A birthing pool bargain

My second son Joe was two yesterday and my six-year-old asked me to tell him how Joe was born (he's currently fascinated by birth stories).

Joe was actually born by planned c-section, fifteen days late, but he was supposed to be born at home in a birthing pool. The pool was in place, inflated, ready to go and even though Joe's birth was completely wonderful, I'm still a bit sad I didn't get to use the pool.

I was lucky in that I was able to borrow one from a friend of my midwife, but there's currently one - unused and with accessories - on Nappy Valley for £60. A bargain.

Save your back with a Hippychick hip seat

I've got to the point with my two-year-old where he's not quite strong enough to walk, but he's too independent to spend much time in his buggy and he's too heavy for me to carry for very long. That's where the Hippychick hip seat comes in.

I honestly think it's one of the best toddler products you can get. Such a simple idea, but so effective and great for people who find carrying kids a strain. There are currently two available at Nappy Valley.

Expanding your family?

I'm sure you've already heard the news that the Beckhams are expanding their family. Yes, again. It won't be a problem in Beckingham Palace, of course, but for most of us a new baby means rearranging furniture and making the best of the available space.

If space is at a premium, bunk beds are a great option and I love this Harbour Bunk Bed from Great Little Trading Company with reversible shelving and an underbed drawer that can be used as another extra bed.

Check out more sleeping options - for kids of all ages - at Nappy Valley.

Wondering what to do with unwanted Christmas gifts?

Aw. Look at poor Lumpy the Heffalump. Doesn't he look sad.

Don't let toys languish all lonely and unplayed-with... if your kids don't want them, there are plenty of others that will and Nappy Valley is just the place to sell them.

You may also find that gift you just couldn't get your hands on before Christmas, but that Santa "promised" to deliver at a later date (other people do that too, right?).

Searching for a nanny? Try Nanny Seekers

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and since I doubt you're in the mood for shopping right now, I thought instead I'd tell you about Clare Redgrove, the inspirational owner of au pair agency Nanny Seekers.

Since 1996, Clare has been finding au pairs in the Czech Republic who are interested in coming to the UK to work. Clare's unique selling point is that she meets all the au pairs before placing them with families. At the end of last year, she was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus and had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as having a hysterectomy. But she's just been given the great news that she is in remission.

Clare says, "Many people avoid the subject, but I find it is really helpful to talk about my cancer. Now that I am in remission I am more determined to make Nanny Seekers even better than it was before."

For more information, contact Clare at nannyseekers@tiscali.co.uk or visit http://www.nannyseekers.eu/

Happy Christmas from Nappy Valley

We'd just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and thank you for your support this year.

Don't forget to check out our Lovely Offers (discounts from companies including Mothercare, Lush Baby and The Handpicked Collection) and bear in mind that Nappy Valley is an excellent place to sell all your unwanted Christmas gifts!

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Top 5 Christmas Presents for Pre-schoolers chosen by Nappy Valley

Not sure what to get your little one this year? Here is our top five classic, long lasting gifts with loads of play value. Our top 5 will not only give your little ones hours of fun, they are beautifully made, will last years and sell very well on Nappy Valley when they are outgrown.

1.) Early Rider The best way to get your little one onto two wheels, the Early Rider develops their sense of balance: no need for stabilisers! Available from GLTC .

2.) Brio My First Railway Set A starter set that you can keep adding to each Christmas and birthday. Classic ongoing play value for train lovers. Available from John Lewis 

3.) Mini Micro Scooter Another great gift for tots on the go. Now available in a range of new colours from John Lewis 

4.) Duplo Feeding Zoo The ideal gift for any little one, Duplo is long lasting and durable. It grows with your child: you can play games with the animals, or redesign the whole Zoo! Available from John Lewis.

5.) Radio Flyer Wagon Little ones love being pulled by older siblings in this classic wagon. Fill up with picnic goodies and toys and take to the park. Available from GLTC .