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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 Non 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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