Pregnancy essentials: a birthing ball

Recently, my eldest son's been obsessed with hearing his birth story.

His favourite part of the story is when my waters broke: I was sitting, bouncing on my birthing ball and jumped up trying to work out whether the moment had arrived or whether I'd just bounced a bit too enthusiastically! I was on the birthing ball in the first place because my son's head wasn't engaged and birthing balls are good for getting the baby into the right position before birth. They're also comfortable just to sit on during pregnancy and helpful for finding a comfortable position during labour. A pregnancy and birth essential, in other words!

Find them on Nappy Valley.

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