PREGNANCY & ME // THE HOSPITAL BAG

So last time I packed my hospital bag for labour, I packed WAY TOO MUCH. We ended up taking a medium sized suitcase, a bag for me, the changing bag, a bag for James AND a bag full of food and drinks and snacks. We didn’t even open the suitcase during labour and James could have done without a bag, I could have done without a bag and I’m SO GLAD we have a PROPER changing bag* this time around (its mega organised).

*Kindly #gifted by the wonder women at Tiba + Marl

If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can see a bit of that nonsense here >>> I’VE FINALLY DONE IT! HOSPITAL BAG(S) ARE PACKED!

Don’t get me wrong, you do NEED to take a lot of STUFF into hospital with you, if thats where you’re choosing to birth your baby, of course! If you’re opting for a home-birth, then:

  1. I envy you (!!)
  2. You will have everything you need at your immediate disposal…
  3. …although, some of the below items may still be useful for home birth – and could be useful to have packed incase of a hospital transfer too.

So here we go, a list for the Mama, a list for the Baba and a list for your birth partner – plus a list of things that are good to have sorted and at hand for when the time comes. I’ll add in links for you to quick shop where possible too!

 


FOR ME //

To have packed in suitcase //

Hynobirthing essentials //

**DO NOT USE CLARY SAGE OIL BEFORE 37 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY.

Other items for consideration //

  • Your pillow from home
  • Pregnancy pillow
  • Socks with grip – some women get cold feet during labour
  • Music / CD’s
  • A treat for the Midwives for afterwards
  • Plastic water jug – can be helpful for easing the pain of your first toilet trips afterwards
  • Birth ball – if your hospital doesn’t supply them
  • TENS Machine – if you plan on using one
  • Make-up if you’re that way inclined
  • Small pack of Dettol wipes – if you’re concerned about cleanliness post-birth
  • Hot water bottle – to help ease back pain

 

A few ideas for food, drinks, snacks //

  • Eat little & often!
  • Pack your favourite snacks that are easy to chew down and won’t wilt in the heat of the hospital – items of high energy are what you need!
  • Cereal bars
  • Bananas
  • Frozen drinks – it’s quite hot on the wards,  a frozen drink will melt slowly, so will be much nicer than warm bottled water!
  • Bottles of water / Isotonic drinks – avoid fizzy drinks!
  • Glucose tablets
  • Bendy straws/a sports bottle/bottle with straw – useful for drinking at any angle!
  • Peppermint teabags – useful for trapped wind and cramps afterwards

 

 

FOR JAmes //

  • Clean clothing for James, my birth partner
  • Food, snacks, drinks
  • Toiletries – Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Skincare items / wipes
  • Car Seatwe’ve gone for another MAXI COSI car seat this time as we loved the security of the one we had for Eli, but the laws have all changed since he was a newborn. Just a reminder that many NHS trusts will not allow the baby to leave the department WITHOUT proof of a car seat for safety reasons.

To have ready to hand //

  • Birth preferences
  • Maternity notes
  • Cash for car park
  • Pen & Paper – just incase you need to leave a note in a hurry
  • Cash for payphone – there might not be signal. The battery might go on your phone!
  • List of important phone numbers on paper
  • In the lead-up to your ‘due window’, ensure you have enough fuel in the car
  • Headphones & Eye Mask for the journey to the hospital

 

FOR BABY BRISTON-HILL //

Is there anything I’m missing from above, that might prove absolutely essential for you during labour or afterwards? Comment below or send me a message and I’ll get it added in!

For ease – you can check my most favourite essentials out via the SHOP, here>>> HOSPITAL BAG

C
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For clarity, this is not a sponsored or paid post – but does contain some Affiliate links. I was also kindly #gifted a few items, as highlighted above – this was not in exchange for payment or a post. They’re just damn lovely and generous women!

I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in however, so be safe in the knowledge that I’m in love with these essential baby items!

BRAND IN FOCUS // TIBA + MARL x SCAMP & DUDE

TIBA + MARL x SCAMP & DUDE

It’s the launch, I’ve personally, been waiting for… Tiba + Marl x Scamp & Dude, is here! (Well, almost!). Today the Pre-Order has launched on both TibaandMarl.com and also on ScampandDude.com. All pre-orders will then be sent out on 20th August onwards. I also have it on good authority, that once these orders have gone, thats it! So get your pre-order in, before its too late!

Now the formalities are done with, let me introduce you to the coolest four-piece you’ve seen, since One Direction went on without Zayn.

 

THE MINI ELWOOD

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THE MINI ELWOOD – £40.00 (each)

COMES IN BLACK OR MINT PRINT

The much loved Tiba + Marl MINI ELWOOD backpack gets given a super-hero transformation in Scamp & Dude’s iconic signature leopard and lightning bolt print. Mini fashionistas will love this best selling kids backpack, featuring a zipped front pocket, adjustable straps, and top carry grab handle. Each backpack showcases a patch with Scamp & Dude’s trademark slogan ‘A Superhero Has My Back’ and is adorned with ‘Superpower Button’ neon rubber lightening bolt zip pullers – prepare for playground envy!

    • Water resistant & wipe clean inside & out
    • Zip front pocket
    • Adjustable padded straps
    • Rubber lightening bolt zips
    • ‘A Superhero Has My Back’ woven patch on back of bag
    • Padded back
    • Top grab handle

Composition
100% Nylon with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 29cm W: 22cm D: 12cm

Weight
260g

THE ARLO SNACK PACK

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THE ARLO SNACK PACK – £25.00 (EACH)

COMES IN MINT OR BLACK PRINT

Designed exclusively in collaboration with much-loved kids brand Scamp & Dude, the super-handy ARLO snack-pack by Tiba+Marl is the perfect everyday choice for you or your little dudes. Looking fierce in Scamp & Dude’s signature leopard and lightning bolt print, and featuring a patch with Scamp & Dude’s trademark slogan ‘A Superhero Has My Back’ it is also adorned with ‘Superpower Button’ bespoke neon rubber lightening bolt zip pullers – could this be the coolest cool pack ever?? Perfect from weaning right through to school – it is fully insulated and features internal slip pocket and an elasticated strap to keep bottle/cup upright. It also comes with removable name tag and an easy grab carry handle that can be clipped onto the buggy or a school bag.

    • Fully Insulated
    • Rubber lightening bolt zips
    • ‘A Superhero Has My Back’ woven patch on back of bag
    • Wipe clean inside & out
    • Elasticated bottle holder
    • Internal slip pocket
    • Name tag
    • Buggy clip

Composition
Nylon & plastic with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 16cm W: 20.5cm D: 14cm

 

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I do have a tendency to go on about how much I love Tiba+Marl – but I do just bloody love them. We got our T+M bags when we moved to Berlin and they still look brand new (see my old post, here). We didn’t even use our Elwood as a changing bag, Eli was too old. We’ve always used it as a family back pack – or taken it to the gym/park, its also perfect for carrying a laptop! Eli is never without his Mini Elwood. So this is proof that Tiba+Marl produce quality products that have uses beyond ‘age’. For instance, I LOVE the Arlo Snack Pack – I’d use this for Eli as his lunch bag, but also as my own lunch bag… maybe even great for toiletries and cosmetics too!

So there you have it, the Pre-Order is live, so get ’em while you can! My only issue… which colour-way to go for?! Which do you like best?

Peace & love
C
✖✖✖

NB: This post is absolutely not affiliated with or sponsored by Tiba+Marl or Scamp & Dude. They’re just bloody amazing brands whom I adore and want to shout about xxx

 


MORE ABOUT // 

Tiba + Marl

Tiba + Marl (Pronounced Teeba) was created in 2015 by London duo, Anna Tizard and Lydia Barron. Both Mothers, they spotted a gap in the market for contemporary, trend inspired parent changing bags. Anna, a former Bag Buyer for Urban Outfitters and Topshop, and Lydia, a Footwear and Accessories Designer for Kurt Geiger and Sigerson Morrison, set about to provide cool Mums and Dads with a range of cleverly designed, super functional changing bags where an edge of cool always comes as standard.

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Tiba + Marl’s contemporary collection of bags redefines the staid tradition of baby changing bags by combining modern graphic prints, premium and high tech materials, and stylish but practical design. Inspired by the catwalks and street-style, their award winning collection breaks the mould for cool, modern parents who are seeking unisex designs that don’t compromise their sartorial choices.

Meticulously designed to merge high-fashion features with practical function, included with each bag is a co-ordinating clutch, that is water resistant and comes with a cross body strap – great for wet items or can be used as a separate, effortlessly-cool cross-body bag.

 

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MORE ABOUT // 

logo

Scamp & Dude was created by Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and previous MD of Beauty Seen PR.

With a long history in the world of fashion and beauty, Jo directed PR campaigns and arranged events for high profile individuals and brands such as Tom Ford, Matthew Williamson, Dolce & Gabbana, Vogue, Estee Lauder, Topshop, NARS and The BRIT Awards.

 

In October 2015 Jo’s life took a difficult turn when she suffered a brain haemorrhage. She had to leave her children for a lengthy stay in hospital to undergo life threatening brain surgery.

Every parent understands the feeling you get when you have to leave your child, whether it be a business trip or first day at school. That knot in the stomach and the ache in the heart.

It was this moment that inspired Jo to create a brand that helps children feel more secure when apart from their loved ones, and Scamp & Dude was born.

From something dark came something light.

TIBA + MARL x Mama’s & Papa’s // Season Two

Tiba + Marl x Mamas & Papas Season Two has landed!

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I’m not currently looking for a new pram… yet. But the second collaboration between my Mum-Boss favourites, TIBA + MARL and high-street lovelies, Mama’s & Papa’s is pretty damn epic.

First of all though, I’m going to go straight to the new Miller backpacks that have also launched for this collaboration. The Miller design now comes in the bespoke navy leopard print and  in a stunning luxe metallic pewter finish – and also returning is the covetable black faux leather Miller too.

Pewter
Click to shop // Pewter
Leopard
Click to shop // Navy Leopard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stylish and practical, the MILLER is the ideal choice and leaves your hands free for a busy day out-and-about. Injecting effortless style in striking pewter, this backpack is large enough to fit most laptops and doubles up perfectly as a work bag, gym bag or carry-on bag.

I absolutely love both of these ^ As always, both back packs are completely unisex (can be used waaaaaaay after the baby & toddler years!) and come with the following features:

– Luxury padded changing mat
– Insulated bottle holder
– Internal laptop pocket
– Smart phone pocket
– Large exterior pocket
– 2 additional external side pockets
– Removable wet clutch / cross body bag
– Grab top handle
– Padded lower back panel
– Chunky metal zips with double pullers for easy access
– Metal feet
– Adjustable padded shoulder straps
– Wipe clean exterior and lining

Click to Shop // Urbo² Tiba + Marl pushchair 

Mamas + Papas’ award winning Urbo² pushchair is also given the T+M treatment, in signature navy Leopard print with a striking pewter chassis.  I literally can’t cope with how cool and pretty and cool this pushchair is. It’s just beautiful. Striking AND unisex. The pushchair itself can be used from birth, though a carrycot is also available in this design too. So what features does this beauty hold?

PUSHCHAIR // DETAILS
– The lie-flat position supports natural, healthy sleep.
– Compatible with car seats and carrycots for a full travel system.
– Reversible seat so baby can face you or the world.
– A compact frame with light, effortless steering.
– An easily adjustable handle you can adapt to suit your grip.
– The sunshade and insect net keep baby protected.
– The magnetic peek-a-boo window makes it easy, and quiet, to check on baby.

Age Suitability: Birth – 15kg/33lb
Dimensions: H: 104 x W: 54 x L: 86cm Approx.
Folded Size: H: 49 x W: 54 x D: 85cm Approx.
Weight: 9kg Approx.

Urbo² Carrycot
Click to Shop // Urbo² Tiba + Marl Carry Cot

Comfy, protective and bursting with style, our Urbo² carrycot is just what you need for those early months. And now you can stand out in style thanks to our latest collaboration with Tiba + Marl.

Showcasing a navy edition of their iconic leopard print, the canvas fabric is enhanced by the quilted hood lining and striking pewter and leatherette detailing.

CARRY COT // DETAILS
– The lie-flat position supports natural, healthy sleep.
– The magnetic apron tucks baby away quickly and quietly.
– The hood’s optional air vent keeps the cot cool and comfortable.
– The cushioned mattress offers even more comfort for naps on the go.
– The UPF 50+ fabric protects them from harmful rays.

Age Suitability: Birth – 9kg/20lb
Dimensions: H: 59 x W: 41 x L: 80cm Approx.
Weight 6.6kg Approx.

So not only are these super cool, design pieces; they’re practical and caring of your needs as well as your childs’. With this in mind, this collaboration does come in 4 options:

Pushchair ONLY – as above – £649

Carry cot ONLY – as above – £219

 

Click to Shop // 4 Piece Bundle

4 PIECE BUNDLE // £916.00 £799.00*

– Urbo² – Our stylish, city-living pushchair, with a striking pewter frame and luxury fabric detailing.
– Carrycot – Our recommended choice for 0-6 months, letting baby lie flat for a comfortable, natural sleep on the go.
– Adaptor – Easy to use, one-click adaptors to attach a car seat to the Urbo². Compatible with Aton, CYBEX Aton Q, Maxi-Cosi Pebble, Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix and BeSafe iZi Go infant carriers.
–  Universal Cup Holder – Perfect for keeping hands free, so you can concentrate on pushing baby and staying in control.

*You save this amount against the cost of purchasing the items together at their full individual prices.

Click to Shop // 5 Piece Bundle

5 PIECE BUNDLE // £1,091.00 £929.00*

– Urbo² – Our stylish, city-living pushchair, with a striking pewter frame and luxury fabric detailing.
– Carrycot – Our recommended choice for 0-6 months, letting baby lie flat for a comfortable, natural sleep on the go.
– Adaptor – Easy to use, one-click adaptors to attach a car seat to the Urbo². Compatible with Aton, CYBEX Aton Q, Maxi-Cosi Pebble, Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix and BeSafe iZi Go infant carriers.
–  Universal Cup Holder – Perfect for keeping hands free, so you can concentrate on pushing baby and staying in control.
– Aton Q Car Seat – A rear facing seat designed to make life easier.

*You save this amount against the cost of purchasing the items together at their full individual prices.

Click to Shop // 6 Piece Bundle

6 PIECE BUNDLE // £1,201.00 £999.00*

– Urbo² – Our stylish, city-living pushchair, with a striking pewter frame and luxury fabric detailing.
– Carrycot – Our recommended choice for 0-6 months, letting baby lie flat for a comfortable, natural sleep on the go.
– Adaptor – Easy to use, one-click adaptors to attach a car seat to the Urbo². Compatible with Aton, CYBEX Aton Q, Maxi-Cosi Pebble, Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix and BeSafe iZi Go infant carriers.
–  Universal Cup Holder – Perfect for keeping hands free, so you can concentrate on pushing baby and staying in control.
– Aton Q Car Seat – A rear facing seat designed to make life easier.
– Aton IsoFix Base- Click and go – easily attaches to your ISOFIX anchors for a secure and safe base.

*You save this amount against the cost of purchasing the items together at their full individual prices.

Additionally, you can also purchase the collaboration Footmuff, in signature navy leopard print,separately too – £89.00. This footmuff will fit most pushchairs with the 5 point safety harness fixing.

 

Click to Shop // Tiba + Marl Footmuff

COLD WEATHER PLUS FOOTMUFF // DETAILS
– Designed to fit most pushchairs and co-ordinates with the Urbo².
– The padded fleece lining keeps little one cosy and comfortable.
– Water and dirt resistant so it’s even easier to keep clean and dry.
– The four-way zipper lets you adjust the temperature to suit baby.
– Wind resistant to protect baby in colder weather.
– The multi-position harness holes allow you to re-position the footmuff as baby grows.

Age Suitability: Birth – 15kg
Dimensions: H: 100 x W: 52 x D: 18cm Approx.
Care & Maintenance: Machine wash at 40°.

So! There you go. What a collaboration! I don’t think these pieces will be around long – so get shopping! (I’ll be adding everything to The Shop shortly).I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a stunning design and beautiful pram that has been made in quality materials for longevity. Contemporary.  Effortlessly cool.  Practical. And just perfect for modern parents. We love you TIBA + MARL ♥️

Also, just want to say a massive CONGRATULATIONS to Anna & Lydia (TIBA + MARL  founders) for their incredible launch. Everything they’ve achieved is simply down to their dedication and ridiculous hard work. VERY proud of you both right now!

C
✖️✖️✖️

 

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND // 12.05.17

ALL FEATURED ITEMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE NEVER KNOWINGLY CONCISE // SHOP (AND PER LINKS BELOW).

ALLSAINTS // Tassel BALFERN Leather Jacket – Black – £380.00
MANGO // Printed T-Shirt – White – £6.99
KENZO // Suede Espadrilles – Black – £155.00
RACHEL BALFOUR x BONNIE DOMAN // The MAMA Anchor Ring – Gold – £450.00
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN // Twin Skull Bangle Bracelet – Gold – £145.00
RAY-BAN // RB2180 Round Phantos Sunglasses – Antique Pink – £125.00
TIBA + MARL // Elwood Backpack – Silver – £130.00
TOPSHOP // Raw Hem Straight Jeans – Pink – £40.00

I’m gonna cut straight to the featured MAMA Ring by RACHEL BALFOUR x BONNIE DOMAN. I absolutely love this ring, with the engraving designed by my lovely pal, Bonnie Doman. Bonnie is a bloody brilliant Art Director, Designer, Illustrator, mega-Mama and all round total babe – you can catch her latest adventures on Insta: @Bon_Ldn. Rachel Balfour is a wonderfully talented jewellery designer and created  her collection with the belief that jewellery is much more than an accessory. Not only this, but Rachel creates her fine jewellery with conscience – 10% of the profit from each sale will go to Rosa – a charitable fund set up to support initiatives that benefit Women and Girls in the UK. All pieces are designed, created and finished by hand. You can follow Rachel on IG, here: @RachelBalfour.

As always, you simply cannot go wrong with a TIBA + MARL bag. Designed by two of my favourites, Anna & Lydia, TIBA+ MARL  have to be the go-to brand for changing bags with a difference – they have longevity and are UNISEX. All bases are covered when it comes to T+M. We use ours almost daily – as an actual real-life back pack (Eli is way past the need for a changing bag – but hey, those baby wipes will forever be an item I do not leave the house without!). Our Elwood usually keeps my Mac safe and sound these days  (it’s super spacious) along with all the other clart we NEED with us! I’ve seen that a PINK version is coming soon – NEED!

Have a lovely weekend gang – head to my Instagram to tell me which your favourite pieces are and why – or what you’ve got planned this weekend!

C

✖️✖️✖️