Bedtime Routines with Baby Annabell

When my children were all babies we always had a strong bedtime routine, not only did it help my own peace of mind but also helped the babies settle to sleep. Now working as a neonatal nurse I work in an environment where we have routines with our babies in order to make them feel safe. We were recently sent some products from the Baby Annabell sweet dreams collection in order to show my little ones bedtime routines and play there most favourite game of babies. 

We were sent a Baby Annabell Little baby fun Doll which was one in the collection that they didn't already have. The baby measures 36cm and is a lot smaller than the other baby Annabell doll. The doll includes a little romper, hat, bottle nappy and cloth, The nappy is reusable which I think is a great addition as won't lose the stickiness and good for the environment.

We were also sent the baby Annabell Sweet dreams rocker perfect accessory for any baby Annabell doll. Its stylish and light (it's even come camping with us for the little babies). It rocks side to side very smoothly and the little ones were over the moon to have somewhere to put a sleeping baby. Along with all those goodies we were also sent a little outfit to help them transition from day to night.

When my children were babies I followed the same routine with all three of them, some slept betters than others but it always helped us unwind and help them to feel safe. They knew what was coming and always settled. It was a simple few steps that we could go anywhere.

The first step would be a bath, a lovely warm bath after dinner. After this would be a clean nappy and fresh PJs. This was always my favourite time when they are all fresh and clean and snuggly. It would then be milk time and a cuddle and story before settling them in their bed ready for the night.

 So I explained this to them and they wanted to play mums and dads. Ami decided to change the baby into her nighttime clothes and feed the baby before putting it in the rocker. They play this game all the time, feed and put to sleep. Its almost like they remember what happened to them as babies.

I love watching them role-playing being parents it always makes me feel a bit emotional how careful they can be. They take lots of care and always put there all into their little games. I hope that its learnt behaviour and they love babies so much they must get that from me because I do love babies (Hence why I work with babies).

We have had these toys for a few weeks and no word of a lie they have been playing with them most days. They Rocker is holding out even with sometimes having 4 babies in at a time. It's lightweight so they take it around with them easily. We have had lots of little ones be attached to the little Annabel too. She's not as big as the others we have so sat nicely when you hold her. I think I like her as she is more the premmie size I am used to at work.

So here's a summary of our simple routine.

• Warm Bath
•  Fresh Pyjamas and nappy
• cuddles and milk
• Story 
• Place in the cot for bedtime. 

Simple yet effective. It's been a pleasure to have the opportunity to play with these toys. We were sent these products in purpose of a review all content is my own.  

Cadson - Hetty Cleaning Trolley Review

My little girl Ami follows me around all the time when she is home from school. She wants to be involved in everything I am doing from cooking to cleaning. Thankfully we were sent the Hetty cleaning trolly and she has been in her element. She was over joyed that she could copy mummy and help tidying up. She is a very special 4 year old she likes her room to be tidy and clean and will always tidy up after her. If you saw her bedroom compared to her brothers its like a different house. 

The Trolley has been made so it looks true to life and Ami felt like she was part of the cleaning crew. I need one to be honest that I can stick all my bits in. We received the package wrapped in christmas paper and the kids were overjoyed. I was told to open it right away and put it together. Thankfully even under the pressure of 2 small children it was easy to put together. There is no need for batteries and charging it was straight away played with. To be honest its a relief sometimes screens are often played with too much it does not bring as much joy as a toy you can use your imagination with. 

Ami already has a Henry hoover so it fitted in well with the collection, Ami was pleased pink although so was son son who plays with it when Ami is at school, The trolley is aimed at children aged 2-6 which I thought was good as my two are in that bracket and they both loved it. I also found that the mop that you can add a floor wipe and ami had great time cleaning the kitchen floor. Well one part only she said they rest looked ok and it actually worked i was impressed. 

The Hetty Cleaning trolley retails at £14.99 and is available at most toy retailers including Toys R Us. Check out the Cadson website for more information check out the website here. Defiantly a toy for christmas for any child. The cool thing is it does not require any batteries and gets the kids playing. 

P.S: The Hetty Cleaning trolley comes with stickers but the little ones were in such a hurry to play I didn't put them on. 

Henry Toy Vacuum Review

My kids are obsessed with our Henry Hoover. Literally since they were babies they would follow me round and try and sit on the hoover. In fact the still do, they steal it off me and ask to hoover. It means hoovering takes 10 times as long but they love it.

I knew when I was asked to review a toy Henry hoover my kids would be over the moon, they make me get the big one out straight away and hoover. Lets just say since having the toy version I have never hoovered more in my life. My two toddlers love role play and especially love cleaning. They have actually shared it only because one of them had to have the big hoover first.

The Hoover is light weight and aimed for children over 3. Sonny who is nearly two loved it just as much. All the pieces can be stored inside the henry and even come with a little dust pan and brush. He really is identical to the bigger version and even has pretend little buttons. The little hoover also works as a very light weight hoover. Ami hasn't been impressed with it, she get cross that it does pick up somethings. I did explain it is just a toy but she gave it to Son Son to have a go.

Henry is on wheels and also has a wind up cord too so the children can be just like mummy when hoovering. I love it now every time I hoover Ami gets her little hoover out, it really is the sweetest thing ever. Like our big henry the tubing isn't that strong and I hope it lasts with two squabbling toddlers.

It really has taken the kids role play to another level, they always want to help. Even Asti my 8 year old wanted to get involved although he ACTUALLY hoovered. The Casdon Henry hoover retails at only £19.99 and is such a bargain. They have a large range of other cleaning toys too, if thats what your children love. It is aimed at ages 3-8 and really is a big thumbs up from us.

Messy play for beginners - part 1 shaving foam

Ok so after years of parenting I have to admit that I find messy play scary, it stresses me out the mess afterwards then I do not do it for a while as I feel so stressed. So I thought it was time to get over those silly little fears and enjoy some playing with my toddlers and Asti when he wants to get involved.

This week I have started small, we had to wait for son son to have a sleep as he does not like foam and shakes at the sight of it. I had brought a can of cheap shaving foam in the shopping and got together a few little toys that I knew Ami would enjoy playing with. 

The fun bit was spraying it onto the little tray I actually felt like a big kid. Then getting our hands in the foam and making it into little mountains. Ami said it looked like snow and that she liked to whoosh it around. She enjoyed putting the snow into little cups then clearing it away with the trains and cars. She made a robot and put lots of foam on its bottom, She was cracking up. 

The end result most had gone in the playing and the rest of the foam on the table and floor was easily cleaned. A perfect start for easing my way back into messy play.

Look out for more messy plays in the coming weeks (if I feel brave again)