Parenting can be incredibly rewarding – but let’s be honest, it’s also really hard. Becoming a mum changes almost every part of your life: your body, your routine, your social life, even your sense of self. And while dads may not go through the physical toll of pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, they still feel the effects of broken sleep, lifestyle changes, and the loss of independence.
When you’re deep in the trenches of early parenting, being told to “count your blessings” can feel irritating at best. But frustrating as it is, there’s some truth to it. Research shows that practising gratitude can genuinely boost your mental health – and even shift the way your brain works.
The power of positive language
You can’t just switch on feelings of gratitude like a light. Emotions don’t work that way. But you can start building habits that encourage a more grateful mindset.
A study from the University of Indiana found that writing about things you feel thankful for – even small ones – can help rewire your thinking over time. Focusing on positive words and thoughts, whether through journaling or writing gratitude letters, helps nudge the brain away from negativity and towards contentment.
If you’ve got time, jotting down a few lines in a journal can be helpful. But even if you’re juggling a million things, you can still give it a go – a scribbled post-it, a chalkboard note, or adding to a family gratitude jar are all simple ways to start. Some parents even use social media as their own mini gratitude log.
Whatever method works for you, the key is to do it regularly. Over time, it really can make a difference.
Gratitude takes practice
People who practise gratitude tend to cope better with stress, feel more optimistic, and have greater self-esteem. That said, it’s probably not the gratitude alone that makes life feel easier – it’s the long-term shift in how they view the world.
Gratitude isn’t a magic fix. The change happens slowly, as your brain gets used to noticing and appreciating the good. By practising now, even in small ways, you may find you’re better able to enjoy the everyday moments later on.
That said, if you’re feeling low for an extended period, or struggling with sadness or anxiety, it’s important to reach out. A gratitude journal is lovely, but it’s not a substitute for professional help. Talk to your midwife or GP – they’re there to support you.
Give it a try
Gratitude doesn’t have to be another thing on your already long to-do list. And there’ll definitely be days where you won’t feel remotely thankful for the mountain of laundry or a toddler’s meltdown.
But on the days you can, take a moment – maybe when they’re finally asleep – to notice what you do feel grateful for. It might just make the ride a little smoother.
CloudBox™ is a world of wonder, designed to spark imagination and soothe little dreamers. With 36 original stories, 8 melodies, and 8 white noises paired with 4 mesmerizing light projections, CloudBox™ brings each story to life with a visual spectacle that captivates both eyes and ears.
Journey through magical worlds - Ocean, Forest, Space, and Village - while meeting 9 unique characters, each with their own adventures. Whether it’s a calming bedtime routine or a moment of creativity, CloudBox™ encourages storytelling and exploration.
The recording feature invites families to create their own tales, making every moment special. Plus, with a bilingual option (English/Spanish), CloudBox™ offers an enriching experience in two languages.
Interactive and screen-free, CloudBox™ nurtures a love for storytelling while reducing screen time. For a fully immersive experience, simply connect headphones to the side (headphones not included) and let the magic unfold.
The Crane 3-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier is ideal for small to medium rooms. Its 1.9 L top-fill tank runs up to 15 hours and blends with most aesthetics.
A whisper-quiet Crane Ultrasonic Humidifier helps ease coughs, dry throats, congestion, and colds by increasing air moisture for better sleep. The NZ Ministry of Health recommends humidifiers for cold relief.
Welcome to our new Pregnancy and Postpartum Range, a range to support a mother and her needs, and suitable to take throughout motherhood, from conception, to pregnancy, to breastfeeding, postpartum and beyond.
Born out of our struggles, and our desire to help all mums with theirs, no matter what time of the day, no matter how you look, no matter what stage of motherhood you are at, we want to help you feel like you are doing your best for your family.
Say hello to our Watermelon Mango Crush Hydration Electrolyte Drink (with Verisol Collagen)
Introducing our own hydration electrolyte drink endorsed by midwives.
It's hard work being a mamma! We've got to get you hydrated to keep you going through the main things in life, growing baby, birthing baby, feeding baby. That's why we're here to hydrate you so you can keep going.
Our specially formulated electrolyte hydration blend with 800mg of VERISOL® collagen per serve, is 100% Natural, made with organic coconut water (rich in magnesium!) and vital electrolytes and minerals such as potassium, and sodium, along with superfoods like heirloom organic mango and organic dragonfruit! We've used water rich fruits, along with a special electrolyte blend to help you stay hydrated!
VERISOL® collagen is one of the worlds highest quality collagen peptides. A patented and premium collagen backed by science and numerous studies, VERISOL® is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine.
VERISOL® is a bioactive collagen peptide and safe and beneficial for pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum, including helping out with postpartum hair loss, stronger hair and nails, stimulate skin elasticity and improve cellular hydration in your body. More hydration love for you!
Say goodbye to yellow pee, this drink will have you happily hydrated to keep your mind, and body flowing.
Giving mama a moment of relief and relaxation during pregnancy.
The Magnesium Body Rub has been expertly formulated using both Magnesium & SyriCalm™ to rapidly absorb through the skin to help ease discomfort and encourage skin suppleness during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Specifically designed for pregnancy self-massage to promote relaxation, provide muscle relief through massage, and alleviate common discomforts experienced in the later stages of pregnancy.
Magnesium and SyriCalm™
Eases discomfort throughout the second and third trimester
Soothes and hydrates skin
Supports relief and relaxation
Made in New Zealand
Gentle on skin
This creamy blend features a subtle, natural fragrance of peppermint. 120ml per jar
After her son was born, Jamila Rizvi felt isolated, exhausted and confused. While desperately in love with her new baby, the world she'd known had disappeared overnight and so had her sense of self.
Jamila's salvation came in the form of a letter. A dear friend, Clare Bowditch – who had been there herself – wrote to tell Jamila she would get through this. Her comforting words reassured Jamila that she was seen, that she was supported and that she was not alone.
Now Jamila wants to pay it forward to the next generation of new mothers. The Motherhood is a collection of letters from some of Australia’s favourite women, sharing what they wish they’d known about life with a newborn. Coming from writers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, no two stories are alike – but all are generous, compassionate and deeply honest.
As the old adage goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ – and it also takes a village to properly support a new mother. Here is your village. These sisters (with babes) in arms are here to share the joy, the fear, the love, the laughter, the tears and the frustration, and to hold your hand in the dark.
Contributors include Zoë Foster Blake, Clementine Ford, Holly Wainwright, Clare Bowditch, Em Rusciano, and more.
Together, they will give you the strength and courage to find your feet as a new mum. ______________________________________
'All new mothers need to read this book . . . Bravo to these women who have bravely put themselves out there in the hope that their stories will help new mothers find the strength to push on through.' Books+Publishing
Introducing the Petit Artichaut Clay Keepsake with Photo - Duo Frame, a beautiful and sentimental way to capture your baby's special moments. The Duo Frame - Pretty Hearts design elegantly combines a cherished baby imprint and a photo in a single standing frame, making it the perfect addition to your home décor. The reversible beige background allows you to choose between a plain color or a sweetheart pattern to match your style.
This keepsake kit includes hypoallergenic clay, a roller, and easy-to-follow instructions, making it safe for your baby’s sensitive skin and simple to create a lasting impression.
Ideal as a birth gift, this keepsake frame is quick and easy to assemble, and it adds a personalized, decorative touch to any space. Celebrate your baby's growth and create a timeless memory with this charming Duo Frame.
Introducing the Petit Artichaut Puzzle Frame - Ivy Grey, a beautifully crafted multi-frame display designed to showcase your baby's precious memories in a unique and personalized way. This charming grouping of individual frames allows you to display both your baby’s photo and hand or footprint imprints, created using hypoallergenic clay and ink. It also includes a birth poster where you can record all the important details, such as your baby's name, weight, height, and the exact time and date of their arrival.
The customizable backgrounds offer the choice of a delicate foliage pattern or a simple beige, allowing you to match the frame perfectly to your décor. The kit includes everything needed to create perfect prints, including hypoallergenic clay, a roller, an inkless stamp pad, and easy-to-follow instructions. The innovative "Smart Inkless Touch" technology ensures that your baby’s prints are detailed and precise, without ever having to touch any ink.
Ideal as a birth gift, this Puzzle Frame is quick and easy to assemble, completely safe for baby’s sensitive skin, and makes a timeless decorative piece for any nursery or home. Celebrate and preserve your baby’s early moments with this beautiful keepsake frame.
Parents can cherish every special moment in the first year of their child’s life in this stylish, contemporary baby record book.
Sections to fill in begin before baby even arrives, so parents can note their thoughts and dreams, and continue through the milestones until baby’s first year is at an end. Space is provided for photos, footprints and handprints, and a pocket at the back for important keepsakes.
Illustrated throughout with gorgeous classic Beatrix Potter artwork, including illustrations of favourite characters like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck.
A warm and charming rhyme for the bunny you love the most - with a mirror surprise! Tell your special loved one 'I Love You' with this heart-warming book from our favourite furry friend, Peter Rabbit. Snuggle up with the little bunny you love the most and read this adorable book together. Featuring Peter Rabbit - and other classic Beatrix Potter characters - this warm and gentle rhyme is the perfect bedtime book for babies and toddlers.
Celebrating all the lovely things small children do, this Peter Rabbit book encourages engagement and ends with a mirror surprise so that little ones can see themselves.
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.
