Kids on the coast

If the Wiggles and Hi-5 have been making your kids hyperactive, the Gold Coast’s Nadia Sunde has created a calming alternative. Homespun is a 14 track CD with original words and music written by this mum of two. The music has gentle tones, making it suitable for the gradual wind down for sleep time. The songs have simple rhythms, and an easy sing-along feel. Nadia’s songs can be purchased on iTunes for $1.69 each. Find out more at www.nadiasunde.com

 Read more

Now, I know I’m not the target market for these baby beads, but I have to admit I couldn’t let them go! Rather like stress balls, you can roll them through your fingers, clack them together and generally de-stress. Babies can do the same, plus chew the non-toxic bright colours. Such a simple, yet appealing design and makes a great shower present for the stylish baby. RRP $24 Available in natural or colours at www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more

The veggies you see in the grocery department are chosen for popularity but, wild and wonderful organic veggie seeds are still available. Raise Derik the Dragon Carrot or Lucy Lettuce from seedlings and reap the goodness. This little brown paper bag will give you and your little farmer all the information you need about which crops grow well with one another, how to plant, nurture and when to harvest. RRP $4.50. Dig into www.heirloomorganicseedlings.com Read more

In this era of eating on the run, it’s about time food products became simple for baby too. Now you can warm his or her bottles without a microwave! Organic warming cartridges enable iiamoGo baby bottles to self-heat, so milk is stored at the optimum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. The bottles meet international safety standards and are BPA and phthalates free. RRP $49.95, warming cartridges $14.95 for a 6 pack. Find out more at www.ittybittygreenie.com.au Read more

You’ve already recognised the seemingly endless entertainment that decorating a meat pie with tomato sauce holds, so why stop there? Microwave and dishwasher safe, this plate allows the parent or child to decorate a face – with food! Make each meal exciting with a different face to create and eat. If mashed potato is not appealing, perhaps a white-haired grandpa would be easier to swallow. RRP $16.50. Discover this Food Face at www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more

Teaching your kids to hold cutlery in each palm was difficult, let alone attempting two pieces in one hand! Now there is a simple solution, where two chopsticks become one. A rubber figurine holds the chopsticks together at one end making the pincer motion easy for your child to grasp. The chopstick slips neatly into the bowl lid, which doubles as a plate. Brightly coloured with an eye-catching pattern this set is sure to bring ease and fun to the dinner table. RRP$24.95 a set. Available at www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more