Post
How to Choose a Car Seat
Which is the right seat for your little one? Choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming. Your choice is more than just a purchase; it's an investment in your child's safety and comfort. Are you looking for a capsule, a convertible, a booster seat or an all in one? And how do you know where to start? Buckle up as we lay out the different types of seat to help you figure out what’s right for your whānau. Capsule Car Seats Best for: Newborns to approx. 12 months (up to 13kg depending on the brand)What they are: Rear-facing, portable infant car seats that easily lift in or out of the car. Most of the capsules we sell clip onto a base (sold separately) that stays installed in your car. Others have a baseless install either by Isofix or car seatbelt. Why parents love them: If you choose a capsule that's compatible with your stroller, you can transfer your sleeping baby for car to stroller without waking them They're easy to carry with a handle Most work with a base that stays in the car - simple click and go. Things to consider: You’ll likely only use it for the first year. Weight matters – some are much easier to carry than others. Great options to compare: Nuna Pipa Next – lightweight (only 2.8kg) and super portable. Nuna Arra Flex – features three recline positions - including a near-flat 157° recline. Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro – ergonomic recline, 360° base for easy loading. Nuna Pipa Urbn – ideal for swapping between cars or rideshares, it has built-in Isofix, no base required. Nuna Cari Next – this one is in a category all of its own - both a carrycot and car seat. The Cari has a three-point harness and connects to the Nuna Next Base in the car. Baby can lie peacefully at a full recline - the best position for a developing spine. The Cari can also connect to your stroller so you can move from home to car to pushchair without interrupting their sleep. Convertible Car Seats Best for: Birth to approx. 4 years (or longer depending on the seat)What they are: Seats that start rear-facing and convert to forward-facing as your child grows. Why parents love them: Cost-effective – you’ll use it for several years. Often more spacious and padded than a capsule. Things to consider: Not portable – it stays installed in the car. Some seats rotate on a base, so you can turn them towards the door to make buckling in easier Check your car - do you have Isofix points or do you need a seat that can be seat belt installed? Great options to compare: Nuna Todl Next – works with a rotating base for easy access. Nuna Rylo – built-in 360° rotation, no separate base required. Nuna Rava Next - seatbelt installed, and known for its simple installation, generous legroom, and plush comfort. Ideal for families who want a long-lasting seat without the need for a base or Isofix. All-in-One (Convertible + Booster) Best for: Birth to approx. 11–12 yearsWhat they are: Car seats that transition from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat. Why parents love them: One purchase that lasts for years. Ideal for parents who don’t want to keep upgrading. Things to consider: Not portable – stays in the car. No rotating options available. Great options to compare: Nuna Exec Next – rear-facing from birth, forward-facing to booster mode up to 148cm / 50kg. Britax One4Life Slim – rear-facing to booster mode up to 160cm / 54.4kg. Booster Seats Best for: 4+ years (or as per height and weight guidelines)What they are: Forward-facing seats that position the vehicle seatbelt properly across your child. Why parents love them: Simple to use and install. Gives older kids a good seat height and a view out the window. Often more compact. Things to consider: Only suitable once your child meets minimum size requirements. Great options to compare: Nuna Lumn – harnessed car seat that transforms to a belt positioning booster Nuna Aace Lx – adjustable height, recline, and side impact protection. Britax Skyline – affordable, comfortable, and lightweight. Axkid Up – has a patented raisable seat to elevate your child to better align with the vehicle seat belt Other Key Considerations When Choosing a Car Seat Car fit: Not all seats fit all vehicles – check for compatibility, especially if fitting multiple seats. Ease of use: Consider rotating seats if you struggle with lifting your child in and out. Installation method: Isofix is quicker and easier, but seatbelt installs offer flexibility for older vehicles or travel. However Isofix does have lower weight restrictions (generally around 18kgs). If a seat allows for both Isofix and seatbelt installation it can pay to opt for Vehicle Seat Belt installation as it eliminates having to switch installation method once weight limits are reached. Longevity: Weigh up whether you want a dedicated seat for each stage or one that adapts as your child grows. Need Help Choosing? Our Car Seat Technicians are here to help you make the best choice for your family. Visit a Dimples store and get personalised advice, try seats in your car, and enjoy our free professional car seat fitting with purchase. You can also take our handy quiz to find out what might work best for you. Whichever seat you choose, safety and comfort come first – and we’re here to make sure you get both. Shop the full car seat range online or in-store today.
Learn more
Introducing a bedtime routine with your baby
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby Simple rhythms that can make bedtime calmer – for both of you In the early weeks with a newborn, life seems to find a rhythm all on it’s own! Feeds, naps, cuddles and nappy changes all blur into one another, and having anything that resembles a routine can feel a little out of reach… Don’t worry – that’s totally normal. As your baby grows, you might start to notice more predictable patterns start to emerge. This can be a lovely time to gently introduce a baby bedtime routine - a simple series of calming steps that helps signal to your little one that that the day is coming to an end. It doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, some of the best bedtime routines are the simplest ones. Why a Bedtime Routine Matters Babies LOVE familiarity. Repeating the same gentle activities each evening can help your baby begin to recognise that sleep is coming, while creating a comforting transition between the day’s activities and bedtime. A bedtime routine can also be a really special opportunity to slow everything down together, creating a sense of calm, security and connection. And while your bedtime routine will naturally change as your baby grows, those familiar little rituals can continue well into childhood. When Should You Start a Bedtime Routine? There’s no exact age when you have to start. During the newborn stage, feeding and sleeping are naturally quite unpredictable, so there’s no need to worry about a strict schedule. From around six to eight weeks, you will probably notice your baby becoming more predictable, and you can begin introducing a few simple bedtime cues if it feels right for your family. At first, your routine might simply be a fresh nappy, sleepwear, a feed and a cuddle. You can always add more as your baby grows. How to Start a Baby Bedtime Routine There’s no “perfect” bedtime routine - what works beautifully for one family might not work at all for another. The important things are keeping it relatively simple, calm and consistent. Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually plenty, and where possible, try doing the final part of the routine in your babes room so they begin to associate that space with winding down and sleep. Here’s a simple bedtime rhythm you could try: Bath A warm bath (or shower with you!) can be a lovely way to end your day together. Keep the lights soft if you can, slow things down and let bath time become part of the transition from playtime to bedtime. Massage After the bath, a few minutes of gentle baby massage can be incredibly calming and is a beautiful opportunity for some quiet bonding time. You could use a baby massage product such as Scullys Massage Oil, or keep things very simple with Loloma Coconut Oil. Keep the movements very slow and gentle, talking quietly, humming or singing to your baby as you go. Over time, even the smell and feel of their usual massage can become another little signal that bedtime is approaching. A Little Extra Wind Down Support For particularly restless little ones, you may also like to add something like Magnesium Rescue into your bedtime routine. Magnesium can help regulate the nervous system, promote muscle relaxation, and support the production of melatonin. The important thing here is the ritual itself. Whether it’s massage, moisturising or simply a quiet cuddle after their bath, repeating the same calm steps each night is what helps make bedtime feel familiar. Sleepwear Changing into cosy sleepwear is another simple but powerful bedtime cue! Choose soft, breathable layers that are appropriate for the temperature of your baby’s room. Merino is one of our favourites for sleep because it makes layering easy throughout the year. Our baby sleepwear collection includes merino bodysuits, babygrows, gowns and other cosy layers for bedtime. 💛 Dimples Tip: Your baby’s room temperature is much more useful than the season when deciding what they should wear to bed. Feel their chest or back to check whether they’re comfortably warm rather than relying on their hands and feet, which can naturally feel cooler. Feeding For younger babies, a feed will naturally be an important part of bedtime. As your baby gets older, you might like to experiment with offering their final feed slightly earlier in the routine rather than making it the very last thing before sleep. Some families find this helps separate feeding from falling asleep. But don't stress if your baby loves feeding to sleep, especially in those early months. Every baby is different and your routine can evolve gradually. A Story or Song This is one of our favourite parts of a bedtime routine. Your baby certainly doesn’t need to understand the story yet to enjoy listening to your voice. Reading the same book each night, singing a lullaby or simply humming quietly can become a wonderfully familiar sleep cue. Reading together from an early age is also such a lovely habit to establish, and our children’s book collection has plenty of beautiful first books to choose from. One day they'll be choosing the bedtime story themselves - and probably asking you to read it agaaaaiiiin! Cuddles & Goodnight Finish with a cuddle, a quiet goodnight and plenty of reassurance. It sounds so simple, but that same kiss, phrase or cuddle each evening can become one of the most familiar parts of your baby’s bedtime routine. And even if you know you’ll probably be seeing them again in a few hours, it’s still a lovely way to finish the day together. Watch for Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues One of the best bedtime tips we can give is to watch your baby rather than becoming too attached to the clock. Yawning, rubbing their eyes, staring into the distance, becoming quieter or suddenly getting a little fussy can all be signs that your baby is getting tired. Starting your bedtime routine when you notice these early sleepy cues can often make settling easier than waiting until your baby is overtired. Create a Calm, Sleep Friendly Nursery As bedtime gets closer, gradually make the house feel a little quieter. Dim the lights, turn the television off and put away stimulating or noisy toys. These small environmental changes can become part of your baby’s bedtime cues too. A dark room is ideal for sleep, but a gentle night light can be super handy while you're feeding, settling or changing nappies overnight. 💛 Dimples Tip: Once bedtime begins, keep voices quieter and movements slower. Babies pick up on our energy surprisingly well, so turning your pace down can help make the whole room feel calmer. Putting Baby Down for Sleep As you get to know your baby, you may like to experiment with placing them into their sleep space when they're sleepy but still awake. Some babies take to this beautifully. Others need plenty of cuddling, rocking or feeding before they're ready to settle - particularly when they're very young. There's no need to turn bedtime into a battle. The aim of a routine is to make sleep feel calm and predictable, not to achieve a perfect settling technique. What works for your baby today may also be completely different in a few months time. Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible Consistency helps babies recognise their bedtime cues, but flexibility is just as important. There'll be evenings when your baby is overtired. There'll be illnesses, holidays, late dinners, visitors and nights where absolutely nothing goes according to plan. That's parenting! Rather than worrying about following your routine perfectly, think about having a few familiar rituals you can return to wherever you are. A fresh nappy, familiar sleepwear, the same book, a cuddle and your usual goodnight might be all your baby needs to recognise that it's bedtime. If more than one parent or caregiver can occasionally do the bedtime routine, that's great! It helps your baby become comfortable settling with the other special people in their life. And Don't Forget About Mum Once baby is finally settled, it can be surprisingly difficult to switch your own brain off. After spending all day feeding, changing, remembering, organising and looking after somebody else, having a tiny bedtime ritual of your own can be just as valuable. Make a warm drink, put your phone down, have a shower or simply sit somewhere quiet for ten minutes. For mums who enjoy something cosy before bed, Mamma's Milk Bar Moon Milk can become part of your own evening wind-down ritual. Prepare yourself a nice warm cup and enjoy a quiet moment once your little one is settled. Small Rituals With Lasting Benefits Your baby's bedtime routine doesn't need to be elaborate, and it certainly doesn't need to be perfect. It's simply a collection of familiar little moments that tell your baby: the day is finished, you're safe, and it's time to rest. Some nights it might be bath, massage, pyjamas, feed, story and bed. Other nights it might be clean nappy, feed, cuddle... bed. Both count! As your baby grows, the routine will grow with them. The massage might disappear, they'll choose their own pyjamas, and eventually they'll be the one reading the bedtime book. But that cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter - even if one day you have to sneak them in after lights out. ❤️
Learn more
Bottle-feeding: choosing the right bottles and teats
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
Learn more
Rotating car seats – should you choose one?
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.
Learn more
Keeping Winter Bugs Away from your Baby
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.
Learn more
Breastfeeding Challenges: Common Problems & How to Overcome Them
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
Learn more
Understanding The Psychology Of Potty Training Toddlers
Potty training isn’t just about learning a new skill - it’s a big emotional and developmental milestone. Understanding what’s happening in your child’s mind can transform the experience from a power struggle into a confidence-building journey.
Learn more
Top 10 Gift Ideas for New Parents
Need a gift for new parents (and their little one)? Unless you’re in the thick of newborn life yourself, it’s not always obvious what will actually be helpful. If they have a registry, great. But if not, that’s where we come in, with thoughtful gift inspiration to help you show up in a meaningful way during this beautiful but often overwhelming season.
Learn more
Easter Magic with Dimples
For little ones, Easter feels like pure magic, with sweet treats and hidden treasures. The family traditions you start now will create memories they’ll carry with them long after the chocolate is gone.
Learn more
