Wondering why do bottles look cloudy after a few washes and how to clean cloudy baby bottles? We know the reasons behind cloudy baby bottles; after reading, you will, too! In our article, we will explain common reasons, provide prevention techniques, and practical solutions to help keep your baby's bottles clear. By understanding the causes and the prevention tips, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for our little ones.
Understanding Cloudy Baby Bottles
Cloudy baby bottles display a visually opaque or hazy look that appears on the interior surfaces of feeding bottles, making them look unclean. This cloudiness results from various factors, with a notable contributor being the presence of minerals in tap water. Increased levels of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, often leave behind a subtle, cloudy residue as the water evaporates, giving the bottle a distinct foggy appearance.
Why do baby bottles get cloudy? The cloudiness can likewise occur when milk proteins, fats, or minerals form tiny aggregates that scatter light, affecting the transparency of the liquid. Although this mineral buildup is generally harmless and poses no health risk, it can be a concern for parents who value the pristine clarity of their little ones’ bottles. Understanding the science behind these occurrences provides parents with insights into how to get cloudiness out of baby bottles. It's crucial to note that the cloudiness resulting from these natural processes doesn't compromise the nutritional value or safety of the milk.
Additionally, the presence of fats in certain formulas or breast milk adds complexity to the clarity of baby bottles. If these fats aren't thoroughly blended or appropriately emulsified, a cloudy visual effect may emerge, raising concerns for parents aiming for cleanliness in their baby's feeding necessities.
3 Reasons for Cloudy Baby Bottles
Ever wondered why your baby bottles sometimes take on a cloudy appearance?
Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind cloudy baby bottles and explore the factors that contribute to this common phenomenon. Understanding the reasons behind the cloudiness will empower you to take proactive steps in maintaining the clarity of your baby's feeding essentials.
Understanding Heat and Chemical Stress
Subjecting baby bottles to higher temperatures puts their transparency at risk, causing baby bottles to get cloudy after boiling. So, why the cloudy look? Well, those high temperatures, whether during sterilization or dishwasher cycles, trigger structural changes in plastic bottles, ultimately resulting in cloudiness.
Why do baby bottles turn cloudy after microwave sterilising? The intense heat leads to mineral deposits accumulating on the bottle surface from water or formula. Additionally, the heat breaks down milk proteins and fats, leaving residues that cloud the once-clear surface. Residual chemicals can react with milk proteins or minerals in water, contributing to cloudiness. Stress from ingredients like SLES in regular dishwashing liquids can make the plastic brittle over time.
How to stop baby bottles from going cloudy? Prevent baby bottles from clouding by thorough formula mixing, avoiding overheating during sterilization, and using gentle cleaning methods. Choose our Milk Buster Baby Bottle Cleaner, free of SLES with a plant-based cleaning ingredient, for prolonged bottle life. Lastly, regularly replace bottles exposed to extreme conditions.
Small Scratches
Tiny scratches present on the surfaces of plastic baby bottles can form tiny grooves capable of trapping particles and substances. As time progresses, these captured elements, encircling milk proteins, fats, and minerals, a mass within the confines of the scratches. The cumulative buildup of these substances contributes to the cloudiness that's damaging the visual clarity of the bottles. Even though each scratch may appear insignificant, their combined effect can end in a hazy or cloudy appearance.
How to clean baby bottles that are cloudy? Cleaning cloudy plastic baby bottles with tiny scratches needs a targeted approach for both surface cloudiness and microscopic imperfections. Unfortunately, once marked, little can be done to restore them. Better to use soft silicone bottle brushes, like our Magic Wand Bottle Brush, avoiding stiff or sharp bristles for optimal results.
Milk Fat and Proteins
Milk fat and proteins, essential for a baby's nutrition, present a challenge when it comes to maintaining the clarity of plastic baby bottles. These components tend to adhere to the bottle's surfaces, gradually accumulating microscopic traces over time. This accumulation forms a thin film contributing to the issue of cloudiness.
Why Do My Baby Bottles Become Cloudy? Cloudiness in baby bottles often occurs due to the interaction between milk fat and proteins with the plastic surfaces. The gradual buildup of these substances leads to a hazy appearance, affecting the visual clarity of the bottles. Recognizing this process is essential for finding effective solutions to restore transparency.
How to remove cloudiness from baby bottles? Briefly immerse cloudy baby bottles in boiling water and wash them with our Milk Buster Baby Bottle Cleaner. Maintain clear and hygienic bottles with a consistent cleaning routine, washing promptly after each use to prevent milk fats and proteins' gradual buildup.
Solutions for Cloudy Baby Bottles
If you're dealing with cloudy baby bottles, give Nimble's Milk Buster a try and you will see the difference in just the first use. This specially patented cleaner is designed to tackle stubborn residues, ensuring your baby's bottles remain crystal clear. What sets Nimble's Milk Buster apart is its plant-based cleaning ingredients, offering a safe and effective way to maintain that transparency.
In addition to using special cleaners, it's crucial to adopt a thorough cleaning routine with the right cleaner. Be mindful of how heat can impact bottle materials to prevent and resolve cloudiness. Taking care of these details and introducing an innovative solution like Nimble's Milk Buster ensures you can enjoy clear and hygienic baby bottles, creating a clean and secure feeding environment for your little one.
To sum it up, keeping baby bottles clear is super important for our little ones’ safety. We've explored factors like heat stress, leftover chemicals, tiny scratches, and milk fat and proteins causing cloudiness. We tackled how to get rid of cloudy baby bottles, embracing super careful cleaning habits, fixing scratches pronto, and checking out plant-based solutions like our Milk Buster Baby Bottle Cleaner, all playing a big role in keeping those bottles crystal clear. Your little one will undoubtedly appreciate your efforts in ensuring their feeding essentials remain pristine and safe without the yucky smell!
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Why is My Baby Not Sleeping Well?
It’s the million-dollar question. If you’ve got a baby, the chances are you’ve googled it, asked a friend, or cried it into your pillow at night. Baby sleep feels like such an enigma. We assume babies are either ‘good sleepers’ or ‘bad sleepers’. So, whether we get any sleep in the first year (or five) of our little one’s life feels like the luck of the draw. My guess is, if you’re reading this, you probably think you didn’t get lucky in the baby sleep stakes. Perhaps this is your last-ditch attempt at sleep. Or maybe you’re scrolling at 3 am because, well…
But you don’t really believe things can – or will – ever change.
Good news: change is possible. Read on for three reasons why your baby may not be sleeping well – and what YOU can do to change that.
1. Environment’s not right
The sleep environment is absolutely key for enabling little ones to sleep well. The good news is it’s relatively easy (& won’t cost the earth!) to create the optimal environment.
2. Daytime sleep needs adjusting
Most families that I speak to assume that if they manage to keep their baby awake longer in the day or before bedtime, they will be more likely to sleep better at night out of sheer exhaustion. This is a myth! Although it is possible for little ones to be undertired at night because they’ve had too much daytime sleep, it is far more common for sleep to be disrupted due to overtiredness.
Let me explain with another hormone. This one is cortisol, and it is absolutely essential for enabling us to get out of bed in the morning! Like melatonin, our bodies naturally produce it at key points in a 24-hour period, most notably towards the end of the night as our bodies naturally prepare to wake up. It is therefore often known as ‘the wake-up hormone’.
So far, so good. Until our little ones get tired and don’t get the sleep that they need. At this point, their little bodies produce cortisol to give them a ‘second wind’. Suddenly, they seem happy when before they were a bit grumpy, wide awake when previously they looked sleepy. So, we keep them up a bit longer.
Cortisol then starts to build up in the body and takes a while to work through a child’s system. When they most need sleep therefore, the presence of cortisol makes it much harder for a little one to drop off, and can lead to bedtime battles, multiple night wakes and early starts. We then find little ones in a constant overtired cycle. So, what can you do about it?
A. Observe their wake windows.
Defined as the amount of time from when a little one wakes up until they next go to sleep, wake windows are critical in ensuring that infants are neither under tired nor overtired when their next nap or bedtime comes around. Going to sleep when sleep pressure is optimal will help to ensure that your little one drops off easily, as well as helping them to sleep good stretches at a time.
See the table below for my recommended wake windows by age:
Age |
Wake window after a long nap* |
Wake window after a short nap** |
0-8 weeks |
35-60 mins |
- |
2-3 months |
60 mins |
30-45 mins |
4-5 months |
60-90 mins |
45-60 mins |
6-8 months |
2 hours |
90 mins |
9-11 months |
3 hours |
2.5 hours |
12-18 months |
3.5-4 hours |
3-3.5 hours |
*a long nap is defined as anything lasting an hour or more.
**a nap which lasts under an hour counts as a short nap
B. Pay particular attention to the wake window before bed.
Wake windows should be roughly the same throughout the day, but the one before bed may be slightly shorter than earlier in the day. As sleep pressure builds throughout the day, most little ones will be pretty tired as bedtime comes around, and we want to avoid them going into bed overtired. If your wake window is going to be too long before bedtime therefore, don’t be afraid to introduce a power nap of around 30-45 minutes. This short nap will get your little one through to bedtime, whilst maintaining an optimal final wake window. Bedtime can also be brought earlier by up to an hour.
3. They’re reliant on something external to get them to sleep.
Once your little one hits four months, their sleep goes through a significant developmental change. Having previously slept in states of ‘active’ or ‘quiet’ sleep, your little one now sleeps in cycles of about 45 minutes. Each cycle begins with light sleep, before progressing into a deeper sleep and then finally coming into a light sleep again before the next cycle starts. In the same way that adults do, after a sleep cycle is completed, a little one will wake. As adults, we rarely remember this wake the next morning as it’s so brief. We simply roll over and go back to sleep. For little ones who need something external to get to sleep however, they will then struggle to go back to sleep by themselves.
Whether it’s rocking, shushing, breastfeeding or sucking on a dummy or bottle, if your little one falls asleep with an external aid, their sleep will most likely be disrupted. If you want to improve their sleep therefore, it may be time to gently wean them off that sleep aid and start to teach them to fall asleep independently.
So there you have it. Three reasons why your baby isn’t sleeping through the night. Chances are if you’re struggling with sleep, making changes in one or all of these areas will make a significant positive impact. And if you need more help? Follow along on Instagram @thegoodnightsleepconsultant for lots more sleep tips and advice or visit my website www.thegoodnight.co.uk to book a free discovery call today.
]]>Understanding the Science 🧪
Before we jump into the practical tips, let's get acquainted with the science of drying clothes indoors. The process primarily revolves around two key factors: humidity and temperature. ☔❄️
Humidity: Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. In cold seasons, the outdoor air is often much drier. When you bring wet clothes indoors, the humidity inside your home can increase significantly, thanks to the moisture from your laundry. 💧
Temperature: In colder months, the temperature indoors is warmer than outside. Warmer air can hold more moisture, allowing for faster evaporation. 🔥
The basic principle here is that warm air with low humidity indoors can effectively take away moisture from your wet clothes, causing them to dry. 🌡️Amazing isn't it?
Now, let's dive into some practical methods for drying your clothes indoors. 🏡
1. Select the Right Location 🏠
Choose a well-ventilated room or an area with good air circulation, like near a window. The flow of air will help remove moisture from your clothes more efficiently and will also prevent the growth of mould in your home 💨
2. Use a Dehumidifier ☁️
A dehumidifier can be your best friend in the winter and autumn months. It helps reduce the humidity indoors, creating an environment conducive to faster drying. Just make sure to empty the water reservoir regularly to keep it running effectively. 💦
3. Harness the Power of Fabric Softeners 🌸
Now here's something new! Did you know that using fabric softeners can indeed help speed up the drying process? Here's how it works: 🌊
Fabric softeners contain ingredients that reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for water to be released from the fabric. They also help prevent static cling, which can slow down the drying process. This means that fabric softeners make your clothes more absorbent and less likely to retain water, allowing them to dry faster. 🌟
Why not try our Nimble Cuddle Lover? Unlike regular fabric softeners that use animal fat or heavy silicones as softening agents, our Cuddle Lover uses the softening power of rapeseed, making it vegan, cruelty free, and free from harsh chemicals. It's the perfect partner to our Laundry Lover in keeping sensitive skin happy.
4. Space Out Your Clothes 🚿
Don't overcrowd your drying rack. Give your clothes some breathing space to allow better airflow, which speeds up the drying process. Make sure not to overlap items or hang them too close together. 👚👖
5. Rotate and Flip 🔃
To ensure even drying, rotate and flip your clothes periodically. This prevents one side from staying damp while the other dries. 🔄
Drying your clothes indoors during winter and autumn is entirely possible with a little understanding of the science behind it and some practical tips. By controlling humidity, using the right location, making use of heating sources, and utilising fabric softeners, you can keep your laundry dry and fresh even when the weather outside is chilly. So, say goodbye to frozen clotheslines and enjoy warm, cozy clothes in the colder months! ☃️👚
]]>1. Stay Calm and Snuggle On! 🤗
Calm and comforting snuggles from you are your baby's best medicine. Your reassuring presence helps ease their discomfort during this challenging time.
2. Keep Your Baby Hydrated 🍼💧
Ensure your baby stays well-hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water (if appropriate for their age). Proper hydration helps alleviate congestion and keeps them comfortable.
Don't forget to wash your baby's bottles very well to get rid of the bugs. Try using our Nimble Milk Buster, which is excellent in removing stubborn milk residues, leaving your bottles squeaky clean. Make sure you sterilise them too after washing. It's an extra step that ensures a germ-free haven for your little one's next feeding.
3. Utilize Saline Drops and a Nasal Aspirator 💦👃
Clear those stuffy little noses with saline nasal drops to loosen mucus, followed by gentle suction using a nasal aspirator. This dynamic duo provides quick relief. Remember to regularly wash these aspirators as they can get quite mucky very quickly. Our Milk Buster's spray will come in handy in cleaning the plastic tubes!
4. Embrace a Cool-Mist Humidifier ☁️🌬️
Invest in a cool-mist humidifier for your baby's room. It adds moisture to the air, making breathing easier and promoting restful sleep.
5. Consult Your Pediatrician Before Using Remedies 💊👩⚕️
Always seek guidance from your pediatrician before using any over-the-counter remedies. They can recommend safe options tailored to your baby's specific needs and age.
With these 5 essential tips, you'll be well-equipped to handle your baby's first cold with confidence and care. Remember, you've got this, super parent! 💕👶🤒🌈
]]>Raising children can be expensive, especially these days with colder temperatures. It's the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the energy we use, and to add up to that list is the everyday cleaning tasks...
Did you know that on average, a UK family goes through 5 laundry washes per week? And in the first year of baby, it can go as high as 4 washes just for baby garments?
So it just makes sense to save money wherever you can!
Here are our team’s tips to keep on top of the laundry pile without spending too much
“That sweater… should I wear it one more time or should I put it in the dirty bag?” We’ve all been there!
Sometimes, it’s easier said than done, but doing fewer loads will inevitably help you reduce energy and water usage (as well as your power bill!). So, knowing how often we should wash our garments might come in handy!
This is our guide on how frequently we should wash our grown-up clothes. Of course, it will depend on everyone’s lifestyle, how’s the air pollution in your city, and your tendency to sweat.
Tumble Drying is definitely faster but consumes a lot of energy.
If you can skip drying and opt for a drying rack, that’s a good step forward (especially on these sunny days). Of course, it depends on your house setting, we understand that not everyone has a garden to hang clothes, but if you have a clothes horse, please consider using it!
In colder temperatures, if you need to use a dryer, then our tip would be to consider doing back-to back loads so that you can take advantage of the dryer's heat. it's like using the oven for several dishes!
Because if you use too much, it won’t get your clothes cleaner. It will just add an unnecessary liquid that could damage faster your washing machine (resulting in having to change it faster) and that can leave more deposits on the fabric.
Plus, you’ll have to buy another liquid detergent quicker too!
For instance, you only need 40ml of our Laundry Lover for a 4-5 kg load.
When life is on a budget, we understand that we have to make compromises. Fabric softeners acts on fabrics to soften them, leaving a nice snuggly feeling. But it isn't mandatory to get rid of stains for your little one, so you could consider only using non-bio detergent to do laundry washing.
Try turning down to 30 degrees your wash cycle, and you might be surprised to see no difference! This means that your laundry detergent gets the job done equally at a colder temperature, yay! This results in less power used, and a cheaper power bill 😊.
As for shorter wash, if your washing machine has a quick setting, you might want to give it a go as it will save water while washing your clothes.
Nothing smells better than clean and fresh laundry! And keeping your washing machine squeaky clean will ensure it to be still fresh and tough on stains. This will help to keep your washing machine longer, and not damage your clothes too!
A few tips to keep the washing machine spotless:
If you need a new washing machine, have a look at their energy ratings. A label like below should appear in any product description to help you find the perfect match!
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Sophie: Helping parents with mealtimes & more!
Von: Stress-free cleaning for families!
Von: When I launched Nimble, I wasn’t a dad yet, but I had the privilege of being an uncle first. My sister opened my eyes to the world of parenting and the constant cleaning up that they have to do (as well as the pressure that comes with it). I realised that I could make a difference in parents’ lives by developing cleaning products specifically thoughts for babies and toddlers and taking the stress out of everyday tasks.
Sophie: I never set out to start a business like this. It started really organically - I just wanted a better convenience product to help me feed my baby daughter, and as an extension of that, I was looking to connect with other parents who might have been looking for the same. I just started cooking food from my kitchen and sharing it over Instagram, and before I knew it, it had become bigger than I could have anticipated, with a community of 70,000.
Sophie: I became a parent in an age where everything on social media was very perfect. Particularly when it came to weaning and introducing solids, everyone seemed to be posting beautiful meals and homecooked foods - and I was barely coping. I felt like something was wrong with me because I wasn’t capable of doing more. I’ve since learned that I was actually suffering from post-natal depression - and that’s why I’m so passionate now about sharing the less-ideal moments. Parenting is so full of joy but there are some real lows, and real challenging moments - it’s important to connect with other families to normalise all feelings, all experiences - this is the best way to find fulfilment and happiness!
Von: Parents are just under enormous stress as it feels like all eyes are on us – our friends, neighbours, family, social media. I’ve personally seen how my wife has suffered with anxiety because of what society made her feel and it’s so hard to fight these thoughts especially when you only have 3-4 hours of sleep each night. As a result, what I wanted to champion in Nimble was real-life parenting that does involve a lot of mess to clean up, not the always-shiny-always-clean pictures that we see everywhere on social media or advertising.
Sophie: If I could go back in time, I’d embrace the mess more. All the face and hand wiping can actually create more fussiness - and it also causes unneeded stress for us parents! All that squishing, mashing, throwing - it actually helps your baby to accept new textures and flavours and to develop confidence at mealtime. I was way too obsessed with avoiding mess - I know now how important it is, and how the idea of cleaning up is usually worse than the reality!
Von: My tip after weaning 3 children with very different relationships to solid food is to take it easy on you and don’t feel pressured that they must be eating certain portion sizes immediately. Babies still have small tummies so they might just eat a few bites and that’s it.
They could even just end up licking or playing with the food and not ever eat them – this is okay too because the goal is to make them engage with the food, not to replace their milk with solid food straight away.
One very helpful quote we heard when we were weaning our eldest is “under one, food is for fun” and that really took the pressure off us, realising that their source of nutrition will still be primarily milk and that we’re not starving them if they end up not eating. As for the pragmatic cleaning tip, it would be to put a mat or a towel under your baby’s highchair so there’s less things to pick up or wipe!
Von: This is the million-dollar question. When my kids arrived, I just needed to really put boundaries and followed timetables as carefully as possible. In my case, my wife and I would agree on a certain schedule for a period, but since the babies needs change, the timetable also changes and you just need to adapt.
The important thing is to regularly communicate with your partner so they know what your and their work schedule is like.
A practical tip that I find helpful is to use the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone. It helps because you’d only receive messages and calls from family members, rather than the entire world.
Sophie: I have to keep my boundaries as firm as possible in order to achieve any semblance of balance, but the truth is, it’s a constant pendulum swing. When I’m in a flow, it feels amazing - but I also know the hard days are extremely hard.
My best advice is to be strict with your boundaries. When I’m working, I’m working - and I can get a lot done in a short period of time. Likewise, when I’m with my kids, I try not to be on my phone or computer. I’m also really strict about not working after my kids’ bedtime or on the weekend - unless it’s a particularly busy period at work. I used to work after bedtime all the time, and I felt like I was constantly spinning and near burnout.
I’ve definitely found that limiting my time like this has actually increased my productivity and focus!
Sophie: Oh so many things - I feel like it’s the start of a new term here at Mamamade! We’ve got a few exciting product launches happening this year. I’m not sure I can talk about them just yet, but keep your eyes peeled 🙂
Von: Lots of exciting things for Nimble. We’ve just launched our Nimble Hand Sanitiser (Germ Zapper) on Ocado. We’re launching new products too in one of the big retailers. We’re also developing a brand-new range of products for young families – so watch this space!!
Don't miss out! Use code NIMBLE10 for £10 off your first box at mamamadefood.com. Thanks again Mamamade team for this wonderful summer collaboration!
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And we know it’s probably full of laundry bags these days.
But if we can help you take some small steps to do it more sustainably along the way, we’re all for it! Every little helps to be kinder to our babies and the world they’ll grow up in.
Here are our team’s top tips with your washing machine, whether you have a little explorer or not!
“That sweater… should I wear it one more time or should I put it in the dirty bag?” We’ve all been there!
Sometimes, it’s easier said than done, but doing fewer loads will inevitably help you reduce the energy and water use (as well as your power bill!). So, knowing how often we should wash our garments might come in handy!
This is our guide on how frequently we should wash our grown-up clothes. Of course, it will depend on everyone’s lifestyle, how’s the air pollution in your city, and your tendency to sweat.
Tumble Drying is definitely faster but consumes a lot of energy.
If you can skip drying and opt for a drying rack, that’s a good step forward (especially on these sunny days). Of course, it depends on your house setting, we understand that not everyone has a garden to hang clothes, but if you have a clothes horse, please consider using it!
Because if you use too much, it won’t get your clothes cleaner. It will just add an unnecessary liquid that could damage faster your washing machine (resulting in having to change it faster) and that can leave more deposits on the fabric.
Plus, you’ll have to buy another liquid detergent quicker too!
For instance, you only need 40ml of our Laundry Lover for a 4-5 kg load.
Don’t get us wrong, we don’t recommend running a half-empty load either. But overloading your tumbler will end up sticking your clothes together: they won’t have enough space to do their little “washing dance” and may not get them cleaned properly.
Our Nimble top tip: 3/4 full is just about right!
Try turning down to 30 degrees your wash cycle, and you might be surprised to see no difference! This means that your laundry detergent gets the job done equally at a colder temperature, yay! This results in less power used, and a cheaper power bill 😊.
As for shorter wash, if your washing machine has a quick setting, you might want to give it a go as it will save water while washing your clothes.
There are a lot of elements that you can consider when looking for an eco-friendly detergent.
It is the quality of the ingredients, the number of ingredients used in the formula, the packaging, where the bottle is made. On top of the energy you use, consider checking the ingredients present in your detergents.
Some traditional detergents can contain up to 30 ingredients. And some may also have ingredients that will end up harming the ocean life. The worst part is that by law, they don’t have to declare their ingredient list on the labels. This is why you may have seen a jargon like “5-15%: Anionic Surfactants”. We believe it makes very little sense to keep this information from our consumers. We know that we’re far from perfect, but from day 1 we’ve decided to declare all our ingredients on our labels so you can choose wisely knowing what’s inside our bottles.
Nothing smells better than clean and fresh laundry! And keeping your washing machine squeaky clean will ensure it to be still fresh and tough on stains. This will help to keep your washing machine longer, and not damage your clothes too!
A few tips to keep the washing machine spotless:
Treat your little one to a gentle gum massage using your clean finger. The soothing pressure can work wonders by boosting blood flow and easing inflammation, giving those teething gums some much-needed relief.
One effective method is to use silicone feeders filled with frozen treats. Simply fill the feeder with frozen fruit, puree, ice, breast milk, yoghurt, or any other suitable filling. Ensure the contents are pre-frozen, as the feeder's design prevents direct freezing of liquids. Using small ice trays to pre-freeze the materials can streamline the process. Should any mess occur, our Sticky Stopper can easily help you with the cleanup.
We love this hack because not only does it keep your baby busy, but soothes their pain with the cold, while giving them a snack. Additionally, the chewing action can alleviate pain and offer a distraction for their hands and mouths. Try teething snacks
For babies who have begun their solid food journey, teething biscuits offer a fantastic solution. These biscuits are specially crafted to stimulate and soothe their gums as they navigate the teething process.
We love Bickiepegs, a renowned UK brand dedicated to addressing children's oral health requirements. While numerous brands offer teething biscuits, you can also opt to bake them yourself at home for a personalised touch. However, always ensure that your child is ready to consume such biscuits, and as with any feeding activity, maintain constant supervision.
Here are some additional tips and insights for incorporating teething snacks into your baby's routine:
During teething, babies often alleviate discomfort by chewing on various objects. Fortunately, a wide array of toys and accessories specifically designed for teething exist, sparing both typical toys and caregivers' fingers from constant chewing. Crafted with baby safety in mind, these items prioritise materials like silicone, cotton, natural wood, or rubber, avoiding potentially harmful substances such as plastic or vinyl.
Some teething products, like teething bibs such as the Neckerchews by Cheeky Chompers, are made in the UK (and on Dragons’ Den just like us!). The design allows the cloth to absorb any dribbling spit while the teether is in use (or just hanging downwards like a usual bib). Plus, it’s way harder for a baby to drop a bib than a toy! It will not only provide relief but also serve practical functions by absorbing dribble. This innovative design reduces the risk of babies dropping them compared to traditional teething toys.
Offering your baby engaging activities can often help alleviate teething discomfort. Encourage them with enjoyable pastimes like singing, playing with toys, or taking a stroll in the stroller. Redirecting their attention can effectively shift their focus away from the discomfort of teething.
Additional Tips:
Remember to observe your baby's cues and preferences to tailor the distraction techniques effectively. The goal is to create a positive and comforting environment to help them navigate through the teething phase with ease.
If your baby's discomfort continues despite trying home remedies, or if you notice any unusual symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's crucial to consult your GP right away. They can provide personalised guidance on appropriate medicinal solutions or other interventions to ensure your baby's well-being. I hope this is more helpful and reassuring. Wishing you and your baby all the best!
]]>We've partnered up with our friends from Mamamade to give us tips about the (messy) phase of weaning and how to navigate this special time in a thoughtful way.
Have a read below to learn more about their founder's weaning journey and some tips to reduce waste along the way!
Hi! I’m Sophie, a New Yorker in London, mother of 2 and founder of Mamamade – we’re a direct-to-consumer brand specialising in infant and toddler nutrition, with a focus on supporting parents.
When I was first weaning my eldest, I remember feeling shocked by the amount of waste we were creating - that was partly why I wanted to start Mamamade in the first place! I would spend hours batch cooking only for the meal to be thrown back into my face or rejected entirely. Even when it came to pouches, I found I was regularly throwing away half-eaten pouches and bars. I thought there had to be a smarter, more sustainable way to introduce solids.
So here we are - What started from my home kitchen in 2019 is now a community of over 60,000 – all of us sharing the highs and lows and offering a listening ear for everything life throws at us, and over the years I’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of parents with their weaning journey.
Here are my top tops for reducing food waste during weaning:
Bulk or batch cooking can seem like an amazing idea for saving time, but actually, while your baby is just starting out on this exciting journey of learning to eat, it can be best to start small. So while I totally appreciate the desire to cook a 5* meal for your baby, there’s nothing more frustrating than watching your baby spit out or not touch something you’ve worked hard to create.
Try offering your baby just a small amount of food at a time, and when that’s eaten you can offer a little bit more. This is a good idea because 1) there’s less risk of a whole plate of food going overboard, and 2) there's no risk of the remaining food being contaminated with baby's saliva and fingers, so it's safe to store again for re-heating. It can also help keep baby from feeling too overwhelmed.
In the beginning, you may think about offering your baby foods you'll also enjoy, such as smashed avocado or some banana. That way, if they’re left untouched, you can finish them up yourself. Avo toast for mum or dad + no waste = winning! Another reason why we’ve packed our Mamamade meals with flavour ;)
For babies who prefer bowls to be thrown on the floor (goodbye beige carpets!), consider investing in bowls and plates with suction pads on the bottom that can be fixed to the table or high chair. We know teaching baby not to throw bowls on the floor is the ultimate goal, but it's one way of solving the problem! 🤷♀️
It's also a good idea to buy practical bibs which catch large chunks of food before they hit the floor, if you're concerned about mess.
Try placing a clean, plastic floor covering (like a tablecloth, or some vinyl) under your baby's high chair. This isn’t just great for saving carpets and hardwood floors. It also means if food gets dropped then can be safely picked up and put back on the tray without contamination.
Another benefit of covering the floor is that it's easy to scoop up any leftovers and pop them straight into the compost bin. This is great for babies who are being weaned on a plant-based diet, as the ingredients will all be compostable. This helps food waste ending up in landfill.
Remember, this very messy period really only lasts for a short time, and whilst no-one wants to waste food, your baby won't be exploring food in this way forever (trust us!).
In the long term, a child who develops picky eating habits is likely to waste more food throughout their childhood than a baby who rejects small amounts of food offered while they're learning to eat.
Babies who are encouraged to explore with their senses and make a bit of mess during weaning are less likely to develop picky eating habits in the long run. So really - you’re saving yourself some hassle by encouraging the exploration now!
So try not to stress too much about food waste during weaning - you're doing a great job!!
Sophie.
Don't miss out! Use code NIMBLE10 for £10 off your first box at mamamadefood.com.
Thanks for Sophie and the team at Mamamade for this great blog article!
]]>Hi Nimble Friends!
At Nimble HQ, we receive often some questions from parents about our products effect on their little one's delicate skin. Parenting is hard enough and it goes to a whole new level of stress when your little one experiences some bad skin reactions.
Having sensitive skin can be very tricky to deal with: especially to identify what causes a flair-up (it may be a combination of things!). We've been so happy to hear that some of our products have helped families to reduce skin reactions of their bundle of joy, so we thought we would compile a simple list of things to do around washing and avoid if your little one has sensitive.
Please do feel free to comment or let us know if you have any questions or your tips to share!
Something that may surprise a few people: baby skin is made up of much smaller cells than adult skin, and the collagen fibres are thinner too! Did you know that the epidermis of a baby’s skin can be up to 20% thinner than our own?
This means that your baby’s skin is more susceptible to getting dry and irritated.
In other words, your baby’s skin absorbs substances much more easily than a grown-up’s does.
The skin’s purpose overall is to act as a barrier, and the fact that your baby’s skin is thinner makes it easy to see why the things we use on their clothes need to be as gentle as possible. Products with harsh chemicals in their ingredient list are more likely to weaken the precious skin barrier, resulting in inflammations and allergies.
Of course, every family is different, and the risk of flare-up can vary from one to another.
But to limit some risks of skin reaction, we made this simple list of do’s and don’ts to help you navigate it.
When a laundry detergent label says ‘bio’, it contains enzymes. And yes, you guessed it, ‘non-bio’ means it is without enzymes. But why does this matter? What do enzymes do? And why are we told not to use bio detergents for baby’s clothes?
Enzymes are basically additional ingredients that manufacturers put in to have a stronger stain-removing power. In essence, enzymes are not harmful, but they become a problem when it gets trapped and deposited in the fibres of your baby’s clothes. They can potentially irritate a baby’s skin or even a full-grown adult with sensitive skin. However, if your detergent is already formulated well, these enzymes are not necessary anymore.
There’s only so many things that a child will touch in their first few years, so we believe that some ingredients are unnecessary when it comes to washing baby clothes with standard bio detergent.
Other things that you may see in bio detergent that may cause some skin irritations: optical brighteners, which are things that some manufacturer add to the detergent to make clothing look glossier and brighter after wash, dyes that they us eto create a “white colour” detergent even though the normal colour of a detergent should be more yellow-ish.
Given a choice, we would recommend using liquid detergents rather than powder for baby clothing. Liquid detergents are gentler on fabrics (thinking about the deposit a powder can leave behind) and could help keep your baby clothes looking new for longer.
But please note that the most important thing is to still make sure the formula has been developed for sensitive skin.
When you come to think of it, your baby clothes won’t be in contact with a lot of external things, but your own clothes will! You might not realise it but you might be in contact with harsher chemicals, pollution or other hazardous material. So it may be on the safe side to keep things separate between your little one’s garments and yours. Not to mention that your baby will probably use a LOT of clothes and blankies, so you’ll probably find that you need to do some washes only for their clothes anyway!
Our Nimble hack: if your little one has sensitive skin, especially in the first 6 months, you may also want to wash your tops with the same sensitive detergent because your little one will be in contact with your fabrics.
This is easier said than done in winter times, but drying clothes in the sun is gentler on the fabric, and will reduce the moisture in the air that can build up inside the fabric. The only exception is when it’s the pollen season when you should keep your clothes inside if you don’t want to bring at home some unwanted allergens.
Nothing smells better than clean and fresh laundry! So you don’t want to waste all your good efforts by neglecting your washing machine! Keeping a clean washing machine will ensure that there is no residues inside the machine that can cause skin irritation, and also will still works appropriately on stains. Not only will this help to keep your washing machine longer, but also not damage your clothes too!
Where do you start? our small checklist
For the first wash, a fabric softener is not always necessary; however, as you may already know by now, these clothes will spend a lot of time in your washing machine!
A fabric softener can help prevent the fabric from becoming itchy for your little one’s skin. But we would recommend to always put it on the drawer (in the section with a flower icon!) rather than inside the washing machine, because it may stain your fabric (adding a yellow-ish effect on your whites due to the waxy effect of a softener), and it may also reduce the efficacy of the detergent on stains. Once again, check the label before using, as some baby clothes have a flame-resistant coating that can be damaged.
Like your baby detergent, look out for products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin This is why we created ‘Nimble Cuddle Lover’, a gentle baby fabric softener made with rapeseed and contains no harsh chemicals or allergens.
Because if you use too much, it won’t get your clothes cleaner. It will just add an unnecessary liquid that could leave more deposits on the fabric which can cause some irritations, and it will also damage faster your washing machine (resulting in having to change it faster).
For instance, you only need 40ml of our Laundry Lover for a 4-5 kg load.
This may develop some odour forming (that dreaded damp smell!) plus it may cause some bacteria to proliferate within the fabric that can cause a flare-up.
Fragrance in laundry detergents does get left behind on clothes. As we always say, less is more when it comes to detergents and cleaning products and having a fragrance won’t improve the efficacy of the detergent but may cause a flare-up for sensitive skin.
Still, we understand that the fragrant smell of newly washed laundry brings so much delight in this otherwise seemingly thankless chore, so we don’t want to take this simple joy away from you! We would advise that you look for laundry detergents with an allergen-free fragrance.
We hope that these small tips will help you deal with the washing load with your little one.
]]>I’m Sophie, a New Yorker in London, mother of 2 and founder of Mamamade – we’re a direct-to-consumer brand specialising in infant and toddler nutrition, with a focus on supporting parents. What started from my home kitchen in 2019 is now a community of over 50,000 – all of us sharing the highs and lows and offering a listening ear for everything life throws at us.
Believe me, I totally get it - the fear of the mess during weaning. It’s a source of anxiety for many, and a question I get a lot is, ‘how can I make weaning less messy!’
I’m sorry to say - the mess is not only normal and not only expected - but is actually beneficial!
I know, I know - cleaning a kitchen over and over again is hardly fun (although thank you, Nimble, for making it so easy and non-toxic!) - but it does get better over time, and it really is so good for them.
Hopefully, the below advice will help make it all much easier to stomach:
When we talk about weaning, we’re talking about helping our babies learn the very complex skill of chewing and eating independently. In order to learn how to do that, they have to experience a wide variety of foods - that means lots of different tastes, colours, and textures.
As a result, weaning can be at times overwhelming or frustrating for some babies, but making a mess can help them build confidence around new foods. By touching and playing with food with their hands, and exploring all the sensory elements of eating, babies learn a lot, very quickly.
In fact, a child who is prevented from making a mess - that is, a baby not given the time to feel food squished and smeared all over their face and hands - risks becoming fussier around new or different foods. That’s not to say a baby needs to make a mess - but letting babies explore is really the key, so as parents we need to find the inner peace to tolerate it!
Don’t worry, I’ve got more tips on handling that below.
Part of the goal of weaning is to raise independent eaters - so from the earliest days (when weaning is started from 6 months), it’s important to give your baby opportunities to exert some independence - like handling their food on their own (even if it makes a huge mess!).
By allowing your baby some independence, it allows them to feel respected and heard - which builds confidence, resilience, and reduces the risk of fussy eating.
The mess will get better as their coordination improves, I promise!
I totally get it - mess can be triggering, overwhelming, gross, - any number of negative things. It can feel like yet another thing to have to do on a long list of things to do.
So here are my top tips to cope:
Mess can feel overwhelming, but it’s usually a short-lived stage within the weaning journey. As your little one learns about different textures and tastes, they’ll gain the coordination they need to eat more neatly.
It’s all a learning process!
Just about to start your weaning journey or are in the thick of it? Mamamade are here to help with 100% organic, nutritious and delicious baby and toddler meals delivered frozen to your door.
Don't miss out! Use code 10NIMBLE for £10 off your first box at mamamadefood.com.
Thanks so much again for this awesome article Sophie, we can't wait for you to try their delicious food.
Want to know more? or got some questions? just comment below or head to their website here.
Cheers
Team Nimble
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Did you know that on average, a UK family goes through 5 laundry washes per week? And in the first year of baby, it can go as high as 4 washes just for baby garments? There’s no denying that as parents we’re spending a tremendous amount of time washing and folding clothes.
So we had a look at the most common questions people have asked us about baby laundry (rest assured, we asked ourselves these questions too!)… Hopefully, this will bust one myth or two about laundry washing!
If you have more unanswered questions, please answer with your comments and we’ll come back to you!
Do you really need to use different products to wash your baby’s clothes? We get this question a LOT. We think the answer is yes, but not entirely!
While the entire range is safe enough to use with your baby, we also recommend our detergent for you!
You don’t need to buy different laundry detergents that will fill up your cupboard. One bottle of Non-Bio liquid detergent for the whole family should be enough, just like Nimble’s Laundry Lover 😊.
OK, so that deals with the ‘no’ part of our answer.
But, what about the ‘yes’ part?
We do believe that some of the traditional detergents using strong ingredients in their formula’s, may be unsuitable for baby’s delicate skin, which is why you may want to change your detergent around your little one.
And the logical next question is…
We find this is something that may surprise a few people: baby skin is made up of much smaller cells than adult skin, and the collagen fibres are thinner too! Did you know that the epidermis of a baby’s skin can be up to 20% thinner than our own?
This means that your baby’s skin is more susceptible to getting dry and irritated. In other words, your baby’s skin absorbs substances much more easily than a grown-up’s does.
The skin’s purpose overall is to act as a barrier, and the fact that your baby’s skin is thinner makes it easy to see why the things we use on their clothes need to be as gentle as possible. Products with harsh chemicals in their ingredient list are more likely to weaken the precious skin barrier, resulting in inflammations and allergies.
Of course, every family is different, and the risk of flare-up can vary from one to another. But to limit some risks of skin reaction, we always suggest looking for “sensitive detergent” or “baby detergent” or “non-bio detergent” that doesn’t contain 30+ ingredients!
When a laundry detergent label says ‘bio’, it contains enzymes. And yes, you guessed it, ‘non-bio’ means it's without enzymes. But why does this matter? What do enzymes do? And why are we told not to use bio detergents for baby’s clothes?
Enzymes are basically additional ingredients that manufacturers put in to have a stronger stain-removing power. In essence, enzymes are not harmful, but they become a problem when it gets trapped and deposited in the fibres of your baby’s clothes. They can potentially irritate a baby’s skin or even a full-grown adult with sensitive skin. However, if your detergent is already formulated well, these enzymes are not necessary anymore. There’s only so many things that a child will touch in their first few years, so we believe that there’s a lot of unnecessary ingredients when it comes to washing baby clothes with standard bio detergent.
Most, if not all laundry detergents contain optical brighteners. These things essentially deposit a layer on fabrics to make them appear brighter to the eye by making light bounce off strongly. Like magic, a dingy-looking white cloth can look dazzling white when loaded with optical brighteners.
Similar to the enzymes, these optical brighteners are not bad, but they become a problem when it touches and rubs the baby’s skin or even an adult with sensitive skin. You’re probably already seeing a pattern here. Anything deposited on the fabrics could be an irritant, so it’s best to avoid them. But there’s perhaps one more ingredient that gets deposited that you may not be aware of...
While washing baby clothes at the highest temperature might be tempting, 30 or 40 degrees are absolutely fine to remove any lingering dust or dirt. It’s also a lot kinder to the environment and your power bill!
The only exception here will be if the item is heavily soiled (for instance in the case of reusable nappies) as a higher temperature can help ensure all bacteria is removed in the cleaning process.
For the first wash, a fabric softener is not always necessary; however, as you may already know by now, these clothes will spend a lot of time in your washing machine!
A fabric softener can help prevent the fabric from becoming itchy for your little one’s skin. Once again, check the label before using, as some baby clothes have a flame-resistant coating that can be damaged.
Like your baby detergent, look out for products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. This is why we created ‘Nimble Cuddle Lover’, a gentle baby fabric softener made with rapeseed and contains no harsh chemicals or allergens.
Given a choice, we would recommend using liquid detergents rather than powder for baby clothing. Liquid detergents are gentler on fabrics (thinking about the deposit a powder can leave behind) and could help keep your baby clothes looking new for longer. The only exception is for washing reusable nappies where a powder can be necessary to get rid of tougher stains.
But please note that the most important thing is to still make sure the formula has been developed for sensitive skin.
That’s a tricky one. Fragrance in laundry detergents does get left behind on clothes.
As we always say, less is more when it comes to detergents and cleaning products and having a fragrance won’t improve the efficacy of the detergent.
Still, we understand that the fragrant smell of newly washed laundry brings so much delight in this otherwise seemingly thankless chore, so we don’t want to take this simple joy away from you! We would advise that you look for laundry detergents with an allergen-free fragrance.
Fragrance in detergent can be made up of hundreds of individual ingredients blended, and some of these ingredients can irritate when present in high amounts. This is why you should always look for the “allergen-free” mention 😊
We’re getting down and real. If you’re a reusable nappy parent, you’ll know that poo and pee are another level of stain to deal with: because of the odour and the stickiness, you want to make sure that all bacteria are removed properly especially because they will be in close contact with your little one’s sensitive skin.
This is why we’ve created a non-bio detergent powder that is specially formulated to fight pee and poo stains without having to use extra boosters that will remain on fabrics. It is like all our other products made from plant-based ingredients and free from skin-irritating ingredients, but it completely dissolves in the wash, leaving no residues on the nappies
Our extra Nimble washing hack: Drawer or drum you ask - We vote drum! Simply pour the powder into a dosing cap then place it directly in the drum of your washing machine.
Maybe one that we sometimes forget but checking the garment care labels to see if there are any special washing instructions is always a good idea. For example, some items may need to be hand-washed or washed in cold water only. And don't forget to separate darker colours from whites!
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You know it, we’re all about washing baby clothes effectively again and again to provide easy solutions for parents. Looking at ways to further reduce our impact, it got us thinking more widely about the baby clothing industry.
With little ones outgrowing 7 clothing sizes in just 2 years, it can quickly get very expensive and feels horrible seeing so many barely worn clothes go to waste! Did you know that 50,000 tonnes of clothing goes into landfills in the UK each and every year?
What’s more, there’s an estimated 183 million unworn items of baby and children’s clothing piled up in wardrobes across the UK. It feels like an crazy number, doesn’t it?
With so much going to waste or unworn we started looking for better, planet-friendly solutions for dressing the small ones in our lives.
What if the solution was simply to stop buying baby clothes?
We got chatting with our friends from Bundlee, to talk about how to sustainably raise our families, and all the benefits of renting baby clothes!
Bundlee is the UK’s first rental service for baby clothes. By signing up with Bundlee subscription plan, you can receive a set of clothes according to your little one’s size and the season. Then just like magic, conveniently swap clothes as they grow.
No more storing, sorting and finding friends to hand down to…phew!
So, “what’s in it for you? “– we hear you say…
With sustainability at the core, Bundlee provide a better alternative for parents. Clothes that are returned are professionally cleaned and sanitised before being shared with the next renting family. Bundlee’s model reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 86% – pretty amazing!
By trying out Bundlee for a month, you’ll save 7kg of CO2 emissions, helping to create a better future for your little one to grow into.
Because we know that, when little one is here, life is going to get busy, you can pre-order your Bundlee up to 6 months in advance of your due date. They’ll help make sure you have what you need for those early weeks.
Just send the set back when your baby grows (before you know it!) and they’ll send you out the next size up. No storing clothes for them to grow into or packing away tiny baby clothes into the loft…ah peace in your home… well at least in your wardrobes 😉
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Preparing for baby can be expensive – so it just makes sense to save money wherever you can!
For just £24 or £39 a month, you get access to the best quality baby clothes without the cost (or guilt) of buying new. First-time parents spend on average £997 on clothing in baby’s first year* – By renting clothes, you’ll spend on average £378 in one year. That’s a saving of £619 in the first year alone!
Bundlee is a great way to get amazing quality clothes from some of our favourite premium sustainable kidswear brands including MORI, Mini Rodini, Patagonia and Stella McCartney while saving up to 75% on RRP.
We’ve got a lovely offer from Bundlee to share with you all. Use code NIMBLE100 when you check out at bundlee.co.uk and you’ll get your first month free…(that can count as one more reason 😉)
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We got chatting with our friends from Mini First Aid, a family-run business that provides baby first aid classes on how to prevent or act on some of the most common hazards during summer.
Here's our key first aid advice you need to know to enjoy an easy-breezy summer!
The curse of family picnics and impromptu ice lollies, wasp stings can really ruin a perfect summer moment. And whilst bees are nowhere near as irritating as wasps, they can still give a painful sting if your little one is unlucky.
A dose of sunburn can really ruin a lovely summer's day. But when it comes to sun safety it’s not just a case of slapping any old sunscreen on and hoping for the best. Be mindful of the following:
Forget the old wives’ tales as there is no scientific evidence that dock leaves help with nettle stings. In fact, rubbing anything on the sting is likely to make it worse, as it pushes the chemicals from the plant deeper into the skin, which can cause the reaction to be more severe and to last longer.
A summer’s day out with the family can be easily ruined by a minor accident. Make sure you pack a well-stocked, award-winning first aid kit like this one. Containing plasters of all shapes and sizes and a handy tube of Savlon antiseptic cream, that’s grazes and minor cuts covered. The instant cold pack is ideal for bites and stings, and the tweezers and non-alcohol cleansing wipes come in very handy for unwanted splinters. Presented in an attractive pouch, pop our kit in your change bag, rucksack or your buggy. You never know when you might need the bravery stickers (included!) to get your summer day out back on track!
For more first aid and medical advice and tips, subscribe to Mini First Aid weekly newsletter – it could just save a life.
Lastly, if you're unsure about what to do and want to speak to an safety expert, Mini first aid provides a 2 hour Baby and Child First Aid class that covers choking, burns, bleeding, CPR and meningitis awareness. It gives parents the skills and confidence to deal with a first aid emergency. As we always say at Mini First Aid, it's better to know it and not need it, than need it and not know it. You can find out more here.
psst, this blog was co-created with Mini First Aid, 'the' experts when it comes to Baby Safety!
They've kindly created an exclusive discount for Nimble customers on their branded products, just use NIMBLE15 to get 15% here!
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When you hit the pool or beach this summer, switch from regular beach towels to those made from recycled materials! Products that use recycled materials are excellent for combating our climate issues, as they limit the amount of new waste and prevent things from ending up in landfills.
There are tons of brands that sell towels made from recycled materials, and one of our faves is Dock & Bay. Their products are made from 100% recycled materials. Plus they offer sand-free towels, which are a lifesaver when you have little ones. No more sand in the car! And di you know, Dock & Bay got their start on Dragons Den just like us?
Keep your towels clean, soft, and snuggly with the Laundry Lover and Cuddle Lover, our non-bio detergent and fabric softener. Not only can you save the planet with your towel, but also with the supplies you use to keep them clean.
Reef-friendly sunscreens are better for the reef and oceans, better for your skin, AND safe for your child’s skin! Without the harsh chemicals you might find in other sunscreens, reef-friendly ones are more gentle on your skin and the ocean.
As you may know, coral reefs are under immense pressure from climate change, overfishing, and water pollution. So let’s do our part in giving back to the reef by using sunscreen to protect the oceans and reefs rather than harm them!
A reef safe sunscreen will have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it. When shopping for sunblock, try to avoid the following ingredients: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, Triclosan, “nano-sized” zinc or titanium, and any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads.” For more information, check out Save the Reef.
As places have now opened up without restrictions, it’s extra important to take steps to keep you and your little ones safe! Naturally (get it?), we recommend our Germ Zapper for little hands because it’s free from harsh chemicals, non-drying, and effective at killing those germs! The Germ Zapper is a spray sanitiser, making it easy to control how much is being used, and trust us, a few sprays goes a long way.
We know you might all be tired of hearing you should sanitise your hands, but it's truly one of the easiest ways to keep germs away when you’re on the go!
Staying hydrated is a summer must, and overall, something more critical to our health than we sometimes realise. Did you know that most adults need about 2 to 2.5 litres of fluid a day? Dehydration is a killer, especially when you’ve got kids to chase around, play with, and look after!
Rather than buying plastic water bottles - which can be bad for both the drinker and the environment - why not swap to a reusable bottle that inspires you to stay hydrated? In fact, not only does the single-use plastic often end up in landfills unnecessarily, but the plastic can impact the purity of the water inside.
We’re big fans of Hydroflasks, but countless options will keep your water cool all day long. To find out more about the dangers of water in plastic bottles, you can read more here.
We know, we know. It sounds weird. How can sunglasses be sustainable? We initially thought the same thing, but there is a massive market for eco-friendly sunglasses here in the UK. One fun way to purchase ethical sunglasses is to buy them second-hand! However, we know not everyone - especially busy parents - has the time to go on a thrift hunt, so we have another solution.
Look for sunnies made out of sustainable and/or recycled materials! Bird, a UK based brand we love, pay special attention to the materials going into their frames to ensure they are vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly. What's not to love?
We hope you enjoyed our sustainable swaps for the summer. Think we've missed something? Then why not leave us a comment?
In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy the sunshine (responsibly of course)!
]]>To celebrate National Vegetarian week, we've teamed up with our friends from Pickle & Squash to provide some of their tips to plan and cook vegetarian for the whole family (including your little one!).
Protein is incredibly important for healthy bones and muscles.
The top vegetarian protein sources are:
Nuts and seeds (don’t give these whole to babies or small children as they are a choking hazard - nut and seeds kinds of butter are great for little ones for this reason)
You can make sure to include this in your meals in a variety of interesting ways:
Make a veggie chilli with lentils and cocoa powder (little ones with love that it has ‘chocolate’ in it!)
Sprinkle a noodle pad thai with edamame beans and top with a fried egg
Top homemade jackfruit nachos with a dollop of Greek yoghurt
A key nutrient in meat is iron which is essential for your brain and immune system. You can find great iron sources for vegetarians in:
How about making a veggie tagine with apricots, or pasta with spinach pesto?
Use spices to power up your family meals. Did you know that even weaning babies can have a little spice as long as there is no added sugar, salt or chilli?
This doesn’t even need to be complicated - we know what it’s like when you need to cook something quick for hangry little people.
Why not add a sprinkle of cumin to scrambled eggs, or roast some cauliflower with ras-al-hanout?
Usually, you could start introducing spices from 8 to 9 months old but in doubts, we recommend having a check with your paediatrician.
Little ones love anything that’s fun at mealtime.
Why not turn your risotto pink with beetroot, or cut veg into shapes using a cookie cutter?
Or use an unusual pasta shape? We love radiatori (shaped like radiators), ditaloni (shaped like hula hoops) and conchiglioni (shaped like shells).
Getting little ones involved in prepping and cooking meals is a great way for them to learn what a balanced, nutritious meal looks like.
Get them interested in veg by having them wash it for you. If you have toddlers, they can help chop with a child-safe knife.
The more they get to touch, feel and smell all the different elements going into a meal, the more likely they are to try it.
If you’ve read a few of our articles before, you know that it’s always our famous last tip. Mealtime is a messy business, but it’s these messy moments that make a big life for little ones, and at Nimble we’re here to help with worry-free cleaning goodies. Just grab a Nimble Sticky Stopper to clean around your little chef!
We hope these top tips have been helpful, the Pickle & Squash family vegetarian recipe box will also make your life even easier!
This blog article was kindly co-written with the wonderful resident chef and expert Alice, co-founder of Pickle & Squash.
Pickle & Squash takes the hassle out of mealtimes by providing nutritious recipe boxes suitable for the whole family, including weaning babies from 7 months.
They are giving an exclusive code to all Nimble community: use code Nimble30 to get 30% off your first recipe box!
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When should weaning start? Which foods are best for weaning? What is green parenting?
Parenting is challenging enough without the extra eco-guilt…
So here are some top weaning tips for all families, and how to embrace the mess that comes with it!
Gardening is a great way of sustainably sourcing your own fresh fruit and veggies and it offers lots of stimulation for your baby!
From an early age they can watch what you’re doing, and they can see, touch and smell everything that’s growing in the garden until they’re ready to get involved themselves.
As your little one grows, it also teaches valuable lessons in responsibility, patience and care, as well as learning the value of the food they eat, building their confidence and encouraging an interest in healthy eating very early on.
If you are growing your own veggie garden, why not take it a step further and start your own compost heap?
Make the most of your food waste and let it become a fertiliser for your garden – it’s a fantastic way to make the most of the food that baby doesn’t end up eating!
We know that it can be tricky to understand portions and sizes when you start weaning. After all, every little one is different. So you may want to invest in handy freezer molds to pop in the freezer what your little one hasn't touched. A convenient green tip to avoid unnecessary food waste, plus it can come handy for another day when you don't have time to cook something from scratch. Win-win!
While it can feel like an uphill battle as you try to show your little one that spaghetti goes in their mouth and not on the floor, it makes such a positive difference to your baby if you stay happy and full of smiles throughout their mealtimes.
Mealtimes shouldn’t become a source of worry for them, and you’ll find it less stressful too if you’re able to have some fun with them!
Try making up little songs or games together about eating certain foods. Even just chatting away to your baby, asking them questions or telling them about the food, will help them feel relaxed and comfortable – even if they don’t understand you!
From around six months, babies will be able to drink tap water with their meals. This can help your baby ease any constipation they may experience as they adjust to solid foods.
Introduce your baby to drinking from a cup or beaker at mealtimes by offering them sips of water with their food. Just a couple of inches of tap water should be fine to start off with.
Sippy cup, juice cup, beaker, free-flow feeder – it seems like there are a lot of options to choose from!
Eating solid food and drinking from cups are two entirely new experiences for your baby – so let them get stuck in and explore these new textures, tastes and tablewear!
That’s not to say you can’t take a few extra steps to keep things under control, such as looking for very an easy-clean highchair or even a splash mat to save your floors. But in some cases, such as teaching your little ones to drink from an open cup, simply embrace the mess as part of the learning process.
Rest assured that we'll be on your side for the messy moments: we developed our Nimble Sticky Stopper to be your new weaning best friend. This antibacterial cleaner formulated with plant-based ingredients and zero bleach will remove all the dirty and sticky stuff from high chairs, counter tops, floors, and wherever the mess may magically appear around your little one.
But let's be honest, sometimes it's not just surfaces we're talking about, it's all over the place including the clothes of your little one (we can imagine from here that bib covered with courgette puree!). Soon you'll realise that the pile of baby clothes won't get smaller during weaning phase... and to help you go through it, we created Nimble Laundry Lover. A Non bio baby detergent with no nasties, no allergens and a subtle fragrance developed to fight all the stains that a baby will encounter, without the use of additional enzymes, dyes or optical brightener that can cause skin irritations.
Please feel free to share your own tips and parenting hacks to go through weaning, we can't wait to hear from you!
3,2,1, wean it!
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Time to start weaning! Or is it? Many parents find this new and exciting milestone in their baby’s life confusing, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Read on to find out our top tips for spotting the signs that your baby is ready for solid foods.
The NHS recommends that babies consume only milk (either breast or formula— both are great!) until around six months. Every baby is different, unique and very special, so the exact age your baby is ready for weaning might not be the same as another’s. The six-month guide is precisely that— a guide.
So, be on the lookout for signs that your baby might be ready! The following signs are often an indication that your baby is ready for solid food:
They are able to sit upright without help, holding their head steady
They can pick up food independently
They can chew and swallow food (not spitting everything out). Although, we can’t guarantee everything will be yummy to them, so expect spitting out at some point!
You might also notice your baby becoming more interested in food, as they start to watch you eat- and they may even try to take your food from your plate!
Read this NHS article for more information, and to learn about the signs which are often mistaken as signs of readiness.
Now if you think your baby is ready for solid foods, then let’s go!
So you’re pretty sure that it’s time to start introducing solid foods… are you sure you’re ready for this?! Of course you are.
There are a few practical things that will make weaning a lot easier, including:
A safe space for your baby to eat— a highchair or a booster chair at the table so that they can eat comfortably
Bibs
Soft weaning meal set and utensils
A messy mat or covering for the floor
Small plastic tubs for storing cooked foods
But it’s not just practical preparations that you need to make. Are you ready emotionally?! Watching your baby try solid foods for the first time can be a huge deal. Get a camera ready!
It’s also an excellent idea to prepare yourself for the mess, because yes, there will be plenty. But that’s where Nimble come in. We’re on your side for the messy moments! We also recommend stocking up on:
A bottle of our Sticky Stopper antibacterial spray to ensure baby’s eating surface is clean and safe for exploring new foods. This clever spray is powered by plant-based ingredients and is 100% safe to use around your baby. It will kill up to 99.9% of germs and remove residue from food, juice, milk and more! Use it on your baby’s highchair tray (or place at the table), toys, plastic bibs, cutlery, or anything they get their hands on!
A bottle of our Laundry Lover non-bio liquid detergent to wash bibs, clothes, and other fabrics your little one touches after mealtimes (or food gets on during!)
A bottle of our Cuddle Lover fabric conditioner to keep fabric, bibs, and clothes super soft, smelling fresh, and ready for the next meal.
A bottle of our Milk Buster bottle cleaner to use on cups, bottles, and bowls to prepare them for the next use. This unique spray removes residue that can build up and leaves everything sparkling clean and safe for use with our patented plant power formula.
We’re not about to start suggesting you spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals for your baby (unless you want to, of course) because - and we’re not sure if anyone has told you this already - most of what you give your baby is going to end up on the floor. Sorry! That’s what the bibs and floor coverings are for!
The first meals are about exploring tastes and textures, eating together as a family, and learning new skills. Your baby will still get most of their nutrition from milk for a while. This process is all about trying new foods (slowly) and allowing your baby to develop their palate.
The NHS has some great advice on how to introduce new foods and ideas on the best first foods to try.
The last thing we’d like to say is to enjoy it! Embrace the mess (it’s quickly dealt with, after all!) and make the most of sharing this memorable experience with your baby. Oh, and good luck!
]]>We know it sounds a little crazy, but one of our interns put this hack to the test, and we’re happy to report success! Not only can the powerful, but natural ingredients in our Milk Buster tackle milk residues and nasties, it can break down dirt too. Who knew? All you need to do is spray some Milk Buster on a towel and scrub away.
As parents, we know you want to do all you can to keep your little ones healthy. Although sanitisation has been more common than ever recently, sometimes we just want to be extra sure. Whether it’s a table at a restaurant, changing station in a bathroom, or toys in a doctor's office, having the tools on hand to give public items a wipe down can give you peace of mind.
Sticky Stopper is an antibacterial spray that is proven to 99.9% of germs. Give the table or whatever surface could use a wipe-down, a few sprays and have at it with a towel. The 60ml version is perfect to fit in your bag and take it on the go.
The ingredients that make our cleaning products great for babies mean they’re great for everyone, especially anyone with sensitive skin like eczema. Although our goodies are meant to be used around babies, they are effective for adults too! Somehow baby poo and spit-up always make their way on mum or dad’s clothes, but we have it covered.
Why buy two laundry detergents when you don’t need to? You can rub our Laundry Lover directly onto the messy stains, and use it to do your everyday washes. Plus, you can add your little ones’ clothes to whatever load you’re doing next.
You might be thinking “isn’t that the whole point?” But for once, we’re not talking about breastmilk or formula! We recommend trying our Milk Buster the next time you wash your milk frother or cups that may have sat a little too long. It was made to target milk fats and protein, making it great for use against all milk residue, not just that for babies.
Although COVID-19 is (hopefully) on its way out, random colds are here to stay. And if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that hand sanitiser is when you’re on the go.
Even more than that, so many hand sanitisers make your hands feel super sticky and can dry your hands in the long run. But not the Germ Zapper. Because it was developed to be used safely on babies and kids, the formula is non-drying, while killing up to 99.9% of germs with none of that sticky feeling.
]]>It's reusable nappy week, so we thought we'd share a quick guide on the different types of cloth nappies, plus some hints and tips to get them sparkly clean- even after the odd poonami! Read on to find out all you need to know about the different types of reusable nappies and how to care for them!
All-in-One
All-in-One nappies are all parts of the reusable nappy in one piece: a waterproof part and an absorbent part, permanently attached. The design of all-in-one nappies can vary depending on the brand, as some will have absorbent bits sewn in, and others will have a pocket to tuck the tongue into, which we'll talk about next.
Pocket nappies
Pocket nappies are a type of all-in-one nappy, but these have a waterproof pocket and an absorbent insert that fits inside of it. This pocket will usually have a microfleece lining, and the whole nappy will need to be changed once it's wet.
All-in-Two
Unlike the all-in-one, the all-in-two nappy is made up of - you guessed it - two parts. The cover is waterproof and the absorbent insert attaches to it usually via poppers. Although these are two separate parts, they are designed to work together. Most all-in-two nappy covers are designed to be wiped clean and used three or four times before washing - so all you need to do is replace the inserts! But do be aware that not all-in-twos have a waterproof wipe-clean cover, which means they may need to be replaced with every nappy change.
For all-in-two reusable nappies we love the Cheeky DooDoo Reusable Bamboo Cloth Nappies by Cheeky Wipes. They've designed their 2-part nappies to be slim fitting and poonami-proof, even at night time. What more could you want?
All-in-One
Easy to use
Good for childcare settings, as they are very similar in design to disposable nappies
Can be slim fitting
Often dry more slowly as the absorbent part cannot be detached from the waterproof cover
Tend to be more expensive
Usually need extra inserts to act as a booster for overnight
Pocket Nappies
Easy to use, but inserts need removing before washing and put back again before use
Quick to dry after washing
Affordable option
Good for childcare
Tend to be a little bulky under clothes
All-in-Two
Easy to use
Can be used overnight, with the correct inserts
Can be pre-stuffed if sent to childcare for easy use
Quicker to dry after washing
More affordable
Can be slim fitting
Covers can sometimes be used with other nappies
Fitted Nappies
Easy to use once you're used to them- but folding and fastening takes some practise
Quick to dry
Generally affordable, but you do need to buy separate covers
Tend to be bulky under clothes
May need to buy different sizes as baby grows
Great for overnight
We know about laundry, if we know anything, here at Nimble HQ! And we're guessing that knowing how to clean your reusable nappies is something you're pretty keen to learn. Here are our top tips:
Pre-wash new nappies before first use (wondering why? Click here)
Wash cloth nappies with a detergent specifically made for them! We recommend Nappy Lover Cloth Nappy Detergent
Place solids into the toilet and flush away. Rinse covers and inserts under the tap to dilute residue
Unsnap poppers
Store nappies in a dry pail between washes- no longer than 2-3 days!
Short wash- For a 3/4 load, wash with half a capful of Nappy Lover
Main wash- With a 3/4 load, wash with a full capful of Nappy Lover
No need to use fabric softeners for cloth nappies
Run a lengthy cycle at 40-60 degrees, and add the detergent straight into the drum
Waterproof covers should be washed at 40 degrees— no higher
Air dry, or add to a low tumble dryer
No need to soak or bleach
Let us know if you have any questions, comments or tips!
]]>And so this week, you may have guessed we've got one thing on our minds. Spring cleaning, of course (maybe that's why we love spring so much?)! Here are our top 10 house cleaning tips for busy parents without further ado!
We know that not everyone enjoys cleaning as much as we do, and we understand how hard it can be to get motivated when the tasks on your list are just plain rubbish. But honestly, one of the best tips is to get the worst jobs done straight away.
When you do this, you're more likely to feel motivated to do the other jobs you don't mind so much, and you won't have a chance to put it off or have it hanging over your head as a dreaded chore all day. Try it and see what you think!
This might seem counter-productive but stay with us for a moment. Getting the kids to help out is a great way to give them a little independence around the house and teach them how to work as part of a team in taking care of their surroundings. Make sure to provide them with age-appropriate tasks, and always keep cleaning products away from them at all times.
Rather than moving from room to room for your spring clean, tackle the jobs task by task instead. For example, clean all of the floors and then declutter before going to the next chore. This will save you getting the hoover or mop out countless times for each room— instead, you get them out and put them away for good once you're done.
Decluttering is a huge task, but it's really not so bad if you break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. If you tidy and sort as you go round, you'll find it gets done more quickly.
When you're a busy parent, time is of the essence, so it makes sense to crack on and clean as quickly as you can. Use our Nimble Babies Sticky Stopper to target the surfaces or areas you want to clean: spray, wipe, and go. There is no need to carry a bowl of soapy water around with you— that will only slow you down!
As you do your spring cleaning, you might notice that some rooms are getting messier than others. If that's the case in your home, it might be a good idea to invest in some storage tubs to contain the 'mess' a little more easily in-between cleaning days.
Just don't forget you've stashed the clutter in there! Make a mental reminder to go through it when you have a quiet moment… if that ever happens!
The toy box is just as necessary to clean, so don't leave it out. A quick spray with the Sticky Stopper and a wipe down with a damp cloth is enough to keep germs at bay and leave everything ready for the next playtime.
One of the best ways to get through spring cleaning quickly is to set yourself the challenge of getting it done before the timer goes off! You'll be surprised how effective this is!
Clutter can take over the house, and this just seems to escalate when you've got kids! While cleaning and tidying, put aside old clothes, toys, books, etc., and mark them for recycling. Donate to charity, gift them to friends, or even sell what you don't use. There's no point holding on to stuff you just don't need, and there's no point in throwing things away unnecessarily either!
The big spring clean aside, what is the best way to make sure that cleaning the house isn't a huge chore that you just want to keep putting off? Clean little and clean often.
When you use the bathroom in the morning, give the sink a wipe round and clean the toilet. Wipe the kitchen counters as you go along when making food (again, our Sticky Stopper and Cheeky Wipes' Multipurpose Microfibre Washable Wipes are excellent to have on hand for this!) and regularly check for 'hot spots' around the house where clutter tends to collect.
]]>In case you’ve never heard of MFM, they’re a parenting community for sharing tips, products, stories, reviews, and more amongst mums and dads. Aiming to help parents make confident decisions, MadeForMums is an excellent source for all things babies and kids.
Each year, they send out hundreds of products to families, industry experts, and influencers to truly put them to the test. Products get tested, ranked, judged, and tossed out of the way before the judges choose the top three in each category.
It’s truly a great way to see what products are the best of the best in the parenting world!
Nimble’s Laundry Lover won Gold for the best “Everyday Parenting Essential Under £20!” Our Laundry Lover, which is safe to use on sensitive skin and eczema prone skin, was a massive hit with the judges. Don't believe us? Check out the reviews! This win was in the “Special Awards” category, making it extra meaningful to us.
Our Sticky Stopper was awarded the Bronze Medal for the best “Health Product for Babies and Children.” The products in this category, were ranked based on their value for money, effectiveness, ease of use, quality/design, noise level, and style.
We think Sticky Stopper’s bleach free, no nasties formula gives parents the peace of mind to know this anti-bac spray can truly be used on any surface and still get the job done, and the judges agreed!
Our third win is in the “Breastfeeding and Bottle feeding” category, with our Milk Buster taking the bronze for the best “bottle-feeding accessory!” Products were judged based on their effectiveness, ease of use, quality, and value for money. Because our Milk Buster can be used instead of a washing up liquid, and works with only a few sprays, it was a huge hit amongst the judges and parents, as seen here!
Awards or not, we’re so proud of our accomplishments, and we thank you for supporting us along the way!During pregnancy, many new mums and dads find themselves bombarded with advice, tips, and guidelines on caring for their baby once it arrives. From sleeping to feeding to nappy changes and more, that doesn't even include what needs to be done before the baby arrives.
Feeling overwhelmed? We're not surprised! And while we may not be able to wave a magic wand and instil you with the knowledge and wisdom it takes to raise a child, we can offer some helpful hints on a few things instead. Keep reading to learn when, how, and why you need to wash a baby's clothes before they're born.
We recommend washing your baby's new clothes before the first wear, even if you've only just brought them home from the shops. The last few weeks before the baby arrives is a great time to do this, and once washed, store the clothes away until you are ready to use them!
Your baby's skin is very delicate, as it is made up of fewer (and thinner) layers than adult skin. The clothes that you buy for your new arrival can easily pick up allergens, dirt, and other irritants during their journey home from the warehouse or shop. So, given how sensitive your baby's skin will be, it only makes sense to give the clothes a gentle wash before they wear them.
And now on to the good stuff— how to wash your baby's clothes correctly! Knowing that a baby's skin is delicate and sensitive and that dirty clothes can irritate it, you should follow careful guidelines.
1. Be gentle
Using a gentle detergent is essential, not just for this first wash, but for every wash after it too. We recommend our laundry range because it was designed especially for a baby's sensitive skin!! A non-bio detergent will ensure that your baby's clothes are clean and fresh, but potential irritants won't cling to them like biological detergents.
Try our Laundry Lover non-bio liquid detergent for a gentle first-wash, and keep using it for tough, everyday stains too! We use only 13 ingredients for our Laundry Lover— and it's free from skin-irritating allergen, enzymes, optical brighteners, and dyes.
2. Use a gentle fabric conditioner
Yes, you can use a fabric softener on your baby's clothes, even for that first wash. Fabric conditioners are great for helping to keep fabrics snuggly soft and smelling great, although you should always check your garment label in case conditioner is not recommended. And again, go for a non-bio version.
Try our fabric softener, Cuddle Lover, for a glorious baby-soft finish for your kiddo's new clothes. This has been specially made for baby clothes and fabrics, leaving them looking like new, wash after wash.
Like all our other products, we use plant-based ingredients that won't irritate your baby's skin, and one bottle will last you up to 70 washes— so get those tiny vests and let's go!
Once the baby arrives, keep up with the gentle non-bio detergents and softeners. If a garment becomes particularly stained (we predict a nappy explosion or two may be in your future), simply add around 20ml more of the Laundry Lover detergent to your wash, or use the same amount to wash by hand instead.
If you're planning to use cloth nappies, these will need washing in advance, and we recommend our Nappy Lover, a cloth nappy detergent, for a simple way to wash, with no need for extra boosters.
Happy washing!
]]>We’ve all felt it. That moment when you look at your child playing happily with a friend at the park, and your thoughts start to swirl. Is my child happy enough? Does my child get enough attention? Do I spoil my child with too much attention? Should I be doing more, doing less, doing something else?
Before you know it, you’re doubting your (very good) parenting skills, and you’re convinced that your child will grow up to resent you forever. But wait! What if we told you this was known as ‘mum guilt’ and that it’s actually quite common
Because every single parent you meet will have, at some time, felt the same way. But that doesn’t mean you need to. We’ll say it now— yes, you are enough. And just in case you don’t believe us just yet, here are five tips to help you overcome mum guilt once and for all.
That old saying, “a problem shared is a problem halved”? It’s true. Every single word of it. Because until you actually tell someone how you feel, you’ll never know that they feel exactly the same way too. Because, whether we like it or not, feeling guilt as a parent is totally normal. It’s a sign that you care deeply about your child, and honestly, that other mum feels it too. She’s just better at hiding it.
Your journey is your own. You cannot compare apples and oranges, so don’t compare yourself to that other mum at the park. She is probably also plagued with feelings of guilt and assuming that you have it all together.
And this goes with most situations in life! Take a moment to think about the issue at hand, the thing that is really making you feel guilty… and then take another moment to assess whether it’s really worth the stress.
Worried that your house is looking like a tip while the mum three doors down is posting away photos of a gleaming kitchen on Instagram? While there’s a pretty good chance those photos are totally staged, there’s another, more important, lesson here— it doesn’t matter what either of your kitchens looks like. If you’ve got kids, your house is going to look messy from time to time. Sorry bout it!
What matters is whether you let it affect you or not. If you’re able to close the door on the mess from time to time and promise yourself you’ll deal with it later (and let’s face it, it’s a lot more fun playing with your child today after all), you’ll find a weight literally lifted from your shoulders! This leads us to our next piece of advice…
Life as a parent is busy. It can be chaotic. It can feel like you never have a moment’s peace and quiet. But that’s because you have a little one who is totally dependent upon you to guide them, educate them, and mould them into functioning members of society. That’s pretty big!
So if things are a little crazy while you’re doing this… so what? All you need at the end of the day is a short window of time to whip out the Sticky Stopper spray, give everything a quick wipe down, and get it all ready for the next day. We are so glad to be on your side for the messy moments.
We promise you, your child will not remember how tidy your house was when they were growing up, but they will remember that time you built a sofa den with them, helped them to bake cookies, and played hide and seek for hours. That’s what counts.
Our last tip might sound a little strange, and you may have heard it already many times. But honestly, we just have to say it. If you’re feeling any level of mum guilt right now, then just know that you’re doing alright at the whole parenting thing. You’re feeling this way because you care, because you want to do your best as a parent, and because your child is your world. You’re bound to have some fears that disguise themselves as guilt when you inevitably feel as though you’ve not quite hit the mark. Welcome to parenting. You’re doing an amazing job.
]]>Picture your baby as a little scientist, discovering the world through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. Sensory play is the engine driving their growth, enhancing cognitive abilities, and setting the stage for a lifetime of learning. And the best part? It's simply delightful!
And let's not overlook the laughter, the giggles, and the wide-eyed wonder! Sensory play isn't just beneficial for their development; it's a recipe for joyful bonding and shared experiences that deepen your connection with your little one.
The Science Behind the Fun:
Aside from the adorable moments, sensory play offers a wealth of developmental advantages:
Get ready, because we're about to explore five captivating activities that will fuel their inquisitive spirits and support your baby’s development.
Get ready for some messy fun! While it may require a bit of cleanup, jelly play is an excellent way for little ones to explore different textures with their hands and mouths. Ideal for weaned babies, this baby activity encourages them to dive right in and discover.
Here's what makes jelly play so rocking:
Bonus Tip: Make post-play cleanup a breeze with our Sticky Stopper spray. Keep your surfaces clean and germ-free with our plant-based antibacterial cleaner spray. Just a few spritzes and you're good to go!
Dim the lights, let soft melodies fill the air, and snuggle your little one close. This isn't just cuddle time, it's a sensory journey like no other - baby massage magic!
How to Get Started:
Remember: Your baby is the expert! Be attentive to their cues and adjust the massage accordingly. Even a few minutes of gentle touch can make a big difference in their well-being and yours. So, go ahead, unleash the baby massage magic and witness the calming power of love and connection in action!
Recycle that milk bottle? Genius! This is another super simple idea, and all you need is an empty plastic bottle (perhaps a milk buster bottle *wink wink*) and a few bits and pieces from around the house. Fill it with pompoms, pasta, feathers, or anything safe and intriguing for tiny hands to explore. Make different ones for sound and sight stimulation. Bonus points for vibrant colours!
Pro Tip: For older babies, create "treasure baskets" filled with safe items to explore under supervision. Regularly clean bottles and basket items for continued fun.
Ensure you regularly check the bottles to ensure they're safe to use, and spray them down with Sticky Stopper after each use. The same goes for the baskets- regularly clean each item after playtime.
Who doesn't love bubbles? They're mesmerising for both babies and adults! Grab some bubble solution and a wand, and watch their eyes light up as they chase those rainbow spheres. It's affordable fun that never gets old!
Bath, sink, or highchair tray – it's all fair game for water play! Let your little one explore different textures and temperatures (supervised, of course!). Food colouring, bath lights, music, cups, and sieves add exciting twists. For younger babies, even a shallow bowl on the floor can provide endless entertainment.
Remember: Always use a thermometer to ensure safe water temperature, keep supervision constant, and swish around to disperse hot spots.
Yes, even cleaning can be a sensory learning experience! Involve your baby in age-appropriate tasks like putting toys away. It teaches them responsibility and helps them explore their surroundings. Remember, supervise closely, keep cleaning products out of reach, and embrace the "help"!
Tip: After messy or water play, use Sticky Stopper for toy cleaning and Laundry Lover and Cuddle Lover for restoring dirty clothes ensuring your little one's sensory adventures are always fresh and fun!
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With Veganuary in full swing, the team here at Nimble Babies has been receiving lots of questions from our lovely customers about our products and other brands. We’re huge advocates of living a plant-based lifestyle, and there are many ways you can do that beyond what your daily diet consists of. More often, the challenge of Veganuary goes far beyond the kitchen— or at least the fridge!
This week we’re looking at cleaning products, discussing why aren’t all cleaning products vegan, and offering some tips on what ingredients to look out for when you’re buying cleaning products.
Nimble was born after our founder, Von, realised that most of the cleaning products available on the market were filled with harsh chemicals.
Having just become an uncle, the idea of using these products around his niece filled Von with fear! The rest, as they say, is history, but it’s worth repeating.
Nimble uses plant-based ingredients because they are kinder than harsh chemicals for delicate skin (ours and the babies) and the environment! We’re still on a mission to create more gentle yet powerful cleaning products, and we’re fiercely proud of all that we’ve achieved so far.
We simply do not need harsh chemicals that will irritate the skin and later get washed away into our oceans and rivers!
First, we need to answer what makes a cleaning product vegan, to begin with. Reading and understanding product labels are essential, especially when you’re looking to live a plant-based lifestyle. Read our post from last year on reading cleaning product labels for more information.
So what is it that makes a cleaning product unsuitable for Veganuary?
Look out for ingredients such as: Caprylic Acid (an oily liquid found in milk), Tallow (beef or marrowfat), Animal Lecithin, Beeswax, and Lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool).
Not only can you keep an eye out for specific ingredients, but you can check what your brush bristles are made from— are they made using animal hair?
Furthermore, always look for the Leaping Bunny logo. It’s worth mentioning that not all vegan brands will have this certification, so you still need to read the ingredients labels to be sure! Look for any sign of “cruelty-free” or “never testeon animals” (like what we have on our bottles). It’s also a good idea to note any ingredient names that you don’t recognise and do a quick google search on them. Sometimes they’re listed using chemical-derived titles, which can be misleading.
Sadly, animal-derived ingredients and harsh chemicals tend to be cheaper to use and easier to manufacture; therefore, brands will continue to use them to produce a competitively priced product. The fact is, for as long as consumers continue to buy these products, they will continue to be made. Unless we all make a change, now.
The Veganuary campaign is such an excellent place to start, not only for the foods we eat but also for the products we use in and around the home.
So, who’s going the whole way this year and turning towards an entirely plant-based lifestyle in 2022?
Let us know in the comments!]]>So, this week we’re hoping to settle the debate once and for all.
Which is best to use in 2022? Read on to find out what we think.Undeniably, reusable nappies are better for the environment because you wash and reuse them rather than throw them away to be sent to a landfill. Reusable nappies can work out cheaper in the long run as you buy once and then reuse them. The average family will save £2-500 using them.
Cloth nappies are less likely to cause skin irritations such as nappy rash for your little one. Reusable nappies are available in a range of funky designs and colours, with soft cloth inserts and easy fastening. How cute!
Disposable nappies are easy to use and convenient, especially when you’re out and about or away on holiday. Many different brands, styles, and sizes are available to suit many budgets.
Disposable nappies are widely available in shops worldwide, so they are easy to get hold of if you find yourself in a pinch. They’re easy to transport in a changing bag, making them easy to use on the go. Some consider disposable nappies to be more sanitary as they are removed and discarded after use, then replaced by a clean nappy.
Some parents cannot make the initial upfront cost that reusable nappies require. They are considerably more expensive than disposable nappies. If the cost of cloth nappies is an issue, look into whether or not your local council runs a nappy library where you can borrow a kit to try. Look into local selling sites too, as a lot of families sell their nappies on when they’re no longer needed.
Reusable nappies can be less absorbent, so they may need changing more often. Reusable nappies need to be washed! The washing and drying takes time, energy and effort, so this is something to plan ahead.
Reusable nappies are bigger and bulkier than disposables, so some baby clothes won’t fit as loosely. Using reusable nappies on holiday requires a bit of planning to carry out successfully.
Disposable nappies end up in landfills, and the sad fact is that they do not decompose quickly. If disposable nappies aren’t emptied before discarding, the leftover poo lets off methane gas which contributes to greenhouse gases.
The sheer choice of disposable nappies can be overwhelming, and often families will need to shop around to find a brand that suits their baby. Some disposable nappies contain harsh chemicals and an absorbent ingredient that can cause nappy rash.
Here at Nimble HQ, we’re always striving to live as eco-consciously as possible. We want to make our carbon footprint smaller than ever in 2022, and we’d love to help more of you to do the same too. But it’s important to remember that this is your journey and yours alone.
Reusable nappies might be the right choice for one family, but not another. Suppose you find that disposable nappies are the best option for you. In that case, there are definitely other changes you can make to offset the potential environmental damage that disposable nappies can cause. Some brands of disposable nappies are more eco-friendly than others, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and do your research. Some families decide to use both, depending on the day-to-day situation, and that’s fine too.We felt very inspired by the new generation of eco-friendly parents, and we wanted to help them by creating a product that really addresses the cloth nappy mess and stains— and we know it can get messy! Our founder Von knows all about it, as they use reusable nappies for their 9-month old twin boys at home!.
Our Nappy Lover powder detergent is formulated to be completely free from skin-irritating allergens, enzymes, optical brighteners and dyes, so it is ideal for use on the delicate skin of little ones. Here are our top tips on how to use our Nappy Lover powder detergent
Get in touch if you have any questions- we’re always happy to help!]]>
Dear parent friends,
We know you are here because you also believe that all families (especially the little ones) deserve better than heavy-duty, harsh chemicals.
Here at Nimble, we're committed to providing you with safer, greener, and more effective cleaning products to take some of the stress out of the everyday tasks (if only we could take it ALL away!).
We are very honoured that you're trusting us to be on your side to deal with the messy moments, and in return, we wanted to pledge some of our key commitments from our Nimble family to yours!
Here's our cleaning with kindness promise:
Because every corner of the house is a playground for kids, we make sure our products are safe to use around them.
This means we keep the nasty bits away from our cleaning goodies: we use no harsh chemicals, allergens, skin irritating ingredients, and only use gentle scents. This is all to make sure our products are suitable for sensitive skin
We know that life keeps you busy when you have a little one wandering around, so we guarantee that our products are highly effective from the first use! We don't want you to waste your precious time washing your baby's laundry, cloth nappies, high-chairs, or baby bottles twice!
Our award-winning products with patented formulas are gentle on the skin but tough on stains! Our formulas are developed from scratch by our real-life chemist founder, Von.
Mess is natural, and so are our products. Not only are all of our products are plant-based and certified vegan, but they all get the job done without compromise! They are powered by naturally derived ingredients such as coconuts, corn, and grapeseed. Furthermore, they are all made in the UK and are never tested on animals.
If you have any questions regarding our products, values, or just fancy a chat about how to use our products, we're all ears. Just drop us an email at hello@nimblebabies.com, and we'll be in touch shortly!
All our best,But what about when we’re out and about? Whether it’s going to a local park, out to the pub, or even to shop for last-minute gifts? After last year, we all want to be surrounded by our families this festive period. But, we want to be able to enjoy these moments together while thinking about the safety of our little ones.
Aside from regularly washing hands, we have some other tips and tricks to keep bacteria at bay, and it all starts with throwing our handy travel-sized Sticky Stopper, Milk Buster, and Germ Zapper into your changing bag!
Is your little one in the habit of sticking any toy (or keys, spoon, books, or phone) in their mouth? Yeah, ours too.
For any “toy” that has dropped on the ground, give it a quick spray with Sticky Stopper to disinfect it, wipe it, then let dry.
Busy bathrooms mean the changing tables don’t always get the attention they need. No issues, though— simply spray our Sticky Stopper directly onto the changing table and wipe away to clean and disinfect the surface.
Meet our latest addition to the team‚ Germ Zapper, our hand sanitiser spray that is handy to kill 99.9% of germs without leaving any sticky feeling on little hands and without drying them out. Suitable for tiny hands from 3 months, that’s your daily adventures sorted!
Check out our new Protect and Care Kit, the perfect antibacterial bundle to keep both surfaces and hands squeaky clean. Let the little ones be explorers; we've covered you for the aftermath
]]>The new year is fast approaching, and here at Nimble HQ, we're looking ahead to another busy year! Like many of you, we're making a few new year's resolutions to help keep us on a greener path for 2022.
Nimble Babies has always been eco-conscious as a brand, and as a team, we're always searching for greener ways to live. So with this in mind, this week, we thought we'd share our favourite easy sustainable swaps you can make for 2022. Let's make the new year greener than ever!
Swap the disposable plastic brushes for a more sustainable alternative, and we promise you'll never look back. It's recommended that we change our toothbrush at least every 3-4 months, so by purchasing either bamboo or a reusable toothbrush in 2022, you could help to seriously reduce the amount of plastic we send to landfills each year.
A cool brand that you could use for grown-ups and bambinos is Bamboo Club! They are environmentally friendly, and even better, they offer a subscription, so you'll never forget to change your toothbrush again
Shampoo and shower gels often come packaged in plastic bottles, and they rarely tend to last very long either. Each time you replace these shower 'essentials,' you're adding to the plastic problem.
The answer? Swap to bar products instead. Not only will a good bar of soap last a lot longer, but it will be considerably cheaper (and greener!) Win-win!
Speaking of toiletries, as a new mum you already have enough to worry about when looking after your little one, never mind worrying about your period too! Here at Nimble, we recommend Cheeky Wipes' Reusable Period Pads or Period Pants to reduce the waste created by disposable period products. Plus, changing to reusables means you never have to worry about running out of pads or tampons if you get any surprises!
Just in case there are some of you still buying plastic water bottles and takeaway coffee in those plastic-coated cups, this year is the year for change! Invest in a reusable version instead! This is an easy swap that can save you money while saving the Earth!
A good KeepCup is always a good idea, isn't it? And we know parents need a good cup of coffee to gear up for every day's adventures!
All of our products here at Nimble are made using baby-friendly, natural ingredients, so if you haven't made the swap yet, now's the time! We proudly make our cleaning products here in the UK to lower our impact on our planet and are only using ingredients derived from plants so that cleaning doesn't have to be so harsh! Have a look at our plant-based cleaning goodies her
These days, there are many eco-friendly options for baby wipes, and you can also opt for reusable wipes. There's no room for disposable, plastic-based wipes in 2022!
We love the reusable baby wipes from Cheeky Wipes. Perfect for faces, hands, and bums, and suitable for delicate skin (and all ages!), these are a great eco-friendly addition to any family home!
Does anyone even use these anymore? We've added this one just in case… opt for bamboo, metal or silicone reusable straws instead.
Shop local in 2022! When you shop small, your products have used less energy to get onto the shelves! Furthermore, you're using less energy to get there and supporting small businesses, which is an excellent step against fast fashion, which also causes a lot of environmental damage.
Ever heard the phrase 'eat the seasons'? Eating fresh, locally grown produce is an incredible change to make. Why not give it a whirl in 2022?
Please let us know if you're committing to Veganuary next month; we may have some surprises for you!
Ask any parent, and they will tell you— kids grow out of their clothes so quickly! A great new year's resolution is to switch from expensive high-street items to second hand instead.
Give clothes a new lease of life, reduce the amount of clothing waste while you're at it! One of our personal favs is Dotte; give them a try, you won't be disappointed
There's a big debate on this topic. We won't lie; things can get messy when switching to reusable cloth nappies. But, you should know that an estimated three billion nappies are thrown away every year in the UK. Making this eco-friendly switch can make a significant difference to our planet!
Our small tip would be to organise your schedule to make sure you have time for this commitment and run your cloth nappies washes separately.
We created our Nappy Lover non-bio washing powder specially for them, and if you have any questions please do feel free to drop us a message anytime at hello@nimblebabies.com!
For more information on cloth vs disposable nappies, check our this recent blog!
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