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No matter the colour, all our clothes are green on the inside
Dimples has always been a proud New Zealand brand, with strong Kiwi values. Protecting the environment is one of them. Even as we’ve grown from a home business to a larger company, that commitment hasn’t changed. The clothing industry is notoriously hard on the environment – and on the people involved. It can cause incredible environmental and social damage worldwide: from cotton farms that suck up huge amounts of valuable water, to clothing factories using harsh chemicals and exploiting their workers; from the use of fossil fuels for shipping, to ‘fast fashion’ that ends up in landfills after a few wears. We work hard to minimise our impact on the environment by keeping our production in New Zealand, using local materials as much as possible, and avoiding the factory system altogether. It’s about protecting our world long term – and making adorable, high quality baby gear at the same time. Made here, sold here Dimples clothing is produced right here in New Zealand. This lets us avoid shipping product across the world using harmful fossil fuels – it’s one of the most important ways that we reduce our environmental impact. Making our clothes in New Zealand also means that we can control the quality of our product, and the working conditions of our sewers. We know that all our clothing is produced to an extremely high standard, by workers who are paid well and treated fairly. That’s incredibly valuable. Starting from scratch Where clothing is assembled isn’t the only factor when it comes to the environment. Sourcing the raw materials – merino wool and cotton , in our case – is also important. Our merino comes from a mix of New Zealand and Australian sheep, which means the raw materials don’t have to travel very far, and we can keep an eye on the quality. New Zealand’s climate isn’t suitable for large-scale cotton production, so we import only pure, organic-certified cotton to make sure the impact of cotton farming is minimal. Small scale production Dimples started out as a home-based business, and although we’ve grown, we haven’t changed all that much. We don’t have a huge factory producing our clothing – instead, our expert sewers work from their homes. It’s essentially a scaled-up version of the small home workshop where it all started. The classic Dimples bee and rose are still hand-stitched onto every garment. This system doesn’t just result in a better quality product, it also helps us avoid the environmental costs of factory production – we don’t use huge amounts of power to run machinery, or process our materials using harsh chemicals. Made to last The end result of our high-quality materials and high production values is hard-wearing, long-lasting clothing. Our customers find that our clothing lasts through wash after wash without fading, stretching or pilling. Many customers use our clothing for multiple children, then pass it on to friends or family. This is environmentally friendly in itself – the more your child or children can wear each garment, the less you’ll need to throw away. This reduces the need for production and reduces the amount of landfill. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to our beautiful world. We’re not green because it’s trendy or expected, we’re green because we care – and we always will. Take a look at our NZ made clothing now
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Introducing a bedtime routine with your baby
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your BabySimple rhythms that lead to better sleep - for both of you In the early weeks with a newborn, life tends to move to a rhythm all on its own. Feeds, naps, cuddles, and nappy changes often blur into one another, and any sense of routine can feel a little out of reach. That’s completely normal! As your baby grows, you’ll notice more predictable patterns beginning to emerge. This is the perfect time to gently introduce a bedtime routine – a simple series of calming steps that helps your baby unwind and gives you both a peaceful finish to the day. Why bedtime routines matter Babies thrive on repetition. A consistent series of calming activities each evening helps regulate their body clock, encourages longer stretches of sleep, and creates a comforting rhythm to the day. Routines don’t just benefit sleep - they also nurture connection, ease overstimulation, and make bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a shared moment of calm. These rituals will evolve as your baby grows, but the sense of structure and predictability will continue to support their development well into childhood. When to begin You can begin easing into a bedtime routine from around six to eight weeks old - once your baby begins to show more consistent sleep and feeding patterns. This is also when they start to recognise daily cues, making it the perfect time to introduce a gentle ritual that helps them wind down. How to get started There’s no “perfect” routine - what works for one family might not suit another. The key is consistency, calmness, and keeping things relatively short (20 to 30 minutes is ideal). Try to carry out most of the routine in your baby’s room so they start to associate the space with sleep. Here’s a sample rhythm to get you started: Bath - A warm bath helps wash away the day and begins the wind-down process. This can also be a fun and playful moment, especially if older siblings are involved. Massage - After bath time, a quick massage with something like Scullys Baby Massage Oil can help your baby get ready for rest. This is a wonderful way to connect with your baby through touch, as well as being very relaxing for both of you. Sleepwear - Soft, breathable pyjamas or a sleeping gown signal that bedtime is near. You might like to use Merino to help regulate temperature throughout the night. We have a gorgeous range of safe and cosy sleepwear available here. Feeding - Try offering the final feed early in the routine rather than just before sleep. This can help reduce reliance on feeding to fall asleep. Story or song - A simple board book, soft lullaby, or even humming a tune gives your baby a consistent cue that bedtime is here. It also builds language skills and creates special bonding moments. Cuddles - A warm snuggle and quiet kiss goodnight helps your baby feel safe, even if you’ll likely see them again overnight. Watch for sleepy cues Rather than watching the clock, keep an eye on your baby. Rubbing eyes, zoning out, yawning, or fussing can all signal tiredness. Aim to start the bedtime routine before they become overtired. For most babies, somewhere between 6:30 and 7:30 pm works well, and this timing can continue into the early school years. Keep the environment sleep-friendly A dark, quiet space tells your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep. Avoid bright lights, noisy toys, or too much stimulation. Night lights can be helpful for feeding and changes, but aren’t necessary for sleep - babies aren’t born afraid of the dark. You could add a soft and practical sleep sound machine, like a Yogasleep Nod to make night-time care easier with it's built in night light. Put baby to bed drowsy, not asleep As you get to know your baby’s cues, try placing them into bed when they’re sleepy but still awake. This helps them learn to settle themselves, which can make overnight waking easier to manage. It also reduces the shock of waking up in a different spot from where they fell asleep. Be consistent - but stay flexible Consistency is key, but so is flexibility. There’ll be times when travel, illness, or overtired evenings throw things off. The idea is to have a calming, repeatable routine you can come back to, wherever you are. If more than one caregiver can do bedtime, that helps too - it builds flexibility and avoids babies becoming dependent on one specific parent for settling. Small rituals with lasting benefits Your baby’s routine doesn’t need to be perfect, and it will change over time. But these small, daily rhythms bring more than just sleep - they offer connection, confidence, and a peaceful way to end the day together. One day, your baby will be reading their own book at bedtime. But your cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter, even if you have to sneak it in after lights out ❤️
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Health Tips for Pregnant Mums
Written by Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods My name is Kylie. I am a mum of four, a Nutrition & Health Coach, and a Mindfulness Teacher.Being a busy mum myself, I’m drawn to nutrition and wellbeing for mums – an area of health that is often undervalued. Over the coming months, I’m really excited to share some practical tips, recipes and personal experiences to help you navigate these beautiful, yet sometimes challenging, times. I’m thankful that the team here at Dimples saw the need to go beyond supplying beautiful baby goods to also nourish and care for our mums. Health Tips for Pregnant Mums Focus on whole, unprocessed, nourishing foods There is a lot of pressure on pregnant mums to eat the ‘perfect diet’. This can be incredibly confusing due to the overwhelming amount of conflicting information out there. You’re not alone if this has been a source of guilt – especially when morning sickness makes eating anything but iceblocks and dry crackers impossible. Just remember, you do what you have to do to get through those early months. Nutrient requirements during pregnancy are higher, and supporting a growing baby can often deplete your own stores. Building meals from whole, unprocessed foods is a great option, as they’re rich in essential nutrients. Heavily processed foods are often low in nutritional value – hence the term “empty calories”. Think: Good quality protein such as free-range or grass-fed meats, seafood, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds At least four serves of colourful vegetables and two serves of fruit Whole grains like quinoa, steel-cut oats or brown rice Pasteurised dairy (if tolerated) Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado If morning sickness makes meals tricky, smoothies can be a great way to get nutrients in. My go-to was Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein (a high-quality powder with no fillers), nut butter, banana, berries, greens and almond milk. Hydration is also important. Aim for two glasses of water on waking (we often wake dehydrated), and another two litres throughout the day. After the first trimester, 1–2 cups of pregnancy-safe tea (like Artemis Pregnancy Tea) can also be helpful. If nausea makes hydration hard, try small sips often. Diet alone can’t always meet every nutritional need – a good quality prenatal supplement containing folate, iodine, vitamin D and DHA is a smart addition. Always speak to your LMC or health professional about what’s right for you. Movement is also important – even just a walk outdoors. The fresh air and added vitamin D boost mood, support the immune system and help with joint and fitness health during pregnancy. There are also great prenatal fitness and yoga classes available – these are wonderful for connecting with other mums-to-be. Some of the mums I met through yoga have become lifelong friends and a valuable part of my motherhood support network. I always say: aim for progress, not perfection when it comes to health and nutrition. Recognising that this is an ongoing journey can ease the pressure of trying to get it “just right”. If you’d like to dive deeper into prenatal nutrition, I highly recommend dietitian Lily Nichols’ book Real Food for Pregnancy. It’s full of great information and recipes. Kylie Stowe@melawholefoods
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Matrescence - The Birth of a Mother
Written by Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods Matrescence - The Birth of a Mother The first few months postpartum are beautiful and gruelling all at the same time. This transformative phase in a woman's life is referred to as Matrescence, or the fourth trimester. Not only has a new baby been born, but so have you - the new mother. The expectations of the modern mother are often overwhelming, we are expected to get back to ‘normal’ as fast as possible, to cook, clean, entertain guests, breastfeed, attend coffee groups, get back in shape and return to work as soon as possible. All while navigating the new role of motherhood, healing postpartum, bonding with our beautiful new baby and making time for the other relationships in our life. This often leaves new mothers exhausted and at times feeling like they are failing. Many traditional cultures approach this postpartum period in a vastly different way. It is a time where the new mother stays home and is cared for, she is given the time and space to rest, recuperate, heal, nourish and bond with her new baby. The new mother is fed warming and nourishing meals such as soups and tea which assist in healing and establishing a healthy milk supply, this often continues for at least the first forty days postpartum. Being a mother of four myself and living away from our families, the early postpartum phase was at times really hard and lonely. As much as I would have loved to have 40 days of being cared for, it just wasn't realistic or possible. I thought about this a lot, knowing this is the same for many of the mothers I work with. With this in mind I considered ways I could nurture myself and my new baby. Good nutrition is hugely important for healing post birth and to support the radical shift in hormones, sleep deprivation and subsequent exhaustion. As a pregnant woman it is common to stay well-nourished during pregnancy when you are growing a baby, yet incredibly common for a new mother to start dieting soon after birth to get her body back. One thing I always like to remind new mothers who are breastfeeding is that you are still nourishing a baby, they are just outside of your womb now. Nutrient intake is still just as important in the postpartum phase as it was during pregnancy, a mother's nutrient status directly affects milk quality and quantity and her own wellbeing. This highlights the importance of not restricting food intake but instead focusing on a diet rich in nutritious whole and unprocessed foods. In the last blog post I spoke about the importance of meal preparation, it really is a life saver in those early months to ensure you are adequately fuelled. Take family and friends up on the offers of meals, babysitting older children and housework. You do not need to do it all, I found personally, that some of the most unrealistic expectations were the ones I placed on myself. During those early months focus on warming slow cooked meals, such as casseroles, stews, broths and soups, these are nutrient packed and easy on the digestive system. The early postpartum weeks are a nutritionally expensive time where you are recovering from pregnancy, labour and birth, which is comparative to running a marathon, and also possibly healing from a caesarean or episiotomy. Your nutrient and calorie requirements are actually higher now than they were during pregnancy. This is also an incredibly important time to stay adequately hydrated, as a rule I made sure that every time I breastfed my baby I would have a glass of water or breastfeeding tea (I love Artemis breastfeeding tea) then once a day would have a lactation smoothie and warm cup of bone broth (the Nutra Organics powder is really convenient). Incorporating all of these different things means you get the added benefits of nutrients and fluid to help you stay hydrated and nourished. You will probably be told countless times to sleep when your baby sleeps. This can be really hard when you can think of a million other things to do - hello warm shower and hot cup of coffee! But it really is important to get in as much rest as possible because the prolonged sleep deprivation really does catch up on you eventually. If you find you really struggle to nap you could try a short guided meditation to relax and take some time to simply breathe, the Headspace app is great for this and offers short 3-5 minute guided meditations. The recipes in the previous blog posts are great for this postpartum period. The recipes that follow are great quick options for breakfast that can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge to just grab when needed. From one mother to another don’t forget just how important it is to care for yourself as you do your baby. As the saying goes you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you are interested in a deeper look into the importance of this postpartum phase I highly recommend the book ‘The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother’ it is also packed with lots of nutrient rich yummy recipes. Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods Overnight Cinnamon & Apple Oats Serves 1 Ingredients 1c unsweetened coconut & almond milk 1 Tbsp almond butter 1/2c uncooked steel-cut oats Pinch of cinnamon Pinch Himalayan salt 1 scoop of Nuzest Vanilla Clean Lean Protein (safe in pregnancy & breastfeeding) ½ a grated apple Toppings 2 tbsp blueberries 1 tbsp of hemp hearts 1tbsp of toasted almond slices Method In a bowl whisk together the nut milk, nut butter, protein powder, cinnamon until smooth. Mix through the oats, apple, salt, and any other optional additions and put into a mason jar or container with a lid and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge, you can gently heat this or serve it cold. Additionally prior to serving you can top with hemp seeds, almonds and blueberries if desired. The protein powder is available at www.nuzest.co.nz use the Code Mela at checkout for a 15% discount. Lactation Smoothie Serves 1 Ingredients 1c unsweetened coconut & almond milk 2 tbsp greek yoghurt 2 scoops of Clean Lean Protein 2 tbsp of steel cut oats 1 tbsp of brewer’s yeast 1 tbsp LSA ½ a banana ¼ c of blueberries Method But all of the ingredients into a blender and blitz.
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Cradle Cap: Everything you need to know
Learn How to Combat Cradle Cap Becoming a new parent is a time filled with pure love and joy, but it can also come with moments of worry. It’s completely natural to stay up late, carefully listening to every sound or noticing every little skin change, wondering if it’s something to be concerned about. One common worry for new parents is cradle cap. The good news? It’s harmless and often clears up on its own, or with a bit of help. Let’s take a look at what cradle cap is, how to treat it, and when to reach out to your doctor if needed. What Is Cradle Cap? Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a non-inflammatory skin condition that often appears in the first few months of life. It causes scaly patches on your baby’s scalp, which can be yellow or white. Though it may look uncomfortable, cradle cap isn’t painful, itchy, or a cause for concern. It’s not contagious and does not indicate poor hygiene. Why Does Cradle Cap Happen? Doctors aren’t entirely sure why babies develop cradle cap, and say it’s not preventable. Some suggest it might be related to hormones passed from mum to baby before birth, which can cause sebaceous glands to become overactive. This leads to the oily, thick scales that form on the scalp. Cradle cap typically clears up by the time your baby reaches 6 to 12 months. Top Tips for Treating Cradle Cap 1. Use a nourishing oil Before washing, apply a baby-safe oil to loosen flakes and nourish the scalp - we love Cradle Cap Fighter for this. Let it soak for at least an hour if you can. 2. Be gentleDon’t be tempted to pick or scratch - this will avoid any infection or irritation. 3. Loosen flakes gentlyUse a soft brush or fine-toothed comb to lift the softened flakes, taking gentle care. We love the Shnuggle Baby Brush for this bit. Brush gently in a slow circular motion without scrubbing. 4. Rinse wellApply a gentle baby shampoo to remove all oil residue, and then rinse the scalp very well to prevent product build-up or irritation. 5. Wash regularlyClean your baby’s scalp daily. You can repeat these steps as many times as you need to, but always be gentle. With consistent care, the flakes will gradually lift and clear. 6. Try a medicated shampoo (if needed)If the cradle cap doesn’t improve, check with your GP about using a medicated baby shampoo designed for sensitive skin. 7. Keep skin hydratedUsing a humidifier in your baby’s room can help prevent dryness and support overall skin health. 8. Know when to seek adviceCradle cap usually resolves on its own, but if it becomes inflamed, persists for several months, or spreads - consult your doctor for tailored treatment options. Cradle Cap Is Harmless and Temporary Cradle cap can be concerning for new parents, but rest assured, it’s a harmless and temporary condition. With gentle care and the right treatment, you can help soothe your baby’s scalp, and let them grow into their beautiful hair.
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Introducing the Nuna NEXT System
One Base, Four Ways to Ride: Grow with Your Baby The Nuna NEXT System is a clever, modular solution designed to grow with your baby from birth to approximately four years old. Built around the innovative NEXT Base, it offers compatibility with four different seats – the CARI Next, PIPA Next, ARRA Next, and TODL Next – giving you flexibility and confidence for every stage of your little one’s early years. Nuna NEXT Base The heart of the system, the NEXT Base offers safe, secure installation with thoughtful features to simplify life on the go. It allows for 360-degree seat rotation, making it easier to get your child in and out. With 10 adjustable ISOFIX positions, it fits a wide range of vehicles, and colour-coded indicators ensure everything is correctly installed. Built-in side impact protection, a load leg, and shock-absorbing materials provide added peace of mind. Nuna CARI Next The CARI Next combines the safety of a car seat with the comfort of a lie-flat carrycot – ideal for healthy spinal development in those early months. It's suitable from birth up to 70cm or 9kg and features a three-point harness, organic jersey mattress, and infant inserts for a snug fit. Compatible with all Nuna strollers, it makes transitions between pram and car effortless. Nuna PIPA Next Lightweight at just 2.8kg, the PIPA Next is perfect for travel, whether you’re hopping in and out of cars or navigating airports. It can be installed with either the NEXT Base or a seatbelt – a great option for taxi travel. It includes an adjustable headrest, dream drape, and automatically deploying side impact protection wings. Suitable rear-facing from 40 to 83cm or up to 13kg. Nuna ARRA Flex The Arra Flex is a lightweight capsule (only 3.9 kg) designed for healthy spinal development with three recline positions, including a relaxed 157° fully flat angle. It installs using either the vehicle seat belt or the NEXT Base. The Merino wool and TENCEL™ insert, high‑strength handle, and no‑rethread harness make it a premium, ergonomic choice for newborns up to 13 kg or around 24 months (40–87 cm). Nuna TODL Next Designed to take over once your baby has outgrown their capsule, the TODL Next is suitable from birth to around four years. It offers five recline positions, six adjustable headrest settings, and an extendable harness. Use it rear-facing from 40 to 105cm (up to 19kg), and forward-facing from 76 to 105cm (also up to 19kg). It keeps your growing child safe and supported at every stage. Experience Ultimate Flexibility with the Nuna NEXT System With four seat options and just one base, the Nuna NEXT System delivers unmatched flexibility, smart design, and long-term value. Whether you're bringing your newborn home from the hospital or transporting a curious toddler, this all-in-one system has you covered. Shop the Nuna NEXT range now at Dimples
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A mindful approach to family meal times
Written by Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods 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 @melawholefoods 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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