Quinny Yezz Doing What It Does Best!

As a Quinny Caster I've been challenged to show the Yezz doing what it does best!!  It's the urban stroller designed to make the city its playground, perfect for public transport and the rigours of being in town with a toddler.  Unfortunately as far as this mission is concerned, I live in the country and the public transport links are worse than useless so to demonstrate the features and benefits of Quinny's funky Yezz we had to get creative.

The incredibly lightweight Yezz is small and compact when folded and comes with a strap to carry it over your shoulder.  Perfect for going up and down stairs and escalators and hopping on and off trains and buses.  Ian demonstrated this on our staircase!

The size of the folded stroller is perfect if you are sat on a seat of a train, bus or taxi.  It will sit easily between your feet meaning you don't have to struggle with stowing the Yezz in a storage facility.  Ian demonstrates on our makeshift bus seat!!

When you are in the city, you have to put your stroller up and down a lot as you reach escalators, stairs or get on or off the vehicle.  The Yezz can be put up with one hand and one foot really quickly and easily.  You could hold on to a toddler's hand or carry an infant with your other hand.  Very useful when travelling alone with your child.

City life can mean tight spaces and narrow gaps.  The Yezz's super manoeuvrability and compact design makes negotiating a busy, crowded area really easy.  Doorways, aisles, corridors and other tight squeezes are easily handled.  Check out Ian going through a doorway with bags of space to spare.

 The free standing feature is useful and would allow you to leave the pushchair stood up and keep your hands free.

The Yezz's lightweight frame makes this the lightest stroller to carry around, a real bonus when using a buggy in the busy city.  A cumbersome, heavy, complicated pushchair would be a hindrance,whereas the Yezz would be a real help in that situation.  You can see just how light this stroller is in this photo.

Although I did not test the Yezz in the city for this mission, I am soon to take Freddy to Alton Towers.  The Yezz will be perfect to ride the mono-rail, leave standing in Buggy Parks near the rides, negotiate the crowds and carry over our shoulder when Freddy decides he wants to have a run around.  We are also going to Disneyland Paris in a few weeks time and will be taking the Yezz.  It will take up hardly any boot space and again will be perfect in a theme park situation.  I'll definitely post some pics!!

The Yezz may not be perfect for all terrains and situations, but for urban life it can definitely reduce many of the problems associated with using a pushchair.  Plus, it's very comfy for your tot to travel in.  It's a great investment for a non-city dweller like me, as a second stroller for travelling, urban use and on holiday.

Terrible Twos and Travelling with Toddlers

Freddy is now 26 months old.  The easy going baby boy now sometimes morphs into a temper throwing toddler over the simplest thing...I opened his banana wrong, I didn't let him butter his own toast, he doesn't want to take off his pyjama top or he wants to wear his sister's dress that she has on...all these have evoked tantrums!  Over the years I have learned that staying calm and finding humour in the situation is more valuable than gaining an upperhand with a two year old whose emotions have simply got out of control.  I don't make battles out of situations and try to find a suitable compromise that makes everyone happy.  This approach is saving me from getting any extra grey hairs and is maintaining my sanity, so it works for me.

A Trampoline Related Tantrum!

However I am always happy to read advice and so when Need-2-Know Publishing offered to send me some titles from their range of parenting self-help guides I chose ones relevant to Fred's stage of life.

Need-2-Know is an independent publisher with books covering many topics on the subject of Health, Lifestyle, Emotional Issues and Parenting.  They are available as both paperbacks and e-books.  The range is really comprehensive which impressed me a lot.

I opted for the Terrible Twos book.  It covers a host of areas with the following chapter headings.

• Understanding the Terrible Twos
• Your Child's Emotions, Behaviour and Needs
• Freedom From Limits
• Play Time
• Sleep
• Meal Times
• Toliet Training Without Tears
• Childcare and Early Education
• Siblings
• Seeking Help

Written by a parent and early years' practitioner, the book shows us that this stage of our children's lives is completely normal and empowers parents to enjoy their toddlers.  It is not written as a definitive guide, instead it explores options, gives suggestions and is sympathetic to differing parenting techniques.  I found this approach really modern and refreshing...I hate preachy childcare practioners, especially as my parenting style is sometimes quite unorthodox with my co-sleeping!  

This book is very sensitive to the child's needs and the balance between allowing the child freedom to develop and setting limits is explained well.  There are lots of  case studies and tips from other parents which gives the book a personal touch alongside its professional expertise.  It is easy to read, well laid out and good to dip into for information.

I also reviewed the Travelling With Children guide.  I am quite terrified of travelling but really want to be able to enjoy more family holidays so this seemed like a good choice for me .  It has the following chapters:

• The Right Holiday
• Plane, Train or Automobile?
• Babies and Toddlers
• Package Beach Holidays and Theme Parks
• Camping and Caravanning
• City Breaks
• Off the Beaten Track
• Skiing
• Luxury, Cruises and Spas
• Holidays on a Budget
• When Things Go Wrong

There are some inspirational ideas alongside some very practical advice so it ticks all the boxes.    

The book aims to guide parents through the process of choosing a suitable family holiday and making the most of it from start to finish.  Although it applies to holidaying with all ages of children, their is  a whole section dedicated to babies and toddlers.  With tips on transport, packing, avoiding common pitfalls and what to do when things go wrong, it offers a wealth of information and advice.  The money saving ideas are very interesting and the case studies are really helpful showing how other people have managed to go on holiday and have lived to tell the tale!!  There is a list of child-friendly holiday ideas and useful contacts at the back of the book which has given me some food for thought.  I predict more holidaying for my family in 2012!

This book is perfect for nervous first time parents but also great for people like me who want to dip in for advice and ideas to make holidaying as stress-free as possible. In includes inspirational ideas alongside practical advice.

The 'When Things Go Wrong' section is very informative and I think I'll be popping my copy of this book in my suitcase when I next travel, just in case!

Take a look at Need 2 Know books to see their extensive range of titles.  Priced at £8.99-12.99 for a paperback copy and £3.99 for an e-book they are well priced and they cover a vast number of topics.  Whatever self-help guide you are looking for, Need-2-Know would be a good place to look first!

  

Top That! for Summer Holidays

We're now into the long six weeks of the summer holidays and if you are anything like me, you'll be looking for ways to keep the kids happily entertained.  Top That! Publishing have sent me two books that are just perfect, especially when travelling with little ones.

Colours is part of Top That!'s Sticker Activity Book range.  Introducing key early learning concepts is made fun with this book.  It comes with 100 re-usable stickers that children will enjoy matching to the colours on each page.  Fun activities will keep the little ones entertained, perfect on a long car, plane or ferry journey.

I love the big glossy pages which combine photography and illustrations.  The spaces for the colourful stickers complete the pictures.  The activities support National Curriculum early learning objectives and include drawing, spot the difference, dot to dot and colouring.  The book includes smiley face stickers to reward your child as they learn about colours.

Priced at just £4.49 from Top That! this lovely quality 32 page book is a perfect solution for keeping the kids happy on their travels or entertained on a rainy day.  Other titles in the series include Counting, First Words and Shapes.  They are suitable for ages 3+.

Explore, Dream, Discover is a travelling book for creative kids.  Described as a travel-diary, memory-maker, doodle-pad, brain-engager, boredom-stopper, idea-waker, captain's-log and a thought-provoker, it is a truly unique book.  It is a hard backed journal which will make a wonderful travel companion for children aged 7+.

With sections dedicated to different aspects of their holidays, children are challenged to think, predict, research and observe things before, during and after their travels.  Diary pages are made interesting as children are challenged to write their entry in imaginative ways such as in rhyme, as if they were a time traveller or from the point of view of their shoes!  There are ideas for taking holiday photos with purpose such as using reflections, framing shots through doorways or selecting interesting themes.  You can then stick in your shots on the album pages.  A storage pocket lets the child store tickets, messages, menus, leaflets etc from their holiday.  The book is packed with over 100 activities, games and projects.

I for one would have loved this book as a child.  Holiday journals are such fabulous keep sakes but can sometimes feel like a chore for the child.  This book is inspirational, fun and full of amazing ideas and children will love keeping their holiday diary and it will be something unique to look back on in future years.

Priced at £7.19 from Top That! this is a wonderful book for creative kids.  I absolutely love it!  I know my girls will enjoy filling it in on their next holiday!  

*Top That!'s When I Dream Of ABC that I reviewed here, has won the children's category of the People's Book Prize 2011 Awards.  Congratulations to Henry Fisher and Top That! on their prestigious award!!*

Cybermummy Stress!!!

With just a couple of weeks to go until we all congregate en masse to attend Cybermummy 2011, I feel a little niggle of panic rise from the pit of my stomach. But what is the reason for my little wobble???

I know a lot of people are anxious about meeting everyone...the strange combination of virtual confidante yet physical stranger mixed into one is indeed bizarre.  Many of these 'strangers' will know all about your life, your kids, your husband, your problems, your hopes and fears.  They will know your most embarrassing moments intimately....yet you have never actually met before!  However, this is not one of my anxieties.  I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of lovely ladies at various events this year and it has been nothing but positive!  Everyone has been exactly how I imagined them to be and the fact that they all know the story behind why I am tee-total did not come between us!!

Many bloggers are worrying about what to wear.  I'm turning up in jeans...it is my clothing of choice and I want to be comfortable throughout the day.  So I'm not stressing about anyone showing up in the same frock as me, or worrying about which designer I'll be showcasing...fashion just ain't my thing.  I am perfectly confident in my wardrobe choice...I'm not going to dazzle anyone with my glamour, but that was never my intention!

Weightloss is something that has been a huge topic of conversation across Twitter as we all try to shed a few pounds.  I'm no exception to this.  I am attempting to slim down....6lbs lost so far!  But I'm not doing it for Cybermummy....I'm using Cybermummy as a target for my visualisation in my hypnotherapy.  It's an event along the way which will help me lose the weight in achievable chunks. It's just one step on my journey.  It's not being done for vanity and I really don't worry what other people think...I'm doing it for my health, to gain control over my eating and for my own self-esteem.  If this in turn makes me feel better in my skin at Cybermummy then that will be a bonus, but I'm certainly not dieting to impress my fellow bloggers on the day!  (But if anyone is impressed I'll be inwardly very smug and eternally grateful...after all I am only human!)  My diet will also be put on hold over the Cybermummy weekend...I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the Cybermummy Eve Party and I won't be skimping on my menu choices.  Similarly, I will enjoy my lunch on the day.  No nibbling rabbit food to impress anyone with me...oh no!!

Travelling does make me feel a little bit wobbly, but after winning the use of the Hyundai Santa Fe in the Car Share Competition I'm actually quite excited.  It is an opportunity to be outside of my comfort zone and embrace the journey as part of the experience.  Driving to Central London from Shropshire isn't the nicest journey and I tend to always let Ian do all the driving when we go anywhere as a family.  So I'll be reconnecting with my independent side, which I think will actually be empowering.  Just hope I can find a parking space big enough when we get there!

However...the one thing that is making me a little sick to my stomach is leaving Freddy.  I know he is nearly two, but he is still breastfed.  The self weaning has not yet happened.  In fact this week my toddler has been poorly and feeding more than ever.  This is what panics me about leaving him.  The logical part of me says that this is an opportunity for my son to decide that he doesn't need his 'boob' anymore.  When I'm around it becomes habitual and there is no incentive for him to stop.  Without me there, he will have to do without.  He uses cups easily and even drinks milk, but his breastfeeding is something in addition to all this.  I know his Daddy will not let him be sad and will do everything in his power to keep my baby boy happy, but my heart still breaks a little bit.  I think my biggest fear, if I am totally honest, is that he will make the decision to give up breastfeeding completely and that part of our journey together will come to an end. I know it's daft, but the bond is so strong.  This will be a final cutting of the umbilical cord...my little baby will be a big boy.  On one hand I am looking forward to him being independent so he can be less reliant on me, but the other part of me is holding onto to this stage with dear life.  He is my last baby...I know how quickly they grow up...I just wasn't in any rush for it to happen.

So if you see a woman clutching a photo of a cute little boy whilst trying to stem the flow from her leaking breasts...it'll probably be me!!  I promise though to try and keep that behaviour for the hotel room only.  Cybermummy is a time for me.  My blogging has literally changed my life and I am embracing every opportunity it throws at me.  But that doesn't stop the fact that I am going to feel like someone has chopped off one of my limbs.  I know, I know...I'm one of those women who define themselves by their children.  But do you know what...I wouldn't want it any other way!

Theraline Pillows...for mums and kids!

When I was pregnant I struggled to get comfortable.  I'd stuff a cushion between my knees and wedge a duvet under my bump and still be uncomfy!  I wish I'd known about Theraline Nursing Pillows...they'd have spared me many a sleepless night, tossing and turning trying to get into a position conducive with sleep!!

The super soft cover is stuffed with micro beads that moulds and bends into shape giving support and comfort whether you are lying down or sitting up.  What's more it is perfect for breastfeeding once baby is born, reducing strain on the shoulder and neck and giving support to the back.

The soft and huggable pillow is so light and so very versatile.  It is great for when baby starts to sit up offering a protective barrier in case of topples.  It really is a great investment...I so wish I'd had one!!!

When Theraline offered me the chance to test out one of their pillows I decided to try out one of their Baby and Kids' Neck Pillows.  Using the same micro bead filling and super soft cover, the Neck Pillow is like a mini version of the original Nursing Pillow.  The filling is as fine as sand so it is flexible and fits perfectly around baby's neck.

The Neck Pillow is perfect for travelling.  It keeps the toddler in a stable, lateral position providing individual, solid support when the head lolls during sleep, without forcing baby's head forward.  It also is a super comfy pillow for at home.

We were sent a yellow floral design, but there are other patterns and colours to choose from and a variety of materials available.

I loved how soft and squidgy it was and it was much bigger than I had anticipated.  It is so light.  The design was a little girly for Freddy, but in the spirit of gender neutral parenting we were perfectly happy for him to embrace flower power!

Freddy tried it out in his car chair and it went behind his neck easily as the micro bead filling moulded to fit. While he was awake though, he found it quite bulky, so I think he could have done with a smaller size.  However, 8 year old Kizzy was only to keen to take over the testing.  It was a perfect size and she consequently fell into a comfortable, rested slumber!

I can see our pillow being very useful when travelling and for snoozing at home.  I had a try and I love how the pillow moulds around you so comfortably.  It really is quite unique!

Zzzzz!

The Theraline Original Nursing Pillow retails for £44.95 online at www.theraline-shop.co.uk
The Kids' Neck Pillow in 'Little Flowers Yellow' is a very cost effective £14.90 also available from Theraline's online shop.

These super cute animal pillows are now available...this dragon is gorgeous!

Follow Theraline on Twitter and Facebook and check out www.theraline.co.uk for further product information.