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Babywearing made easy - New Limas Carriers
What are the benefits of babywearing? Baby carriers help you stay close and build a strong bond with your baby. The physical closeness can also help regulate the baby's heartbeat, body temperature, and breathing, all while providing them with a sense of security and comfort. Being hands-free while parenting is another great benefit. This convenience is great for everyday tasks around home. It also makes it easier to navigate crowded spaces, travel, or use public transport. A further benefit is that it frees parents to spend quality time with older siblings while keeping baby close and included. Babywearing has also been shown to ease discomfort and reduce crying. The gentle rocking motion mimics the womb and constant contact with a parent can have a soothing effect, helping to calm a fussy or colicky baby. Babies thrive on stimulation. Being in a carrier allows them to observe and engage with the world around them. They’ll get valuable sensory input from observing facial expressions, body language, and listening to the parent's conversations. Babywearing can also be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers with the close contact stimulating milk production. Babies' hips aren't fully developed when they're born. Babywearing supports healthy development of the hips. Our range of ergonomic carriers encourage the correct spread-squat position that is recommended by experts. New Limas Carriers The new Stokke Limas and Limas Plus are half-buckle carriers that combine the advantages of a baby wrap with an ergonomic carrier for optimal comfort & support. Both offer front, back (for 5+ months), and hip carrying options. The Limas Flex is a full buckle carrier with no straps to tie. It offers front and back carrying. In addition, the waistbelt can be easily removed, allowing it to be used as an onbuhimo - a traditional Japanese style for toddler back carrying Safety checks Ensure baby's airways are always clear and that they fully supported by the carrier. Make sure you keep one or both arms on your baby to secure them when fitting the carrier and when you bend over. And remember that if you wouldn’t do something with a baby in your arms, you probably shouldn’t do it while babywearing either – that includes anything involving hot liquids, running or jumping, or slippery surfaces. A great way to make sure your newborn is safely seated within their carrier is the T.I.C.K.S Rule. This stands for Tight , In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back. How to choose To make sure you’re choosing the right carrier for you and your baby it can help to try before you buy. The wide range of carriers we have available are all on display within our Dimples stores and we have amazing staff that can help fit the carrier for you.
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Stokke Sleepi V2 vs V3 - What's the Difference?
About the Stokke Sleepi The soft curves and nest-like shape of the Stokke Sleepi helps your little one feel snug and secure. While the flexible design means it’s adjustable, allowing it to change and grow with your child. Whats the Difference? Introducing the Sleepi V3 Stokke has now introduced the Sleepi V3, simplifying the range to just two lengths: The Sleepi Mini V3 (approx 0-6 months) The Sleepi Bed V3 (0-18 months) and then after removing the side (18 months-5 years) The Sleepi Mini has stayed the same size as the previous version, whereas the Sleepi Bed has been lengthened to 141cm long (so there is no longer a Junior Extension). The Sleepi V3 can be purchased in Mini or Bed size. You can also buy a Sleepi Bed Extension V3 to extend the Mini up to Bed size. Note that even though the Mini V3 and V2 have the same dimensions, there is no compatibility between the extension kits. So a Mini V3 needs a V3 Extension Kit and a Mini V2 needs a V2 Extension Kit. Please note that while you can buy an extension kit to turn the Sleepi Mini into a Bed, if you start by buying the Bed you can’t downsize it into a Mini. Another difference with the V3 is that the mattress is now sold separately. The new V3 mattresses are high-quality and firm, made with multiple layers of breathable 3D mesh. The Sleepi V2 The Stokke Sleepi V2 has three sizes: The Sleepi Mini (approx 0-6 months) The Sleepi Bed (0-18 months) and then after removing the side (18-36 months) The Sleepi Junior (3-10 years) The Sleepi V2 is purchased as a Mini or Bed and then you buy an Extension Kit and the appropriate mattress to extend the mini into the bed size and a Junior Extension Kit to extend the bed size into the junior.
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Tips & Tricks - Cleaning your Carseat
How to Keep Your Car Seat Clean (and Looking Like New!) Parents and caregivers know that washing can quickly take over your life when you’ve got little ones around – especially when it comes to car seats! Kids, being kids, seem to have a knack for turning a spotless, brand-new car seat into a treasure trove of crumbs, spills, and, well, the occasional bodily fluid. While it would be ideal to ban all food and drink from the car seat (let's face it, that’s easier said than done!), prevention is key. A full-sleeved bib worn over the straps can help catch any messes before they even get the chance to make a mark. If a major mess happens (think: vomit, diaper leaks, or spilled drinks), the sooner you clean it up, the better. In between those big cleans, a quick vacuum once a week can keep things under control and prevent crumbs from piling up. For extra protection, consider using protective car seat covers or mats to catch any messes that could cause long-term damage to your car. Here are some simple steps to keep your car seat looking fresh and clean: 1. Vacuum Your Seat Give your seat a quick shake to loosen any crumbs or debris, then vacuum up the mess before removing the car seat for a deeper clean. This will stop any stray bits from making a mess as you go! 2. Remove and Wash the Car Seat Covers Start by checking your car seat’s instruction manual for cleaning guidelines. Many car seat covers are machine washable, but some may require hand washing. Be sure to note any special instructions about detergent, water temperature, or removable parts. Pro tip: Take a few photos or a video as you remove the covers. This can be a lifesaver when it's time to reassemble! A gentle, mild detergent or just soap and water are typically your best bet. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage or weaken the fabric. When it comes to drying, line drying is your safest option, as most car seat covers can't go in the dryer. Give them plenty of time to air out and dry completely. 3. Clean the Harness & Straps Use a non-abrasive cloth and warm water to spot clean the harness and straps. Follow your manual’s instructions, as some manufacturers allow using soapy water, while others may not. 4. Clean the Buckles Buckles are critical for keeping your child safe, so avoid submerging them in water or using any lubricants. Instead, spot clean them with warm water and a soft cloth, keeping them free from soap or cleaning products. 5. Clean the Shell Vacuum the car seat shell to catch any loose bits, then use an old toothbrush or cotton bud to get into those tricky nooks and crannies. A damp cloth can help wipe down any sticky or dirty areas. Make sure the shell is fully dry before putting everything back together. 6. Reassemble Your Seat If you took photos or videos while disassembling, now is the time to refer back to them! Check your manual to ensure all parts are correctly reassembled, and give the harness and buckles a final check to ensure they’re securely fitted and ready for your little one. Note: This guide is intended to help with your car seat cleaning routine, but always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions in your car seat manual to keep your warranty intact.
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Which one? Sleeping Bags vs Sleepwalkers
Choosing the Right Sleepwear: Sleeping Bags vs Sleepwalkers A safe, consistent bedtime routine starts with the right sleepwear – and at Dimples, we believe our Sleeping Bags and Sleepwalkers offer families a practical and gentle solution for better sleep. Whether your little one is still in a cot or has started to roam, we have options to suit every stage and season. Sleeping Bags Perfect from newborn through to early toddlerhood, Sleeping Bags are designed to keep your baby snug and secure during sleep. With snap domes at the armholes for a cosy fit, they’re ideal while your baby is still sleeping in a cot. Why choose a Sleeping Bag? Keeps your baby warm all night – no more kicked-off blankets. A great way to transition from swaddles or pods, offering a familiar cocooned feeling. Easy nappy changes with a two-way zip and dome shoulder access. Layer with Merino sleepwear underneath for added warmth and comfort. Choose from two weights to suit your home and the season: The All-Season Sleeping Bag lined with 100% Merino and suitable for 18–24°C rooms The Duvet Weight Sleeping Bag with added cotton wadding for colder nights, ideal for 12–18°C Sleepwalkers Once your baby is on the move and transitioning into a toddler bed, a Sleepwalker offers more freedom. These clever suits are designed for little ones who wriggle, crawl, or walk during sleep and after waking. Providing you with two products combined into one neat design, the Sleepwalker performs as a cosy sleeping bag at night-time then once pulled above baby’s feet it can become a dressing gown that baby can safely crawl and walk around in. Why choose a Sleepwalker? Designed for active toddlers who like to move or stand up on their own. Long legs mean it works like a sleeping bag during the night – and when it’s morning, they can simply pull their feet through. No risk of tripping or slipping when they get up. Still a great sleep cue, helping signal it’s time for rest. Available in: The All-Season Sleepwalker lined with 100% Merino and suitable for 18–24°C rooms The Duvet Weight Sleepwalker with added cotton wadding for colder nights, ideal for 12–18°C Why Merino Matters Every one of our Sleeping Bags and Sleepwalkers is lined with 100% Merino – a natural fibre known for being breathable, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. It helps your baby stay warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm, reducing the risk of overheating. That’s why Merino is one of the best choices for baby sleepwear. We recommend checking your baby’s temperature by feeling behind their neck and layering underneath accordingly – ideally with Merino sleepwear for the best performance. It’s always safer for baby to be slightly cool than too warm during sleep. Creating Healthy Sleep Habits Using a sleep bag or sleepwalker regularly helps your little one develop strong sleep associations and a calming routine. We recommend having two on rotation so you always have a clean one on hand – especially helpful for travel or night-time accidents. If you’re unsure which style or weight is right for your baby, don’t hesitate to get in touch or pop into store – our team is here to help guide you towards the perfect sleep solution for your little one.
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Sleep Solutions - Swaddles and Wraps
Which swaddle or wrap is best for your baby? Choose well for better sleep Swaddling your newborn helps calm, relax and settle your baby, ready to sleep. A swaddled newborn will generally fall asleep more easily and sleep for longer. This is because newborns are still used to the warm, tight feel of the womb. Newborns also have a startle reflex – really big twitches of the hands and arms that can wake your baby. Swaddling gently snuggles your baby’s arms in to keep them snoozing peacefully. Choosing the right swaddle or wrap depends on your baby’s preferences and the time of year. Some swaddles may be one-size-fits-all, designed to use from newborn through to infant sleeping bag. Others fit a specific size, and you’ll need to change the size as your baby grows. For these wraps, it’s much safer to get one that fits your child now – not one that they’ll grow into. The extra fabric can get in the way of your child’s movement, and may also increase the risk of SIDS. Follow our guide to understand what’s right for your newborn. Which wrap is right for you? There are two main types of wraps: fitted wraps, and traditional swaddles. The right one will depend on your preferences, and what works best for your baby. Fitted wraps Fitted wraps make swaddling a newborn easier. They’re also more secure – very important if your baby is a wriggler! Dimples has two types of fitted wraps: Snuggle Wrap : The Dimples Snugglewrap is perfect for a newborn who loves to be cocooned with arms down. Its unique design means it can be used safely in the crib, pushchair or car seat, for babies up to six months old. The Snuggle Wrap comes in one size and will adapt to your baby as it grows. Sleep Pod : The Sleep Pod is designed for babies who prefer to sleep with their arms up, or those who like self-soothing by sucking on a hand or fist while sleeping. It allows for natural movement of the hips and arms, while still making your baby feel snug and comforted. This Sleep Pod comes in two sizes: newborn and small (3 – 6 months). It has a zip up the front that makes it super easy to put on. There’s also easy access via the double-ended zip for nighttime nappy changes. Traditional wraps Traditional wraps are large pieces of stretchy fabric. They are more versatile than fitted wraps, as they can also be used as shade cloth, feeding cover or blanket. They also grow with your baby, so you don’t need to buy more than one. However, they are more difficult to use – learning to swaddle takes time, and it can be difficult to get the perfect fit, especially on a wriggly baby at 2 am. Dimples have Extra-large wraps, in both merino and organic cotton . Cotton or merino? Both cotton and merino fabrics are suitable for sleeping swaddles. Both are breathable, helping babies to regulate their temperature. Synthetic fabrics can lead to your baby overheating and sweating. Merino wool can help naturally regulate your baby’s temperature, providing even warmth and wicking moisture away. This makes an excellent option year-round. During the hottest months you may prefer a cotton wrap. This can also be used in cooler weather over close-fitting wool pajamas. The perfect wrap, better sleep Finding the perfect wrap can make all the difference in those tricky early months. This may take some trial and error, as you learn about what works for you and your baby. If you’re confident using a traditional wrap, this will give you the most versatility. If you’re a relatively newcomer to swaddling, a fitted wrap might suit you better. If your baby will arrive in the heat of summer, make sure you have a few cotton options on hand. For other times of the year, merino will work well. Whatever you choose, nailing that perfectly wrapped baby burrito will make for an especially wonderful parenting moment – especially if your baby is asleep!
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Protection: Sun Safety for little eyes
Many of us had the sun smart Slip, Slop, Slap message drummed into us from childhood. But are you aware of Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap? The message is to slip on some clothing and into the shade, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses. Why are sunglasses important for babies and toddlers? Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. This is especially important for babies and children for whom overexposure to UV radiation can cause a predisposition to eye problems. Just as a baby’s skin is more vulnerable to the sun, their developing eyes also have an increased susceptibility to UV damage. The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) says most of the eye damage caused by UV radiation builds up over a long period of time and cannot be reversed. So the sooner you start protecting your little one’s eyes from the sun, the lower their risk will be of ever developing future eye problems. “There is some evidence that daily exposure to UV radiation in very bright sunlight over many years may increase the risk of developing cataracts which cause a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Exposure may also increase the risk of macular degeneration, an eye condition resulting from damage to the retina.” In NZ and Australia, we have to be particularly careful as our peak summer UV levels are roughly 40% higher than those at comparable latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s because Earth’s orbit is elliptical, which means the Southern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during our summer. The thickness of the ozone layer is also a factor as is our clearer air quality. How to choose sunglasses for little ones Treat sunglasses as a necessity, not just an accessory. Although they certainly can be a fun fashion accessory and look super cute on babies! You’ll want to find sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, like the Izipizi range . Polarized lenses are also a bonus as they protect against glare, giving visual comfort. Opting for grey lenses also means they don’t distort but instead respect natural colours Durability is also key with kids' glasses. Izipizi’s ultra-flexible, BPA-free, and hypoallergenic frames are also great for sensitive skin. In addition, straight arms mean they will also adapt to your baby’s growth. Of course, it's easier said than done to keep sunglasses on a wriggly baby every time you head outside! That’s why Izipizi baby and kids sunglasses come with an optional ultra-flexible and adjustable silicone strap. This helps keep glasses on so they don’t get lost. Finding a comfortable fit will also make your little one happier to wear them. IZIPIZI offers three kids sunglass ranges: Baby for 0-9 months (head size 34-41 cm) Kids for 9-36 months (head circumference 40-47 cm) Kids+ for 3-5 years (head size 46-53 cm) Lead by example, if your children see you wearing sunglasses, they’re more likely to want to wear them too! Getting little ones to wear sunglasses not only protects their eyes now and for the future, it helps them develop habits that last for life. Don’t forget those other sun smart rules: Find shade — especially for babies under 6 months. Car sunshades and stroller sun covers are a good investment. Choose a wide-brimmed hat Try to limit your sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are most intense Dress kids in cool clothing with good coverage Use sunscreen daily, even on a cloudy day.
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Carseats Standards in New Zealand
Under New Zealand law, the driver is responsible for making sure all children under seven years of age are using a child restraint (car seat) that’s appropriate for their age, size, and development. Keeping your child safe is the number one priority. As a guide, from 0-2yrs, most babies should be in a rear-facing capsule or car seat, from two to around four or five they should be in a front-facing restraint, and after that, they should stay in a booster seat until they’re 148cm tall. Read our full guide to choosing a car seat here New Zealand car seat standards Every car seat that is sold or used in New Zealand has to be manufactured to a standard that complies with our minimum safety standards. You will find the car seat safety standard displayed as a sticker or a label on the shell of your child restraint. This will indicate which safety standard your car seat was manufactured to. When looking at car seats, you may identify a variety of different stickers: 1. The joint Australian, and New Zealand standards. This sticker can be identified as AS/NZS 1754. If you have an Australian standard car seat with this sticker identification it can be bought into New Zealand and used here. 2. The European Standard can be identified by a sticker reading ECE R44/04 or UN R129 and/or i-size. A European standard car seat with a sticker showing these numbers is legal for use within New Zealand. 3. The US standard child restraints can be identified with the code FMVSS 213. Some child restraints that are manufactured to the US standard are approved for use within New Zealand, but it is important to note that not all are. Child restraints that are manufactured to AS/NZ and European standards are independently tested to achieve the certification that allows each car seat to be used within New Zealand. However, car seats that are manufactured to the US standard are self-certified. This is why independent testing of US standard car seats must be run by the certification agency - Bureau Vista - prior to being used here in New Zealand. Once it has been approved for use here, each car seat will have a yellow compliance sticker applied. Note: If you buy a car seat in America, it won’t be compliant for use in NZ. Even if the exact same model can be purchased here, one bought in America won’t have the required compliance sticker and therefore isn’t legal for use in NZ. 4. You won’t often see the Japanese Car Seat Safety Standard here. It is only approved in NZ for child restraints that are built into a vehicle – eg a built-in booster seat that can’t be removed from the car. Note: If the car seat standard sticker falls off, or is no longer able to be read (this could be because a car seat is old and has expired), the restraint is not compliant, and therefore it is not legal for use on our roads. I’m Visiting NZ – Can I bring my own car seat? When visiting New Zealand from overseas you can bring your own child restraint only if it carries either the AS/NZS 1754 or the ECE R44 / R129 safety standard sticker.
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A Guide to Baby's Temperature
As a parent there always seems to be something to worry about! A common concern in these cooler months is baby’s temperature and how to hit the ‘Goldilocks’ sweet spot – not too cold; not too hot! Monitoring baby Babies can’t regulate their own body temperature for the first six weeks, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and adjust their clothing and room temperature to suit. First up – what is normal? Baby’s temperature should be around 37 degrees Celsius. A mild fever is a temperature higher than 38ºC and a high fever is anything over 39ºC. A thermometer is a great addition to your home first aid kit – giving you a quick and accurate temperature reading. These will typically get used a lot throughout childhood, making them a great investment. Some great options include digital forehead thermometers for quick and contactless checks such as Oricom's Contact Infrared Thermometer or Nuk's Baby Flash Thermometer. It’s a good idea to also take your baby’s temperature on a day when they’re content and well, so you can check their ‘normal’. Babies under three months with a mild fever and babies between three and six months with a high fever (over 39ºC) should be taken to the doctor. Another way to gauge baby’s temperature is to gently touch the back of their head or tummy – it should feel warm. (While they offer easier access, don’t go by their hands or feet, as these extremities are often cooler.) Ideal temperature for a sleep space It’s important to make sure the room where your baby is sleeping is at a comfortable temperature - around 18-20ºC. If you have a heater, heat pump, or air conditioning with a thermostat, you can set it to 18ºC and it will flick on and off as the temperature changes throughout the night. Clothing and bedding choices are key Merino is a natural wonder that’s perfect year-round – helping with temperature regulation. It has little pockets of air that keep warmth in on cold days, and cool baby down on a hot day. Another great natural fibre for baby is organic cotton . It can eliminate moisture build up between clothes and your baby’s skin, to keep your them comfortable and dry. Clothes for when you’re out and about For daytime, opt for layers so you can add or remove a layer to keep baby comfortable - again sticking with cotton and merino. If your baby falls asleep in the pram or car - yay! But both spaces can heat up and get airless quickly – so don’t forget to monitor their temperature. Think about ways to provide shade and airflow – and don’t leave them asleep in a car alone. Bath time Ideal water temperature for a bath is 37°C. It should feel warm and soothing, but not too hot for delicate skin. You can test the water with the inside of your wrist, or make it super easy with a Oricom Duck Bath Thermometer or the colour-changing Pebbly.
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Tripp Trapp - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the chair that grows with the child™ This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair that so many families love! Designed in Norway by Peter Opsvik, and launched in 1972, millions of children around the world have since enjoyed a seat at the table. When Tripp Trapp® was first introduced, it revolutionized the entire children´s seating category. No one had seen anything like it. Brilliant in its simplicity, it could be comfortably used at every stage of childhood and beyond. Truly one-of-a-kind, the Tripp Trapp® chair can be used for a lifetime and for generations to come. This is longevity in its purest form. Award-Winning Now one of Scandinavia’s most iconic designs, this legendary Norwegian chair has become a worldwide favourite, with over 13 million sold in more than 80 countries. Loved by families everywhere, it has also earned numerous prestigious design awards, including: German Design Award GOLD" in 2020 as the "best highchair" by the National Parenting Product Awards Selected as one of Fortune Magazine´s top 100 greatest designs of modern times Tripp Trapp® regularly appears in international media. In fact, its innovative looks and function also secure Tripp Trapp® a prominent position in interior exhibitions in museums such as MoMa in New York and V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum London. Philosophy The key to its success is timeless, quality design and the ability to grow with your child, enabling them to sit together with the rest of the family around the table to take part in life around the table which is crucial to children´s development, creativity, as well as language and motor skills. The Design Story 50 years ago, when Peter Opsvik´s son Tor was two years old, Opsvik discovered that Tor had outgrown his high chair and could not find one which allowed Tor to sit comfortably at table height with the rest of the family. From this observation, Opsvik changed the way we look at children´s seating by creating a chair that would truly give children of all ages a comfortable, ergonomic seat at the table. Tripp Trapp® was invented. Celebrating a Milestone Today, as then, the adjustable design allows freedom of movement with both depth- and height adjustable seat- and footplates. When adjusted correctly, your child is ensured a correct seating position at any age. Though times have changed, the mystery of being a new parent hasn't. By sitting together at the table with their families, children have been able to connect with the people that care about them most. It´s this connection that allows parent and child to get close, communicate and figure it out together. About Stokke Founded in Ålesund Norway in 1932, Stokke began life as a manufacturer of high-quality furniture. The first product for children was launched in 1972 –the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair, which has sold more than 13 million units and remains a core product in the Stokke collection. Since 2006 Stokke has focused exclusively on designing premium children ́s furniture and equipment within the highchair, stroller, baby carrier, home textiles and nursery segments. The products promote bonding between parent and child and ensure healthy development for young children. Owned and operated by three generations of the Stokke family until 2014, Stokke was acquired by Belgium based NXMH, wholly owned by NXC in South Korea. Stokke has worldwide distribution in over 70 countries, as well as its own subsidiaries in Europe, the United States and Asia.
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