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We all love Easter, it’s a time of new beginnings, half terms and of course chocolate! But although we love to eat a sneaky chocolate egg or 5, the thought of our little ones filled up on sugary treats isn’t as appealing! With that in mind here at My 1st Years we have come up with a selection of gifts that look adorable, can be personalised and do not contain sugar. So let everyone else gift your tots the chocolatey treats whilst you gift them something a little more special this Easter Sunday.

Some tots love feeling comfortable and secure in their car seats. For others, getting settled in for a car journey will be a constant battle. As a parent, listening to your child cry or squirm around in their seat can be heartbreaking, not to mention super distracting when you’re trying to concentrate on the road. So, what can you do when your baby hates the car seat?

Warm Nights = Restless Babies! Here’s How to Cope. Ah, summer. After waiting months for it to rear its beautiful head, we metaphorically melt the moment temperatures reach an intolerable 25 degrees. But what about our little ones? Having possibly only known wind, rain and the occasional dull grey day since they were born, bubbas are bound to be shocked by the sudden increase in temperature which could cause more than a few sleepless nights… Here are our top tips for keeping little ones cool during this (no doubt fleeting) warm period: SLEEPWEAR  – Starting off with an obvious point, you should always dress your baby in weather-appropriate clothing – which also applies to night time. For temperatures between 20-23 degrees, a short babygrow or shorts and a t-shirt with a nappy or 1 tog sleeping bag should be fine; for nights of 25 degrees and over just a nappy and thin cotton vest will be dandy. – Bedding is just as important as clothing – make sure to use cotton bed sheets and avoid any waterproof mattresses. These retain heat and will only make your baby sweat more in the night. – Remember that temperatures will drop during the night, so don’t make them so scantily dressed that they’ll become chilly once the sun has set. (We know, it’s a minefield.) Enough thin layers and checking on them before you go to bed are usually enough to give peace of mind. LOTS OF AIR– There’s nothing like a cool breeze on a humid night, and you can easily summon them into your home with a little ingenuity. Opening all the windows on one level will create a pleasant wind tunnel throughout your home; if you have a loft hatch open that as well to allow hot air to escape through the roof. – If baby has an electric fan in their room, place a large bowl of ice or some frozen water bottles in front of it when it’s going. These will help cool the air that the fan will blow around the room, preventing a gust of already-warm air making them even more flustered. TEMPERATURE CHECKS  – A quick lukewarm bath (not too cold) will help freshen up your baby before bedtime, and prevent any unwanted clamminess. – After this is done, you should keep an accurate thermometer in their room so you know what temperatures you’re dealing with and what actions to plan and take. – For an accurate gauge of baby’s temperature, feel the back of their neck or use another thermometer – hands and feet do get colder than the rest of the body, so these aren’t quite as reliable.  KEEP A COOL HEAD  – Last of all, try and stay calm and collected during warm summer evenings. Everyone has a tendency to get a bit flustered when they’re hot, but babies will be fine as long as they’re kept reassured and offered plenty of cool toys to play with. (In both meanings of the word.) How do you cope in the warm summer months? Let us know in the comments below.FOLLOW USFacebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+

The Best 1st Birthday Gift Ideas The 1st birthday is by far the most important, they may not remember the celebration in years to come, but it is a truly magical milestone for friends, family and of course the parents. If you don’t have your own children or it’s been some years since you have, picking the perfect present for a first birthday can be a challenge. Fear not, the gifting experts here at My 1st Years know the best gifts to buy for a 1-year-old, that they’ll not only love but even treasure! From toys to furniture all of our birthday gift ideas come personalised for free, making it an extra special present that the whole family will adore.   BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: A BACKPACK  Whether they’re starting nursery or having more adventures outside now, a backpack is an excellent gift idea for a 1-year-old. At My 1st Years, we have a huge backpack selection including fun characters, stylish prints and simple designs, that are all personalised at no extra cost. We know that many people don’t like using a full name on a backpack, and we understand so why not get creative? You can personalise our bags with anything why not add their initials or nursery class name? BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: A WOODEN TOY As a baby turns one they start their journey into toddlerhood, they’re likely to be finding their feet around this age and becoming more independent. Between the ages of one and three, children develop immensely and this development is largely aided by lessons learned through play. We have a host of wooden toys available at My 1st Years that little ones love to play with as they sail through each development phase. From puzzles, stackers and pull-a-long toys to imaginative play kitchens and instruments for when they get bigger. Of course, you can buy toys anywhere but our beautifully crafted wooden toys are all personalised making them more gift-worthy than the ones you find at the supermarket. BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: A LITTLE EXTRA FOR THEIR ROOM From playtime to sleep time, from the age of 1 little one will start to spend more and more time in their own bedroom. That is why our beautiful collection of home accessories and personalised storage solutions are a great gift for a first birthday. If you know a popular baby who is likely to receive tonnes of new toys Mum and Dad may appreciate the extra storage space of a toy chest or storage bag, while the birthday boy or girl will grow to fall in love with seeing their name written in their bedroom or playroom. We don’t just have storage but you can find cushions, prints, teepees and so many more room accessories, all of which are perfect for a birthday treat!  BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: THEIR 1ST SET OF WHEELS Ok, we don’t really suggest buying them their 1st car when they hit one! We are talking about one of our ride-on toys or rockers, they’re one of our most popular first birthday gifts and are a toy that little one will play with for years to come. We know that having a toy that large in the home means it has to look nice, which is why all of our ride on toys looks as great as they are fun! BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: A SOFT TOY Many people think you can only buy small babies a soft toy as the only ones that are treasured are the ones baby has had since birth, but that is simply not true. As little one enters their toddler years their soft toys often become their best friends, and they will start to use them not only for comfort but imaginative play too. We have a huge selection of soft toys from mischievous monkeys to dreamy dolls all available to personalise! However, did you spot Stacey Soloman gifting her son Rex one of our best-selling bunny soft toys on his first birthday, proving it to be the best gift ever! BEST 1ST BIRTHDAY GIFTS: A PERSONALISED OUTFIT Whether it’s one of our cosy tracksuits for nursery days or an item from our denim range, a personalised outfit is always a sweet birthday gift. Here at My 1st Years we know that for toddling babies comfort is key, so all of our clothing is comfortable and made from soft materials, perfect for baby’s delicate skin. What’s more our denim range comes finished with stylish motifs including: Lightening bolts, rainbows, bears and butterflies, meaning you can tailor the outfit to the little one’s interests. Don’t forget what makes our clothing so special is that it can be personalised with a name or initials for an extra special touch!  We hope this helps you on your search for the perfect first birthday gift for a truly special little boy or girl in your life. Don’t forget My 1st Years is always being updated with new products to fall in love with.  With love,  My 1st Years x FOLLOW USFacebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+go back top

Tips on Introducing Baby Number Three to the Family With the excitement of this week’s royal birth in full swing, it had us thinking about how much Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge’s life is about to change! Whether you currently only have two and are considering baby number three or are pregnant with your third, our friend Leonora Bamford, Editor of Mybaba.com, tells us all about having a third baby and shares her top tips for making it easier for everyone.   I can’t count how many people told me not to go for a third child! As my older two grew and got more and more independent, friends told me I’d be mad to even think about it. They all said the same thing, ‘Why would you want to go back to nappies and sleepless nights?’ I had a 7-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter and life was suddenly so easy. We could jump in the car without thinking about it, go on holiday and stay out later for dinner and things just seemed to work, we were a great family unit.  But I always felt there was just one little person missing, as we all piled into bed on the weekends to watch cartoons, I could imagine another little one sandwiched in the middle.   @mybabainsta My husband and I talked about the massive jump from two to three babies for what seemed like years and finally decided that it was now or never. Our other two were really pushing for a sibling and one night I sat next to a friend who didn’t tell me how mad I was. He said that his parents had waited and had another baby years later. He said that he couldn’t in a million year imagine life without his brother and that the world was a better place with him in it. Well, that was reason enough for me!   @mybabainsta Number three has just turned one and I wish I hadn’t listened to a single person telling me how hard it is with three children and how crazy I was to even think of it. After having two children early into our marriage and very young, to wait and then have a little miracle seven years later is just that, an absolute miracle. He has brought us nothing but joy and even with the sleepless nights, reflux, allergies and all those nappies, it is the greatest joy in the world. It’s also so much easier than I thought it would be. I found this time I have been much more relaxed and at ease. Things that worried me the first time around, I now wouldn’t give a second thought and I look back at the suitcase sized nappy bag I used to lug around with me and smile as these days I pop a micro sized little pouch with essentials in my handbag. My older children are my helpers and after 12 short months, can’t remember life without him.  He is so much a part of our family and we all feel blessed. We’re now complete. If anyone tries to put you off having a third, try not to listen to all the negatives. It’s just true what they say, ‘If only you could have your last one first!’.   @mybabainsta  @mybabainsta TOP TIPS FOR MAKING BABY NUMBER THREE AND EASIER TRANSITION:Make your other children feel part of the journey. Courtney Adamo who has five children, wrote a brilliant book called Nine Months that you can read as your bump grows and it answers many questions for all curious little people.I took my children to a scan late on in the pregnancy and told them that it was going to be a boy. I knew my daughter was going to be furious but the scanning lady told her how lucky she was, and that she was still the only princess in the family. This absolutely did the trick and my daughter left feeling on top of the world and my son, who was desperate for a little brother, was thrilled.Accept help, whether it is from friends, family or outside.  You can’t do everything, but with a bit of support you have time for all the important bits. I was still determined to take my older two to school and pick them up. It’s not easy in the early days with demanding feeding schedules but with a bit of help you can do anything.Routine is key for me. I know I thrive on it and I think children do too.Try not to coo over the new baby in front of your others. Plenty of visitors will be doing this and it’s natural for them to be jealous. When I introduced them for the first time, I popped two little teddies in his Moses basket as a present from the baby to his siblings and they treasure them.Remember the first three months are the hardest and then suddenly things seem to fall in to place.Last but not least, don’t forget your husband!FOLLOW USFacebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+go back top

Are Musical Toys Good for Babies? One word: yes, yes, yes! Musical toys are great for babies. Whether they chime, rattle or go BOING, musical toys engage your little one’s sense of hearing, supporting their development and helping them have fun with sound. Read on to learn more about the benefits of introducing musical toys to babies and our favourite sound toys for children. WHAT ARE SENSORY TOYS?   Sensory toys engage a child’s sense of sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste, introducing them to new experiences and stimulating brain development. Children’s toys are known for being more than a little noisy for this exact reason. Musical toys are a popular type of sensory toy which offer auditory stimulation. This does lots of good for children’s hearing, development and physical skills. THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING WITH MUSICAL TOYS   Music and sound have a massive impact on the developing brain, and musical toys can be a great way to introduce babies to the world of music and help them develop essential skills. HEARING DEVELOPMENTFrom the moment they’re born, babies are aware of the sounds around them. They recognise the voices of their parents, family and caregivers and respond to different types of music and sounds in different ways. Lullabies can help soothe and relax babies, while upbeat, fast-paced music can make them more alert and active. Some babies even enjoy a boogie when they hear their favourite artist. LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENTAs babies grow and develop, musical toys can help them learn important skills. Simple and brightly-coloured instruments like maracas or drum sets can help babies develop their sense of rhythm and timing. And holding drumsticks can help them coordinate their movements and develop their motor skills. Toys like xylophones which play with different notes or have different textures, can help babies develop their sense of touch and explore different sounds and sensations. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTMusical toys also boost cognitive development. Playing with musical toys can help improve a baby’s memory and problem-solving skills. As they learn which items make different sounds, they associate these sounds with those items, shaping their experience with the world around them. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENTMusical toys can also help babies express themselves and communicate their emotions in new ways. While babies can’t tell you they’re excited, they can shake a maraca to express their happiness. CHOOSING THE RIGHT MUSICAL TOYS FOR YOUR BABY   It’s worth mentioning that it’s always important to choose age-appropriate toys for your baby. Make sure any musical toys you choose for your child are non-toxic, don’t include any small parts, and don’t reach a volume that could hurt their sensitive ears. THE BEST MUSICAL TOYS FOR BABIES     Musical toys include classic wooden instruments and electronic sound boxes, but there are also many fun ways to make inexpensive toys using items at home! Let’s look at some of our favourite musical toys for babies. INSTRUMENTSMusical instruments are fantastic for helping little ones develop their hand-eye coordination and understand how sounds are made. Wooden xylophones and drum sets are fantastic for growing tots because all they need to do is hit the surface with a stick. Once they get the hang of the motion, they can even begin creating their own melodies and beats. ELECTRONIC TOYSElectronic noise-makers are beloved by parents because they boost auditory engagement. Tonies are especially popular with tiny music makers because they can tell interactive stories, recite audiobooks, and play their favourite songs. Noise-makers can also include music boxes, which play charming lullabies, and pink noise machines, which are designed to relax babies and aid their sleep. HOMEMADE TOYSIf you’re looking for an inexpensive musical toy or a fun activity to engage your child in, why not try making sensory toys at home? All you need to make a rattle they can shake about is an old water bottle and beans or rice — just make sure to close the lid securely. Also, paintbrushes make excellent drumsticks! SING-ALONGS!Last but not least, we have sing-alongs. Singing to your baby aids their sensory development and helps strengthen your bond. There are no limits to the songs you can enjoy together, and because all you need is your best singing voice, you can take this ‘toy’ anywhere with you. Now, that’s music to our ears.  MAKE PLAYTIME MUSICALMusical toys are a great way to introduce babies to the world of music and help them develop important skills. They’re fun and can boost cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Check out our range of sensory toys to find the perfect personalised musical toy to elevate your child’s playtime.FOLLOW US

Everything You Need to Know About Baby’s First Smile After a long few weeks of crying, feeding and dirty nappies, all you want is to see your baby smile. More than a precious moment, this first smile is the first and most adorable sign your little one will show you that they are not just healthy, but happy.   Yes, you read that right. A surprising fact that most people don’t know is that unborn babies can already make a smile in utero. While these may not be conscious or voluntary movements, these ‘smiles’ are an early form of what’s known as a ‘reflex smile’, similar to the way that your newborn will wave their little arms around or randomly kick out their leg. These are signs that your baby is feeling their way through their body and that the little connections between their brain and their muscles are strengthening.   By the age of two months, you will see your baby’s first ‘reflex smile’. These smiles are generally quite short and can happen at any moment, sometimes even while they’re asleep. As real as these early smiles may feel to you, there’s a strong chance that it’s actually your baby passing wind. Your fellow parent friends, own parents or midwives may insist that it’s ‘just gas’, but nobody knows your baby like you do. If you notice your baby smiling during morning cuddles or right before a nappy change, this may well be a sign of comfort and contentment, which as a parent is all that really matters.   Your baby’s first ‘real’ smile is likely to occur around the age of 6-8 weeks. Around this time, you might start to notice more frequent little mouth twitches as your little one practices how they can move the muscles in their baby face and use them to express real happiness and pleasure. When their first ‘real’ smile happens, you’ll know it. Baby won’t just smile with their mouth, but with their whole face: their little eyes will sparkle, their squishy cheeks will round and they might even let out a little gurgle   A simple smile will encourage your baby to feel safe, secure and content. The more that you smile at your baby, the more they will want to mimic you. It’s not possible to spoil a newborn, so make lots of time for cuddles, coos and tender loving care. In fact, the more that parents show their babies affection, the quicker their little brains will develop, especially emotionally and socially.   It turns out that a smile really is the start of something good. Around the time of their first real smile, your little one will also start to explore what else their faces can do. Facial expressions will become more varied and reactive to the world around them. So, that little scowl that normally means you need to check their nappy? They might actually just be frowning at you…  With love, My 1st Years x FOLLOW USFacebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+go back top

8 Places to Visit With the Kids This Bank Holiday Horaay for May! Two bank holidays in one month, what could be better? Oh wait, we’re Mums and we don’t get to party on a Sunday night and spend Monday in bed,  instead a bank holiday means one extra day we need to plan children’s activities for… Fear not, we have you covered with 8 places to take the kids to this Bank Holiday Weekend. – VISIT BLUE REEF AQUARIUM – TYNEMOUTH –  Image Source: Facebook – Blue ReefFor a fun family day out in the North East visit Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth. From talented Seals to adorable otters, kids will love meeting all of the fish and animals. – VISIT CREALY THEME PARK – DEVON – Image Source: Facebook – Crealy Theme ParkIf you’re visiting the cathedral of Exeter this weekend, take your little thrill seeker for a day at Crealy Theme Park! From scary rides to indoor play suitable for tiny tots, this is a fabulous day out for kids big and small. – VISIT DIGGERLAND – YORKSHIRE –  Image Source: Facebook – DiggerlandYorkshire is renowned for its beautiful walks and quaint towns, but for a day out that the little ones will love take a trip to Diggerland in Castleford. The kids will get to ride on real diggers, rides and go-karts – giving Bob the Builder a run for his money! – VISIT DREAMLAND – MARGATE –  Image Source: Facebook – DreamlandLocated in the up-and-coming seaside town of Margate, Dreamland is a super-cool vintage amusement park. Recently renovated the fun park boasts vintage attractions such as helter-skelters, dodgems and a roller disco all situated on the scenic British seafront. – VISIT DUDLEY ZOO – DUDLEY –  Image Source: Facebook – Dudley ZooFor a bank holiday adventure in the Midlands look no further than Dudley Zoo! Your little explorer will love seeing the monkeys, big cats, pink flamingos, and reptiles all situated in the picturesque castle grounds. – VISIT FLAMBARDS THEME PARK – CORNWALL –  Image Source: Facebook – FlambardsIf your kid has a wild side they’ll love spending the day at Flambards Theme Park. It’s not all rides and play areas though, take a trip back in time with Flambards Victorian Village, Concord simulators, Vintage Motorbike Gallery and much more… – VISIT GRUFFALO SPOTTERS, DELAMERE FOREST – CHESHIRE –   Image Source: Facebook – Forestry Commission EnglandWhat little one isn’t a fan of the Gruffalo? Take a walk around Delamere Forest and watch it come to life with the Gruffalo Spotter App, look around for clues and see the Gruffalo, fox, owl and snake all come to life in front of your very eyes. – VISIT BEWILDERWOOD – NORFOLK –  Image Source: Facebook – BeWILDerwoodFor curious children BeWILDerwood is the perfect day out, the magical forest is filled with treetop trails, mysterious mazes, scary lakes and much more wizardry. The whole family will enjoy a day out in the fresh air exploring this enchanting forest. What are your plans this Bank Holiday Weekend? FOLLOW USFacebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+go back top

What to Pack In Your Child’s Nursery Backpack | My 1st Years Starting nursery is often an exciting time for your little one. For parents, it can be a little more stressful. Naturally, you want to make sure they’re prepared for every eventuality when you drop them off, but that can make it tricky to know what to pack in their nursery bag. Luckily, we’re here to help you send them off with everything they need to have a fantastic experience with the ultimate nursery backpack checklist.   1. SPARE & OUTDOOR CLOTHING Days at nursery often get messy! Play activities can see your little one enjoying pots of paint, pens, glue and glitter, which will inevitably end up splattered down their front. The same goes for their delicious lunch and mud from the garden. A spare pair of clothes is a must-have, so your mini mess maker can quickly return to having fun after any spill. When packing each morning, check you’ve included a replacement for each part of their outfit, from T-shirts to socks. It’s also essential to pack extra pieces for outdoor play, especially once the seasons change, including a cosy hat, scarf, wellies and a waterproof jacket. Now they can enjoy outdoor fun, come rain or shine!   2. MEDICATION Your child’s nursery will need to be made aware of any illnesses or allergies they have in advance of their first day. If they take prescription medication or need an EpiPen or inhaler close by, pack enough for the day and let their carer know exactly where they can find them. That way, if your little one needs their medication, it can be administered safely and quickly. Plus, it’s always a good idea to include instructions on when and how their carer should give the medication.   3. SNACKS & DRINKS Now, onto your little munchkin’s favourite part of the packing list! What you pack in terms of food and drink will depend on their age and what the nursery provides. Your list could include a refillable beaker of water, bottles of expressed or formula milk, prepared snacks and a packed lunch.  Don’t forget, your little learner will need to stay hydrated for all that busy play. We recommend that you make your bottle or cup of choice spill-proof! Children need to eat a balanced diet, so if you’re planning to pre-prepare all their food for the day, include a piece of fruit or two as a healthy and tasty snack they’ll love.  If you are picking them up in the afternoon, perhaps pack an extra snack for them to enjoy after nursery, especially if it’s a walk or bus ride back home. A banana or packet of their favourite crisps should tide them over until dinnertime.    4. TOYS, COMFORTERS AND TEETHERS If your little one’s favourite thing isn’t playtime or mealtime, it’s most likely naptime! Most nurseries have set times that the children can lie down for a quick snooze, but not all of them are great at falling asleep on schedule. This can be especially true if they’re not used to sleeping away from home. While nursery workers are experts at getting over-excited children settled, sending your little one off to nursery with their favourite sleep aids is crucial for getting the most out of their naps. All little ones have a favourite comfort object, whether that’s a bunny or a blanket, so remember to pack it, especially if they’re struggling to fit in. We suggest, if you can, buying a second version of their favourite object, so they don’t get too upset if they lose it.  If they can’t sleep without a cuddly toy in their arms, pack a familiar plush or a super-soft comforter to help them drift off. For teething tots, a chewy and easy-to-grip teether is a must for soothing their gums.   5. NAPPIES, CREAMS AND WIPES Last but not least, leave space for all those extra bits your child will need to keep them clean and comfortable throughout the day. Their carer may need to grab a fresh nappy, nappy cream or wipes at a moment’s notice, so make sure they’re readily accessible. Even if your little one is potty trained, keeping a spare pair of underwear in their bag is always a good idea. They’re still learning, after all, and accidents may happen. PICKING THE BEST BACKPACK FOR YOUR CHILD Whew, that’s a lot to pack every day! That’s why it’s important to have a spacious, durable, and cute bag to send your little one off to nursery with. At My 1st Years, we know a good nursery backpack is hard to find. That’s why we offer a massive collection of wonderful backpacks that children and parents LOVE. Your cheeky child can explore a huge range of colours and patterns to find the perfect characterful bag that fits their unique personality, from roarsome dinosaur designs to unicorn-themed backpacks. Our experts designed each bag to be super comfortable to carry, with padded and adjustable shoulder straps, and incredibly useful, with spacious compartments, pockets, and outer pouches for their water bottle.  Plus, you can add their name to these delightful designs with our personalisation service, making their nursery backpack instantly recognisable! Little learners will love to have their name on their front of their brilliant new backpack, to let everyone know who it belongs to.  Don’t forget to label everything that they take to nursery! Either use a sharpie or buy some stick-on or iron-on labels to ensure that their bits and bobs don’t get lost!