Out and About With Your Family

Our Mums' Network have been busy reviewing lots of different products for travelling and having fun outdoors with a family.  All the reviews are from real parents that have tried these products and we hope that give you lots of ideas to make your summer more fun!

Having a picnic

Marco Pierre White MarcO-Grill 1000 Portable Gas BBQ reviewed by Sam from Hampshire in April

"This BBQ is fantastic!  We were expecting getting it set up was going to be a huge faff but it was so easy and within 15 minutes it was on and sizzling sausages.  It comes with a small gas bottle and this is the only thing that needs attaching.  No other assembly is required.  It ignited first time and was easy to control the temperature.  It's very light weight so entirely practical to take on a picnic or camping.  It also looks incredibly good!  Our only concern was finding replacement gas cyclinders but you can buy an adaptor so it will work with the more common small, blue gas cylinders found on campsites." 

Visit www.heavenchef.com

Mr Kipling Oatibakes £1.29 for 5 reviewed by Pat from London in April

"These look great, individually wrapped and come in a cardboard box so can be recycled.  There are several flavours and we tried the blackcurrant and strawberries ones.  Us grown ups really liked them but our two children didn't.  We're not sure why this was.  I think they would be great for school lunch boxes as a treat as they are wrapped.  However they are not very healthy."  



Organix Goodies Squeezy Fruit Purees reviewed by Sam from Hampshire in March

"Alice loved these and wouldn't pressed as to her favourite flavour - she liked them all best!  She choose them over other less healthy choices at snack time so that must be a good sign.  From my point of view I thought the combinations were very inventive: strawberry, pear and banana, kiwi, pear and orange to name but two.  And very handy packaging from a name you can trust.  I found them invaluable when we were low on fresh fruit and they would be very useful when travelling."  Visit www.organix.com


Perry Court Farm Apple Crisps reviewed by Mandy from East Yorkshire in March

"All my family loved these "crisps" and they didn't taste greasy like other fruit crisps we've had.  These are a really handy alternative to fresh fruit when you're out and about as they are just made of apples and not fried.  The packs are quite large so too big for my little boy but ok when we sharing.  I hope to see these in the supermarkets as I would buy them again."  Visit www.perrycourt.com for stockist and more info

Organix Snacks reviewed by Mel from Hampshire in January

"My 3 girls thought Christmas has come again when I received a selection of Organix Goodies fruit bars and snacks. They were very excited to try all the different ones and even my 8 year old, who is very fussy, loved the Date and Apple Fruit Bar and what pleased her even more that it was one of her 5 a day! The no junk promise and the fact that they are all organic make the whole range great to put in their lunch boxes and I will make sure I have a selection in my bag to take out and about for when my toddler needs a quick snack. The whole range is very tasty and good for the whole family to enjoy." Visit www.organix.com for more details.

Feel Good Drinks reviewed by Zena from Kent in October

"The first thing that struck me when I got these was how well they fit into a lunch box, the package design is very clever.

When Beth and Benn tried the drinks there were mixed results, Beth with no comment, as usual but she drank it all up! Benn took his to school for break, he was having a bit of a gloomy day and when he got home said 'the feel good drink you gave me didn't make me feel good straight away, but I think it started working by lunch time.' As you can tell, kids do expect a product to do exactly what it says.

In my opinion, the drinks were tasty, healthy and 100% natural - atleast I felt good putting them in the lunch box."

Travelling with Children

Don't miss our travel tips from Tots To Travel

Fisherprice Food Warmer £14 avaliable from JoJoMamanBebe reviewed by Nicola from Kettering in April

"I love this product it is great for long car journeys, picnics and when your out and about.  The flask is compact and easily fits into my changing bag.  I was impressed that all tools fit in the flask itself (apart from the warming bowl) to minimize storage. It  didn't leak, the water used to warm the food,  stayed hot consistently on each outing. I would not hesitate in recommending, this product "it does what it says on the tin" and my daughter had a warm meal when she needed it most!"  

Visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk for more information

Morrck Baby Hoodie reviewed by Carrie from Essex

"The Morrck Baby Hoodie is a hooded travel wrap designed to fit on a standard pushchair or group 0, 0+ or 1 car seat.  It is reversible and made of layers of fleece and cotton jersey.  It comes in 3 sizes suitable for 0-6 months, 5-18 months and 18 months - 4 years.  It comes in 4 weights of fabric plus an organic option.

I am not sure this is something I would use in a car seat for a child of this age (the size 3 I received is suitable for 18 months to 4 years) but I can see how this would be very useful for a younger child, especially in a first car seat where they may fall asleep and you need to keep them warm between the car and home without disturbing them by taking off coats or putting on layers.  It also allows the harness to still be used safely without the cover getting in the way and affecting the performance of the car seat.

Summer health

Baby Aid First Aid Kit reviewed by Laura from Berkshire in September

"This is the best compact first aid kit I've seen!  It comes in a cute bag and is full of everything you could possibly need for minor mishaps and more.  Included are burns patches, plasters, bandage, thermometer strips , scissors and reward stickers for your little hero!  It's handy for a changing bag or to keep in the car or under the buggy.  And not just for babies as everything is relevant to older children, in fact they are the ones that will have the scrapes."  Visit www.babyaid.co.uk

Travel Sickness Bands reviewed by Mum to Alisha 8, Eloise 4

"To be honest when I received the travel sickness bands I was unsure how effective they would be. My two oldest girls get very bad travel sickness so I was worried about the consequents if they didn’t work! I put the bands on the girls before we set off for our 2 hour journey and they were delighted not to be given a horrible tablet. They fit snugly around the wrist and as well as being bright and colourful they are comfortable to wear. I’m very happy to say that they did work and my 4 year old only complained of mild tummy ache a couple of times, which could have been through boredom! I will definitely be using these again as it’s a lot easier than trying to get them to have a sickness tablet."

Quash reviewed by Sam from Hampshire in July

"Loved this!  It's a skin sanitiser made from natural ingrediants including honey and contains no alcohol.  It smelt lovely and comes in a handy handbag size for taking out and about.  Invaluable to have generally and particularly on a long day out, baby changing and at an animal farm.  Funky name and packaging too!"  Visit www.quashme.com

Our Mums loved the range of sunsuits from KoolSun especially as they don't have that synthetic feel of most UV suits.  Our little testers loved them as they had less sun cream put on them as the suits have a UV protection of 50+! Sunsuits come in 0-6 months, 6-12 months & 12-24 months and come in blue or pink. £24.99 for the sunsuits & £9.99 for the hats.  Available from www.koolsun.co.uk

Summer Clothes

Puddlepac Jacket £20 reviewed by Sam in April

"Loved this incredibly lightweight waterproof!  It looks great and long enough to cover down to the tops of legs and full length of arms so minimising what gets wet.  It folds down to a very small space so is easy to put into a bag 'just in case' the weather turned against us.  It also is not heavy so great for a summer shower when it is still warm."

Visit www.muddypuddles.com/Waterproofs/Puddlepac-Lightweights also matching waterproof trousers available.

JoJo Maman Bebe Spring/Summer collection, reviews from Karen and Lisa with more to come!

"I was very pleased to have the opportunity to review a JoJo Maman Bebe romper; it was lovely with green stripes and a sheep on the front. The quality was good; it washed well and felt comfortable against my son’s skin. These short-legged rompers are perfect for the warmer weather, whether to play or sleep in. The only downside is for 12-18 months it’s a little on the small side (that or my son is particularly chunky, although he is taller than his 18 month old friend so quite possible!). Regardless I think every parent should stock up before summer!"

"We love this hat [Twill Beanie Hat].  It’s simple style adds to its charm and the pale blue colour we have is perfect for our little boy.  There is a range of colours available.  The only concern we have is if he keeps it on his head!"

Visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk for more details.

Simply Colors personalised clothing review by Sam and Juliet from Hampshire in March 

"Really impressed by the ease of use of the Simply Colors website and the quality of the personalised items.  You can select the colour, font and picture for the clothes - back and front - and there is a huge range to choose from.  The website was simply to use and I had great fun changing the design until I was happy.  Particularly impressed by the quality of all the items, I have the T-shirt and large messenger bag for Alice and both are finished really well with nice touches like tags on the outside too that make these items look great.  I will update my review when I've washed everything.  I will definitely be using them for presents for nieces and nephews this year!"

"The Simply Colors website is simple, easy and quick to use.  The range of products available is limited but they offer a wide range of colours and illustrations.  Overall I think the quality of the product is high and reasonably priced.  The personalised t-shirts and hooded tops are a great idea for a gift - unique, thoughtful and easy to send in the post!".

"I really like the bag. The fact that you can put your name on the front is really cool and means that everyone knows that it is my bag, especially when I lose it. Mine has stars on the front as well as star writing. The bag is big enough for my DS and make up (As long as my dad does not see). My friends thought it was amazing and wanted one with star writing as well. If you want to keep secrets you can put them in the zip pocket in the back of the bag. I thought the tag with my initials on was so cool till I overheard mum telling dad that it was the initials of the company and not especially for me – but others do not know that!!!"  from Sammy aged 9 and 3 months

Visit www.simplycolors.co.uk

Fun and Games

Big and Small iPhone app now £1.19 from iTunes Store reviewed by Sam from Hampshire

"I love my iPhone as does my little girl so I was quite excited to try out the new Big and Small app.  However I was disappointed as it is quite limited.  All the Big and Small characters are there with some audio songs and video and you can tap the characters and they will say their catch phrases which Alice liked.  But that's it.  It won't keep any little one occupied for very long.  A lot more could have been done with this."

Let your little one capture all these fantastic outdoor moments with a Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera.  Our little tester loved this chunky camera and quickly mastered the art of taking the photos.  Being digital the "missing head" shots can be deleted and it was also dropped several times and survived! Our Mum commented that it encouraged her daughter to explore the world around her.  £49.99 for 3+ years available from www.argos.co.uk.

BabyBoomBoom Baby Band Bag and Junior Band Bag reviewed by Helen from Leicester in October

"Such cute little kits with a good selection of quality instruments and a CD, we had the French one.  My baby loved the instrument noises and the songs although I don't think she realised they were in French.  My little boy loved having his own special kit with different instruments and joined in with us.  I tried to explain that the songs were in French and it certainly refreshed my own "school girl" French!  This is a very good quality, well thought through toy."

Visit www.babyboomboom.com
 

For the paddling pool or the swimming pool

We loved these new Seal Flips from Zoggs and our little testers would chase them round and round the swimming pool!  Our Mums commented that they were just the right size for little hands to grab easily and could be used in the bath plus would be easily packed to take on holiday. These are part of Zoggs’ new Stages of Development programme helps boost water confidence and make swimming fun.  Visit www.zoggs.com to find out more.

And why not use bath toys in the paddling pool or in the swimming pool (not a public one!) to keep you little one interested and gain their confidence.  Jasper (20 months) loved the squirting and whistling sounds from Tomy's Water Whistler available in pink or blue for only £4.99 and even Alice (aged 4) wasn't too young to enjoy her pink Water Whistler! 

And for piece of mind in the pool our testers used Huggies Little Swimmers.  Our Mums found them very easy to use, they don't swell like normal nappies and easily rip off for quick changing.  They also come in cute Tigger or Nemo designs that our little testers loved too.  Just £4.99 for a pack and found in the nappy aisle of most major supermarkets.


Our Mums loved the chorine resistant sun suits from KoolSun as they provide UV protection of 50+ and won't perish after repeated use.  Available from www.koolsun.co.uk in one piece (sizes 0, 1 & 2) and two piece (sizes 3, 4, 6 & 8) with matching hats (sizes XS, S & L). £24.99 for swimsuits & £9.99 for hats.  Our Mum said that the suit was easier to get off and dried really quickly!

And it goes without saying that you must never leave a small child unattended in a paddling pool or swimming pool, even a few inches of water can be dangerous. 

In the garden

Our Mums were reminded of their own childhood when we gave them this First Thomas Swingball to try out!  The great thing about this swingball is that it can be played on any surface and taken anywhere as it has it's own base that doubles as a carry case and storage box.  Thomas and Percy move back and forth as the game is played which delighted out little testers.  £24.99 from 3 years and available from major toy retailers or see www.mookie-toys.co.uk for more details.

Many indoor toys come into their own when taken into the garden.  Dolls will love to be pushed around the garden in their prams and cars zoomed along the patio will go a lot further than they will indoors!  We asked our little testers to try out a few toys specifically outside.  

A favourite was the Tomy Thomas Seat-n-Ride, Jasper loved the ‘secret compartment’ in the seat and likes to put his favourite toys in there and push them around.  Mummy found a worm in there as well! The toy is very robust and works well in and out doors so can cope with the most enthuastic adventures and has a very cute peep-peep.  £29.99 from 12 months to 3 years.

We were also lucky enough to try out a new range of recycled and no battery toys from Sprig.  These toys intriged our Mums as much as their little ones as the designs are very striking and some have features such as lights powered by pumping rather than batteries.  We tried out some of the trucks and a helicopter playset which were perfect for the sand pit as it included a landing pad that was also a sand stamp, sand sifter!  And many mini adventures were acted out by our all our little testers, both boys and girls!  They also have a dinosaur adventure, tree house and bee and butterfly farm in this new range available from Spring/Summer 2010. From £11.99 see www.sprigtoys.com for more details and available from www.tesco.com

Pirate Ship Sand Pit reviewed by Mel from Hampshire with Alisha is 8, Eloise is 4 and Leila 2.

When I received the pirate ship my 3 girls couldn’t wait for Daddy to build it and nagged him until he did!. It took about one and a half hours to build and the instructions were quite easy to read. We decided that we wouldn’t put the liner in the bottom for the sand but to let the girls play with it as a boat. That way we could move it around the garden as and when we wished to stop the grass from dying. Everyone that comes in our garden comments on how lovely the boat is and many stories have been made up when the children have been playing in it.

It has a handy storage area in the front which is ideal for storing balls or other small garden toys. If you were using it as a sandpit it has a cover which is easy to put on.

Going for a Walk

The Smart Trike Steer-n-Grow was a hit with Alex (aged 20 months) who had never been on a trike before!  Mummy and Daddy loved it too as the steering was easy and Alex had stands to put her feet on until she grows to reach the peddles and a little belt to help her stay in her seat.  Alex also loved putting her favourite toys in the bucket at the back so they could enjoy the ride too!  Perfect for going to the park or for a walk in the fresh air.  The Smart Trike is £52.99 and will grow with your child from 10 months to 3 years.  Enter our competition to win your own Smart Trike or visit www.mookie-toys.co.uk to find out more about the Smart Trike range.

The finer weather means we can all get out more and nothing beats a family walk.  For buggy friendly walk visit our friends over at www.pushchairwalks.co.uk for walking routes across the UK.  

We gave a pair of Hi Tec walking boots and Hi Tec walking sandals to one of our little testers and they were tested on several family walks in a variety of conditions.  The boots were great for one very muddy walk and a good alternative to wellies as they provided more grip although several pairs of socks were needed, just like Daddy does with his walking boots.  The walking sandals were just like a summer sandal, a bit heavier, and made it on more walks as they could be worn with socks or without.  Our family hadn't even thought about proper walking shoes for their 4 year old but now would always buy these rather than rely on wellies or trainers. From £17.00 and visit www.hi-tecdirect.co.uk for stockists. 

Mini Micro Scooter RRP £39.99 from all good toy stores

Alice's eyes lit up as soon as she spotted the scooter and it had to be tested out straight away!  The scooter is very funky looking with clear plastic wheels and bright but not babyish colours.  It's also very light and the handle prop is very quickly removed and reinserted - must be one of the faster pre-schooler toys to assemble!  It also comes with picture instructions and safety guide so you can explain easily to a non-reader the dos and don'ts of scootering.  And there are some stickers included as well.  A well-built first scooter for any child!