Summer clothes for children

Typical. After weeks and weeks (months?) of rain, the sun has come out with a vengeance. There's never a happy medium, is there? Today is absolutely roasting... and none of us has any suitable clothes.

We went out panic-buying summer shoes and shorts yesterday, but if you've got more sense than us (and I bet you have), you should have a look at the lovely clothes available on Nappy Valley. From teeny Converse to Ralph Lauren playsuits, you should be able to find something to get you through the next couple of months (or weeks).

Do you use a playpen?

Playpens have rather fallen out of favour, haven't they? I could be wrong, but I don't know anyone who uses one and I think it might be because parents think they're too restrictive (same reason you don't see baby reins so much anymore). But I think they're really useful for those times when you just need to keep your child in one place - even just for a minute!

We recently went "glamping" (glamorous camping, in case you're not familiar with it) and I reserved a travel cot with the intention of using it as a playpen because the trouble with tents (however "glam") is that they don't lock. And keeping a 2-year-old contained is really hard work! And Joe was perfectly happy in his playpen, as long as he had something in there to keep him entertained.

I think the playpen pictured is rather lovely. It's from Mothercare and can currently be found on Nappy Valley for £50. And if that one's not your style, there are plenty more.

Sophie the Giraffe is 50!

I love Sophie the Giraffe. She's just so cute. And she is - according to The Guardian - "the baby accessory du jour".

The squeaky teether has been produced by Vulli, a company based in the Haute-Savoie region of France, since 1961 - making her 50 this year. And in this time, she's remained utterly unchanged, her retro style being part of her charm (along with, I assume, her cheery expression!)

She's hand-made from natural rubber and non-toxic paint and over 30 million Sophies have now been sold. You can find her at Born Gifted with free delivery.

Pop up travel cot perfect for holidays

This pop-up travel cot by Samsonite was one of the first things we bought when we had our first child. In fact, we bought the smaller version first and got a lot of use out of it, so then bought this bigger version later.

It's a really excellent product and both our children slept well in it and we had no worries about them trying to climb out. It's also light and compact enough for the smallest car and really easy to put up and dismantle. My only worry was that the baby might crawl inside it and travel around the room like a hamster in a ball, but that never happened (I may have an overactive imagination).

You can find a few Samsonite pop up travel cots on Nappy Valley at the moment.

Introducing... fabstuff4kids

When we find something wonderful and different we just want to share it with you and that's why we're telling you about fabstuff4kids.

The aim of this family-run business is to provide a platform for smaller / less well-known designers of children's clothes (plus toys and accessories) giving the consumer access to limited edition runs on unique products unavailable anywhere else in the UK.

They now feature over 50 designers from all over the world and are also hoping to launch their own product line sometime in September. They also have two market stalls running in conjunction with the website: one at Portobello on Friday and one at Merton Abbey Mills, on a Saturday.

And, as you can see, they sell some beautiful items.

Oh no. It's potty training time.

Oh potty training. I appreciate it has to be done, but the idea of it fills my heart with dread. Unfortunately my 2-year-old has started asking for a potty and so I'm going to have to take the bull by the horns (and buy carpet shampoo).

But first I have to decide how I'm going to do it. Casually leave a brightly coloured and comfortable potty in every room so he can go whenever he feels the need? Sit him down and encourage him with star charts and rewards? Skip the potty altogether and introduce him directly to the loo? I've no idea. Wish me luck!

Blackout blinds for easy sleeping

I think portable blackout blinds are one of the best inventions of the past few years. The first time we went on holiday, our eldest was up until past 10 each night because his room was bright and he was frightened of missing anything. Next time we went away, we took blackout blinds and managed to pretty much keep him in the same routine he has at home.

In fact, they made bedtime so much less stressful, that we use blackout curtains at home now too. There's a rather fabulous pink sparkly pair on Nappy Valley at the moment.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

My children have recently become rather obsessed with swimming. We'd been using the main pool at our local leisure centre to get them both used to being in the water, but then, a couple of weeks ago, the main pool was full and so we went into the family pool, which was full of toys and buoyancy aids...

Well. They were in their element. And I must admit, I found the pool noodles highly entertaining too. We all had a brilliant time and they've been desperate to get back ever since. Have a look at Nappy Valley for a Floaties buoyancy aid at a great price.

Protect your baby from the sun

So the beautiful weather seems to be lasting - of course, now I've said that I may have jinxed it (I have the power!) - and so if you have a baby or toddler in a buggy, you'll be struggling to keep the sun off them.

What you need is a Shade-A-Babe. One of those products that I desperately needed, but didn't think to invent, the shade protects your child with UPF 50+, shields from glare and wind and has an easy access zip panel. Plus it fits most pushchairs, which is obviously important.

Keep toddlers safe while travelling

One of the defining characteristics of a toddler is they don't stay still for long. It's one thing when you're at home and you know the layout of your house and where any potential hazards may lie, but it's harder when you're travelling or in a strange place.

I love this Lindam Travel Safety Barrier, which is fully collapsible, so perfect for taking with you when travelling or just visiting friends or relatives. Find more stair gates and playpens at Nappy Valley.

Exercising with babies

I've just started doing an online running course (if you're interested, it's Up & Running and I'd recommend it) and the main problem I've had is fitting running around looking after the children. At the moment, I can only do it when I've got childcare, but if I want to fit running into my life permanently (and I'm pretty sure I do) then I need another option.

Running or jogging buggies are a wonderful invention. It's a good idea to try a few out before committing because they make be more or less comfortable depending on your running style, but there's currently a Quinny Speedi buggy system (together with Dreami carrycot for newborns, footmuff and raincover) available on Nappy Valley. Happy running!

Get ready for Easter

These Hide n Squeak Eggs from Tomy were a huge hit with my boys last year. In fact, we only have five left because one was so well hidden we never found it.

It's such a great, versatile toy - you can crack open the eggs to reveal the brightly coloured press-and-cheep chicks, plus it's also a shape sorting game (matching egg bases to the right shaped hole in the box), making it egg-cellent (sorry) for hand to eye coordination and memory skills.

Find one in great condition on Nappy Valley right now.

Shea Mooti skincare discount

Shea Mooti’s luxurious skincare products are designed for mothers, mothers-to-be, their precious little bundles, and the journey beyond. The delicious range includes stretch mark oil, balms, creams and organic soaps, containing only botanical oils and butters known for their caring properties.

Shea Mooti are currently offering Nappy Valley readers at 12% discount - to claim your discount just enter code: NAPVAL13 at the checkout.

Find more discounts on our Lovely Offers page.

Do you doomoo?

I bought one of these lovely doomoo baby bean bag seats when I had my second son and we all loved it.

The seat is so adaptable - suitable from newborn to bigger children (up to 30kg). The top cover can be detached - which is handy for washing - and, unlike some beanbags, the seat is actually suitable for babies to sleep in. In fact, you get two top covers: one with a baby harness and one without. It's a really handy and stylish alternative to a bouncy chair and you can currently find one on Nappy Valley.

Any other nappy bag addicts out there?

I'm such a nappy-bag-aholic. I bought a good few when I had my first son and I've bought more with my second. Even so - and even though my boys are now too old for me to need a nappy bag - I'm still incredibly tempted by the amazing bags you can buy.

I think it's because they're such a great combination of practicality and smart looks.

The bag above is the OiOi Hobo Sack Changing Bag and I love the giraffe pattern. Find this bag and more at Nappy Valley.

Bikes, trikes and more at Nappy Valley

Yesterday the sun was shining and so we took our boys to the park. The older one wanted to go on his bike and so we retrieved it from the cupboard under the stairs, where it's been languishing for months. When the younger one saw it, he wanted to go on his bike too. But he's only two and hasn't got a bike yet. He wasn't impressed.

But then nor was the oldest when he realised that in all the time his bike's been shut away, he's completely outgrown it - unless he wants to hit himself in the face with his knees while riding.

Basically, we realised we need new bikes. Luckily there's a great selection of bikes, trikes and scooters on Nappy Valley. From wooden trikes to pink Barbie bikes, even a bike trailer for two. Perfect for enjoying the good weather!

Ready for the Royal Wedding?

To celebrate the 1977 Silver Jubilee, my sister and I went to a street party wearing white pleated skirts and white jumpers with red white and blue crowns around the bottom. The jumpers were knitted by my aunty, we both looked extremely cute, and that street party is one of my favourite childhood memories.

I don't know if we'll be going to any street parties to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but if we were, I'd be tempted to buy this adorable Union Jack knit I've just spotted on Nappy Valley.

Introducing Big Blue Cuddle

Big Blue Cuddle is a wonderful shopping website - you shop as normal, but, on checkout, you can donate between 15% and 50% of the value of each sale to a children charity.

Customers discover new and original brands, buy great clothes and have the satisfaction of having helped raise funds for a good cause without spending anything extra (clothes are sold at the normal retail price).

Charities receive funds that can make a big difference and raise awareness about their projects and cause.

Furthermore when you buy a present on Big Blue Cuddle, for example for a newborn baby, you're effectively giving twice and the recipient will know which charity has benefited from that purchase as it will say on the back of the greeting card.Currently, everybody who signs up to the newsletter gets a 20% off voucher as a welcome gift. So what are you waiting for? Visit www.bigbluecuddle.com

Boden launches maternity range

I've always secretly - or maybe not so secretly - loved Boden, so I'm quite excited about the new Boden maternity range. And the clothes are (unsurprisingly) really pretty.

I love the Easy Crossover Tunic and the Everyday Tee.

And don't forget Boden's gorgeous children's range: mini Boden. And if you're quick, you might find some on Nappy Valley.

A bright invention: Buglights

The poor light conditions of dark evenings and early mornings make many mothers and child minders feel unsafe and unseen as they push their prams and buggies through the streets. BUGLIGHTS - small lights specifically designed for prams and buggies - have been created by a London-based mother, in conjunction with hi visibility specialists PROVIZ, in order to solve this problem.

BUGLIGHTS are a simple way to illuminate prams and buggies, ensuring that they are seen by passing cars, cyclists and other road users. These discreet, small LED lights are easy to attach and remove and are a quick, simple and cost-effective way to make prams and buggies stand out.

Isabel Langly-Smith, the creator of BUGLIGHTS, says, ‘When I was pushing children around the streets of London I felt vulnerable and exposed, especially when crossing the roads. I could not find any buggy lights anywhere so I came up with the idea of BUGLIGHTS. Lots of my friends who are mothers felt the same way and are already feeling safer having bought their BUGLIGHTS.’

Buy them from www.buglights.co.uk for £12.99 per pair. They are available in white, black, blue, red, yellow and green and are designed to fit all brands of prams and buggies.