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1) Child Seat Fitting Guide

2) Safe Sleeping

3) Guide to Feeding

4) Nappy Hygiene

5) Bath Time

Child Seat Fitting Guide

Nursery World offers expert child seat fitting advice for children of all ages. (Including those with special needs)

When purchasing a child seat for your child Nursery World strongly recommends that you visit our store to ensure the child seat you are selecting is the most suitable for your child and your vehicle. We have a team of fully trained staff who are here to offer expert advice and take time with you to ensure you are confident to fit the child seat securely yourself. After all it is you that will be doing it on a regular basis.

We have also found from our experiences that not all car seats fit all cars so take care, and always read the instructions fully. When you have made a purchase if you have any doubts as to the suitability of your child seat please contact us within 7 days and we will endeavor to assist you further.

Watch out for our in-store child seat events.

We have regular in-store child seat events where you can come and have your seat checked by an expert. We host these events in conjunction with the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety. Watch out for more information or contact us.

We know it is not always possible for our customers to come into store so we have prepared some advice for you to follow. Please contact Carol if you require further information.

Fitting Checklist:

• Over 60% of child seats are fitted incorrectly

• It is the child's weight that is the determining factor when choosing a child seat

• You should always aim to try before you buy a car seat to check it fits securely to the model of your car

• The adult seat belt buckle should not rest (pivot) on the child seat frame - this is known as 'buckle crunch' and the buckle may release under impact.

• Make sure the seat belt goes through the child seat correctly, marked in blue for rearward facing infant carriers and marked in red for forward facing seats

• Always make sure it is the seat belt webbing restraining the child seat, not the seat belt buckle

• Ensure the seat belt tension is tight to allow no movement of the child seat

• Make sure the harness is correctly adjusted so that it is snug against the child's chest and is set at the correct position for the child's height

Safety First

• Always follow the car seat instruction leaflet before use and keep close to hand for future reference

• All children under 12 must use a suitable child restraint every trip - It's the law

• Make sure you secure the child properly for every trip, however short

• You must replace your child seat if it is involved in an accident

• Do not use second hand child seats as you may not know their full history

• Never place a rearward facing car seat on the front passenger seat if this seat is protected with an Air-Bag

• Try to keep your journeys short as your newborn baby will benefit from lying flat for most of the day

Common Problems

• People perceive that all child seats are universal

They are not. Always best to try before you buy

• 'Buckle Crunch'

Make sure the seat belt buckle is not resting (pivoting) on the child seat frame. In an impact the plastic buckle housing could shatter causing the belt to release. It must always be the seat belt webbing securing the child seat into the vehicle - not the buckle.

• Child seat is too loose

One of the most common fitting problems is to leave the child seat fitted loosely by the seat belt. Make sure the seat belt is threaded correctly and pull the seat belt as firmly as you physically can. Sometimes it helps if you apply some of your own body weight to the seat when tensioning the seat belt.

• Child seat doesn't rest properly on the car seat

The shape of car seats varies between different vehicle models. Sometimes this seat profile prevents a child seat fitting securely and there is too much movement. Always try before you buy. A trained child seat fitter will easily be able to advise how much movement is too much movement

• Seat belt will not go around the child seat

The lengths of seat belts differ between cars and generally rearward facing child seats require more seat belt length than forward facing seats. If the seat belt doesn't go around the child seat is unsuitable

• Harness doesn't fit my child

Child seats (excluding Group 2/3) have an integral harness to hold the child in the seat. This harness should fit snugly so that only one or two fingers can fit between the harness and the child's chest. If the harness is loose the child could be thrown forward in a crash or work their way out of the harness whilst you are driving. You may need to tighten the harness periodically on your journey as a child may be tense when they are initially secured into the seat.

• Child undoes seat belt or harness

Some children go through a phase of constantly slipping out of the child seat harness or seat belt. This is extremely worrying and frustrating for parents. Allow time in your journey to stop the car whenever this happens and train the child that the journey can't continue unless everyone in the car is fastened in safely. The good news is, it tends to be a phase children go through and unfortunately there are no easy solutions

• Seat belt or harness are twisted

Always check - every trip. Webbing on a seat belt and a harness is technically designed to offer greatest strength when the material is flat. Twists in the webbing can compromise its strength and should be avoided at all times. If your child seat harness has become twisted and you are unable to straighten it seek advice from a reputable retailer. They should be able to re-thread the harness for you. Sometimes this happens if a cover has been removed for washing.

Nursery World are proud to announce we are part of the Britax Travelcare Partner Programme!

Britax Fit Finder

Maxi Cosi Fit Finder

Contact Carol if you would like us to visit your school, club or event to offer car seat advice. 01253 865562

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Safe Sleeping

Active babies (and parents!) need a good nights sleep so Nursery World have put together some useful information for you to make sure your little one has a restful and safe sleep whether at night or whilst napping during the day.

What is the correct room temperature for your baby?

Around 18◦ C is an ideal room temperature for your baby. We recommend that you use a room thermometer. Knowing the temperature of the room will also help you choose the correct amount of bedding.

Carefully consider the position of your cot or crib too. Placing the bed near a large window or a hot radiator will affect the temperature in and around the cot or crib.

Check your baby's temperature by feeling the back of the neck or body. Cold hands and feet are normal.

What will you need for your Cotbed or Cot?

All babies are different. Get to know your baby. Like adults the body temperature of a baby may vary slightly and therefore the amount of bedding may have to be modified.

Here's a bedding check list to help you;

• Mattress (a new mattress is recommended for new babies because of the link between bacteria and SIDS)
• Fitted sheets x 4
• One on the cot; one in the wash; one drying and one 'just in case.'
• Flat sheets x 3
• Blankets x 3 or Sleeping Bag
• Bumper (can be used up to around 6 months and should be removed from the cot when the baby can sit unaided. They are designed to protect a baby from banging against the bars of the cot. Check all ties are securely fastened. To secure the bumper fit it to the cot bars and then introduce the mattress to the cot. That way you get a very tight fit with no loose bumper material.
• Room thermometer

You may also need to use the list above for your crib or moses basket if you have chosen either of these sleeping options.

What is a tog?

All quilted products are labelled with a Tog value; Quilts, duvets and sleeping bags. The tog rating measures the products' ability to retain heat. The higher the tog the more the heat is retained in the product. For a good night's sleep babies need to be warm but not too hot. It is not recommended that you use a quilt, pillow or duvet for babies under 12 months old.

Why use a sleeping bag?

Sleeping bags are great for babies who like to kick their covers off! Use a vest or body suit underneath the sleeping bag.

Be sure to check the fit of the sleeping bag on your baby. Make sure it fits well around your baby's chest and that the arm holes are not too large for the baby.

Sleeping bags do come with 2 different tog ratings; 1tog for summer and warmer nights and 2.5tog for winter and colder nights.

When using the correct tog sleeping bag you should not normally need to use additional bedding to cover the baby. Monitor the baby's temperature by feeling the back of the neck or body. Cold hands and feet are normal.

Choosing a mattress

All of our mattresses meet the highest safety and hygiene standards. They have fully breathable, water-resistant covers and are deeply quilted giving high levels of comfort. They meet all construction and flame resistant standards and are made from high quality material.

There are a range of mattresses available from basic foam to high specification pocket sprung mattresses.

You should always choose the best mattress your budget will allow. Just like buying a mattress for your own bed, the higher the specification the higher the comfort and support levels you receive from your mattress.
Keep your baby's mattress clean and dry and rotate the mattress, head to foot, regularly to help retain its shape.

Current safety advice for sleeping

• Midwives recommend the 'feet to foot' position. This means dressing the bed with the sheets and blankets at the bottom section of the cot so the baby's feet are at the foot of the bed. Babies wriggle! This is considered the safest way of ensuring the baby's head doesn't get under the covers which may cause overheating

• The safest place for baby to sleep in on their back in a cot in your room for the first 6 months

• Avoid smoking in pregnancy - that includes daddies and never let anyone smoke near your baby

• Do not let your baby get too hot

• Keep your baby's head uncovered

• Covers should be firmly tucked in, no higher than the shoulders

• Seek medical help promptly if your baby is unwell

• Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, armchair or on your bed

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Guide to Feeding

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby you'll need to prepare.

If you are unsure then speak with your midwife. There's nothing more natural and healthy for your baby than breastfeeding however many new mum's find it hard at first. Persevere and don't be afraid to ask your midwife or health visitor for support.

If breastfeeding isn't working for you and your baby don't feel guilty. For some mum's bottle feeding is the best way for them to ensure their baby gets enough to eat. For many mums it is a conscious decision to bottle feed and not a decision brought about by being unable to breastfeed. Listen to your body and do what is right for you and your baby.

We've put together a list of items you should consider for each feeding route;

Breastfeeding

• Nursing Bras x 3

• Breast pads - disposable or washable

• Nursing clothing (including nightwear) with easy front opening

• Muslin squares

• Sleep Bras x 3 to keep breast pads in place at night

• Breast pump (manual or electric)

• Breast milk storage bags or bottles (milk can be frozen for up to 3 months)

• Nipple shields (to protect sore nipples)

• Nipple cream (from your chemist)

• Cooling gel breast pads

• Nursing chair (and optional stool)

• Nursing cushion (for support to help get your body and baby's body in the correct position

• Feeding bottles x 6 for water

• Steriliser (steam, cold water or microwave)

• Sterilising tablets

• Soothers

Bottle feeding

• Feeding bottles x 6

• Newborn or slow flow teats (increase to a faster flow as the baby gets older)

• Bottle and teat brush

• Steriliser (steam, cold water or microwave)

• Sterilising tablets

• Muslin squares

• Travel milk containers

• Bottle warmer

• Bottle travel bag

• Soothers

Having difficulties with feeding?

Some babies suffer from colic which is a form of trapped wind. This often results in the baby crying a lot and sometime the baby can appear to be in pain after the feed. Seek medical advice from your GP or health visitor. Some mums find that some of the anti-colic bottles available on the market help this condition.

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Nappy Hygiene

Have you decided what kind of nappies you are going to use?

We've compiled some information which may help you.

Different options; Re-useable or Disposable?

Re-useable nappies

You can't have missed all the recent media coverage telling us how full our land-fill sites are becoming and how important it is for us to re-cycle as much as possible. Many of us are already sorting our paper from our garden waste from our bottles and aluminium. And we are replacing light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs and purchasing 'bags for life' from the supermarket. With this in mind shouldn't you be trying re-useable nappies? They are undoubtedly better for the environment and in the long run are better for your purse as well.

Why not purchase a trial pack if you are still not sure?

Many mums find that they use the re-useable option for some of the time. It may for instance be convenient to use them whilst at home and use disposables when you're out; perhaps re-useables through the day and disposables at night; disposables for your newborn and re-useables as their nappy becomes a little more 'regular.'

Whatever combination works for you is great for baby and the environment - every little helps. Each time you use a re-useable nappy it is one less nappy in a land fill site and since it is estimated that over a 2 year period a baby will generate 1 tonne of nappies you really can make a big difference to the environment by choosing this option.

• It's a good idea to place a disposable nappy liner where your child's bottom will sit in the nappy. These thin sheets allow moisture to travel through away from baby's skin but not solids

• Whenever you can flush the contents of a soiled nappy to reduce the risk of bacteria and viruses from untreated faeces contaminating groundwater at landfill sites

• Put soiled nappies in a dry bucket and when you have enough just put them straight in the washing machine with a scoop of nappy sanitizer at an ordinary 60◦wash.

• As an alternative you can soak the nappies in a special solution to sanitise them and then put them in a 40-60◦ wash.

• It is recommended that you don't use any fabric conditioner as this can reduce the absorbency of the fabric. A drop of white wine vinegar in the conditioner compartment of your washing machine will help to soften the nappy fabric.

Some local authorities offer financial incentives to parents using 'real' nappies. There are also different laundry schemes in place that will pick up your soiled nappies, take them away for washing and will return clean ones for you. For more information on this contact the Real Nappy Helpline on 0845 850 0606 or www.realnappycampaign.com for details.

Disposable nappies

There are two different types of disposable nappies; one is made from natural, sustainable materials and is bio-degradable and hence kinder to the environment. The other is a 'conventional' disposable nappy without the environmentally friendly attributes.

Nursery World is delighted to be able to offer the 'Nature' range of Eco-friendly high performance disposable nappy.

Marlene Sandberg, former law firm partner, from Sweden started the company after reading an article in a newspaper stating that every year of a baby's life results in a mountain of used nappies, weighing ½ tonne, every year. Half a tonne, every year! Even more disturbing was the fact that conventional disposable nappies were mainly made of plastic made from oil. Marlene was disturbed that an oil based product was coming in close contact with a baby's skin.

She set about launching Nature baby care products which is now the successful product of many years of intensive work and development. The nappy is made from a totally chlorine free absorbent material. In summary; a natural based material against baby's skin, 100% biodegradable, breathable and extremely kind for the baby. And the performance is as good as the best 'traditional' nappy.

Nature use natural and biodegradable materials. There is a natural GM-free maize film in the nappy products and what's more the selling price of these environmentally friendly products matches the brand leaders.

It is estimated that a Nature nappy, in the correct environment will decompose in less than 6 months. No-one really knows how long it takes a conventional disposable nappy to break down, but it is estimated to be around 100years.

Facts:

• 8 million nappies are thrown away every single day in the UK alone

• Only 15% of parents use re-useable nappies some or all of the time

• 90% of all disposable nappies end up in landfill sites

• Each child produces ½ tonne of nappy waste each year

• No-one knows how long it takes for the plastics in conventional nappies to break down but it is estimated to be around 100years

• Re-useable nappies do not have to be expensive. You can buy everything you need in the Nursery World OneLife Hamper for £270. The same amount of money would buy you around 30 weeks of disposables

• Disposable nappies and all the extras such as sacks and wipes cost around £14.50 per week. Over 2 ½ years this comes to a staggering £1884 (The Guardian, 2006)

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Bath Time

Bath time is fun time and a time for you to look forward to. Bathing a newborn can be quite tricky at first but you'll soon adapt and you'll both be having a safe and enjoyable time.

What you need

• Baby bath (or an anti-slip mat to go in the adult bath or a bath support)

• Bath thermometer

• Cuddledry towels

• Baby face cloths or mitts

• Changing mat

• Changing Unit

• Top ‘N' Tail Bowl

• Bath toys

• Baby brush and comb

• Baby nail clippers or scissors

• Baby lotion

• Other toiletries; Vaseline, Sudocrem, shampoo......

How to bath your baby

• Get prepared. Good preparation is the key to a safe and fun bathing experience. Check the room is warm and that all your toiletries and wash mitts are within easy reach. Don't forget your nappy and clothes for after the bath.

• Fill the bath with a small amount of water; just enough to cover your baby's legs and sit across the lower tummy. 3-4 inches should be plenty.

• First fill the bath with cold water and add the hot to it. Babies are quite happy in cooler water. Check the temperature by dipping your softer elbow skin into the bath, or use a thermometer.

• Remove your baby's swaddling and nappy and before you place your baby in the bath be sure to wash the face and bottom area.

• You may have a changing unit in your nursery or you may find a changing mat on the bathroom floor works just as well for you.

• Wash your babies face and around the eyes with cotton wool dipped in clean water. Use your top ‘n' tail bowl

• Wash the bottom area with new water and cotton wool.

• Support your baby as you gently lower him or her in to the bath. Wash the body all over with a sponge or face cloth or mitt.

• As your child gets older you will be able to play with toys in the bath too.

• When your baby is nice and clean lift him or her out and wrap him in a snugly warm towel. The Cuddledry towel is perfect with its double thickness layers and super absorbency properties that are due to the bamboo content in the towel.

• Dry the baby well and remember the little hidden bits under the arms and at the back of the knees and any other little creases.

• You must never leave a baby or small child unattended in the bath - even for a few seconds.

Does you child have special needs? We have a special member of staff who can help advise you on pushchairs and child seats. Contact Carol for more information.

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