Kids on the coast

Keep your kids away from ‘no-go’ zones with this handy portable door lock. It can be used on almost all internal doors that open towards the area you need. When secured, it makes the room inaccessible from outside. Designed by a grandparent out of necessity, the Howsar Portable Door Lock requires no tools. You simply hold the large part in the door jam, close the door and slide the hook through the exposed hole. It’s made of tough nylon and portable. RRP: $45 and available at www.globaltravelproducts.com.au Read more

Sick of parties?

How do you avoid spreading the flu along with ‘the love’ at birthday parties? The new Slobber Stopper might be the answer. Made of reusable food-grade plastic, this cake cover keeps the cake safe behind a transparent barrier while still allowing kids to blow out the candles. This innovative device is available in three sizes starting from $6 and available at www.slobberstopper.com.au. A percentage of all proceeds goes to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
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Teething fashion

Think of a celeb with kids and chances are they have Sophie the teething giraffe. No… really! Sophie has been a French favourite for about 40 years and it doubles as a teething relief and a special toy. Read more

Play to learn

I have been awed by the success of online maths program Mathletics. My daughter can’t stop playing and, unlike other electronic games, she’s learning heaps. The Intrepica online literacy program has the same effect. It is engaging, fun and addictive, but most importantly, your child learns while they play the 10,000 activities. As they succeed, they earn currency that lets them purchase items in the shop. Subscriptions for home use start at $19 a month. Visit: www.intrepica.com.au
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NO MORE TEARS

Washing toddlers’hair can be a minefield of suds and this device is held (by the child) like a visor to avoid getting soap in their eyes.The colourful ‘crown-like’plastic is attractive and, as long as the kids keep hold of the handles, it works a treat. Available at Bubs Baby Shops: Ventura Drive, Noosaville: 5449 0035 or Nicklin Way, Warana 5493 1122 for around $25.
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Keep them busy

Going out to eat with kids can be challenging at times, both for you and the restaurant. Busy Nippers Activity bags are taking the restaurant industry by storm.
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Gifts from the heart
Showing someone special you love them doesn’t have to be expensive. These handy little I.O.U. Voucher Packs give you and the kids a chance to get inventive and give from the heart. A cardboard folder includes three favour vouchers and a few suggestions of possible ways to fill them in. There’s a special voucher designed for dad and, with Father’s Day looming, this might just solve your gift problems. Why not offer to clean the car? Water the garden? Produced by John Sands, vouchers cost $5.95 from newsagents.
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Check this out July/Aug 2009

Protect and personalise
 
Phone socks, and other mobile phone covers have become quite the rage, and you can take it one step further with these personalised Mocks. Send the company a photo of your kids or pets and they will transfer it onto your mobile phone sock. Makes a great gift for loved ones (especially those overseas because it’s small and easy to post!), and provides you with a lovely reminder of them whenever the phone rings!
Visit: www.mocks.com.au, upload your image and wait about five working days! RRP $14.95.
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Check this out May/June

Healthy skin for baby

Moo Goo was first made when the founder adapted a cream used in dairy farms to help a family member with a skin problem. It was so successful, it spawned a range of products, one of which is Moo Goo Scalp Cream. This moisturiser controls the yeast on the skin using natural ingredients, allowing your baby’s skin (and your own!) to return to a healthy condition. Applied after washing, the skin should regain its glow within a few days. Moo Goo products are available at Elements 3, Buderim 5476 8835, Coolum Village Amcal Pharmacy, 5546 2111 and Mrs Flannery’s Natural Grocer, Maroochydore 07 5479 3522. Not all products are available at all stockists. Visit www.moogoo.com.au for more information.

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Eat It Up


What would parenting be without melamine? It’s virtually indestructible and dishwasher safe, making it a perfect solution for kids. Just because melamine is durable doesn’t mean it needs to be boring.

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