The only versions affected have Date Code Labels dated from 01/09/2005 to 18/03/2009 (inclusive) and were sold by high street retailers and outlets throughout the UK and Ireland.

If you are using your cot bed as a COT, stop using it immediately and make alternative safe sleeping arrangements for your baby and contact Cosatto with your details to receive the safety enhancement device.  If you have converted your cot bed into a JUNIOR BED, it is safe to continue using it, but you
still need to request the safety enhancement device for future use as a COT.

If you think you may have a Stratford Cot bed that is affected, please contact Cosatto immediately,  via 0871 977 3888, or via email at stratford@cosatto.com.

For further details click here.

Christmas when you have children is a really magical time; watching their little faces light up with the magic of it all is almost as good as being a child yourself.  Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Santa – and with this in mind the Molly and Mia Foundation has come up with a fabulous charity event for all the family that is guaranteed to get the grown-ups in the Christmas spirit and crank the kids’ excitement up to fever pitch!

In a new concept to Northern Ireland the charity has arranged for Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves to host an amazing festive dinner party at the Armagh City Hotel on Sunday, December 11 and Monday, December 12 (groups only).  Watch in awe as Santa and Co. arrive by real reindeer before everyone sits down to a sumptuous three course meal.  Afterwards mums and dads can relax as kids are entertained by Santa’s helpers – creating fantastic Christmas crafts, writing their wish list to Santa and cooking up some magical food for the reindeer before they each receive a beautiful gift from the man himself!

There are three sittings on the day at 12 noon, 3pm and 6pm – and the best part is that MumUnplugged has one family pass for two adults and two children – worth £60 – to give away!!  To be in with a chance of winning simply leave a comment on this post telling us about your favourite Christmas memory or tradition.  The winner will be notified by email on Monday, November 28.  For more details or to enquire about group bookings for Monday, December 12 call Mrs Claus on 07504 681411.

A Chiropractic Touch

Name:  Emir Lervy

Business: A Chiropractic Touch

Nature of business: Treatment of joint and muscle problems. Wellness care

When did you start your business and why?
I graduated from University in Wales in 2008 and worked there for two years before returning home this year to open my own business.  It is also very useful to work around your own hours, especially when you have a little one year old running around!

What’s the toughest part of your job?
Keeping myself motivated and always looking out for places to do information talks or health screens so the clinic can keep expanding.

What’s the best part?
This has to be when someone comes in saying how good they feel, and not only that they have no pain, but their sleep has improved and they can can concentrate more at work.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
Definitely relax as much as possible and go with the flow, you will get to know your baby and what they want (and need!)  From a chiropractic view, try not to lift your baby (and car seats etc) in awkward positions and get yourself checked regularly – your body has just gone through the equivalent of running a marathon and needs rest and a little TLC.

MumUnplugged

Name: Claire Martin

Business: MumUnplugged

Nature of business: A website/blog for NI mums

When did you start your business and why?
I started blogging in 2008 after my first child was born.  I was bored on maternity leave and felt I wanted something to keep my brain active, and as I’m a journalist by trade a blog seemed an ideal outlet.  It began as a way to record my ideas and feelings about being a new mum and over the years has evolved into a magazine-style blog packed with information, ideas and advice for other mums.  It blends my professional experience as a writer with my practical experience as a parent.

What’s the toughest part of your job?
Staying motivated.  It’s not always easy to come up with fresh material and in order to keep people coming back to your blog you have to post new content regularly – which is not always easy with a baby and a toddler to look after!  I have to be strict with myself when it comes to blogging in the evenings when the kids are asleep; otherwise I’d just watch TV and eat chocolate!

What’s the best part?
My favourite thing is getting emails and comments from people who read and enjoy my blog.  If I write something that another mum finds helpful or even if she can relate to what I’m saying then that is just great, and I want to hear about it!  Those comments help me keep going when I’m wondering if it’s worth it and if anybody out there is reading my work.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
Trust your instincts.  Nobody knows your baby as well as you do, not even the ‘professionals’!

Lotus Graphic Design

Name: Oonagh Moore
Business: Lotus Graphic Design
Nature of business: Design of Company Branding and Promotional Material, specialising mainly in print design.

When did you start your business and why?
I started my business in October 2010. I had been working in the newspaper industry for over 10 years and in the printing industry for about 6 years before that. At the ripe old age of 42 with my oldest girl, just finished university and more importantly working and my 2 young boys settled in primary school I knew it was ‘now or never’! I had learned a huge amount through my time working in the media, but there was a limit to what I could do in terms of design. I needed a challenge and with dabbling a fair bit in the world of freelance I felt I had more to offer. I particularly wanted to target the smaller local businesses whom I felt were not always getting a great service in terms of their company branding or marketing material. I wanted to create design for them that would firstly get them noticed, really reflect what their business was about, and help them to compete in today’s marketplace.

What’s the toughest part of your job?
The toughest part is knowing how to divide my time between work and looking after the home and giving the kids the attention they need. I could quite happily sit for hours and design and get lost in it, but that’s not possible working from home and being a mum so I have to set boundaries and try to stick to them. There are many very early mornings though when I get a few hours of uninterrupted time and get loads of work done and it’s often the most productive time of the day.

What’s the best part?
The best part without a doubt is the feedback I get from clients. I love that they are happy with what I’ve done for them as I always strive to get exactly the right look for their business. Also, the various people I’ve encountered in my first year of business has been fantastic. I would never have interacted with so many different people while working in the office environment I had been in previously. I’ve learned a lot from them.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
With my third child I discovered a book called “The Contented Little Baby Book” and I think I harped on about it to anyone who would listen because I thought it was great and it certainly worked for me. I know there are differing opinions on establishing feeding and sleeping routines in early days of baby’s life but I had the most contented, great feeding, great sleeping baby by following (quite loosely) the routines. So maybe my advice would be to do a bit of research into that as it could be your saviour in the early very exhausting days of motherhood.

Sweet Escape

Name: Sharon McCrea
Business: Sweet Escape
Nature of business: Handmade Natural Bath Products

When did you start your business and why?
Sweet Escape will be launched in the next few weeks (as soon as all the products receive their safety assessment certificates), following many hard years of preparation and research. The business idea came about really from the personal needs of my baby son and the lack of products to suit his needs. He was born with food intolerances and eczema. For the first few years of his life I spent my time applying one cream treatment after another and hated the idea of applying steroids to his tender skin. So I started looking into alternative ways to clean and care for him.
I started using oat baths, which proved a great success and progressed into making soap that he could use to wash with. I tested and devised many recipes until I found one that he could use that would both clean and moisturise his skin. He is now old enough to wash his own hands and face with the soap without the fear that his skin will react and I am proud to say that he has never had an outbreak since he was about two years old.

What’s the toughest part of your job?
TIME! There is just not enough of it! In my view this is the hardest thing for every working mum. There are only a few hours in the day when I can make soap, for health and safety reasons i.e. when the kids are not around! I must manage my time to the max in order to balance all aspects of my life. Multi-tasking is taken to the max when you are a mum working from home! It is definitely not a nine to five job, more a way of life! But it does have its benefits and rewards, it works for me.

What’s the best part?
The best part …..mmmm ….. a hard one! I love making my products, I’m still like a kid at Christmas each morning when turning out the latest batch of soap and cutting it into bars. I love the feeling that I have made something worthwhile and beautiful. But really I would have to admit that the biggest buzz I get, is hearing from people that have used my soap and listening to how it has changed their lives, or even just how much they enjoy using it.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
Don’t be a hero! Don’t try to do everything yourself – if people offer you help – TAKE IT! Especially in the early days when you are physically exhausted. If they want to help, ask them to help tidy up, make a meal, do some laundry etc. if you are less stressed about the state of your once immaculate home, you will enjoy your time with your little bundle more. You can then guilt free sleep when the baby does knowing that you can! (And believe me these offers will stop a few weeks later, so make the most of it!)

Cupid Creations

Name: Charlene Stockdale
Business: Cupid Creations
Nature of business: Handmade cards/stationery, fabric corsages/jewellery & art workshops for children & ladies

When did you start your business and why?
I graduated from University of Ulster in June 2010 with a BA Hons in Fine and Applied Art, specializing in Textiles. I couldn’t find any jobs at all that were related to my degree or that I had any interest in. Setting up my own business was something I intended doing eventually, but I felt I was still very young and inexperienced to do so yet.
However struggling to find a job that I felt comfortable or happy in, this then motivated me to contact Omagh Enterprise Centre in October 2010 where I took part in a business course, which was a massive learning curve for me. I learnt so much and became confident in myself, and my business plan.
At first I was a bit nervous about how I would combine different aspects of my business together but with their support I was able to see how I could combine my love for teaching others, alongside my love for creating work, and making it business.
Cupid Creations was then officially set up, and I moved into my current premises in January 2011. I have never looked back and couldn’t be happier in my work.

What’s the toughest part of your job?
Doing everything. I knew I was taking a lot on when I was mixing the variety of aspects in my business: the workshops, the cards/stationery, the textiles. Doing this, alongside answering emails/phone-calls/keeping in contact with people/bridal & craft fayres/keeping website & facebook page updated etc it can get a bit crazy-busy at times. Sometimes I find it hard to switch off. I wouldn’t have it any other way however, as I love a busy schedule, and no two days are the same.

What’s the best part?
I find it really achieving when people are really pleased with their completed orders, and when I may have made hundreds of pieces for one order and sit back when it’s made and think ‘WOW, did I just make that?!’ I love getting feedback from customers regarding what their wedding guests have been saying about their invites, or what their friend/family member has said about a necklace/brooch I have made as a gift. It really motivates me when I receive positive feedback.
The best part of the workshops is seeing people’s faces when they have taken on a skill I have taught them, and seeing how they have tailored it to their own artistic taste. I love the fact that I have made someone else feel happy and confident in themselves and what they can do.

Heavenly Tasty Organics

Name: Shauna McCarney
Business: Heavenly Tasty Organics Ltd
Nature of business: Frozen Baby Food Producer
When did you start your business and why?
I launched my business in June 2011 after 2 years of hard work in forming the business since June 2009.  The business idea came about when I started weaning my son Joe onto solid foods 6 years ago.  I made all my own baby food but when Cara, my second child, came along I found I didn’t have the time to make everything from scratch.  I scoured the shops looking for fresh organic weaning products but there was nothing apart from food dated for years on the shelves.  I wouldn’t have eaten it myself, as some of it contained  a multitude of unpronounceable ingredients.  So I researched it and 2 and a half years ago I put the wheels into motion and started to form the company.  This year I launched 5 products into all SuperValu stores across Northern Ireland.
What’s the toughest part of your job?
Managing time and finding time to do everything which is required of a business owner and mother.  But being a single parent, I have a lot more to do inside my four walls at home.  So finding the energy to keep going is sometimes hard, although nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure!
What’s the best part?
Seeing/reading the reaction of parents who have bought my products.  To see that it does actually help them save time in preparation of baby food and that they feel good in knowing that it is 100% natural, they don’t feel guilty for using a convenience product.  Seeing my products in stores for the first time was pretty amazing!
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
Just relax……you aren’t superwoman and cannot do EVERYTHING! Take help when offered and go easy on yourself.

Jude Browne Photography

Name: Jude Browne
Business: Jude Browne Photography
Nature of business: Wedding | Portrait | Newborn | Vintage | PR | Pet Photography

When did you start your business and why?
I’ve worked as a professional photographer since 2007 employed as a press photographer, however, I’ve only just started my own business this year after numerous private enquiries.  I’ve always loved photography but my passion really came alive after my children were born and I found myself documenting their life. Friends kept telling me I had a talent so when I moved from London to Tyrone I was lucky to be able to change my career from IT to photography.

What’s the toughest part of your job?
Long, late hours! People think your job is over at the click of the camera but there’s plenty of unseen hours in front of the computer!

What’s the best part?
Creating a piece of history – every time you take a photograph you are recording a moment in time. The most satisfying part of my job is handing over photographs clients love and will hopefully hand down through generations.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
Enjoy every moment – they grow up far too quick. Take lots of photographs – believe me, they are so precious!!

Nature’s Inspiration

Name: Shauna Gallagher
Business: Natures Inspiration
Nature of business: Natural handmade skincare

When did you start your business and why?
I have always had really sensitive skin, and when I went to buy natural products they were often out of my price range, or were not all that natural when I looked closer. I heard about courses on natural skincare and thought here could be my answer! After developing products to suit my own skin, I had friends and family looking for some too. So I went to Fermanagh Enterprise to find out about setting up in business and here I am in my third year of getting bigger and better by the day!

What’s the toughest part of your job?
The constant need to be adaptable! One day it’s all about product development, the next I’m dealing with accounts, I could be working on search engine optimization, or a marketing strategy. I love the fact no two days are the same however its challenging juggling these things effectively!

What’s the best part?
I get very excited when I get an email notification of a new product review on the website! The feedback I receive is great, to know that customers enjoy the products! And they often come back with interesting tips – such as using the moisturisers after gardening to help heal little scratches. Or that the scrub is great for removing oil from the hubby’s hands!

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a new mum?
As I don’t have any children I asked my Mum what she would say – “Enjoy them! They grow up too fast!”

Here at MumUnplugged we are delighted to be involved with a fantastic project aimed at helping one lucky mum to make her baby’s first year even more special.  A group of very lovely and very talented businesswomen in Tyrone/Fermanagh have come together to offer a simply fabulous package of their collective services for one winner, helping a new mum and her family to celebrate the arrival of a new addition in an unforgettable way!

Prizes up for grabs are as follows:

Baby’s First Year in Pictures – Jude Browne Photography

Bouquet of Flowers – Nettles and Petals

Hand embroidered baby blanket – Aisling’s Textile Studio

Natural beauty products gift set – Sweet Escape Irish Beauty Products

Handmade ‘thank you’ cards – Cupid Creations

Natural beauty products gift set – Nature’s Inspiration

Weaning starter pack – Heavenly Tasty

Bespoke birth announcement cards – Lotus Graphic Design

New baby celebration cake – MumUnplugged/Sugar Grove Cakes

£30 voucher – House of Kidz

A ‘mummy makeover’ – Creative Lochs

A reflexology and flotation session, plus full chiropractic examination – A Chiropractic Touch /Angel Sanctuary Holistic Healing Centre

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize is click on the above links to visit the Facebook page for each of the relevant businesses, LIKE all of the pages and then answer just ONE of the questions listed below.  Then email your answer along with your name, address and contact telephone number as well as your baby’s DOB or due date to babycomp@judebrownephotography.com.  You can also nominate a friend or family member to win the prize but you must obtain their permission to do so first and that person must be agreeable to the terms and conditions of the competition.

1. Jude Browne Photography : Name the little girl whose 1st birthday is featured in my Facebook Photo Gallery?
2. Lotus Graphic Design: What is the name of the first business in my Design Portfolio? (Go to photos)
3. House of Kidz : House of Kidz Omagh & Enniskillen : What colours are the girls’ new season coats, Autumn collection 2011 at House of Kidz?
4. MumUnplugged:  What childhood tradition did mums recently discuss on MumUnplugged’s wall?
5. Aisling’s Textile Studio : From Aisling’s Textile Studio photo gallery, what type of crystal is used in Aisling’s handmade bouquets and corsages?
6. Nettles & Petals: Name one of the types of floral designs Nettles and Petals offer (check out her wall photo).
7. Cupid Creations :  Name a Cupid Creation product made to order.
8. Heavenly Tasty Organics: The 100% organic purees come in what funky shape ice cube size portion?
9. Sweet Escape Irish Beauty Products: From Sweet Escape Irish Beauty Products soap range photo gallery, what range looks and smells good enough to eat?
10. Creative Lochs Hair Salon : From Creative Loch’s wall, name the brand new range of hair extensions.
11. Nature’s Inspiration: From Natures Inspiration photo gallery, name one of the products available from the baby range.
12. A Chiropractic Touch : Name one of the benefits of chiropractic treatments.

So get liking and get hunting for those answers!  And check back here shortly for the chance to get up close and personal with some of the talented ladies behind each of the businesses involved – we’ll be asking them some searching questions about what it’s really like to be a woman in business!

For full prize details and competition T&Cs visit Jude Browne Photography’s blog.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 31ST OCTOBER 2011 at NOON.  IN ORDER TO QUALIFY YOUR BABY CAN BE NO OLDER THAN TWO MONTHS AT THIS DATE, OR IF PREGNANT YOUR DUE DATE MUST FALL ON OR BEFORE 31ST JANUARY 2012.  THIS COMPETITION IS OPEN TO NORTHERN IRELAND RESIDENTS ONLY.

There will still be events happening around the country, organised by the NCT and individual breastfeeding support groups – so if you’re lucky enough to have an event near you, make sure you go along to meet other mums, share experiences and pass your knowledge along to others in need of some encouragement and support!

Harriet is now almost 15 weeks old and breastfeeding is going great; she seems very content on my milk and is a real wee chubster so I know she’s getting lots of calories and I have a feeling she will wean onto solids later than her brother, who had his first baby rice at 18 weeks.  I am much more confident second time around and I don’t feel the same pressure to supplement her diet that I did with Alfie – in fact I kind of feel that I want to delay weaning as long as I can because then I’ll have to start making purees and carrying little pots of food around with me! I love being able to travel light – a couple of nappies, wipes and a clean babygro are all we need for a road trip these days and it’s brilliant.  Anyway – I digress.  We love breastfeeding and I just thought I would share my favourite picture of her nursing.  I didn’t take many of these first time around so it’s nice to have.  Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Week!

1. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes is a good way for parents to be more aware of the possible danger points and make their home safe. Get down on your hands and knees and look out for sharp corners, plug sockets, trip hazards, falling objects and anything that can be opened easily – such as drawers and cupboards. You will often spot things that you wouldn’t even notice when standing.

2. The kitchen is one of the most hazardous rooms in the home; toddlers are at risk from burns and scalds, potential poisoning accidents and also a place where sharp objects lurk. Prevent burnt fingers by using the back burners on your hob rather than the front ones. Store cleaning products in wall cupboards so they are out of reach, make sure the cap is turned to the ‘off’ position and where possible buy products which have child safety lids. Try to limit the number of utensils you use, so you don’t lose track of any or risk knocking one on the floor.

3. Sharp corners, fireplaces, cables, wires and plug sockets – the dangers soon add up in the lounge. Always use a fire guard, even if you have an electric fire, as the heat of the glass can still cause serious burns to a child. Remove temptation from your little one by moving vases, ornaments and photo frames out of reach and keep wires away from little hands to prevent your explorer pulling on them.

4. Now your little adventurer can get around, the stairs seem like a fun place to play but falling down them is one of the most common toddler accidents. Choose a wall mounted safety gate for the top of the stairs – which is screwed directly into the wall and doesn’t have a bar running along the bottom – potentially becoming a trip hazard at the top of the stairs.  A pressure fit or wall mounted safety gate can also be used at the bottom of the stairs.

5. Once your child moves from a cot to a bed they then have the freedom of the bedroom – even when you’re not there! Move all creams and lotions out of easily accessible drawers or use a drawer lock to keep them out of reach and ensure that nappy bags are also stored securely. For the times when your little one is actually sleeping, a soft sided bed rail will prevent falls from the new bed.

6. As children become more independent and curious, the toilet often becomes a new toy and the bathroom a favoured playground.Use a toilet lid lock to prevent valuables being lost down the toilet; it is also fundamental you make sure that all bottles and medicines are stored away in a locked cabinet. Radiators and towel rails are also something to be aware of as these can easily burn and remember that children can drown in as little as one inch of water so it is critical that your child doesn’t enter the bathroom without your knowledge.

Many everyday household items that we don’t consider as intriguing or new are like pieces of buried treasure to a toddler.  This curiosity is what can lead to both minor and serious accidents.  By simply going round your house room by room and eliminating these hazards makes for a much safer environment for both you and your child. It takes a matter of minutes but it could save heartache in the long run.

Lindam has created an interactive house to highlight the potential hazards that may be present in the family home and showcase how and where their award-winning safety products can be used. Log on to www.lindam.com and take the virtual tour. You can also find further information and product advice on safeguarding your home.

Find out what Lindam is up to for Child Safety Week on Facebook. Search: Lindam UK

For more information on Child Safety Week log on to: www.childsafetyweek.org.

Lindam’s products can be purchased at www.argos.co.uk and Amazon

This is Harriet Kathleen Martin.  She made a somewhat dramatic entrance into the world on March 9 – if you’re interested in all the gory details you can read about it here.  So things around here have been kinda busy lately – I’m still trying to do as much work as I can on my other little project, which when you throw breastfeeding, toddler taming, housework and trying to have some semblance of a life means there is little time for blogging!

I’m hoping to get back in the swing of things blog-wise from now on though, so if you don’t mind coming back there will be lots of tales from the coalface now that we have two tiny terrors to keep us busy (for us, read ME, just have to be politically correct).  For now though I must just say how different motherhood has been for me second time around.  With three years’ experience under my belt I am much more relaxed this time and I am just enjoying it so much.  Knowing how quickly the baby stage passes I am taking time to stop and smell the roses, taking in all those smiles and snuggles and ‘firsts’, and not stressing about what I should or shouldn’t be doing, according to other people.  We are just doing what works for us and that is resulting in a much more relaxed mummy and a much more relaxed baby this time around.  Sometimes it makes me sad because I know I missed out on some of the joy of Bubs’ babyhood just because I was stressed out and more than a bit overwhelmed.  But mostly I am just blown away by the wonderfulness of a new baby – the way she smells, her chubby cheeks, those cute little gurgles and the fact that she needs me for everything.

Another thing that’s overwhelming is how grown up Bubs has got.  He just turned three; we had a Gruffalo themed party.  He’s a head taller than the kitchen table and as skinny as a whippet, his baby fat replaced by sinewy muscles that make him surprisingly strong.  He still has those limpid brown eyes though, and a halo of golden curls.  He’s still my baby too, for now at least.