PRODUCT REVIEW: MUSTELA SOOTHING SKINCARE FOR BABIES AND KIDS WITH VERY SENSITIVE SKIN

My two little boys are very blonde and fair, and have sadly both inherited their father’s dry and sensitive skin. But worst is our 3 year old. At one point he was admitted to the Children’s Hospital as he developed a bad rash all over his body. But thankfully it disappeared as quickly as it came, with no real explanation. We have however been told that his slightly rough and dry skin can be a result of his medical treatment, including all the chemo and steroids that he received in the lead up to his bone marrow transplant three years ago. And therefore, finding the correct skincare for both of them, but especially for the 3 year old is so important. We have tried a lot of different brands, and always make sure to select gentle, products, but what made a tremendous difference, was the day we started using the Mustela range for very sensitive skin. 

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: LITTLE INNOSCENTS ORGANIC BABY SKINCARE

I've always been vary of what skincare products I use on my two boys skin. They are both very blonde and fair, and while they do not specifically suffer from dermatitis or any other skin concerns, they do seem to have very sensitive skin. So I was naturally excited when I was introduced to the Little Innoscents Organic Baby Skincare range.

 

The Little Innoscents Organic Baby Skincare range is an Australian made and owned range, and all the products contain nothing but effective natural ingredients.

Let's start with the Little Innoscents Baby Wipes. These wipes have been infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, and they are PH balanced and super gentle and suitable for even the most sensitive baby skin. I love that they are so thick that they can handle even a very 'messy' bum! I also love that they are free from chemicals so they are also safe to use to wipe down faces and sticky fingers. When our youngest was new born, he had a little bit of nappy rash, that flared up each time we used wipes, so eventually we resorted to using just water and cotton balls for a while, which was naturally difficult when we were out and about, so these wipes would have been so handy to have then as they would without a doubt have made a difference.

The Hair & Body Wash is an all-in-one product that is loaded with natural plant extracts including spearmint, sweet orange, and it has the most gorgeous fresh fruity scent. The gel is free from sulphates, yet it still foams up well, and gently cleanses both hair and body, and while I did intend for this to be used on my two little boys only, I have to admit to having used it too as a shower gel, as I simply couldn't resist it with the beautiful sent.

Then there's the Intensive Soothing Cream, which is an organic healing cream packed with shea butter, rosewood, lavender and avocado oils, and calendula extract, and since we've been using it on our little boys bottoms at every nappy change, they've not had one red bum, even the usual nasty teething periods that has always left both my boys with sore bottoms leaves, we've gotten over with a hitch, thanks to this cream. And I love that it can also be used on other rashes and dermatitis to help heal and soothe the skin.

The Winter Blues Balm, which is also called Baby Vapour Rub Balm, we got a the perfect time, as our 3.5 year old got hit with a bad cold, his first cold in about 1.5 years.

The balm contains medicinal essential oils including wintergreen and eucalyptus, as well as lemon, peppermint, and rosemary and beeswax, and it helps the baby breathe a little easier and avid nasal congestion and stuffy noses. And it is still so gentle, that it is even suitable to use on newborns! So when our boy was struggling to breathe at night, because he was so snotty, a little of this fresh and zesty smelling balm rubbed into his chest and feet, and it clearly helped him relax and breathe better in no time.

Finally, there's the Hair Fudge, and having a 3.5yo that is more or less refusing to leave the house unless his hair is waxed or gelled up, I was excited putting this one to the test - especially as he at times complains that his head is itch at the end of the day, after we've used certain gels or waxes in his hair. This hair fudge contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS, and with all its natural ingredients including rosewood and orange essential oils, it is also very gentle. It promises to give the hair a strong hold, but without any white flakes or residue on the hair or scalp, and it can be used in both wet or dry hair. Our little boy, being so blonde, also has very fine hair, and sadly, this fudge just didn't hold his hair in place, yes, it did tame it and control the flyaways, but unfortunately it just didn't have sufficient hold for his messy or 'spiky hair-do. But it works perfectly on little brother's baby hairs that are still a bit wild as they are still growing out, and again, I love that the fudge is so natural, that I can use this on him, without any concerns.

So there you go, a selection of Little Innoscents Organic Baby Skincare products. I've enjoyed using all on my little boys, and particularly fallen for the wipes, hair & body wash, the soothing cream and the sun lotion, and I'm very keen on putting other products from the range to the test too, including the Moisture Rich Body Lotion, the Paw Paw Balm, as well as some of the Himalayan Bath Salts and Home Cleaning Products.


Little Innoscents Baby Wipes - RRP: $6.50 / 80 wipes
Little Innoscents Hair & Body Wash - RRP: $12.95 / 250ml
Little Innoscents Intensive Soothing Cream - RRP: $10.99 / 75ml
Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm - RRP: $10.99 / 75ml
Little Innoscents Sun Lotion SPF30 - $19.99 / 100ml
Little Innoscents Hair Fudge - RRP: $10.99 / 75ml

Available from select pharmacies, Baby Goods Stores, and health food stores.

Or for more information visit Little Innoscents Online

* 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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HOSPITAL BAG - BABY SKINCARE

Just 7 days to go now before baby is due!! The last two days I’ve shown you what I’ll be bringing with me in terms of makeup, as well as skin, body and haircare. And needless to say that I also need to bring a few essentials for the baby, including of course clothes and also nappies (as for some reason, most hospitals just don’t provide those), but I will also bring a few other skincare items for the baby including:

GAIA Natural Baby Travel Pack

I’ve raved about the baby skincare products from GAIA Natural Baby before, and I still love their products. This travel pack is so convenient, with its handy small bottles containing 50ml each, - and just what you need of the most essential products, Bath & Body Wash, Baby Shampoo and Baby Moisturiser. The products have a beautiful gentle natural scent and I can relax knowing that they are so gentle that they are suitable for use on a newborn too. RRP: $14.95.



Curash Jumbo Fragrance Free Baby Wipes

I remember vividly the very messy first couple of nappies that you have to change on a baby!!! Not an easy task, and hence why decent nappy wipes are an absolute must. These Jumbo wipes from Curash are some of the biggest ones I’ve come across, and as they are also fairly thick too, they are perfect for any ‘messy’ situation. And I love that they are fragrance free and gentle too, so they are suitable for use on a newborn’s sensitive skin. RRP: $4.99 


Curash Multi-Purpose Healing Cream

I’ve been using this cream lately to deal with my 23 year old boy’s dribble rash that seems to come and go all the time. We’ve tried countless of products, including creams on script, and nothing really seems to help – except this healing cream which seems to give him instant relief, as well as it seems help heal his faster too. Lately I’ve also been using the cream as I’ve developed a bad pregnancy rash and the cream seems to soothe my skin a little too – and I will be bringing it along to the hospital as it is suitable for any skin irritation or rash on a newborn’s skin too. RRP: $8.49


Acca Kappa Gentle Hair Brush

This hair brush came in a beautiful gift box along with a gorgeous piece of soap, which I will however keep and use when we get home.

Our first little boy was born with a lot of very dark hair, which he eventually did lose and now he has a head full of very very blonde hair! - so I can only assume that the new baby will also have a head full of hair too, so this beautiful Acca Kappa baby blue brush made from beech wood with a natural rubber cushion with white natural bristles, will help ensure that our little bub will have the best groomed and shiny hair in the hospital, ready to meet family and friends for the first time! RRP: $79.00

*Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, these are the baby skincare products that I’ve pack to bring with me to hospital.. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything!
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BRAND FOCUS: CURASH BABY CARE

Today on the blog I’d like to put focus on Curash Baby Care, a range of baby products that I’ve been using lately on my little boy. Here are my thoughts;

Curash Anti Rash Powder

This baby powder is a super fine soft powder that has an active ingredient of 25 per cent zinc oxide in cornstarch, formulated to soothe, heal and prevent nappy rash, and provide an effective barrier to wetness and irritants, keeping baby’s bottom drier and rash free. While we’ve been lucky and managed to keep our little boy free from nappy rash, I am convinced that it is the dusting of this powder after each nappy change that as made the difference, and I really like that it is not just forming a barrier, it is is also helping to soothe and heal the skin at the same time. The powder can also be used on adults on areas prone to chafing. RRP: $6.39 (100g)



Curash Fragrance Free Sorbolene Cream

This sorbolene cream has been enriched with aloe vera, vitamin E and sweet almond oil, and has been specifically designed for baby's delicate skin, in fact it is so gentle that it can be used on newborns! The cream is fragrance free and literally has next to no scent. While my little boy does not suffer from eczema or dermatitis, he does like his bubble bath at night which does tend to be a little drying on his fine skin, but a quick thin coat of this cream and his skin is back to being soft and smooth again. It absorbs quick and easily and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.

My husband, on the other hand, does have sensitive skin prone to irritations, and he also likes using this sorbolene cream, especially as a hand cream, and he too enjoys that it is free from fragrance and that it acts as a barrier cream too protecting his skin from further irritations. RRP: $5.99 (400ml)



Curash Jumbo Fragrance Free Baby Wipes

These wipes are seriously some of the biggest baby wipes I’ve come across, almost twice the size of normal wipes, and they have a decent thickness too, which means that they are perfect when you’ve got a messy clean up to deal with – and the size again means you only need a few wipes to clean up your baby. The wipes are fragrance free, alcohol free and PH balanced, and so gentle that you can use them from top to toe on even a newborn baby. And because they are so gentle, they are also suitable for even the most sensitive skin. RRP: $4.99 (40 wipes)



Curash Medicated Nappy Rash Cream

This nappy rash cream contains 20 per cent zinc oxide, vitamin E and sweet almond oil to soothe, heal and prevent nappy rash while leaving a protective barrier on the skin. The Nappy Rash Cream is a medicated cream, that it is supposed to be used at the first sign of nappy rash, although it can also be used after every nappy change. Personally I tend to use a tiny amount after each nappy change, and a little more if I feel my little boys bum is a little red after a nasty and messy nappy, and so far it is keeping any nasty nappy rash at bay. The white cream has next to no scent, and is a little thick and a little difficult to spread out, and it doesn’t absorb into the skin, but rather leaves the skin looking a little white and cakey, but again that’s ok, as its ‘hidden’ by the nappy anyway! RRP: $6.79 (100g)

 
Curash Multi-Purpose Healing Cream

This Healing Cream has been designed to soothe and protect against common baby skin irritations such as neck and dribble rash, dry and chafed skin, dermatitis, minor abrasions and eczema. IT has been formulated for use on the face and sensitive areas of the skin, and as it is fragrance and colour free, it can even be used on newborns.

My little boy has always suffered from dribble rash in the periods where he has had teeth cutting through. And we’ve tried literally everything over the counter to help, with no relief in sight. We’ve even seen the doctor several times, and had a few different scripts, which after a while did help, but when only allowed to use the creams for a week at a time, the dribble rash soon reappeared, and personally I cannot say that I was too fond of using so strong creams on his delicate skin. What I do like about the Curash Healing Cream, is that it not only absorbs into the skin quickly, it also rubs in clear with no greasiness or stickiness, all while soothing and healing the skin and leaving a barrier against the acidic drool. RRP: $8.49 (75g)
 

Curash Gentle Anti-Bacterial Wipes Hand Wipes

These Wipes have, as the name suggest, been specifically designed to wipe grotty little hands. They are anti-bacterial and 99.9 per cent of germs, all while being alcohol-free and dermatologically tested, and so mild and gentle that they are approved for infants, toddlers and children.

The small pack is absolutely perfect to have in the nappy bag or in the car, especially when you have a little toddler that has started eating himself, but always leaves a trail of mess behind him, including very grotty and sticky fingers. And as you don’t always have soap and water close by, these wipes are the perfect alternative, quickly and easily cleaning up, while leaving the fingers soft thanks to containing soothing aloe vera and moisturising vitamin E. RRP: $4.99 (30 wipes)

All Curash Baby Care products are available from Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Toys R Us, Target and pharmacies nationally

So there you go, a selection of baby care products from Curash – and as the Curash range also includes a selection of standard baby wipes, shampoo and body washes as well as teething gel, they basically everything you need to keep your baby and toddlers skin healthy, and at a very reasonable price too!

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

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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?

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?