after a splash in the sea. The Over the Dandelions Hooded Muslin Towel is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin — lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying, even on those humid summer days. Its generous size and gentle texture make it perfect for drying off, cuddling up, or providing a little shade on the walk back to the car. A must-have for warm-weather adventures. 👒 Dimples Sunhat No beach kit is complete without a good sunhat, and Dimples makes this essential extra lovely. Designed with a wide brim to help shade baby’s face and eyes, these hats are made from soft, breathable fabrics in timeless colours and textures that mix and match effortlessly. Cute, comfy, and protective — it’s the kind of hat you’ll reach for every time you head outdoors. ☀️ Ready, Set, Sun Whether you’re headed to the coast, the local splash pad, or just your own backyard, Dimples has everything you need to make the most of summer with your little one. Thoughtfully chosen, beautifully made, and ready for real life. Pop in-store or browse online to build your ultimate beach day kit — we’ll help you pack like a pro.
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Choosing a Pacifier
Finding the Right Pacifier for Your Baby From grumpy baby to soothed and settled, a pacifier can feel like magic in those early days. Whether you call it a dummy, binky, soother, or simply your lifesaver, this little item can offer big comfort – and sometimes even buy you a bit of peace and quiet. 👶🍼 As with many parenting decisions, pacifier use can spark a lot of opinions. But the good news? Whether you choose to use one or not is entirely up to you. Why use a pacifier? Pacifiers are designed to mimic a mother’s nipple and can instantly calm a fussy baby, helping them drift off to sleep, feel soothed between feeds, or stay content during a car ride or outing. If you’re hoping to stretch out time between night feeds, offering a pacifier can be a helpful strategy too. Some research suggests pacifier use may reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), though not all babies take to them. If your little one isn’t interested, there’s no need to force it – every baby has their own preferences. When should I introduce one? If you’re bottle-feeding, you can introduce a pacifier whenever you feel ready. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s generally recommended to wait until around 4 weeks – just to give your baby time to establish a solid latch without confusion. Most babies will let you know when they’re keen – usually after a feed or when they’re settling to sleep. And if it’s not the right time, don’t worry. They’re excellent at spitting it out! How to choose the right pacifier Trial and error is often your best guide when it comes to pacifiers. Babies can be picky – what works for one might not work for another. At Dimples we offer a wide selection of shapes, sizes and materials to help you find the perfect match. Here are a few things to consider: Material: Latex is a natural rubber that’s soft and flexible – ideal for newborns. It does have a shorter lifespan and should be replaced every six weeks. Silicone is more durable, easy to clean, and tends to last longer. Always inspect pacifiers regularly for cracks or wear. Shape: Rounded nipples are usually preferred by breastfed babies as they mimic the motion of breastfeeding and can help avoid nipple confusion. Orthodontic nipples feature a flattened bottom and rounded top to support the natural development of your baby’s jaw and palate. Size: Choose a pacifier suited to your baby’s age – from newborn through to 18 months+. A good fit reduces choking risks and makes the experience more comfortable. Hygiene & comfort: Look for pacifiers with air holes and a curved shield to reduce skin irritation. Dishwasher-safe options and machine-washable materials make cleaning simpler. Pacifiers at Dimples 🐝 We stock a carefully chosen range of quality pacifiers, including: Frigg – With a stylish Scandinavian look, Frigg pacifiers come in both classic and daisy-shaped shields. The rounded cherry-shaped nipple and outward curve help keep the pacifier off baby’s skin. Available in two sizes: 0–6 months and 6–18 months, and a wide range of clean aesthetic colours and shapes. BIBS – These iconic Danish pacifiers are made with 100% natural latex rubber, and feature a retro-style shield and nipple. Their outward-facing design helps reduce skin irritation. Available in two sizes: 0–6 months and 6–18 months with an extensive and super fun colour range in-store and online. NUK – These are made from 100% sustainable materials using a certified mass balance approach, making them a great choice for eco-conscious parents. The original shape is inspired by nature to support healthy oral development while being particularly soft, breastfeeding-friendly, and soothing for 99% of babies, including a smaller size 0 for tiny newborns. Don’t forget a pacifier clip and holder! Babies are total experts at making things disappear. Pacifier clips help keep dummies close by and off the ground (or out of the abyss under the car seat) and can help to keep them cleaner, for longer. Mushie and Bibs both make a stylish range of clips. You don't have to sacrifice looks for practicality – you can even match them to your baby’s outfit! Shop our range of accessories here. When it's time to say goodbye 👋 Eventually, the pacifier days will come to an end. Phasing it out around 6–7 months can make the transition smoother – it’s before strong emotional attachment sets in, and the SIDS risk has decreased. But if your toddler keeps one a little longer, don’t panic. As long as they’re not using it all day and night, there’s minimal risk to their speech or dental development. Final thoughts If a pacifier brings comfort to your baby (and sanity to you), go for it. Just aim for moderation – using it for sleep times or moments of fussiness will make the habit easier to break when the time comes.
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A mindful approach to family meal times
Written by Kylie Stowe www.nourishedclinic.co.nz In today’s busy modern society, the importance of sitting down together as a family at meal times and eating together and sharing about your day is a lost tradition for many. It is instead often a time that is busy, chaotic, and full of distractions with parents and children eating dinner at different times. There has been a plethora of research conducted around the benefits of family meal times, these benefits are said to include reduced rates of obesity, that adults tend to eat more slowly and often consume less food because they are engaged with other family members and discussion. This leads to less fast-paced mindless eating, chewing food adequately, and time for satiety ques to signal you are full more effectively. Something as simple as slowing down at meal times and chewing food effectively is an incredibly powerful health habit as this allows for the first phase of digestion to happen more efficiently. Cephalic phase digestion, meaning ‘of the head’ occurs at the sight, smell and taste of food and results in the excretion of approximately 20% of the gastric secretions required for digesting foods. Being mindful to slow meal times makes a huge difference in allowing the body adequate time for `these digestive phases to take place, chewing food is an incredibly important part of this process as it not only begins the mechanical breakdown of food but allows foods to be effectively mixed with saliva that is full of enzymes required to break down and digest foods. As a busy mum of four myself, I admit at times that when dinner rolls around at the end of a long day it feels like a chore, and can feel like a ‘job’ that I just want to be over as fast a possible. I have become aware that when I approach meal times in this way I end up feeling more stressed and don’t take the time to cook meals that are as nutritious as I would like, often resulting in me feeding the kids first which almost always leaves them not eating much of their dinner. My kids also don’t wind down as well when we approach meal times in this way and can easily flow on to a more challenging bedtime. In contrast, when we cook and eat together as a family, I usually feel less stressed, my children feel a sense of pride in having helped, and because I have put more thought into that meal time its generally a nutritionally superior meal. I almost always find the kids will eat more of their dinner and be far less fussy when meal times are approached in this way. I also notice my children are more relaxed at bedtime when we have had a relaxing family dinner together also. The research has also indicated that eating together builds stronger family relationships as it allows you all to come together and discuss your day, and feel connected and heard which helps to build a stronger sense of belonging which is thought to build self-esteem. Children learn through an example so role modeling good eating habits and table manners provides a great learning opportunity. As I always say aim for progress, and not perfection when it comes to health, if family meal times are not something that you currently do often in your house aim to implement a day a week and build on that. Don’t let it be a source of stress or guilt but instead a new fun tradition to start as a family. In my next blog, we will take a look at fun ways to get kids in the kitchen to teach them the valuable life skill of cooking. Kylie Stowe www.nourishedclinic.co.nz Veggie-loaded meatballs with salad and kumara wedges Serves 4 Meatballs 400 grams of prime minced beef 1 grated carrot 1C of thinly sliced baby spinach 2 cloves of crushed garlic 1 egg 4 TBSPof grated parmesan 2 TBSPof almond flour 1 tin of Ceres Organics Cherry Tomatoes Handful of freshly chopped thyme Kumara wedges 4 small kumara cut into chunky wedges Drizzle of olive oil Seasoning Side salad 4 cups of salad greens 1C of halves cherry tomatoes 4 TBSP of toasted pumpkin seeds 4 diced gherkins ½ a diced cucumber ½ a diced capsicum Drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette Method Preheat the oven to 180c fan bake Combine and mix through all of the ingredients for the meatballs (besides the tinned tomatoes and thyme) shape into golf ball sized meatballs. Mix the tinned tomatoes and herbs then pop in the fridge while you prepare the kumara wedges. Toss the kumara fries in oil and seasoning. Line a shallow baking dish with baking paper then evenly arrange the kumara wedges and put into the oven. Remove the meatballs from the fridge, lightly brown in a cast iron pan and top with the tomato and herb mixture. Put into the oven. Bake both for approximately 20 minutes depending on your oven. While the kumara and meatballs are baking combine the salad ingredients. I like to serve mine with a dollop of coconut yogurt. Enjoy!
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Airport Saviour Guide for When Traveling with Kids
Traveling with kids can be an adventure filled with excitement—but also a lot of challenges. Navigating airports with little ones by your side requires a bit of planning and the right tools to make the experience smoother. Here’s how you can tackle the common airport travel problems with practical solutions: Problem: "I can’t deal with the long lines and crowded airports while managing my toddler." Solution: Keep Your Hands Free for a Stress-Free Airport Experience Airports can be overwhelming with long security lines and busy crowds, making it difficult to manage both your bags and your child. One effective way to ease the process is by using a toddler carrier to keep your hands free. Make sure to check how to correctly use the carrier before your trip for maximum comfort and security. This way, you can focus on your essentials, easily navigate through crowded areas, and manage your luggage, all while keeping your toddler safe and close. Problem: "My toddler is restless and uncomfortable during the flight." Solution: Create a Cozy Travel Comfort Zone Help your toddler feel at ease by recreating a cozy, familiar environment. Bring a favourite blanket or stuffed toy from home and consider the comfort of a Stokke Jetkids Bedbox to help them stretch out. Noise-cancelling headphones with soothing music or white noise can also help them relax. All this can help make the flight more comfortable so your little one can settle in for a nap or quiet time. Problem: "Strollers are bulky, and it’s hard to juggle them with all my bags." Solution: Opt for Flexible Travel Gear While strollers are handy, they can be difficult to manage alongside your luggage. Consider a flexible and stylish option, like a leopard print toddler carrier , for hands-free convenience. This way, you can easily navigate tight spaces, keep your child close, and still have room to manage your travel gear. Problem: "I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything I need to manage." Solution: Be Prepared and Stay Flexible Traveling with kids can be overwhelming, but being well prepared can help. Pack all the essentials in advance—including snacks and entertainment and create a to-pack list so you don’t forget last-minute essentials. Giving yourself extra time for check-in, security, and boarding, and staying flexible if things don't go as planned, can make all the difference. When you have a carrier to keep your toddler close and calm, you’ll feel more in control. You can also more easily talk your little travel buddy through the new experiences you’re navigating and get them excited about the adventure to come. Traveling through airports with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and tools, you can turn the airport experience into an enjoyable part of your adventure. By staying organized and keeping your child close and comfortable, you'll set the tone for a successful trip. Embrace the freedom that comes with staying hands-free and enjoy a more relaxed journey for both you and your little one.
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The Christmas Wish List: Gifts Every Child Will Love
Dimples Christmas Gift Guide 🎁 With the festive season fast approaching, it’s never too early to start planning for the magic of Christmas morning. Whether you’re after meaningful keepsakes, playful surprises, or thoughtful stocking stuffers, Dimples has everything you need to make this season memorable — all in one place. From first Christmas outfits to toys that grow with your little one, we’ve handpicked gift ideas that spark imagination, support development, and bring a little extra joy to your family’s celebrations. What Makes a Great Gift? Buying for babies and toddlers can feel a little tricky — they grow so quickly, and their needs change just as fast. That’s why it helps to look for gifts that are not just adorable (though we love adorable too!), but also practical and long-lasting. Think natural materials, quality craftsmanship, and something that supports development through play. Toys made from wood or other sustainable materials are always a great option — they’re gentle on the planet and sturdy enough to be passed down to siblings or kept as keepsakes. Soft, breathable clothing made from natural fibres like merino is also a thoughtful choice, especially for new babies. It keeps them comfortable, cosy, and can be worn day after day. In short, a great gift is one that brings joy now and continues to be useful or meaningful as little ones grow. Classic World Toys 🎄 Classic World crafts timeless wooden toys that encourage imagination and last through years of play. Made with sustainable materials and a focus on open-ended learning, these gifts are as thoughtful as they are fun. Here are a few of our favourites: Vintage Doll’s HouseA show-stopper under the tree! This dreamy three-level wooden doll’s house comes with working windows, doors, and 36 tiny furniture pieces. Endless make-believe fun for curious little minds (ages 3+). Happy Hen Activity BoxPacked with fun on every side — this clever wooden cube features a xylophone, shape sorter, gears, and bead maze. A total win for busy little hands and growing brains. Forest BlocksBuild a whole forest world! With 100 beautifully crafted blocks featuring trees, bears, foxes and more, these are perfect for stacking, storytelling, and hours of open-ended play. Vintage Afternoon Tea SetServe up some Christmas magic with this sweet-as-pie wooden tea set. With a teapot, cups, and sugar pot, it’s perfect for pretend picnics and festive tea parties. Fruit PuzzleBright, chunky, and fun to grab — this wooden fruit puzzle is great for matching colours, learning names, and mastering those all-important fine motor skills. Each of these Classic World toys offers a blend of charm, durability, and learning that makes them perfect for popping under the Christmas tree. Dimples Merino Must-Haves 🧶 If you’re looking for something practical and precious, the Dimples Merino collection is a go-to. Naturally temperature-regulating, breathable, and soft against sensitive skin, it's made to keep little ones comfy through all their holiday adventures (and those all-important Christmas naps). Our top gifting picks: Merino All-in-Ones – An easy everyday essential in festive colours and timeless styles. Add a bow and it’s gift-ready. Knitted Merino Hats & Booties – Cosy accessories for chilly outings or snuggly days at home. Merino Wraps & Blankets – Perfect for under the tree or as a thoughtful gift for new parents — beautiful, practical, and full of love. Whether it’s baby’s first Christmas or a gift for growing toddlers, Dimples Merino is a timeless choice they’ll wear all season long. Jellycat Snuggles 🧸 Soft, sweet, and always up for a cuddle — Jellycat toys are the kind of gift that brings instant joy (and becomes a favourite fast). From floppy bunnies to quirky fruits, each one has its own charm and is made to last through years of snuggles and adventures. Our favourites are Bartholomew Bear Bee and Bashful Bunny! Pop one in a stocking or tuck it under the tree — you can’t go wrong with a little softness at Christmas. A Few More Gift Ideas 🎅 Need something fun and practical? Crywolf rain boots or Overalls are a great pick for adventurous little ones. Durable, comfy, and ready for puddle-jumping — they’re a gift that encourages outdoor play all year round. And for smaller surprises, things like a buzzy bee, bath toys or fidget popper toys make the perfect stocking stuffers. Bright, cheerful, and made for entertainment! Celebrate the Season with Dimples 🌟 However you're spending the holidays this year, we’re here to help make gifting a little simpler and a lot more special. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in-store, you’ll find something meaningful for every little one on your list. Let the festive fun begin 🎄
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How to Store a Car Seat Between Children
As parents, we often find ourselves marvelling at how quickly our little ones grow. One day, they're nestled securely in their capsule and before we know it, they're moving on to a convertible car seat. If you're planning to store a capsule for a future sibling, you’ll want to ensure it remains in excellent condition, ready to protect your next bub. One of the main concerns during storage is preventing mould, which can be harmful to your baby's health and damaging to the car seat. Also, be aware that car seats do have an expiration date. Check this before packing the seat away. Here are some storage tips to help keep a capsule clean and mould-free: 1. First Step - Clean Thoroughly Before you even think about storing the car seat, it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly. Mould thrives in dirty, damp environments, so you want to ensure the seat is as clean as possible. Remove Fabric Covers : Start by removing any fabric covers, cushions, and padding that can be taken off. Many of these can be machine-washed. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your seat. Wipe Down You can spot-clean your harness and straps with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth (ensure you follow your instruction manual for advice as some manufacturers allow the use of soapy warm water). Vacuum Pay close attention to crevices that can accumulate crumbs, sand and dirt. Dry Completely : After washing, make sure that every part of the seat is completely dry before storage. Leaving any moisture behind is an invitation for mould growth. Some drying time in the sun is great as ultraviolet light is a natural disinfectant. Read More about cleaning a car seat here. 2. Choose the Right Storage Environment Where you store the car seat is as important as how you clean it. Cool, Dry Place : The storage area should be cool and dry. Avoid basements, garages, or attics if they’re prone to humidity, which can encourage mould growth. A closet or spare room inside your home, where temperatures are more regulated, is ideal. Elevated Position : Store the car seat off the ground to avoid potential contact with dampness. Packaging : Seal the seat in a plastic bag and then in a cardboard box for protective storage. If you’ve kept the original box the seat came in, that’s ideal. Ensure you have all the pieces together including the manual, any infant inserts and even the car seat adapters for your stroller. However you may want to store the fabric covers separately in the linen cupboard if you have one. 3. Check Periodically It’s a good idea to regularly check on the car seat during storage to make sure there’s no exposure to damp or pests. 4. Pre-Use Inspection Before you use the car seat for your next child, inspect it thoroughly. Check for any signs of damage, mould, or mildew. Give it another clean if necessary, and ensure that all components are still in good working order. Final Thoughts Storing a capsule car seat between children can save you money and reduce waste, but it requires careful cleaning and storage to keep it in top condition. Don’t forget to get it out of storage and do that pre-use check nice and early so you have everything sorted well before the new bub arrives.
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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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Baby Swimming Lessons
Swimming is a key life skill, especially when you live in NZ - an island nation with a vast coastline, not to mention all the rivers and lakes. Taking your little one to swimming lessons can have many benefits including the physical (coordination, strength, and motor skills). It’s also a bonding opportunity for Mum, Dad or caregiver to have fun interactions with baby and create memories. And of course, there’s the safety benefit. According to Water Safety NZ, one of the leading causes of death for the under-fives in New Zealand is drowning. Introducing your baby to swimming lessons can be a fantastic way to help them develop water safety skills as well as confidence. Start them young Babies spend their first nine months of existence floating in a pool of warm liquid, so reintroducing them to water is something of an instinctive experience. A good first step to developing water confidence in babies is making bath time engaging and enjoyable. If, with lots of positive reinforcement and support, you can get them used to having water trickling over their head and face, that’s a great start. Swimming lessons Once they’re six months old, babies can go to water safety lessons at a public pool By this age Their immune system will have developed enough give them protection from bugs in the pool water They’re better able to cope with the changes in temperature They’ll have the necessary head control to keep their head above water Their ears will be better able to deal with water if it gets in. Baby swimming classes are less about learning to swim and more about water familiarisation and confidence. Over time they’ll start to make progress towards essential water safety skills, including how to float, kick, and hold their breath. Generally with baby swim classes, Mum or Dad (or grandparent or other caregiver) gets in the pool too, joining in to help build bub’s confidence and keeping things fun with interactive play. It’s likely to start with gentle splashing and activities that encourage movement through the water. Tips for swimming lessons Family changing rooms are great and, if there's room, take your stroller. If you get your little one changed, they can then sit in the stroller while you get changed. Swimming will use up lots of energy – make sure you’ve got what you need to re-fuel them afterwards, whether it's a breast or bottle feed, or a snack Changes in temperature can be hard on little ones – make sure you dress them warmly for the trip out to the car in colder weather. If possible, bring along an extra person to help, it can make all the difference especially if you have both a baby and an older child having lessons. What you need Babies will need a swim nappy . These reusable ones offer an adjustable fit from baby to toddler and are machine washable. When choosing swimwear, opt for chlorine-resistant swimsuits for girls and boys that offer 50+ sun protection so they work for the pool or beach A towel Hooded towel or robe can be great for getting them warm and dry quickly A padded change mat is great to have when faced with a damp changing room Dry clothes and spare nappies to keep everyone snug and happy post-swim. Be Safe Always be aware of the dangers for little ones around water – be that the bath, beach or pool. Never leave them unattended. Babies and toddlers should always be within arms’ reach when you’re in or around water - don’t rely on flotation aids like air rings or armbands. Be alert to hazards in your environment. Swimming pools and spas must be fenced to NZ Standards. Consider also ponds, water features and paddling pools that might be a danger to a curious little one.
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