Little Arrival Bag Blog

FREE Baby Sock Ons with every Pacapod Changing Bag Order

2011-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Until the end of December we're giving away a FREE pair of clever little white Sock Ons with every Pacapod Changing Bag which is purchased.

Also look out for the two great new Pacapod bags which have been added to our range, the Comorandel (pictured) and the Black Portland.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Expectant Mums 2011

2011-11-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here's our top 5 gift idea's for pregnant mums this Christmas...

The Mommy Measure, a unique pregnancy growth chart available in 4 designs, price £12.95
Super stylish Boob Maternity Treggings, available in blue or black, price £49.00
The very popular Pacapod Almora Changing Bag is the ultimate in luxury and organisation, price £70.00
Carriwell Maternity Belt makes a great useful stocking filler, price £12.49
Ickle Bockle Travel Kit provides an ideal storage solution for the hospital bag, price £10.95

Christmas Returns Policy

2011-11-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

Buy your gifts this November and December, safe in the knowledge that if they aren't suitable we're happy to provide an exchange or refund until Monday 9th January 2012.

Also the last posting date for pre-Christmas delivery will be Tuesday 20th December 2011.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Newborn Babies 2011

2011-11-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Looking for a special gift for a newborn baby? We have a wonderful range of Christmas present ideas to suit all budgets.

Sock-Ons are a quirky but useful stocking filler, prices from £2.99
Beautiful swaddling blankets, price £11.00
Soft organic breton stripe rompers are a classic for babies, price £14.50
The award winning Cuddledry towel is an extremely practical gift, price from £24.99
Extra warm organic snowsuits make a luxurious gift, price£28.00

Peace of mind at home

2011-09-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

It can be quite a daunting experience arriving home with a newborn. We've put together a list of great home products, which we think help put new parents mind at rest.

Digital ear thermometer - a must from day one, invest in a quality thermometer and you won't regret it.

Baby bed blocks - great for raising the end of a cot when baby has the snuffles and far safer than a couple of books!

Gro-egg digital room thermometer - Peace of mind at a glance especially in those early days at home with your baby - the gro-egg™ changes colour to let you know at a glance if the temperature of a room is too low, too high or just right.

NEW Boob Designer Maternity and Nursing Wear

2011-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to have just taken delivery of some great key items from Swedish Designer Boob. We predict the Boob Treggings in blue and black are going to be a big hit with our pregnant customers (pictured).

Another great purchase is the Before & After Nursing Singlet vest which can be worn whilst pregnant and after birth as a result of the rouched sides. An essential for the hospital bag, as it adjusts to whatever size you are after birth, but allows for discreet nursing.

Click her to view the full range.

New Carriwell Breast Pads in BLACK!

2011-07-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know that Carriwell has launched New Black Cotton Washable Breast Pads! The award winning Carriwell brand has been the first to launch a BLACK cotton washable breast pad, making them an ideal partner to Carriwell’s black nursing bra range. With a black outward facing layer, you can now wear darker colours in confidence. Click here to purchase.

Brightening up your post-pregnancy wardrobe

2011-05-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

We've put together some stylish key items for your post-pregnancy wardrobe, and the best part is that the clothing makes breastfeeding easy. All the items can be found in the online shop.

Breastfeeding Wrap in Pink (£29.95)

OiOi Hobo Black & White Floral Print (£55.00)

Emma-Jane Nursing Top (£16.00)

Breastfeeding Wraps Ready for Pre-Order

2011-03-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Our popular breastfeeding wraps have now sold out in black and chocolate. We'll be taking delivery of both of these wraps in the next fortnight. Also NEW for 2011 are the nursing wraps in colours Sweet Pink and Blue Pearl, great for a Spring/Summer look. Feel free to contact us if you wish to pre-order any of these wraps.

What to pack for a caesarean birth

2011-03-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

With approximately one baby in four in the UK being delivered by caesarean section we have some great products to help aid recovery should you need a caesarean birth.

Carriwell Hospital Pants are highly recommended as they allow the scar to breathe and won't irritate.

A nightdress rather than pyjamas so that there's no waist band sitting on your scar.

Caesarean Belt to protect, support & soothe in the weeks after a Caesarean.

The Custom Cookie Co

2011-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a different gift idea for the 'new parents', we love the Custom Cookie Co who do a range of baby cookies which can be customised with a gift message attached. Click here to visit the Custom Cookie website.

The Mommy Measure - The Perfect Pregnancy Keepsake!

2011-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to be the very first stockist of The Mommy Measure in the UK! This unique pregnancy growth chart and journal make it easy to record your belly growth (fundal height / belly circumference) and pregnancy milestones.

So how does it work?

Measure the baby belly Use the Mommy Measure's Weeks Pregnant Scale to track your Fundal height each week, and the Belly Growth Scale to track your belly circumference. Then mark each of your measurements with the heart stickers provided.
Log your pregnancy experience The Mommy Measure's smooth surface allows hand written marks to be recorded directly below each measurement. The experiences should coincide with the current size measurement of your belly, in order to best document your journey to motherhood. Milestones & experiences to record could include hearing baby's heart beat(BPM), cravings, contractions, ultrasounds, kicks, and learning the sex of baby.
Create a treasured keepsake 9 months of pregnancy will be documented in a unique keepsake that will provide a timeline of your pregnancy journey.

Available in four colours, click here to view

Exciting New Boden Maternity Range

2011-01-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

Great news for mums-to-be that Boden have launched a new maternity range. Brighten up your pregnancy wardrobe at www.boden.co.uk

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our customers! Look out for our January Sale offers, including OiOi bags and Bushbaby Snugbug suits. Sale ends 31st January 2011.

Christmas Returns Policy

2010-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Buy your gifts this December safe in the knowledge that if they aren't suitable we're happy to provide an exchange or refund until 10th January 2011.

Mother and Baby Christmas Gift Ideas

2010-11-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Top Mother and Baby Gift suggestions for this Christmas are:

Sweet Dreams Nightgown
Almora Pacapod Bag in Sand

Sock Ons - a great stocking filler

Classic pre-packed hospital bag - the ultimate in luxury for the mum-to-be

No better present than the Gift of Sleep....

2010-10-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

Just arrived for Autumn is a wonderful Tweetie Woo gift set promising new parents the Gift of Sleep! This newborn set contains:

A 2.5 tog Grobag Baby Sleep Bag, that is suitable for use during most of the year and is made from luxurious cotton velour fabric (size 0-6 months)
A Grobag Swaddle Blanket (one of our best selling products) made from supersoft 100% cotton (size 0-3 months)
Beautifully gift packaged

Great as a gift for a newborn or if you're super organised as a Christmas present for baby. Priced at £32.95, click here for details

Did you know a new baby typically results in 400-750 hours of lost sleep for parents in the first year.

Snug as a bug this Autumn

2010-09-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Now that Autumn is setting in, keep your newborn cosy, especially when you leave the hospital, with one of our great new snowsuits from Natures Purest and Bushbaby. Prices start from £26.00. Click here to view full range.

Survival Tips for New Mums

2010-08-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Being a new mum involves adapting to lots of life changes and it can all feel like too much especially during those first few weeks after birth. Here's some great tips to survive!

Stock up the freezer with meals before birth, you'll be so grateful for those easy meals once baby arrives

Don't be shy of letting people know that you're not having visitors for a few days if you don't feel up to it, family and friends will understand

Try to get out of the house everyday, even if it's just for a short walk

Take some time out for yourself, even if it's just a haircut or manicure, you deserve it.

Lower your expectations, don't aspire to have a perfect home, cooked meal on the table, you'll only exhaust yourself. Baby and you take priority.

Try to meet other new mums. It can feel like your first day in a new job walking into mother and baby groups, be brave and strike up a conversation with a mum. Friendships with other mum's take time but will keep you sane through those sleepless nights, weaning, toilet training and tantrums!

Free Photo Prints

2010-07-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Show off your new arrival and don't miss out on the opportunity to claim 40 free prints from Photobox (new customers only). See link http://www.photobox.co.uk/ for details.

Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads

2010-06-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

We recently learned that the Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads are now discontinued so this is your last chance to get a hold of this great product. We've lined up a replacement from Carriwell who produce a pack of 6 Natural Silk Washable Breast Pads. On average a woman uses approximately 3000 disposable breast pads so it makes great financial sense to opt for the washable breast pads. If you're looking for a bag to hold your breast pads in the washing machine we can recommend the washing bags from Lakeland (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/).

Pacapod update

2010-05-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

The new Pacapod Almora range in sand has already sold out and unfortunately more stock is not due until mid August. We still have a few left in the Almora black. We've also added two new Pacapod designs, the Logan bag in mocha, which looks great on mums or dads, and also the Napier bag in red. Prices start at £60.

New range of OiOi changing bags just arrived

2010-04-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

New for Spring/Summer is the new range of OiOi changing bags for the stylish mum. Click here to view the OiOi range, prices from £55.00.

New Funky Pacapod Bags

2010-03-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

The fantastic Pacapod is now available in two new designs (black and sand). Delivery of these new bags will be week beginning 15th March and they're currently available for pre-order, so be the first to get your hands one of these great bags.

New nursing nightwear for Spring

2010-03-02T12:08:00.001-08:00

Keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks for the new floral drop-cup nightgown (see image), the same style as our popular Sweet Dreams drop-cup nightgown. More stock of sizes Medium and Large for the Sweet Dreams nightgown also due shortly. Click here if you want to be notified when these nightgowns are in stock or if you want to reserve.

Free ideas for entertaining the kids

2010-01-31T05:16:00.000-08:00

One of our suppliers, The Little Experience (creators of award winning craft kits for kids), have compiled a great list of free ideas for keeping your kids entertained. Find everything ranging from how to make homemade salt dough and papermache, to sewing, knitting and origami projects, it's a real trip down memory lane for many of us! Click here for the link and happy making!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Expectant Mums

2009-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas shopping can be difficult at the best of times but buying for an expectant mum can be even trickier! We've put together a list of our top 5 Luxury Christmas gift ideas for the mum-to-be. No need to worry about retunrs as over the Christmas period we've extended our returns and exchange policy until 8th January 2010.

Sweet Dreams Nightgown - an adorable polka dot drop-cup nightgown

Pacapod Changing Bag - our best selling stylish changing bag which is incredibly well designed, available in Black, Red or Conker

Love From Gift Set - melt any mum-to-be's heart with this gorgeous nursing nightdress and matching babygro. The nightdress can be worn during and after pregnancy and is available in Slate Spot or Rose.

Breestfeeding Wrap - we sold out of these last January they were so popular, available in Green, Black or Chocolate.

Burt's Bees Mom & Baby Set - Both mum and baby's skin get the attention they need with these lovely pampering natural skin care products.

Cosy Toes for December

2009-12-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

New for December are a couple of great ideas for keeping baby's toes warm this winter, they also make great stocking filler ideas. The beautiful Hug Me Soft Shoe is organic and perfect for indoor and outdoor wear. Available in size 0 - 6 months. Also new in stock are Sock Ons, an innovative design to keep baby's socks on the feet. Av ailable in a range of plain colours or the incredibly cute sneak er designs.

The Hobby Horse - A Classic Gift

2009-11-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a classic Christmas present for older children then we can personally recommend the beautiful hobby horses from Laurel Designs, our daughter absolutely adores her horse! There are six different horses to choose from and the recommended age group is 18 months - 6 years, however, younger children (10 months +) may prefer the new My Riding Pony which attaches round the waist. The quality and service are outstanding and this is guaranteed to be a toy handed down the generations.

New products for November

2009-11-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

One of our most popular products this year has been the Grobag Swaddling Blanket, which is now back in stock with a gorgeous new unisex 'Grand Day Out' print (matching Grobag Sleeping Bag also available).

Also from the Gro-Group we now have in stock the Gro-Egg digital room thermometer, great for re-assuring new parents in those first days at home of a perfect room temperature for baby.

Lastly, we're a huge fan of the Gro-Clock, great for those older siblings as it uses fun images of the moon and sun to communicate when to go back to sleep and when it’s time to get up, a must for sleep deprived parents!

NEW Expressiva nightwear range

2009-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

We've recenty been busy expanding our range of nightwear, as previous ranges have proved to be very popular. We're delighted to now have the very stylish Expressiva Sweet Dreams Nightgown in stock, which has a great simple drop-cup design. Click here for more details.

Great new lines in nightwear and nursing wear

2009-09-25T05:29:00.001-07:00

If you're looking to treat yourself (or a pregnant friend/relative) to some luxurious nightwear and nursing wear then we have two gorgeous new products from Amoralia. The first range is the 'Love From Nightdress' which is great for pregnancy and breastfeeding afterwards, with the added bonus of a newborn babygrow with matching trim as part of the set. Great for those all important first photos! Available in slate spot or rose, click here for more information.

The second range is a super soft white nursing top which we love, as it can be worn as daywear or nightwear making it a great look for the hospital. Available in Small, Medium, Large and X Large, click here for more details. More great nightwear arriving from Amoralia late October.

Entertainment for the new big brother or sister

2009-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

With the creation of our new section for the Big Brother and Big Sister we'd been on the hunt for some great treats to keep little minds busy, especially during those demanding first days with baby. We're delighted to have added some lovely kits to create pretty hairbands, moving robots or enchanted castles. Nothing goes to waste as the packaging also recycles into something else, providing hours of entertainment and great value. Click here to view the range.

FREE Breastfeeding Information Sheets

2009-04-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for some straightforward advice on breastfeeding take a look at the 8 factsheets provided on the Lansinoh website. They're full of useful tips and cover a range of topics including: Getting Started with Breastfeeding; How to Avoid Sore Nipples; Expressing and Storing Breastmilk, and Working and Breastfeeding. Click here to view this link.

Making those first nights with your new baby easier

2009-04-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

As a first time mother there were several products I didn't know about or consider taking to hospital. Second time around I was far more clued up about what was going to happen! Below are our top 5 recommendations for making those first nights a little easier for mother and baby:

Grobag Swaddling - This specially designed swaddling blanket recreates the comforting and soothing feeling of being in the womb, which helps baby to sleep more soundly and provides mum with some extra precious sleep.

Carriwell Lace Nursing Bra - if you're breastfeeding, you'll need to keep breast pads in place during the night with a nursing bra, however, traditional breastfeeding bras for the day will probably have uncomfortable clips at the back for sleeping. The Carriwell Lace Nursing Bra has no clips at the back and its flexible design easily adjusts with increases and decreases in bust size.

Lansinoh - if you're planning to breastfeed this product really can make all the difference by preventing or treating chapped and sore nipples.

Organic Nightgown - baby sleepsuits can be a fickle business for the first time mother (and second, third etc...) especially for those first nappy changes. Make life easier during the night with these nightgowns, which also have clever cuffs to stop baby scratching themselves.

Carriwell Hospital Pants - Extremely practical and also great for caesarean recuperation as it allows scars to breathe and won't irritate the scar.

Something special for the big brother or big sister

2009-03-15T15:16:00.001-07:00

We're delighted to announce the launch of a new section dedicated to making the siblings of a new baby feel special. Exclusive to Little Arrival Bag are a great range of super soft organic 'I'm the Big Brother' and 'I'm the Big Sister' tops, ranging in size from 12 months to 5-6 years old. Click here to view the new range.

Popular Breastfeeding Wraps back in stock

2009-02-09T03:24:00.000-08:00

Just a quick blog to let customers know that the incredibly popular breastfeeding wraps are now back in stock. Click here to view the 5 available colours.

The Cuddledry towel - a must have purchase for every new parent

2009-02-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Cuddledry towel is the original classic apron-style bath towel which allows mums and dads to have two hands free to bath, lift and wrap their baby after bath. Whilst you may not need the Cuddledry towel in hospital, this is such a great product we couldn't resist offering it to our customers. Our top reasons for investing in this product are:

Made from organic cotton and bamboo fibre, so is not only eco-friendly but also beautifully soft to touch and use.
Takes the stress out of bathtime with a new baby, preventing the struggle of trying to hold both slippery baby and towel, wrap the baby, and stay calm - all at once!

Recognised by the Child Accident Prevention Trust as offering 'safer parenting'
A quality product which will be used time and time again without deteriorating or being outgrown in a matter of months.

Available in 5 different colours, Oatmeal, Pink, Blue, Natural White and the newest Cowprint design (as pictured). Save 10% until the end of February on all Cuddledry towels at Little Arrival Bag.

Stylish bag for hospital - as featured in I'm Pregnant magazine

2009-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

The ever-so-stylish Rapunzel Holdall is currently featured in the magazine I'm Pregnant for their Wise buys and lovely goodies for your hospital bag. A lovely treat for mum, who'll be the envy of the maternity ward with this bag. Available in Green or Chocolate we've reduced the RRP to £36 (10% saving) until the end of January. Click here to view.

Announce your new arrival in style!

2009-01-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

If you're looking to announce the birth of your baby or send thank you cards for baby presents, then we can highly recommend the website CocoCards. Started last year by Helen (mum of three), CocoCards offers a unique and stylish selection of high quality personalised cards. Click here to view the CocoCards website.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Expectant Mums

2008-12-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult to know what to buy an expectant mum for Christmas, we've listed our top gift ideas with something to suit every budget. If you're buying a gift we'll accept exchanges or returns until the 5th January 2009.

Treat mum-to-be to either a stylish holdall for the hospital or a luxury changing bag

Our Burt's Bees Travel Shower Kit (£14.99) makes a great stocking filler for their hospital bag.

Super soft pyjamas that mum can wear in the last few months of pregnancy, as well as after are a great gift.

For the ultimate in Christmas presents why not give a pre-packed hospital bag, allowing mum to put her feet up instead of shopping in the weeks leading up to birth.

Unusual stocking filler & Christmas decoration idea

2008-12-03T07:44:00.001-08:00

If you're looking for a unique Christmas decoration or stocking filler for expectant or new parents then look no further than than the Baby Art Keepsake. 100% safe for baby and easy to use. Diameter 16cm, RRP £9.99. Click here for details.

Take charge of your pain relief in labour with a tens machine

2008-11-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

For most expectant mums the thought of labour can be a scary prospect, in particular not knowing the level of pain that will be experienced. There are lots of options to relieve pain, however, expectant mums can take some control by arranging to have a tens machine on hand when labour begins, and for some lucky mums it may be all you need to get you through labour!

A tens machine works by stimulating your body's own natural defences against pain by transmitting gentle, electrical impulses through your skin via four self-adhesive electrode pads positioned on your back.

The MamaTENS unit is recommended by the Royal College of Midwives and is widely accepted as the most effective and easiest maternity TENS unit to use. Find out more about how easy it is to rent a MamaTENS from Little Arrival Bag, or why not consider investing in your own MamaTENS machine if you're planning future pregnancies. 10% off MamaTENS until 30th November 2008 with Little Arrival Bag.

Take the guesswork out of choosing a nursing bra.

2008-11-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Deciding on the size of a nursing bra towards the end of your pregnancy, and before milk production has begun, can be a bit of a guessing game. Carriwell solves this problem with their ingenious drop-cup nursing bra, which comes in just 4 sizes (S, M, L & XL). Using innovative side panels these multi award-winning bras cover an incredible 51 bra sizes. Click here to view the Carriwell Drop-Cup Nursing Bra and size guide.

Win a luxury hospital birth bag at Earls Court Baby Show (17th - 19th Oct 2008)

2008-10-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Little Arrival Bag are delighted to have teamed up with MamaTENS at the Earls Court Baby Show next weekend and are offering one lucky expectant mum the chance to win a luxury hospital birth bag from Little Arrival Bag crammed full of top brands. Visit the MamaTENS stand at B37 to see our hospital birth bag and also to find out how you can save £10.00 off a MamaTENS rental (normal price £29.99).

Nervous about breastfeeding in public? A stylish nursing wrap could be the answer.

2008-09-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding in public can be a daunting business for many mums. Here at Little Arrival Bag we recently came across these stylish breastfeeding wraps, which come in a great range of colours and are incredibly lightweight. Nobody would take a second look in a coffee shop if you were breastfeeding with one of these wraps, and they make a great addition to your hospital bag if you're looking for some privacy. Click here to view wraps.

Breastfeeding? Save money with washable breast pads.

2008-09-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Most parents are aware that using re-usable nappies and breastfeeding can save them money, however, have you considered using washable breast pads instead of the disposable ones? Here at Little Arrival Bag we've recently seen a significant increase in the number of orders for Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads, as mothers try to save money. We consider the award-winning Lansinoh Washable Breast Pads to be the best on the market, made from 100% ultrasoft cotton and with a patented contour for a smooth no-show fit. Click the product name above to view this product in more detail.

PacaPod - the new revolutionary 3-in-1 changing bag has arrived!

2008-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

The PacaPod is a brilliant new changing bag with a unique "pod system", not seen in any other changing bag out there on the market. Each PacaPod has a stylish outer bag and inside a separate clever feeder pod and changer pod. Also a great bag to take as one of your hospital bags, the feeder pod can be left at home, leaving you loads of space for your essentials and a great changer pod for those first nappy changes!

The PacaPod Shoulder Bag is currently in stock (available in 3 different colours), see for yourself how fab this bag is at Little Arrival Bag.

Top tips for meeting new mum friends

2008-08-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Most mums find that when they fall pregnant they don't have a ready made circle of mum friends with young babies within their existing circle of friends. So here's our top tips to finding those new mum friends. Find an antenatal class in your area, either by asking your midwife or using the NCT course finder tool. Make contact with mums in your area using the Netmums website and lastly, go along to mother and baby groups, the first time is always a bit daunting but stick with it and you'll soon meet people.

Left with a flatter chest after children? We have the solution without surgery.

2008-08-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Many mum's despair after having children when they find that they've been left with a flatter chest than before pregnancy. The causes aren't clear and this can happen whether you breastfeed or not, however, mum's confidence can take a real knock, especially as they try to establish their identity as an individual and not just somebody's mum! Many are left feeling that that cosmetic surgery is the only option, however, we've found a great alternative at http://www.maxcleavage.com/. Find a gel-filled bra, tankini or bikini for absolutely every occasion and all for a fraction of the cost of surgery!