PRODUCT REVIEW: COCOBARE BABY - NATURAL SKINCARE

My two little boys have unfortunately both got quite sensitive skin, and for some reason, it always tend to get worse during the colder winter months. Finding the right skincare products for them can be very hard as there are so many different kids products on the shelves. But with their skin sensitivity, I really have to think about what I select for them. Lately we’ve been enjoying some products from CocoBare Baby*..

PRODUCT REVIEW: SUPER GENTLE AND ALL NATURAL MILK AND CO BABY BATH WASH, MOISTURISER SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER,

Both of our little boys have very fair and sensitive skin, so I am always very cautious of which skincare products I use on their skin. The younger one does have a little more eczema prone skin, so we’re sticking to using products we know works on his skin, but thankfully 5 year old big brother’s skin doesn’t have those issues, so we’ve been loving the Milk & Co Baby range for him lately.. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: MILK AND CO BABY MILK SKINCARE

PRODUCT REVIEW: DU'IT BABY SKINCARE

PRODUCT REVIEW: BOON INC PLATES AND SNUG STRAWS

PRODUCT REVIEW: WOTNOT BABY LOTION, WIPES AND BIODEGRADABLE BAGS

My two little boys are very fair, and both suffer with very sensitive skin, so I find that using the gentle products on them is essential. And one of those brands I've always loved, is wotnot. 

If you're not familiar with wotnot, you really should check them out. The Australian brand is making eco-friendly natural skin and baby care products, containing nothing but natural and certified organic ingredients, and without all the chemical nasties such as sulphates, alcohol, chlorine, petrochemicals, PEGs, parabens, artificial fragrances - with the slogan "100% wot's good, 0% wot's not". Gotta love that!

We've been using the Wotnot Biodegradable Wipes for the longest time, as I simply love that they are so super gentle that they are suitable even on newborns. My youngest one had so sensitive skin when he was first born, that within days, he got a bad rash on his bum, but within days of switching to these from wotnot, it cleared yo, and we’ve been using then since. The wipes contain certified organic aloe vera to help soothe the delicate skin, as well as vitamin E to help heal and protect - and they simply gently cleanses the baby skin without any irritation, and without drying it out. The wipes are slightly larger then most, and I also love that they are perfect for sticky little fingers and faces when you're out and about, feeling safe knowing that the wipes do not contain any harmful ingredients, should you boys lick their fingers afterwards. And the fact that hey are biodegradable and compostable makes then even better, so you can care about the environment at the same time.

Then there's the wotnot Baby Lotion, which is a lotion that again is so gentle that it can be used on newborns. The lotion contains among others certified organic flaxseed for its natural source of omega-3 and omega-6, along with certified organic aloe vera leaf juice and chamomile oil to help nourish, moisturise and soothe the skin, while also having antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.. The lotion is light in consistency, and I love that it absorbs into my boys's skin immediately and without any greasiness, leaving them feeling so soft and smooth. I also love the gentle floral scent which no doubt comes from the chamomile along with the added sweet orange oil.

Finally, there's the wotnot Biodegradable Nappy Bags, and trust me, with a teething toddler, we use these by the bucket loads for dirty nappies at the moment. I love that these bags are environmentally friendly, made from 100 per cent biodegradable and compostable ingredients, including natural GM-free cornstarch, so again, you can make sure to care for the environment at the same time. Having two big dogs too, these are also perfect to bring, should your dogs decide they need to go while you're out.


These products really are fantastic, whether you have  baby, suffer with sensitive skin and looking for something super gentle, or even a doggie, these products are well worth checking out. I know they're a stable in our household, so very highly recommended.


Wotnot Biodegradeable wipes - RRP: $7.99 / 80 wipes
Wotnot Baby Lotion - RRP: $16.99 / 150ml
Wotnot Biodegradeable Bags - RRP: $7.95 / 50 bags

Available from wotnot, Priceline, and select health food stores and pharmacies

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: KOSMEA MUM AND BABY COLLECTION

Kosmea is one of those brands that is relatively new to me, and while the brand continues to receive rave reviews for their products, I still have only tried a few products from their large range, so today I'm excited to share with you the Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection.

But first, in case you're not familiar with Kosmea, let me quickly fill you in. The products is Australian owned and made and I love the fact that they are made using only the best certified organic rosehip oil and the finest herbal, plant and flower extracts, and they do not contain any mineral oils, artificial colours, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances or SLS or SLES. I also love that the products are so gentle that they are suitable for use on babies' sensitive skin too.

Now onto the Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection, which is a great starter pack containing some key products for mum and baby, including;

• Hydrating Rosewater Mist (25mL)
• Rose Hip Oil (10mL)
• Five Minute Facial Muslin Cloth
• Rescue Balm (50mL)
• Rescue Body Cream (20mL)

The Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist is a cooling facial spray intended to be used as a toner to rehydrate the skin the skin throughout the day, or on top of makeup to help it set and look nice for longer. It has the most gorgeous rose scent, coming from the thousand delicately distilled rose petals that have been used, and I just cannot get enough of this gorgeous natural scent. As the spray is very hydrating (and non-aerosol too), it is also perfect for bringing with you on long-haul flights to help freshen up the skin and bring back some much needed moisturise.

Then there's the Kosmea Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, which I have actually used previously and still do, and I've also posted about it a long time ago, which you can read about here.

My views on this Rose Hip Oil has not changed, it is an incredible oil, and I love using it on both my face and décolleté, at night before bed, and feel that it is helping make my skin look not only more plumb and moisturised with fine lines less noticeable, but also more even toned, with pigmentation reducing in size and appearance. So if you've not tried it, you really should!

Then there's the Kosmea Five Minute Facial™ Muslin Cloth, which is made from 100 per cent cotton and designed to purify and gently exfoliate the skin during cleansing.

I admit to using a facial cleansing brush daily, but I've been enjoying using this Muslin Cloth before and after using a face mask - first used with warm water to open up the pores, and after removing the mask, with cold water to remove any remaining product, and to close and tighten the pores again. So simple, yet so effective. I love it.

Next is the Kosmea Rescue Balm, which is a healing balm intended for a multitude of skin issues including sunburn, chapped lips, reduction in appearance of scars, cuts and grazes and nappy rash. It is made using among others certified organic everlasting oil, lavender and calendula oils to help soothe the skin and promote skin recovery with its anti-inflammatory properties, while the Certified organic rose hip butter helps the skin retain moisture. I love a good multi-tasker, and especially when it is as gentle as this one, again suitable for use even on a baby's delicate skin. I love having it at hand, and successfully used it on my big boy's grazed knees and on our little boy's bum to prevent nappy rash during teething.

Finally, the Kosmea Rescue Body Cream is yet another product suitable for even babies. The cream is intensely moisturisng and leaves my, and my little boys' skin soft and smooth all day long, without the need for reapplying - all thanks to containing everlasting oil, rose hip butter and shea butter will deeply moisturise skin and relieve itchy symptoms. Carrot oil and grape seed oil protect with antioxidants and restore skin elasticity, and chamomile soothes irritated and sensitive skin.

Overall, this is a great gift set, and a great introduction to the brand, as it gives you an opportunity to try several products from the brand.


Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection - RRP: $39.95 (valued at $78.75)
Available from David Jones, and selected pharmacies and health food stores

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: QV KIDS SKINCARE - WASH, BALM AND MOISTURISING CREAM

Having two little blonde and very fair boys, both with sensitive and skin border-lining dry, caring for their skin is important to me. So when I was asked to try some of the QV Kids skincare products, I happily accepted.

The QV Kids Wash is a soap-free cleanser, that helps gently cleanse even the most dry and sensitive skim, without irritating it or drying it out any further by removing natural protective oils on the skin. The soap contains among others glycerin to moisturise the skin and a combination of gentle surfactants to cleanse the skin. I love that it also contains vitamin A and E to care for the skin, and especially our 3 year old loves that these come as blue microbeads, as it is a new level of fun when getting washed. I also find that the Wash is perfect to use as a bubble bath, as it froths up to a nice soft foam the boys love in the bath, although it can naturally also be used as a body wash in the shower, or even by the skin as a hand wash.

Then there's the QV Kids Balm which is an extremely emollient so it is perfect for kids (or adults) with extremely dry skin. The Balm contains no water, which is known to cause stinging when applied to inflamed skin, but rather it contains liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly to make it a gentle, yet every moisturising and soothing balm suitable also for those with sensitive skin, or even eczema. Because of its consistency, and the ingredients used, it does mean that it is a little greasy, and takes a while to absorb fully into the skin, but if you have extremely dry skin, it is well worth it. And I can here also say that especially my winter-dry nails and cuticles are also enjoying a little treatment as I am massaging this into our little boys dry skin. A little goes a very long way, so the tube will last you forever.

Finally, there's the QV Kids Cream, which is a thick and very concentrated cream, also suitable for very dry skin, including also those with sensitive, and itchy skin, as well as eczema. It also contains vitamin A and E to care for the skin, in the form of the tiny blue micro beads, which magically disappear on the skin, which our 3 year old finds hilarious (which does mean that I have to put it out of his reach, or he would otherwise help himself until the tube was empty ;-)

The cream does take a little while to absorb, but no where near as long as the Balm, and when it has, it leaves the skin soft and smooth and without any greasiness or stickiness. And I like that it keeps the skin soft and moisturised, and I don't have to keep moisturising my boys skin, with other moisturisers I've used on them, I've had to reapply, at least twice a day, sometimes more on their faces, but when using this, that is simply not necessary.


I also love that these products are free from both colours and fragrances, which means they do not have any scent, as I really don't find that necessary for kids products.

Overall, I am really enjoy using these QV Kids products on my boys skin, in particularly the Wash and the Cream, and can see myself purchasing them again and again. And as a bonus, they look rather cute in the kids bathroom with the adorable green octopus on the bottles, which my boys also like!


QV Kids Wash - RRP: $9.20 / 200ml, $15.30 / 375ml
QV Kids Balm - RRP: $8.15 / 100g, $25.45 / 450g
QV Kids Cream - RRP: $8.99 / 100g

Available from Priceline and Pharmacies

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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BRAND FOCUS: JOHNSON'S BABY CARE

Today on the blog I’d like to put focus on the baby care products from Johnson’s. 

Johnson's baby Bedtime Bath and Bedtime Lotion

This bath gel and moisturising lotion has been specifically been designed to use at night time. It contains a something Johnson’s calls ‘Naturalcalm’ essences, which is a unique blend of gentle ingredients and soothing aromas, including soothing lavender which is said to have been clinically proven to help calm your bay and make then sleep better.


I’ve been using the products on my toddler for quite a while, and have to admit that I’ve not noticed that he sleeps any better when we’ve used it in his nightly bath, but in saying that, he is a pretty good sleeper as it is. However, we’ve continued to use the products as they have such a lovely pleasant calming lavender scent that is gentle without being too overpowering.Both the Bath Gel and the Moisturising Lotion are very gentle, and my little boy loves that the bath gel gives him lots of bubbles to play with in the bath, which I love that it gently cleanses his skin without drying it out. As for the Moisturising Lotion, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. RRP: $5.49 (200ml) each


Johnson's Baby Bath

According to the bottle, this Baby Bath is ‘as gentle to the skin as pure water’ which is what any mum wants to hear about the products used on her babies. The soap-free formula, has a tear-free formula that won’t irritate eyes, and will give your little one lots of soft bubbles to play with in the bath, all while gently cleansing the skin, without drying it out of irritating it. It has a very pleasant and gentle powdery scent. RRP: $5.49 (200ml) each 


Johnson’s Baby Top-To-Toe

This is another tear-free soap that again is claimed to be as ‘gentle as water on the skin’, so it is even suitable for use on a newborns sensitive skin. It has a lovely mild scent that is gentle and perfect for a baby. I also love that it is an all-in-one product that can be used both as a body wash and a shampoo, and combined with the convenient pump that comes with the large bottle, makes it so much easier and quicker to use at bath time. It gently cleanses skin and hair without drying it out, and irritating, and the soap also makes soft bubbles in the bath, so it truly is a multi-tasking product. RRP: $8.59 (500ml)


Johnson's Baby Cleansing Wipes

 

We’ve never had any issues using baby wipes on our 2.5 year old’s bum, but for some reason they irritated our little newborn, so we’ve had to resort to using cotton balls and water only, and in no time his irritated skin cleared up. Unfortunately that is a little cumbersome when you’re out and about, and that’s where I love the fact that these Baby Cleansing Wipes are water-based, and again, as ‘mild on the skin as pure water’. This also means that the wipes are also ideal for use on messy hands, faces, which most other baby wipes are not. So the thick and big wipes are also perfect to keep in the car and in the nappy bag to deal with any messy situation from dirty bottoms to grotty fingers and faces. RRP: $4.49 (80 wipes)


Johnson's baby Oil

This baby oil has designed to soothe and condition the skin and it is perfect to use for baby massages. The oil is very concentrated so just a few drops is all that is needed, and afterwards your baby’s skin is left soft and moisturised, yet without any greasiness. My boys don’t normally suffer from dry skin, but as most others, their skin does tend to become drier during winter – and that’s when I like to add just a few drops to the bath water, and it instantly leaves the skin super soft – so it is also perfect when you’ve got an older toddler who no longer wants to sit still while you moisturise his body! The baby oil is also doubles as the perfect eye makeup remover. It is not only cheap, but it also quickly and easily removes even long-wearing waterproof eye makeup, including mascara! RRP: $5.49 (200ml)


Johnson's baby Lotion

 

This is a good basic baby moisturiser, that is not only gentle so it is perfect for sensitive skin but also very effective at keeping the baby’s skin soft and moisturised, without making it feel sticky or greasy – for up to 24 hours!! And of course it is just as suitable for use by adults too, also because as with the rest of the Johnson’s baby products, this baby Lotion has a very gentle scent that quickly fades once the cream has absorbed into the skin. RRP: $5.49 (200ml)

Johnson's baby Powder

I’ve been using baby powder on my 2.5 year old boy after most nappy changes, as it helps absorb any moisture from the nappy area and hence help protect against any nappy rash or irritations. The powder is very gentle and has a soft gentle powdery scent, and a little goes a very long way, so while it may not look much in the bottle it will last you a very long time. It is also perfect to use in the skin folds of a young baby, again to avoid any skin irritations caused by excess moisture. And I also know of several adults that frequently use this powder, to not only absorb any moisture and sweat from the body, hands and feet, to prevent and soothe chaffing, or as a volume powder for the hair!! RRP: $2.79 (200g)

So there you go, a selection of Johnson’s baby care products, which are all great products available at bargain prices. On the negative side, I do wish that the products would be free from artificial fragrances, and that they would be free from harsh chemicals. I had to pick my favourite products of the bunch, it would no doubt have to be the Bedtime Bath and Bedtime Lotion, the Baby Bath and the Baby Cleansing Wipes!

All the Johnson’s Baby products are available from Priceline, supermarkets, variety stores and pharmacies. 

Have you ever used any of the Johnson’s Baby products? Any favourites?

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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MUST-HAVE BABY SKINCARE PRODUCTS

My little baby boy is growing so fast, and turned one last month, so officially no longer a baby, but rather a toddler now weighing over 10kgs, which my poor old back can sure feel when I pick him up and carry him around. . And he is growing and developing so fast, learning new things every day, and his vocabulary is also slowing expanding, and he is now calling one of our dogs, Jazz, for ‘azzzz’, which luckily she understands so she comes when he is calling.


My own skin is feeling the effects of the cold winter – it was a chilling 6 degrees when I went grocery shopping this morning, - and naturally his skin would be feeling it too, although he is rugged up like an eskimo each time we leave the house. So I do my best to use a good selection of skincare products for him, and here are some of the products that we’ve been using lately.

For my first birthday, I got a Jeep....

 

Milk Baby Shampoozle + Conditioner*

 

 

I really love the fact that this shampoo is made in Australia from 95% naturally derived ingredients. The Shampoozle + Conditioner promises to ‘make your washing your bub’s hair the highlight of the evening. No matter what floats your bub’s boat’ in the hair styling department, this naturally derived shampoo + conditioner will leave your bub’s hair silky smooth, tangle free and smelling beautiful. And while he and still only has a little very short and fine blonde hair, and hence doesn’t need a conditioner to detangle his hair, it does leave it super soft and so shiny. And while I would prefer it to be fragrance free, on the other hand, I do love the beautiful gentle vanilla scent, that almost makes me want to eat him when he is out for the bath.

The shampoo is very concentrated so we only need the tiniest drop to wash his hair, so the large 375ml will last for absolutely every, which also makes it very affordable.

RRP: 12.95 (375ml) – Available from Milk, Coles and Woolworths

 

Milk Baby Snotty Grotto Room Spray*

 

 

There is nothing worse than a small baby with a cold. They don’t know how to blow their noses, so it just seems to build up, making it difficult for them to breathe, and consequently everyone’s night sleep is disturbed. Unfortunately our little boy got a bit of a reaction to his 12 months immunisation, and as well as a rash on his body, he also got a head cold. But lucky we had a Snotty Grotty Room Spray at hand as just a few sprays into his room, helped clear his nasal passages making him more relaxed and sleep so much better. The Snotty Grotty spray works  thanks to among others menthol, chamomile oil, tea tree leaf oil, eucalyptus oil, ylang ylang, camphor oil, and orange flower oil, which combined it a beautiful with predominantly a menthol scent with a touch of citrus – strong enough to clearly make a difference, yet gentle enough to be used in a baby’s room! This is definitely a must have item during winter when everyone is prone to colds.

RRP: $12.75 (75ml) – Available from Milk, Coles and Woolworths

 

GAIA Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion*

 

 

 

I have previously declared my love for the GAIA Baby products as I love that they are natural and organic and contain certified organic ingredients. The products are formulated especially for delicate baby skin, and are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and irritations, making them eczema friendly.

The products are also free from all the chemical nasties such as artificial fragrances, soap, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol or phthalates, and it contains among others wheat germ oil to keep the skin smooth, chamomile, calendula and lavender  to calm and soothe the skin, and zinc, castor oil and beeswax to provide a protective barrier on the skin.

And it is a true multi-tasking product, suitable for use at nappy changes to keep the baby’s bottom soft and smooth, but it can also can also provide relief and soothe skin irritations, including dribble rash, which apart from using it on Oliver’s bum, is what we’ve mainly been using it for. He had the last lot of teeth come through during the Easter Break, and since then there has been constant dribbling, to the point that his poor little chin is red raw with the worst rash, yet still no new teeth have cut through. We even got a Cortisone prescription at the doctor to try to help, but as that is a steroid hormone, I’d like to minimise using it and much prefer to use the more natural Gaia Skin Soothing Lotion, knowing that it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties.
At the end of the day, after a long day of dribbling, his chin is usually at its worst, as in spite of frequent bib and jumper changes, I just cannot keep up keeping him dry, and it is obviously irritating him so much that he is rubbing the area himself – but as soon as a little Skin Soothing Lotion has been applied, he leaves it alone, so it is clearly helping. I also like that it comes in a handy to use tube, so it is perfect for the nappy bag too.

RRP: $9.99 - Available from Coles, Priceline and select pharmacies

My Eco Sponge Konjac Baby Body Sponge*

Oliver absolutely loves bath time, there is simply nothing better than splashing in the water and playing with his favourite bath squirts, while we wash him. And to make this task easier, we’ve been using the Konjac Baby Sponge from My Eco Sponge. The sponge is made from nothing but 100% natural konjac, which is both sustainable and biodegradable, as well as it contains absolutely no added colourings or additives. The sponge is so gentle, that it is suitable even for those with extremely sensitive skin, or if you have skin irritations, or been sunburnt, so it couldn’t be better to use for washing a baby’s sensitive skin. 

It claims to hold ten times their weight in liquid – and of course I had to test this – so I soaked the sponge, and then tested how much water it held – a massive 40ml, which is a lot for such a small sponge – but it makes it so easy to use when you rinse your little one’s hair, no cup needed, as the sponge simply holds sufficient water. Absolutely brilliant.

RRP: $12.30 – Available from My Eco Sponge
 

So there you have it, these are the products that we are so far enjoying using.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What about you, have you tried any of these products? And can you recommend others worth trying?

 

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX MUM & BUB WINTER 2014

Today I'd like to share with you the Winter 2014 edition of the *Native Box Mum & Bub;

What They Say:

The Mum & Bub Box is intended to be an educational and informative tool along the journey or parenthood. Native Box work hard to source the very best natural and organic Australian products on the market and introduce them to you to try and experience. The Mum & Bub Box is focused on items for baby and some items to nurture and spoil mum or mum-to-be.

RRP:

Quarterly (=one box): $24.95 (shipping included)
Yearly (=four boxes): $89.80 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Now on to what was in the very first Native Box Mum & Bub Box;

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag – Full size/one net

 

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of colours, and I got a bright pink one!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! This net is perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket, or just to have at hand when you suddenly need an extra carriage bag. I really like the concept of these nets, but as I already received one in the November Native Box, which I by the way have made good use of, but unfortunately receiving another one doesn’t excite me that much, although I know it will be put to good use. I would have loved to see for instance an toy or a piece of baby clothing included in its place. Available from E-String Bags

 

Ayana Organics Baby Butter and Baby Bottom Cream – 2x sachet samples

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I am happy to trial these sachet samples on my little boy, knowing that the products are very gentle, and enriched with organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, calendula oil and lavender oil, and that the products do not contain any ingredients from animal products and no chemicals either. Available from Ayana Organics

WotNot Biodegradable Wipes – Sample pack/20 wipes

 

I have used the WotNot baby wipes, and really like them, so these wipes are well received. They are enriched with certified organic aloe vera, and 100% chlorine free as well as free from sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The small size is perfect to have in the handbag or in the car to prevent sticky fingers.  I will definitely be purchasing them again. Available from Eco Direct

 

Motex Eco Nappy – sample/one nappy

 

I am lucky that our little boy has never experienced anything in the form of skin irritations of nappy rash, but in saying that, I do like the sound of these eco nappies. They are made from biodegradable material and 100% chlorine free, so it is gentle on both your baby and earth! Unfortunately the sample included was for a newborn, and with my little boy now 1 year old, we will not be able to try this one out. But I will make sure to check out their website for more information about these nappies. Available from Eco Direct

 

Probiotic Solutions Anywhere Anytime – Sample size/50ml spray bottle

 

This is an all-purpose cleaner that is free from chemicals. It is suitable for use on all surfaces, so perfect to clean the kitchen table from those sticky fingers after dinnertime – but the small size is also handy to bring with you to clean up your little ones mess when you’re out and about. It contains lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and rosemary, and smells amazing – zesty and refreshing, just how I like it! Available from Probiotic Solutions 

 

Hello Fresh - $30 gift voucher
 

 

This is a fantastic concept. You sign up and get all the ingredients delivered to cook your dinner – basically meal planner and a personal shopper in one. Genius. And you can choose between getting three or five meals a week, and a meat or vegetarian option. I have already received one of these vouchers in a beauty subscription box, and plan to make use of it when we’ve moved into our new house early March.  Unfortunately I can only use one voucher per household, so I cannot use this one as well, but I am sure one of my friends will happily make use of it. Available from Hello Fresh

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full size/5g

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients, containing a blend of soothing fruit and nut oils as well as organic myrtle to moisturise, protect and smooth the lips. One can never have too many lip balms, and as soon as I saw that it had lemon myrtle included, I was sold. I absolutely love lemon scented products, and this lip balm doesn’t fail to impress. It smells so lovely and refreshing. I am almost due for a new lip balm on my bedside table, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! Available from Rain Forest Remedies

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The cream is infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! And it is made without parabens, sulfates, glycols, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances.

I got one of these sachets in the November Native Box, and while the cream is really lovely, and has the most beautiful rose scent, and will be used – having already tried it, means that I am not too excited about it, and I would have preferred to trial another product from the Care You Love product range. Available from Care You Love



NatraSan Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser with Kakadu Plum & Vanilla

I don't really like hand sanitisers, and I am usually not one to carry around one and use it a million times during the day - but for keeping in the nappy bag and using when you have to do an emergency nappy change in the back of the car or somewhere where there is no toilet with soap and water in sight for you to use afterwards, then a hand sanitiser does come in handy. And this little pump bottle has the perfect size to pop into the nappy bag. And although the 28ml bottle is so small, its claimed there are 180 sprays, and hence 90 uses per bottle, killing 99.99% of germs in 10 seconds. Amazing.

Nourish Our Kids – Free Publication

 

Finally, the Mum & Bub Box also came with a small magazine called Nourish Our Kids. As the title suggests it has some great articles about nutrition for kids, and includes some yummy sounding recipes, so I will enjoy reading this to pick up any tips and meal ideals, and I will also make sure so check them out on facebook to be kept in the loop. 

So there you have it, this was the contents of the winter 2014 Mum & Bub Box from Native box.

Overall I think the box contains a great selection of natural products, and I like being introduced to new products, and in particularly I have high hopes for the Ayana baby creams and the NatraSan Hand Sanitiser and the Rainforest Remedies Lip Balm. Unfortunately I wont be able to put the Moltex nappy to the test, but at least there is only that one product that will 'go to waste'. And although the String Bag, the Hand Sanitiser (I think), and the lip balm are all full sized products, the remainder of the products are all sample sized, and of relatively low value, so I would have liked to see one or two more full sized products to ensure the box is worth its $24.95.
However, I do like being introduced to new products, and box is doing that very successfully!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of the products in the Native Mum & Bub Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products?

Product Review: Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash and Baby Oil

It is hard to believe, but our little baby boy is 9 months old today. How time has flown. He is always such a happy boy, and he is developing fast every day, and although he cannot quite crawl yet, he has mastered the art of commando’ing around, and he can get from one end of the room so quickly these days, that it leaves me with little rest, as I simply need to watch him all the time. And it is only a matter of time before he will crawl too! But it is such a joy seeing him explore the world and grow and develop every day.

And while I’ve heard the horror stories from the other mums in mothers group, we’ve been so lucky that our little boy so far has been spared from skin rash and irritations. But I also always make a conscious choice in the products that we use on him. Here are my thoughts on the *Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash and Baby Oil;

What They Say:

The Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash contains carefully selected formulation of beneficial ingredients including organic calendula extract t to gently cleanse delicate skin and make baby hair easy to comb. Precious almond oil helps to prevent dryness. Gentle on the eyes.

Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Oil contains carefully selected formulation of beneficial ingredients, this pure baby oil protects and gently cares for your baby’s skin. Fragrance free.

RRP: Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash (200ml) $16.95 and Baby Oil (200ml) $22.95

What I Say:

I have never previously tried any products from Weleda, but I like the fact that these baby products are certified Natural products free from synthetic preservatives, fragrance and colourants, and free from raw materials derived from mineral oil. In fact, Weleda strive to source only the finest natural ingredients from biodynamic, organic and wild crafted suppliers.  The products are also formulated to contain high organic levels, and the products contain fragrance of skin-friendly essential oils and anti-inflammatory properties that is perfectly suited to the delicate baby skin. In addition, the products are NATRUE Certified, which is an international non-profit association, where products must contain a minimum of 75% natural ingredients. I like the sound of that, as when it comes to my little boys skin, products just cannot be gentle and natural enough!

The Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash is an all-in-one soap designed to cleanser both hair and skin, which makes it so easy. The wash easily froths up to a soft lather, and as it is so concentrated I need to use only a tiny amount, less than half a teaspoon, to wash my little boy’s hair and body. The wash is to make the hair easy to comb, but as my little boy only still has very short hair, this is still not very relevant, but if you have a little girl with long hair, this will be absolutely perfect. But I do like that it is so gentle on his skin and hair, and that that it is so gentle on his eyes too.

It has a lovely yet very subtle fragrance, and as no artificial fragrance has been added, it comes from the natural ingredients of calendula and almond oil.

The newly launched Fragrance Free Baby Oil is made from 100 certified organic ingredients, and it is such a lovely change to look at an ingredients list and be able to understand what all the ingredients – even being able to read through it without tiring from all the long and difficult to understand words is so nice – I mean, how long are most skin ingredients list these days! Not the Weleda Baby Oil ingredients list. It is plain and simple, containing just two ingredients; sesame seed oil and calendula oil! WOW!

In spite of not containing any fragrance, this Baby Oil does have a slight floral scent, no doubt from the calendula, but as it is so subtle, and it quickly fades, I don’t mind, as it doesn’t disguise that beautiful natural scent of baby skin.

From very early days, I used to give our little boy a gentle massage after his shower or bath, something I believe that he really enjoys. And while he already has perfectly smooth and soft baby skin, Baby Oil gives his skin some needed moisture. The Baby oil is very concentrated, so just a few drops is all that is required to cover his little body, and it is quickly absorbed into the skin, without leaving it feeling greasy. 

What I Like:

• A 2-in1 product suitable for both skin and hair
• Super gentle on my little boy’s hair and skin
• Gentle on the eyes
• Made from organic ingredients
• Contain no synthetic preservatives, fragrance and colourants, or mineral oils
• Baby oil made from just two natural ingredients

What I Don’t Like:

• I really have no negatives to say about these products, but if I had to be picky, it would be lovely if the Shampoo and Body wash was also fragrance free

Overall, these are really lovely baby products, and even though they has been formulated with sensitive baby skin and hair in mind, there is absolutely no reason why adults with sensitive skin, or those who simply like super gentle products couldn’t use these as well. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the Weleda Baby range.

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever tried any of the Products from Weleda? Maybe the Weleda baby products? If you have a baby, which products do you swear by?

Our Must-Have Baby Skincare Products

I can’t believe it, but it has now been six weeks since we welcomed our little boy into this world. Six weeks. How time has flown. And I cannot believe how much he has grown already, already weighing over 5 kilos, and that was in spite of being sick with the jaundice as well as spending a night in hospital with an infection. He is now too big for his newborn clothes and has jumped up a clothes size!

Exploring skincare for babies has been a complete new ballgame for me. Where do you start with so many different things and brands to choose from, what do you need, and what is just not necessary! Here are some of the baby skincare products that we’ve enjoyed using for the past six weeks;

Gaia Natural Baby Starter Kit

This Gaia Baby Starter Kit contains absolutely everything you need, with a 50ml bottle of each of the Baby Bath & Body Wash, Baby Shampoo, Baby Moisturiser, Skin Soothing Lotion and Baby Massage Oil.

 

I brought this pack with me to hospital when he was born, knowing I then wouldn’t have to worry about anything else in terms of skincare for our little boy. (Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but I am still so surprised that you have to bring your own baby skincare products, baby wipes and nappies for the few days you are in hospital after birth – even at a private hospital!!) But on the positive, at least I felt confident that only the best products were being used on our little boy.

The Gaia products are natural and organic and contain certified organic ingredients including wheat germ oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, lavender, camomile, aloe vera leaf extract, calendula and avocado oil. The products are formulated especially for delicate baby skin, and are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and irritations, making them eczema friendly.

The products are free from all the chemical nasties such as artificial fragrances, soap, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol or phthalates, which I really like as these ingredients can often trigger dryness and irritations in baby skin.

And due to all the natural ingredients the products smell absolutely amazing, yet so gentle and far from overpowering.

At $19.95 for the small pack, you may think that it is a little expensive for such small bottles –but we have been using nothing but these products for 6 weeks now, and you can hardly see that the products have been used, that’s how concentrated they are, so definitely worth the money. I will definitely be buying these in full sized products when we run out.

While we love all the products, we particularly love the massage oil, which has a nice calming lavender scent, and the Bath and Body Wash which has the most gorgeous scent of orange.

RRP: $19.95 (5 x 50ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies, supermarkets and health stores.

 

WotNot Biodegradable Baby Wipes

These baby wipes are natural and organic and contain Australian certified organic aloe vera to soothe delicate baby skin, as well as vitamin E to help heal and protect. The wipes have a generous large size and has just the right amount of wetness, not too dry and not too wet, and they are slightly thicker than most other wipes too. They are unscented, so perfect for the sensitive baby skin, as well as they are free from chlorine, sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The wipes come in a plastic pack with a resealable lid to ensure the wipes do not dry out.

 

I love the fact that these wipes are so gentle on my little boy’s bottom, and that they are not filled with chemical nasties. They are a little more expensive than other baby wipes available, and considering how many nappy changes you do during a day with a newborn, you do go through a pack of wipes rather quickly. But while he is still so little and his skin so sensitive, they are worth every cent.

RRP: $7.95 (80 wipes) – available from Eco Direct, select health stores and pharmacies

Sudocrem

Being pregnant you get a so-called Bounty Bag which is full of samples, magazines and helpful brochures. And when you have given birth, you get a second one tailored to a new parent. Trying the samples in these bags is a great way of trying new products without having to buy them all. One of the samples in the Bounty Bags was a small tub of Sudocrem, which is a cream to help nappy rash. Being admitted to hospital and having antibiotics intravenously, and following having antibiotics at home three times a day, clearly affected our little boy’s tummy, but still he never developed nappy rash, and I am convinced that it is due to the Sudacrem, which simply creates an invisible layer on the skin protecting it. This thick white cream has next to no scent, and in spite of being so thick is actually quite easy to rub in. It is very concentrated so only a little is used. Ok, I was lucky to get a few of these tiny tubs, but we’ve only just started using the second tub, which proves just how concentrated it is. Definitely a must have on the change table. I’ve already put it on the shopping list, definitely don’t want to run out of this stuff!!

RRP: $4.95 (30g), $8.53 (125g), $18.15 (250g) – Available from pharmacies and supermarkets

 

So there you have it, these are the products that we are so far enjoying using.

What about you, have you tried any of these products? And can you recommend others worth trying?