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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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Dimples Says Hello to Christchurch
Dimples Says Hello to Christchurch As of the 17 th of December, Dimples will be opening the doors to our very first retail store in Christchurch. Located in the beautiful area of Sydenham pop in and meet the amazing new team of staff at 20 Durham Street South. Dimples is renowned for being a one-stop shop for your little one, and our Christchurch store will be no different. Offering high-quality products and a variety of different designer baby brands, our wonderful store is in the perfect spot for customers to head in and pick up all their favourite products. Much like our Auckland retail store, our retail staff will be trained as car seat technicians, therefore when you purchase a car seat through us you can get one of our experts to make sure it is safely fitted to your car. We are so excited to be opening our first store in the South Island and cannot wait for all the friendly face that we are going to meet. To celebrate the opening of our Christchurch store we will be offering a free Dimples Baby on Board sticker to all our new customers. See you soon Christchurch x
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Accessories to make Bath time easier
When it comes to bathing your baby there are many more elements to bath time than just purchasing the bath. Dimples have all the bath time necessities that make bathing baby easier for you and 10 times more sensational for baby. Let’s begin with bath toys... Baby is already getting so much enjoyment by splashing the water around your bathroom but throw a jellyfish in there and watch their eyes light up as you have never seen before. Jelly the jellyfish from Done by Deer is going to become your little one’s new best friend. Jelly can perform entertaining tricks when he soaks up water and then drizzles it out when turned upside down. This neoprene activity bath toy is easy to grasp, including different sensory features that will help baby learn as they bathe. Now that you have your little one distracted playing with Jelly, let's get that baby nice and clean. The Made 4 Baby Starter Pack is the perfect place to start. Suitable from newborn these products are all fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin. Featuring all the essentials you need, these products are also all full size. Featuring a 200ml foaming hair and body wash, 60ml all over baby lotion preventing dry skin, a Sleep Tight Massage Oil for after bathing helping them to relax and sleep well, a Botty Barrier Crème to help prevent nappy rash and a face cloth to wash your baby’s soft skin. All these essentials will be incredible and keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy. A shampoo brush is going to become your new best friend when washing your baby’s hair. Until the Shnuggle Baby Shampoo Brush landed in your palms this product is something you never knew was missing from your bath time routine, however after just one use you will realize how revolutionary this product truly is. Gently massage your baby’s head and brush away that cradle cap, cleanse, and shampoo. Fitting perfectly in your hand this design is comfortable for you and soft on your baby’s head helping them to feel calm. Now that your little one is all relaxed post head massage here comes the scary part. Somehow you will need to rinse the product out without a meltdown about water and shampoo trickling down their face. Well parents you need to fear no more as we have the perfect product for you. The Shnuggle Washy is the perfect little jug designed to take the tantrums away from bath-time. Featuring a soft grip handle for parents and a flexible edge that contours gently to the top of baby’s forehead tipping the water safely away from sensitive little eyes. Keep bath-time tear-free this is the perfect bath-time accessory for all ages – from treating baby’s cradle cap to washing a toddler’s curly locks. Now that you have made it through your bath time routine it’s time to wrap the little one up in a nice, hooded towel. When looking for the best Bath-time towel Dimples Hooded Towel and Flannel Set is the best place to start. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton towelling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensuring your set will last longer. Bathtime creates special memories between you and your children, so let’s not allow it to become a chore.
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Choosing the right baby bouncer for you
A baby rocker or bouncer can be a lifesaver for parents with young children. These magical devices can both keep your little one entertained or soothe them to sleep all whilst allowing you to be hands-free. Whether you are after a rocker or a bouncer Dimples has a vast selection both in-store and online. Baby Bounce Made right here in New Zealand, The Bouncinette from Baby Bounce provides a soothing motion for baby. This classic bouncer is timeless and will fit in anywhere around the house. Providing a sturdy crochet cover made from pure cotton. Its durable design is easy to wash and can slide back over the frame for quick drying. The cotton mesh allows your baby’s temperature to say regulated by allowing maximum airflow. With safety in mind, the bouncinette features a harness sewn into the cover. Made from strong cotton webbing and having no buckles that can accidentally come undone, your baby is sure to be happy, safe and, secure in their bouncinette. Nuna Leaf Grow Providing the calmness and comfort your little one needs from the time they are born, the gentle swaying motion of the Nuna Leaf Grow is the perfect way to get them to relax. The Leaf Grow features three different reclining levels allowing you to set the seat on the angle that the baby prefers. Including a soft and comfortable newborn insert, the Leaf is also lined with mesh providing the perfect amount of airflow. Includes a Toy Bar. From newborn. To toddler. To big kid. The Leaf Grow can be used up to 60kgs! A Baby bouncer is the solution any parent needs when you are needing to get your day to day tasks done. Although not a permanent sleep solution it will keep your little one occupied for a long period of time allowing you to roam around hands-free.
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Pacifiers – Choosing the right fit for your little one
Pacifiers can be one of the more controversial topics when it comes to parenting. Everyone has an opinion on this small rubber or silicone object, and you may find you will receive conflicting advice when deciding to use one or not. The good news is the decision to use a pacifier is completely up to you. Using a pacifier can be a lifesaver as a new parent, particularly in those first few months. When it comes to settling your newborn sucking on a pacifier is a great way to calm them down. A pacifier is designed to imitate a mother’s nipple and can usually calm a baby straight away when they become fussy. If you are wanting to stretch out your night feeds a pacifier might be your go to option to keep them settled until their next feed. Trial and error is often the best way to find the pacifier that works best for your baby. We have a range of options at Dimples to help you explore what your baby prefers. Latex vs Silicone At Dimples, we offer both Latex and Silicone pacifiers. Latex is made from natural rubber and is extra soft for your baby’s developing mouth. It is recommended that this product should be replaced every 6 weeks with its shorter shelf life. Silicone pacifiers are a more robust material as well as easier to clean. It is important to check your pacifiers before use to ensure there are no cracks as this will lead to a higher build-up of bacteria. Rounded vs Orthodontic Pacifiers stocked at Dimples come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you may find baby will prefer one shape and material over another. Dimples offer both Rounded and Orthodontic shaped pacifiers. A pacifier with a rounded nipple is often preferred by babies that are breastfed. Here the tongue is placed under the nipple much like when they are breastfeeding, this can help prevent nipple confusion. An orthodontic pacifier features a nipple with a flattened bottom and rounded top. This design helps support your little ones developing palate and jaw. The Variety Dimples has to offer: Frigg Frigg Pacifiers are designed in two different styles a classic minimalist design style as well as a daisy shape with a scalloped edge. Soothe your little one in style with a Frigg Pacifier the large colour range Frigg has on offer allows you to choose from a series of fashionable colours for your little one. The Frigg Pacifiers feature a rounded cherry shaped nipple. These pacifiers are designed with an outward curve which helps to keep the pacifier off the baby’s skin, it’s design also includes air holes and a security handle to ensure your baby is always safe. Frigg pacifiers are available in two different sizes. Size 1 is suited for newborn to 6 months and size 2 is suitable from 6 to 18 months. Bibs Bibs dummies are a world-renowned pacifier. Their retro look is complete with a rounded shield and rounded nipple. The suction area of this pacifier is made up of 100% natural soft, silky and flexible rubber. This pacifier gives your child a natural sense of sucking. With the outwards facing shield, your little one’s skin will have a reduced chance of irritation around the mouth area. Bibs Pacifiers are available in three different sizes; size 1 is suitable for newborn to 6 months, size 2 is suitable from 6 months to 18 months and size 3 is suitable from 18 months plus. Dimples offer a large selection of colours to soothe your little one in-store and online. Nuk Nuk is there to make sure your little one is taken care of. Every child is born different and you may find your little one is too small for regular size 1 silicone soothers. Nuk offers a size 0 silicone soother for smaller babies. Designed by medical experts the smaller size and shape will be perfect to soothe your tiny newborn. Nuk has also developed Pacifiers featuring extra soft silicone for your baby’s sensitive skin. This soother is made up of 100% extra soft silicone. The Nipple is extra soft to reduce the risk of tooth and jaw misalignments. Pacifier Clips Pacifier clips are the perfect addition to your soother. You will quickly discover over the early years of your child’s life you will go through plenty of Pacifiers. Often that is because your little one has conveniently dropped them only for it to never be seen again. A pacifier clip can help to prevent this from happening by simply attaching the pacifier to your child’s clothing. When they drop their pacifier, or it falls out of their mouth this means the object is still attached to them. Elodie offers a wide range of stylish Pacifier clips to make sure you can match the clip with any outfit. Check out our full range here
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How To Store Your Breast Milk Safely and Successfully
Tips to Storing Your Breast Milk Safely, Sustainably and Successfully. If you are looking for ways to store your breast milk Dimples has plenty of solutions to make sure you are making the most of that liquid gold. Once baby has arrived you may decide pumping and storing your milk is a great solution, particularly if you are heading back to work or just if you are after a solution for when baby’s milk isn’t being fed straight from you. Collecting the First Stage of your Milk Colostrum is the first stage of milk you will develop during the late stages of your pregnancy as well as in the first few days after baby has arrived. Colostrum will appear in a thick clear or yellow consistency. Colostrum is filled with all the good nutrients your newborn will need in those early days to help begin building their immune system. What is the best way to store my breast milk? Once your breast milk has officially come in and you are wanting to store milk for another day, Dimples has everything you will need to make sure your supply is stored away safely and conveniently. Haakaa has created reusable milk storage bags designed out of silicone so you can reduce any waste in the environment that is caused by single-use plastics. The environment you choose to store your breast milk in may need to change based on when you are planning to feed baby. Breast milk is best when transferred to a cooler place after four hours, however, breast milk should remain stable within room temperatures that are 25ºC or lower between 6 and 8 hours. If you choose to store your breast milk within the refrigerator it should remain safe for use up to 2 days at a temperature of 4ºC or lower. If your breast milk isn’t required within this time frame it should be stored in the freezer after 48 hours. Breast milk can be stored in your basic fridge freezer for up to 3 months. How to prepare breast milk that has been stored . Preparing breast milk that has been previously frozen is simple. Placing the pouch in the refrigerator to thaw for several hours before use is an easy solution. When heating any form of milk for baby using a microwave should be avoided. Using a microwave can lead to heating milk unevenly and increase the risk of scalding your baby. To safely heat milk and have it ready for baby, simply stand the pouch in a bed of warm water (not boiled) and allow it to sit until it has reached a lukewarm temperature. Simply use a food thermometer to test the temperature of baby’s milk to always ensure that they are safe. Another option to heat your little one’s milk is using the Meke Milk Warmer . This item stocked by Dimples is an innovative way to heat baby’s milk whether it is breast milk, formula, or even hot chocolate. Simply choose the appropriate temperature and with the press of a button and your milky beverage is ready to go. Sterilising your equipment Being able to re-use the equipment required during your breastfeeding journey is a great positive not only does it significantly reduce costs, but it also has a positive effect on the environment with reduced consumption. Ensuring you have everything clean and sterilised will be an important part of your routine. Haakaa’s Silicone bottle brush is sized to fit perfectly into Haakaa’s silicone milk storage bags , the soft and flexible bristles are made from 100% silicone allowing you to reach all area’s giving a thorough clean. Dimples stocks all the solutions you will need to make your breastfeeding journey as simple and as gentle on the environment as possible.
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Encouraging play time with your little one
Encouraging play time with your little one Playtime with your children is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to your child’s development. It is so important to have these playful interactions with your little one early on in the Newborn stage. To build a connection between you and your Newborn this form of interaction doesn’t require much more than using your face, voice and body to keep them entertained. You will begin to learn more about one another and start to see you baby’s personality come to light. You may feel in the beginning as if this form of play is a little one sided, however through these interactions you are helping with their cognitive and sensory development. They are beginning to build connections in their brains which will help them to understand different words. Beginning by making funny faces and smiling, singing, telling nursery rhymes, and reading to them are all the simplest and most effective ways to interact with baby. Introducing your baby to new materials that they can touch and move around is another great way to stimulate their brains. Allowing them to do things as simple splashing around water during bath time is a great way of helping them to explore their senses. During these early stages of development you are the most important tool for your baby’s entertainment however Dimples also sells a range of interactive toys in various forms to aide when it comes to play time between you and your little one. Toys to add when it is play time. The Jelly Cat books follow delightful little characters through a variety of different stories. Story time with your little one is a great way to interact and stimulate their mind. Changing the pitch and tone of your voice will help with baby making different connections in their brain. Play time can require a lot of energy for baby so you will notice they can quickly get tired. Baby will signal they are getting tired by looking away from you, they may become disinterested or even grumpy. After your baby is rested, they will signal when they are ready to play again by looking towards you, making noises as well was wiggling their arms and legs about. Evolving play time as your child grows As baby grows up, they are learning more every day. They are beginning to develop new skills therefore it is important to evolve your playtime routine. Between the ages of one and two your toddler will begin to explore the world and will begin to gain more of an idea on how things work. During this age it is great to have a balance between structured and unstructured play. Unstructured play is allowing your child to explore what strikes their own interest. It is through unstructured play where you will learn the most about your child and what they are attracted to. Here it is best to take a step back and watch your little one’s imagination grow. Structured play is a great way for you child to learn in a more organised setting, this may involve activities such as swim lessons, musical groups, dance classes. Structured play will help to broaden your toddler’s knowledge and physical skills, this often takes part within a group setting. Play within a social setting is important as it helps to develop social and communication skills as well as teach them about sharing. It is a good idea when buying toys to keep you little one entertained to consider buying toys that are educational, therefore you are ensuring that not only are they having fun but they are also expanding their knowledge. Dimples offers a range of educational yet entertaining toys to make sure you little one’s mind is always learning. The Stacking Ring Tower from Mushie is made from 100% non-toxic BPA and phthalate free plastics, they help to refine bubs organisational and motor skill all while being fun for them to play and engage with. Screen time is an important factor to be aware of. Putting your child in front of a screen is an easy solution when needing to keep your little one entertained so you can get certain tasks done. However, it important to consider balance when it comes to how much screen time you are allowing you child to have. Screens only show a two-dimensional world, it doesn’t offer the same sensory experience that you child will gain when they are out and about. Play time away from the screen allows your child to explore all five senses and use their imagination, you will notice their knowledge broadening quickly the more they venture into the world.
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Tips for Successful Breast Pumping
How to express breast milk minus the stress 10 simple tips to get the pumping party started Whether a return to work is calling, you’re desperate for a night out or just keen to share the responsibility of feeding your baby, most new mamas eventually need some time off from breastfeeding. Enter the breast pump. While it might seem daunting at first, with tubes, suction and strange noises, it’s not so complicated once you get the hang of it. And just like any new skill, it can take a bit of time to learn. So how do you become a pumping pro? Read on to find out… Get started with the right pump : Before you meet your new baby, it’s a good idea to research, purchase and familiarise yourself with your breast pump. Depending on whether you’re planning on being an occasional pumper or pumping regularly, manual pumps like this one from Haaka and electric pumps like this one from Vital Baby each have different merits. That’s a whole other blog! The pre-pump clean-up : Before you get started, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and ensure you’ve cleaned and sterilised your pump as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re planning on storing the milk, cleanliness is super important to avoid passing any nasties on to your baby. Create a designated pumping spot : Whether it’s at work or home, find a comfortable, quiet spot where you can have some uninterrupted pumping time. Make your go-to spot cosy and relaxing, with everything you need on hand. You’ll want a good book (or your phone) to pass the time, snacks (lactation cookies are perfect), a bottle of water and some soothing nipple cream. Think of pumping as an opportunity for some precious time out rather than a dreaded chore. Get your seating right : Once you’ve found your spot, get your seating sorted. A comfy chair that supports your back is a must for pumping sessions that won’t leave you aching. Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and have a cushion or nursing pillow handy to support your pump-holding arm. Dress for pumping success : A feeding-friendly wardrobe is essential for easy pumping or breastfeeding access. Get the basics right, starting with a comfortable nursing bra like this one from Body Silk and then layer with buttoned shirts from your existing wardrobe or specific nursing tops or dresses. Breathe deeply and relax : Expressing can be a stressful experience until you get the hang of it, so once you’re in position and have your pump ready to go, take some slow, relaxing breaths. Slow breathing calms your nervous system and is a good way to get yourself in the zone. Try breathing in for the count of 5, pausing, then exhaling for the count of 6. Repeat until relaxed. Encourage let-down : In the absence of a sucking baby, encouraging let-down can be one of the trickiest parts of pumping. A soft massage before pumping coupled with a warm compress like a wheat bag can help get your milk-makers ready to go. Thinking about your baby (if he’s not with you) or looking through photos or videos (you’ll likely have a few) will also assist. Resist bottle-watching : While it’s tempting to stare at the bottle, obsessing over how quickly (or slowly) it’s filling up – it won’t help! Just like the old saying ‘A watched pot never boils’, a watched bottle doesn’t fill. It’s tough to be relaxed while compulsively watching your milk ducts do their thing. If you really can’t resist the urge, throw a blanket over the bottle, and go for the big reveal several minutes later. Don’t waste a drop : Seeing any of that precious milk wasted is slightly soul-destroying, so be prepared to catch leaks and spills. Haaka has produced a clever little milk collector called the Ladybug that allows you to capture every last drop. You can use it between feeds, or place on your other breast while pumping to capture excess milk that would usually be resigned to a nursing pad. There’s an app for that : If you’re planning on being a regular pumper, an app like Milk Maid will help you keep track of how much you pump, when you’ve pumped and how much you have stored. That’s one less thing for a tired mama to try and remember! Be consistent and persistent Just like anything new, breast pumping has its learning curve. It involves a bit of trial and error to find out what works best for you, and a degree of persistence. And while it might feel strange and uncomfortable early on, the above tips will have it feeling like just another part of your normal baby routine soon enough. Remember, professional help is always available too if you need it.
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