With so many baby products on the market, moms and dads are spoilt for choice. Some items caught the eye of Noor-Jehan Yoro Badat because they were innovative, handy or fashionable.
THE DADDY BAG
R285 (incl VAT)
When her husband got frustrated carrying bulky nappy bags, Christelle Vorster decided to create one that wasn't so cumbersome but could still accommodate baby's basic essentials.
The result is this funky diaper bag which can hold at least five nappies, a packet of Wet Wipes, bum cream, a bottle of Purity, or an additional outfit. The idea was not to overload daddy.
Vorster said the response had been so positive she had created one for mummies. She has also obtained a licence to make a Blue Bulls version.
For more information, contact Vorster on 082 833 6813, or visit her website at www.cadakids.co.za
PHIL & TED'S FOUR-IN-ONE SPORT BUGGY STROLLER
Stroller: R5 999; double kit: R1 300
The lightweight buggy is extremely versatile. It can accommodate baby upright, reclining or lying and, if you buy a second seat, baby can ride in-line with older sibling. The second seat, sold separately, attaches to the front or back to form a double buggy the size of a single.
Available at Baby City branches. To see more, go to the website www.babycity.co.za
MOMMY I'M HERE CHILD LOCATOR
R349
Attach this locator in the form of a teddy bear to your child's shoe or on a band around the wrist or ankle, and you need never lose them in a public place. If your child wanders off, simply press the button on your remote to beep the teddy on your child to locate him.
The locator comes with long-life batteries and the teddy bear, available in pink or brown, is water-resistant.
The wristband is harder to take off and has an ID insert where contact details can be written.
Distributed by 4 A Kid (www.4akid.co.za), the device can be bought online from BabyComfort Corner (www.babycomfort.co.za) which delivers to your doorstep.
For more info, call Bertus Geldenhuys on 082-7305-774 or email him at babycomfortbabycomfort.co.za
JEEP TREK CAMP COT
R2 499
Travelling with a baby is made easier with this camp cot, which features a storage area for baby's needs, a bassinet attachment for newborns, removable changing table, and toy bar with hanging toys. And all this can be packed up compactly in its fold and roll-away configuration, on durable Jeep wheels. The camp cot also has a travel cover to secure and protect it.
Available at Edgars, Baby Boom and Jeep stores. For more info visit their website at www.jeepbaby.co.za
CAR POTTY FROM U&ME
R299.99
It's not a new product, but we thought this potty would surely encourage any toddler to go to the toilet without any fuss. It comes in yellow and blue, and supports up to 30kg. It is available at any Baby City branches. For more info, visit the website www.uandme-baby.com
BLING DUMMIES
R385
These posh handcrafted dummies, decorated with Swarovski crystals, arrived in Joburg about two months ago and are already very popular with moms. They can be customised according to clients' wishes. They are available at Kids Emporium branches. Call their Fourways branch, 011 467 1153, or see www.ellibelli.co.za
COWBOY AND COWGIRL KNEE PROTECTORS
R80
These soft rubber knee pads, available in various designs, will protect tots - and their clothes - as they explore their surroundings. Just strap them around the waist and back of the legs.
Launched in March, these funky but practical garments are the newest addition to Babysofa's products. Although creator Charlotte Nuttall is based in Durban, she will deliver countrywide.
The products will also be available at the Baby Expo at the Coca-Cola Dome from Thursday May 14, 2009.
Call Nuttall on 082 575 8204, or see her website, www.babysofa.co.za
See more at Baby Expo
If you have toddlers or babies, or are about to have one, be sure not to miss The Baby Expo, starting on Thursday.
More than 200 top brands will be represented at the show, so you will see the latest products for you and your baby.
Moms-to-be have the chance to win an All-Expenses Paid Pregnancy worth R150 000.
Exhibition director Projeni Pather says there are activities for everyone, from mom and dad to the kids, so it should be afun-filled day out for all.
There will be breastfeeding and nappy changerooms, a play zone for kids, as well as an indulgence zone where moms can be pampered. Tums and Tots will show mothers and their kids how to dress for winter.
Besides workshops and talks, Nestlé will run a Kids Kitchen where TV personality Tracey Going will launch her new kids' recipe book, African Animals Recipes & Rhymes.
Tickets cost R50 for adults, with kids under the age of 10 getting in for free (two kids an adult). Buy them at Computicket or at the door.
Visit www.thebabyexpo.co.za